Lake Wales Recreation Advisory Commission Seeks Community Input and New Members to Enhance Local Parks and Programs

The Lake Wales Recreation Advisory Commission actively seeks community input and new members to help shape the future of local recreational facilities and programs. The Commission meets monthly to advise City staff on priorities for new facilities and improvements related to recreation, ensuring these services meet the needs of all residents.

This advisory body plays a crucial role in enhancing Lake Wales' recreational offerings. It assists the city in public relations for recreational events and coordinates with schools, service organizations, churches, and civic groups to plan and promote city-sponsored programs.

Understanding the Recreation Advisory Commission's Role

The Recreation Advisory Commission serves as a vital link between the community and City staff regarding recreational development. Its primary function involves advising on the priorities for new facilities and improvements. This includes everything from park upgrades to new sports complexes. The Commission also helps ensure the city's recreational programs are accessible for individuals with disabilities, working to meet or exceed WCAG 2.0 Level AA and federally mandated accessibility standards for electronic documents and web content.

Who Serves on the Commission?

The Commission consists of three citizen members who serve three-year terms. Andrew Motis chairs the current citizen members, which include Patrick Corwith and Laura Donaldson. Representatives from various local organizations also serve on the board. These include Robbie Shields for the Lake Wales Soccer Club, Patty McKeeman for the Lake Wales Pram Fleet, Burney Hayes for the Police Athletic League (PAL), Kara Wiseman for the Lake Wales Public Library, Curtis Reddick for the Lake Wales Boys & Girls Club, Courtney Windemaker for the Polk County School Board, and Josh Havens for Lake Wales Charter Schools.

The Commission currently has vacancies for representatives from Football, Tennis, Lake Wales Little League, the Green and Gold Foundation, and Webber International University. These positions offer an opportunity for community leaders to directly influence local recreation.

Community Engagement and Future Development

The Commission's work extends to coordinating with various community groups, including schools, service organizations, churches, and civic organizations. This collaboration aims to plan and promote a wide range of city-sponsored recreational programs and events. By involving diverse segments of the community, the Commission ensures that recreational offerings are broad and inclusive.

Get Involved with Lake Wales Recreation

The Lake Wales Recreation Advisory Commission holds its meetings on the third Monday of each month at noon. These meetings take place in the Commission Chambers, located at 201 W Central Avenue. Residents interested in contributing to the city's recreational future can attend these meetings or inquire about the open representative positions. Contact the City Clerk at [email protected] for questions or additional information regarding accessibility or involvement.