Nassau Bay considers 50 solar LED lights, park gate and cameras amid vandalism concerns

City staff and the mayor discussed a multi-part plan to improve safety and amenities along the Founders Park–David Braun Park trail, centering on a proposed retrofit of roughly 50 solar LED light fixtures.

S1 described the retrofit as a pilot with unit costs "right at 800" or about $1,000 with an alternate pole finish; he said "we could replace all of them for about $50,000" for a low-cost option. Staff asked for community feedback on pole aesthetics and noted recent insect accumulation on solar panels as an operational concern.

The city is also moving ahead with a purchase order for a gate with a Knox box at the entrance to David Braun Park to allow fire and police remote access. S1 said the gate installation and keypad for public-works use should happen within about two weeks.

Mayor (no name given) cited recent vandalism incidents — damaged duck feeders, pornographic material left in a children's book area and a vehicle damaging a basketball court — when discussing whether to add cameras. He acknowledged privacy concerns and said the city must balance surveillance with residents’ privacy.

Staff also outlined upcoming maintenance: welding repairs and resurfacing for the basketball court, plus a trial of LED lighting in parking and perimeter areas. No final procurement decision was announced; staff said they will gather community input and present options for phased installation.