Committee backs HOA-funded turf for Sunset Island 2 park

The Finance & Economic Resiliency Committee voted to recommend the City Commission authorize staff to draft an agreement allowing Sunset Islands 1 & 2 Homeowners Association to fund and install artificial turf at the park on Sunset Island 2. Staff read the referral (MB6) calling for a city–HOA agreement for a self-funded installation, and John Rebar, director of parks, facilities, fleet and beaches, described the site as heavily used and in need of a more resilient surface.

A Sunset Islands homeowner (representative) told the committee the small green is used daily for classes and youth sports, becomes unusable after modest rain and has required repeated restarts. “We would love to be able to use it more frequently and possibly year round,” the resident said, adding the HOA has obtained bids and can cover capital costs while working with a vendor familiar with municipal code requirements.

Committee members said the proposal offers a pragmatic way to improve neighborhood green space without immediate city capital outlay. The committee asked staff to finalize typical terms — including maintenance responsibilities once work is complete — and directed the item be returned to the City Commission with a favorable recommendation. The motion to send the item forward carried unanimously.

The committee’s action sends the draft agreement stage to the full commission; staff said they would draft standard terms addressing construction standards, long‑term maintenance and any required permit or inspection conditions. The next procedural step is the commission review and final approval, where the mayor and commission will consider the committee’s recommendation.