Parks staff outline MLK fields outreach, lighthouse fixes and columbarium progress

Parks staff updated the Fernandina Beach Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee on July 14 about multiple facility projects and outreach plans, including next-week community meetings on the MLK conceptual design.

Scott Michaelson, Parks and Recreation Director, said he and a consultant presented the MLK conceptual design to the Elm Street Little League and planned a July 22 community meeting at the MLK auditorium that will include the consultant and a back-and-forth feedback opportunity. "We want people to talk and we want to hear them," Michaelson said, adding the design team is making adjustments after concerns raised by the Little League.

Staff also reported work at the historic lighthouse: pavers will be installed at the lighthouse base and damaged perimeter fencing will be repaired, but there will be no change to the current layout. Michaelson said the stormwater team is being brought in to address runoff that has been flowing into neighboring yards near O'Hagin Lane and Lighthouse Circle. A committee member noted an eastern viewing area with a steep drop might require safety fencing if opened to the public; Michaelson said staff will incorporate that into future ideas.

On the columbarium, staff reported the construction design is about 60% complete and that the goal is to start construction in the next fiscal year. Michaelson said staff will begin planning pre-sales for niches as design and timing are finalized.

Other items reported included the Sunrise Park conceptual design, which staff said has been received and is included in the FY27 capital improvement program and will be brought to the committee in October; window-replacement planning for the ARC (Atlantic Recreation Center) and the Martin Luther King Center; and a resubmitted application to the Florida Department of Environmental Protection for Beach Access 9 to extend the boardwalk past the frontal dune system.

Committee members thanked staff for the updates and for work on community programming; the board set its next meeting for Aug. 11.

The advisory committee approved the minutes at the start of the meeting; a member moved to approve the minutes, another seconded, and the chair announced the minutes were "Approved."