Commissioners discuss Coconut Creek’s Windmill Park expansion

Coconut Creek might soon be expanding a popular park.

Commissioners recently discussed adding land and new features to Windmill Park, located on Lyons Road, south of Coconut Creek Parkway, including an expanded dog park.

Right now, the park features two basketball courts, four tennis courts and a volleyball court, plus racquetball courts and a dog park. The proposed expansion would include adding a little more than two acres of land to the park at the back, doubling the size of the dog park, and adding another basketball court.

According to city estimates, the entire project – including other renovations to the park, like adding bathrooms, fencing, shelters and more parking – could cost $2.4 million.

“I know it is top of the line, and I’m not saying we shouldn’t be top of the line on this,” Commissioner Lou Sarbone said. “I just want to make sure that what we approve doesn’t come back later [with more expenses]. I’m not happy spending this kind of money, but I know we need to upgrade this park.”

Bought by the city for approximately $450,000 in early 2012, the proposed additional land – which includes a house – has since sat unused. Dubbed the Earl John’s property, it had been a consideration for the proposed new fire station to be built in south Coconut Creek, but that project has moved elsewhere.

In previous discussions about the property, some commissioners wanted to see the house renovated and turned into either a meeting place or a historic location. Other options included selling the home and part of the land, and renovating and renting out the home.

The commission is not in favor of breaking up the land or selling the home, which has an estimated $325,000 to $375,000 current market value, according to Director of Sustainable Development Sheila Rose. Instead, a majority of the commissioners wants the house demolished and the acres turned into a part of Windmill Park.

“This is like hitting [refresh] on a computer,” Commissioner Sandy Welch said in support of the project. “This is such a huge refresh, and it is so needed.”