C7O - Install Temp Lighting at Polo Park Courts

Resolutions - C7 O

COMMISSION MEMORANDUM

RECOMMENDATION

Accept the recommendation of the Finance and Economic Resiliency Committee, at its March 26, 2025, meeting, and directing Administration to install temporary lighting at the Polo Park basketball courts beginning with a six (6) month pilot on November 2, 2025.

BACKGROUND/HISTORY

During the February 3, 2025, City Commission meeting, at the request of Commissioner Alex Fernandez, the Mayor and City Commission referred a discussion item to the Finance and Economic Resiliency Committee (“FERC”) regarding the allocation of funding for the installation of temporary lighting at the Polo Park basketball courts. (Exhibit A)

During the March 26, 2025, Finance and Economic Resiliency Committee Meeting, Commissioner Bhatt motioned to have this item heard at Commission with a favorable recommendation to install temporary lighting at Polo Park basketball courts. Staff communicated that they would start with a six (6) month pilot during daylight savings time, beginning on November 2, 2025. There will be no costs as these security light towers are currently owned by the Parks and Recreation Department.

ANALYSIS

On December 2, 2024, NAHA adopted a Resolution for the temporary installation of lights at the Polo Park basketball courts. In considering the balance between providing enhanced recreational facilities and maintaining the integrity of Polo Park, NAHA recommended the installation of temporary lighting at the basketball courts, on a six (6) month trial basis, in conjunction with certain conditions.

The conditions include the following stipulations:

1) The lights shall automatically turn off each evening at 9:00 p.m. 2) A Miami Beach Park Ranger is to be present on site every weeknight until the park is closed and shall also be present throughout the entire weekend. 3) Noise control signage shall be installed throughout the park. 4) The City shall maintain and monitor the temporary lighting. 5) NAHA will conduct a review of the temporary lighting’s impact after a period of six (6) months

The Parks and Recreation Department (the “Department”) has come up with two (2) lighting options: 1) Permanent Lighting (Musco Sports Lighting) – Estimated $315,000 2) Temporary Security Light Towers – No cost as the Department owns security light towers that can be used

The Department has tested the security light towers at the Polo Park Basketball courts and believes it can be a solution for the six (6) month pilot, which is recommended to begin on Sunday, November 2, 2025. An employee will turn the lights on and off each day and a roving Park Ranger will be present on weeknights and weekends.

Permanent lighting and Park Ranger coverage will be reviewed upon the completion of the pilot.

FISCAL IMPACT STATEMENT

If NAHA wishes to move forward with permanent sports lighting after the six (6) month pilot, approval from the City Commission will be necessary, along with a capital budget request that can be submitted through the FY 2026 budget process.

Does this Ordinance require a Business Impact Estimate? (FOR ORDINANCES ONLY)

If applicable, the Business Impact Estimate (BIE) was published on: See BIE at: https://www.miamibeachfl.gov/city-hall/city-clerk/meeting-notices/

FINANCIAL INFORMATION

N/A

CONCLUSION

The Parks and Recreation Department is prepared to proceed with the use of temporary security light towers for the six (6) month pilot at the Polo Park basketball courts beginning on November 2, 2025.

Applicable Area

Middle Beach

Was this Agenda Item initially requested by a lobbyist which, as defined in Code Sec. 2-481, includes a principal engaged in lobbying? No

If so, specify the name of lobbyist(s) and principal(s):

Department

Parks and Recreation

Sponsor(s)

Commissioner Alex Fernandez

Co-sponsor(s)

Condensed Title

Accept Recom, Install Temporary Lighting at Polo Park Basketball Courts. (Fernandez)

Previous Action (For City Clerk Use Only)