Mayor’s Column
May
By Mayor Anne Gerwig
Spring is a busy time around Wellington. It is difficult to believe summer is just around the corner.
My fellow Councilmembers and I have just held the 2017 Directions Workshop on March 31st. We discussed a broad range of topics, including redevelopment and sustainability within the Village, community improvement strategies, and planning for the impacts of growth outside of the Village. Workshops are one of the ways Council sets goals for the upcoming year and beyond. As part of the discussion, Council participated in a community tour visiting and talking with our residents to ask for their input. However, the conversation continues as we develop the FY 2017-2018 Budget. We are finding ways to fund programs and incentives to keep Wellington a Great Hometown. Visit our website wellingtonfl.gov/2017workshop to view this year’s presentation.
While we are on the subject of the Village’s budget, here is an update of a few capital improvement projects budgeted for this year.
- Big Blue Trace/Barberry: Survey and design work is currently underway. Construction is scheduled to start in July 2017.
- Big Blue Trace/Wiltshire: Survey and design work is currently underway. Construction is scheduled to start in July 2017.
- Hawthorne Neighborhood Park Project: Construction anticipated to be completed in May 2017.
- Dorchester Park Observation Platform: The project is currently in the design and permitting phase. Construction is scheduled to start in July 2017.
- For a complete list of our capital improvement projects taking place around Wellington, please click this link: Capital Improvement Projects
Spring is in full swing and there is no shortage of exciting things to do around town. Take the family and enjoy the sunshine at one of our great neighborhood parks or catch a family-friendly movie at the Amphitheater. Speaking of the Amphitheater, Food Trucks are still rolling in every Thursday through May 21st. Starting in June, the Food Trucks will be scheduled on the 2nd and 4th Thursday of each month.
Schools let out for the summer on June 2nd. If you are looking for fun, safe activities for your kids, consider the Summer Camp program offered by Parks & Recreation. Summer Camp operates in week long segments and takes place at Village Park and the Aquatics Complex, and runs from June to the middle of August. From sporting events, to arts and crafts, to movies, swimming, games and more, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Registration is open at Village Park, and more information can be found on our website. Summer Camp activities are designed for children from five to fifteen and some scholarships are available.
We offer a wide variety of camps, academies, and classes for kids, teens, adults, and seniors. Some of these are circus arts, sports, cheerleading, gymnastics, martial arts, and fitness classes. To find more information, look for the Summer Program Guide online at www.wellingtonfl.gov, under Parks & Recreation.
This month, we also remember and honor the men and women who died while serving in our armed forces defending our nation. Memorial Day is more than a day off from work. Memorial Day is the day we remember all of our fallen service men and women. Traditionally starting summer, Memorial Day also is a solemn day on which we pay tribute to those who sacrificed so much for our country.
Our Memorial Day Parade and Ceremony takes place on Monday, May 29th. The parade begins at 8:15 am at the Village Hall parking area and makes its way east along Forest Hill Boulevard. The parade ends at Wellington’s Veterans Memorial located on the corner of Forest Hill Boulevard and Southshore Boulevard and will be followed at 8:30am by the Memorial Day Ceremony.
We thank all the members of our armed services and their families for their sacrifices, courage, and dedication. We salute you, not just today, but each and every day of the year. We extend our heartfelt appreciation for all your service to this great nation.
Finally, I want to remember all of our mothers. To all those strong women who have nurtured us, taught us, cared for us, and loved us, on behalf of Council and me, we wish you a Happy Mother’s Day.
I look forward to seeing you around the Village this summer, enjoying our Great Hometown.