Received via email 3.25.24:
I am writing in support for the installation of a pergola at the Morton and Barbara Mandel Recreation Center. As a regular attendee of Palm Beach Day Academy's after school games hosted at the center, I believe the addition of a pergola is crucial to providing much needed shade and screening for all spectators watching from the sidelines.
During the games which take place 9 months out of the year, it is evident that there is a significant lack of shade on the patio area where spectators gather. Florida’s scorching sun can make it uncomfortably hot and by installing a pergola we can create a cool shaded area where everyone can enjoy the games without being exposed to direct sunlight.
Additionally, during the summer months, the campers that attend camp at the rec center need a place to enjoy lunch outside without sweltering during the mid day heat. A pergola would provide shade for those children to enjoy their meal while not being out of view of the main building.
Our family attends multiple games weekly, and we have experienced firsthand how the lack of shade can make it challenging to sit comfortably at the different sporting events. The addition of a pergola would not only enhance the experience for the spectators but would also help shade the athletes who are “on deck” to play in the games either before or after as Varsity and JV games proceed each other.
I am in full support of the pergola as it is a valuable investment to the Town of Palm Beach Rec Center. Thank for your time.
Warmly,
Kim Goodwin

Received via email 3.25.24:
Dear ARCOM Commissioners,
I am writing to strongly endorse the addition of a shade pergola on the Southwest corner of the Mandel Recreation Center as presented to you. The proposal is in response to the demands of residents who come to the Mandel to watch their childrens' sports games, outdoor activities and public events. The intense sun beating down on this area during much of the year discourages the use of this outdoor space. Having been the victim of sunburn when attending outdoor programs at the Rec, I understand it is critical to provide this area facing Debbs Field where both participants and viewers can watch and enjoy the many events taking place there.
While details of construction materials may prompt discussion, that this shade element is absolutely necessary should not be up for debate. This is more than a convenience, it is a health/environmental issue as well.
Please give your stamp of approval to this project. It will mean so much to the enjoyment of many children and adults, and will help promote the wonderful outdoor programs the Mandel Center provides.
Respectfully,
Susan Watts
RAC Commissioner
44 Cocoanut Row

Received via email 3.22.24:
To the ARCOM Commissioners,
I am the Chairman of the Friends of Recreation and have lived full time in the town of Palm Beach for 29 years .
I currently reside at 1237 N Ocean Way.
As the Founders of the Friends of Recreation , Michael Ainslie and I were largely responsible for raising the funds and getting town approval for the existing Mandel Rec Center.
It’s a thriving center of activity for the families in the Town of Palm Beach.
Even though we are very proud of the top rate facilities that we have for the many wonderful activities offered by the Rec Center, we are disappointed in ourselves for not attaching a large Pergola to block the brutal sun coming from the South that makes it very hard for parents to watch their children play sports on the Athletic Field.
The exiting loggia helps, but we didn’t have the space to build a deeper loggia without shrinking the size of the field .
I am hoping the ARCOM commissioners approve the new Pergola Project so the parents can enjoy the Sports Field with some relief from the harsh sun that is beating down on them every day they are attending a sports event .
The Friends of Recreation Board of Directors has already approved a $25k grant in support of the cost of this Pergola Project .
I hope you will vote in favor of approving this plan asap so we can start work immediately so it can ready for the late summer activities .
Sincerely,
Matthew K. Smith
Chairman
Friends of Recreation

Received via email 3.21.24:
Dear Commission Leaders,
We are writing to express support for the proposed pergola installation slated for the southwest corner of the Mandel Recreation Center.
As parents to three energetic young boys who are regular visitors, we are acutely aware of the necessity for shaded respite amidst their outdoor pursuits. The envisaged pergola not only serves a utilitarian purpose of paramount importance, but also promises to be a visually enriching architectural augmentation.
We implore expeditious approval for this enhancement, promising benefits for all who frequent the Rec Center.
We are grateful for your consideration.
Ashley & Rob Frisbie

Received via email 3.20.24:
Dear Commission Leaders,
We write to express our strong support of the pergola installation on the southwest corner of the Mandel Recreation Center. Living in south Florida, sun protection remains a paramount concern, especially for our youth. We are the parents of two young boys who frequent the Rec Center weekly, and we are always seeking shade when utilizing the outdoor amenities. The pergola is not only highly functional and critically important, but also architecturally additive and attractive. As funding has been confirmed, it would be beneficial for all who utilize the Rec Center for this positive addition to be approved as quickly as possible. Thank you for your consideration.
Sincerely,
Katie & Cody Crowell

Received via email 3.20.24:
Dear ARCOM Commissioners:
The Recreation Advisory Commission (RAC) reviewed the pergola/shade project on the SW corner of the Recreation Center. From our viewpoint, it looked in scale, appropriate in appearance and certainly helpful in terms of mitigating sun exposure. We voted unanimously to support its installation. Thank you for your consideration of our vote.
Sincerely,
Peter W. Harris
Vice Chairman
Palm Beach Recreation Advisory Commission