| New parks and trails director begins work | ||
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Roberto “Bobby” Bonilla began work last month as the new director of the Lake County Department of Public Works, Parks and Trails Division. Originally from New York City, Bonilla brings a wealth of experience to Lake County. Formerly Construction Project Manager for the New York City Department of Parks & Recreation for 10 years, Bonilla is energetic about the parks and recreation possibilities in Lake County. “I like the fact that we have so much to do here,” he said. “I want to just keep it going on a positive side.” From coordinating the development of Northeast Community Park to pinpointing the future of Palatlakaha Environmental and Agricultural Reserve, commonly referred to as PEAR Park, Bonilla has a long list of goals for the budding Division. Among his objectives are maintaining and creating parks that are clean, safe and attractive for the health and enjoyment of the people. “If the parks are clean, safe and attractive, people will visit them,” he said. “A piece of land doesn’t attract people by itself.” |
Bonilla also points out that Lake County’s new parks need unique traits to attract visitors. He is challenging consulting firms to give Lake County original and meaningful designs for each new project. “In each park, I’m trying to think of something unique that other parks don’t have in the area,” he said. “We need to be innovative and creative in our approach to give a lasting impression of whatever we build.” While Bonilla claims there are few differences between how New York City and Lake County governments operate, he is energized by the opportunities to expand the current park system in the County. A proclaimed “aggressive builder of parks,” Bonilla received a civil engineering degree from Pratt Institute, of Brooklyn, N.Y. With an abundance of environmental lands in Lake County, Bonilla should have plenty to consider for new parks. “Obviously in New York there wasn’t much open land to speak of,” he said. “Here we have a lot of choices. It’s up to us to make the best choices.” |
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| County sports an abundance of park projects |
With a burgeoning population, the importance of developing parks has never been more important than it is today in Lake County.  Construction documents to develop the new 96-acre parcel acquired for the Northeast Community Park, located near the City of Umatilla, are about 70 percent complete. Park amenities are expected to include soccer and football fields, baseball diamonds, tennis and racquetball courts, picnic area, restrooms and a playground. Officials from the Lake County Department of Public Works, Parks and Trails Division estimate a ground breaking on the project will occur by the end of the summer. The Division is also in the midst of gathering public input to develop a master plan for Palatlakaha Environmental and Agricultural Reserve, commonly referred to as PEAR Park. Located off U.S. Highway 27, about two miles south of the County Road 48 intersection, the park encompasses 318 acres. “Were at the early stages,” said Roberto “Bobby” Bonilla, Director of the Lake County Parks and Trails Division. “We have to get the master plan complete before we can begin consulting evaluations.” Another park under change includes the revamping of Lake Idamere Park. A fishing pier was recently completed at the park, located off County 448 near the City of Tavares. Design of the park is about 90 percent complete, however, additional funds are needed to begin construction of the park’s “boundless playground.” A boundless playground assures that children of all abilities will be able to play in a safe area created to meet their special needs. At a boundless playground at least 70 percent of the play activities can be enjoyed by children with physical challenges without leaving their support equipment. This specialized equipment can range in cost between $300 and $5,000. The County recently received a $200,000 matching grant from the state to build the boundless playground. Matching funds for this project will come from the Lake County Board of County Commissioners, public donations and in-kind services from local businesses. For more information about donating services or funds for this unique park, call Emily Lee at (352) 267-5943. Volunteers receive recognition Organizations recognized for their continued support in the Lake County Adopt-A-Road Program include: Abate of Florida, AdVoServ-Carlton Palms Educational Center, Alternative Computing, Astor Moose Lodge No. 2552, Baucom’s of Florida, Brass Basket Beauty Parlor, Brockel’s Breezy Day Acres, Continental Acres Equine Resort, Deerhaven Community Association, Department of Juvenile Justice, Joyce & Check Doyle, Dr. Watson Pest Control, Eller & Mahon Family, Eustis Elks Lodge No. 1578, Faith Lutheran Church & School, First National Bank of Mount Dora, Florida Rock Industries, Friends of Lake Griffin, Golden Triangle Kiwanis, Hebeler Family & Friends, Green Mountain Scenic Byway, Hospice of Lake and Sumter, Jerusalem Worship Center, Kiwanis Club of Eustis, Lake Jem Farms, Leesburg Moose Lodge No. 1271, Micki Blackburn Realty, Montverde Academy, Montverde Visioning Committee, Mount Dora High School Junior ROTC, Phi Theta Kappa (Lake-Sumter Community College), Recreation Plantation RV Resort, Round Lake Christian Church, Shangri-La By the Lake, Silver Springs Citrus, South Lake Rotary Club, Sun Lake Men’s Golf League, Thrill Hill Mining, Trails of Montverde HOA, Umatilla Lions Club, Union Congregational Church, VFW Post 8087 & Ladies Auxiliary, Villages Masonic Lodge No. 394, Woodland’s Lutheran Camp and Harpo Zaneis. Organizations recognized for their continued support in the Lake County Adopt-A-Park Program include: Lake County Airboat Club, Sylvan Shores Association, Mount Plymouth Land Owners League, Greater Altoona Society, Lake Joanna Improvement League, John’s Lake Improvement Association and Northeast Lake County Chamber of Commerce. Let’s hear it |
Past Editions of the Public Works Newsletter |
http://www.lakecountyfl.gov/departments/public_works/