Summary

Parks & Recreation Committee elects vice chair, approves 2026 facility priorities, supports Harbor & Waterways design concept, and reviews program updates

DestinFeb 24, 20262 min read

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At the February 24, 2026 meeting the Destin Parks & Recreation Committee elected Jessica Jullian as Vice Chair, unanimously approved top 2026 priorities (storage bay at Public Works, prefab shop at Morgan's Sports Center, and Community Center roof replacement), and tentatively supported a Harbor & Waterways design concept with requested additions (educational elements, clearer icons, proofreading, and a QR code for disposal locations). Staff announced Opening Day Little League (March 7), Pooch Palooza (April 11), an anticipated shift to a single primary fall soccer season, and introduced new Assistant Recreation Supervisor Bentley Estell. The committee reassigned the Adopt-a-Bench/Adopt-a-Park item to Andrea Ansley. Next meeting: March 24, 2026.

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Parks & Recreation Committee

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EducationEnvironmental

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Key decisions

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Jessica Jullian nominated and elected Vice Chair (motion by Ansley; second by Stephens). Vote: 5-0; Aubrey Santucci absent.
Committee supported 2026 Parks & Recreation priorities: add a storage bay to the Public Works building, install a prefab shop at Morgan's Sports Center, and proceed with Community Center roof replacement (motion by Chairwoman Weidenhamer; second Vice Chair Jullian). Vote: 5-0; Santucci absent.
Committee tentatively supported the Harbor & Waterways design concept (John Stephens) with additions requested: educational guidance/clear calls to action, proofreading, clearer iconography (e.g., plastic straw), inclusion of a QR code for disposal locations, and consideration of longer-lasting formats (motion by Vice Chair Jullian; second McGraw). Vote: 5-0; Santucci absent.
Approved prior meeting minutes with correction to Committee member Stephens' name (motion by Ansley; second Jullian). Vote: 5-0; Santucci absent.
Staff announced program and event updates: Opening Day Little League on March 7 (parade 9:00 AM; ceremonies 10:00 AM); Pooch Palooza on April 11, 10:00 AM–2:00 PM with vendor booth donations set at $35 and $25 for nonprofits; staff indicated spring 2026 will likely be the last spring soccer season as soccer is consolidated to a primary fall season.
Adopt-a-Bench/Adopt-a-Park program responsibilities reassigned to Committee member Andrea Ansley.

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