Committee backs code enforcement, townwide trail connectivity and community events as planning pillars

The Town of Loxahatchee Groves Roadway, Equestrian Trails and Greenway Committee on July 16 agreed on core strategic-plan priorities that committee members will present to the Town Council at a July 21 workshop.

Committee member Jody Jansen said she favored three pillars: “code enforcement that actually works,” a connected trail network across town and more community events such as gardening shows and horse shows. Jansen proposed stronger enforcement to address illegal businesses and roadside hazards, and she named trail connectivity and community programming as companion priorities.

Committee members echoed those themes. Katie Lakeman urged more small local events and said finishing pending road paving is important so the town can move on to projects. Vice Chair Ashley Bruce emphasized equestrian and trail infrastructure, preservation of the town's rural character and the creation of open spaces, including the goal of establishing an equestrian park or arena that could host multiple uses.

Members also discussed naming the town trail system and recommended asking council for a theme. Suggestions included native trees (live oak, cypress, Florida holly), wildlife or memorial names; one member cautioned against copying neighboring Wellington's color-based system so visitors would clearly know when they were in Loxahatchee Groves.

Greg (first name only), who outlined the workshop format, asked each committee member to complete an individual worksheet. The committee agreed to consolidate those worksheets into a single, bullet-point presentation. Ashley Bruce volunteered to assemble members' notes and talking points; materials are to be routed through Board liaison Craig Lauer to avoid Sunshine Law violations before submission to the council.

The committee approved its previous meeting minutes at the start of the session and set its next regular meeting for Aug. 20, 2026.

The committee will present the consolidated worksheet at the council workshop on July 21; if the chair is unavailable, members agreed an alternate presenter will attend.