Village of Wellington Interactive K Park Meeting Brings Residents’ Opinions to the Forefront
By Lois Spatz
It was a packed house at the Village of Wellington Town Hall meeting last night as residents gathered to have their opinions heard regarding the approximately 70 acre “K” Park that sits empty on the edge of the village along the corridors of Stribling Way and State Road 7.
Village of Wellington Parks and Recreation Director Bruce Delaney opened the meeting to discuss the property that was originally purchased in 2006 for 8 million dollars and presently partially being used for farming. “We are currently meeting the demands for park and recreational services according to analysis of our current inventory but if there is more growth it may exceed the demands of our current inventory.” Delaney went on to say there are National standards and there are Wellington standards. “There are standard levels of service and then there are Wellington levels of service. Wellington levels of service are much higher and that is why people love to live here in Wellington.”
VOW Director of Operations Jim Barnes led the audience in a half hour interactive question and answer session regarding possible usage of the space. Questions like “does Wellington need a walking or entertainment district with restaurants, shopping, cultural space/events and similar activities?” and “Should the Village sell the K Park property (or a portion) for private development to fund community infrastructure improvements? Residents answered with handheld clickers responding 55% no and 54% yes respectively.
The Village of Wellington council sat calmly on the sidelines, while residents took to the podium one by one to give their personal thoughts on the property.
“Instead of asking questions like yes, no, or do we want to sell, we should have been asked what do we want to do with the property, said Olympia Village Board President William Flack. Flack expressed he felt there was a lack of transparency and fueled frustration in the lack of communication from the village.
Jupiter Jenkins of Village Walk said he and his family moved to Wellington a year and a half ago to get away from an area filled with apartment complexes. “Every time we go out on the weekends, we are driving to Delray or Jupiter,” Jenkins said. “ I would like to stay in Wellington and have something here where we can spend our money within the community. A place that would create more jobs and combine park space with restaurants would be great.”
Past VOW Mayor Tom Wenham brought both his wisdom and experience as he stepped up to the microphone, “I was mayor when we purchased K Park and it should be kept as what it was originally purchased for, green space. It is the most important piece of property we have left and we have to keep it open as green space.” Wenham suggested that the Village vote to keep an open referendum known as a restricted covenant. “ This will allow voters to ultimately decide what happens with this property.
Many residents who spoke or filled out comment cards said they would like to see gardens, restaurants, and entertainment venues while some said Wellington needs more spaces for sports such as soccer and baseball.
For now the decision will remain open for further discussion. Please go to mywellington.org or wellingtonfl.gov for more information on how you can become involved with the important decisions for Wellington’s future and the future of K Park.