Mayor’s Column
May 2018
By Anne Gerwig
Spring is a busy time around Wellington. It is difficult to believe summer is just around the corner. With Hurricane Season officially starting next month, this is a great time to begin your preparations; these include completing tree trimming projects, cleaning out your garage, and other projects that produce bulk waste. If you haven’t done so already, follow us on social media to stay connected, before, during, and after Hurricane Season. All of our social media links are listed on Social Media webpage.
Looking for a way to get involved in your community? Wellington is currently accepting for appointment to one of our boards or committees. Village Boards and Committees are: Architectural Review Board, Construction Board of Adjustment and Appeals, Education Committee, Equestrian Preserve Committee, Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, Planning, Zoning and Adjustment Board, Public Safety Committee, Senior Advisory Committee, and the Tree Board. Volunteers wishing to serve may download an application here: https://bit.ly/2JQXk3U. Once completed, you can send your application either via mail, e-mail, or fax to: Rachel Callovi, Deputy Village Clerk, Village of Wellington, 12300 Forest Hill Blvd., Wellington, FL 33414; email: rachelc@wellingtonfl.gov or fax 561- 791-4045. The deadline for submitting your response is May 7, 2018. For additional information, please call Rachel Callovi at (561) 791-4784 or Chevelle Nubin, Village Clerk at (561) 791-4118.
On May 4th, Council and Staff held the 2018 Directions Workshop discussing a broad range of topics – the Housing and Economic Impact Studies, long-range financial planning, redevelopment, sustainability, and marketing and branding. This workshop is just one of the many ways we set goals for the upcoming year and beyond. The Directions process is collaborative and designed to foster an informed discussion that allows us to make rational and disciplined decisions for the community. To view previous Directions Workshops click here: Wellington Directions Workshops.
The conversation continues as we develop the FY 2018-2019 Budget. We are finding ways to fund programs and incentives to keep Wellington a Great Hometown. Visit our website wellingtonfl.gov/budget to stay updated about Wellington’s Budget and the process.
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: construction scheduled to start in May/June 2018.
• Utility Plant Improvements: Multiple projects underway. Details here: https://bit.ly/2EhgpNG
• Forest Hill Boulevard/C-8 Canal Improvements: Construction scheduled to commence May/June 2018.
• Forest Hill Blvd./Montauk Drive Drainage Repair: Construction scheduled after the conclusion of this equestrian season.
• Binks Pointe Multi-Use Pathway: Construction planning continues for a new multi-use pathway and canal crossing.
• Village Park Baseball Field Drainage Improvements and Dugout Replacement: scheduled for June 2018.
• Dorchester Neighborhood Park Project: A new observation deck and added park amenities are in the final stages of construction.
• Greenbriar Park – Dog Park Pathway Improvements: construction currently underway.
• Brown Trail Expansion (C-11/C-15 Canal/Wellington Trace Improvements): Construction scheduled to commence May 2018.
• Tennis Center Parking Improvements: construction scheduled for May 2018.
• 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 June.
Schools let out for the summer on June 1st. 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, take a look at the Summer Program Guide.
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 28th. 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 8:30 am 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.