OKEECHOBEE – The Okeechobee City Council will move forward with a new master plan for Flagler Park.

Tammy Cook-Weedon of Calvin Giordano and Associates presented a proposal to develop a master plan for Flagler Park at the April 20 meeting of the Okeechobee City Council.

Council members expressed some sticker shock at the price tag of $93,180.

The plan includes:
• Topographic survey of all above ground improvements;
• Horizontal locations and vertical elevations for asphalt pavement, concrete curb, concrete sidewalks, park appurtenances, front of buildings and above ground utilities;
• Survey and evaluation of existing trees;

• The development of a vision for the entire area, incorporating previously adopted design visions and recommendations for design that could positively impact the economic sustainability of the business district and commercial corridor as a destination that will feel seamless with the parks system;
• Public outreach to engage the community in park plans;
• Design-relevant data collection, ordinance review and review of available information;
• Electrical engineering preliminary review;
• Development of a base map; and,
• Development of a schematic.

The master plan will be for all of the parks, including the section of the park where Okeechobee Main Street plans to install a cattle drive sculpture.

City Administrator Marcos Montes de Oca said they might be able to use the money spent on the parks as matching funds if they apply for grants to help with the project.

“The figure shocked me, but I think we’re at a point today either we continue to better our city and we improve our parks to be used more ... I think we just have to do it,” said City Councilman Bob Jarriel.

“Our vision is to make sure downtown is revitalized,” said Bridgette Waldau of Okeechobee Main Street. She said they are doing well with fundraising for the cattle drive sculpture. She said they have received donations ranging from $5 up to $50,000.

Kathy Scott of the Main Street Arts Alliance said they already have the conceptual plan for the section of the park which will hold the cattle drive. “You don’t raise $500,000 without a conceptual plan,” she said. Scott said they will provide that plan to the architects who will work on the master plan for the parks.

Council Member Monica Clark noted they had initially budgeted $40,000 for the planning phase of the park revitalization. Mayor Dowling Watford said the money will come out of reserves.

The council voted to approve the expense, with the mayor casting the lone “no” vote.