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Parkland City Commission: Michael Udine, Mayor; David Rosenoff , Vice Mayor; Christine Hunschofsky, Deputy Vice Mayor; Mark Weissman, Commissioner; Stacy Kagan, Commissioner. City Manager: Caryn Gardner-Young

City News

Parkland possesses the lowest crime rate per 1,000 people in Broward County
Based upon the January through December 2012 County and Municipal Offense Data received from the Broward County Sheriff’s Office, the City of Parkland (“City”) had the lowest crime rate per 1,000 people for Broward County. Parkland’s rate was 1.025 crimes per 1,000 residents. The next lowest crime rate was 1.640 crimes per 1,000 residents for Hillsboro Beach. Parkland attributes the low crime rate to limited commercial centers, the addition of law enforcement officers in the last year by the Parkland City Commission and a well-educated community.

Do Your Trees Need to Be Pruned This Year?
Parkland residents are urged to inspect their trees for hazardous conditions before a storm is threatening. That is what the City of Parkland is asking all residents to do to prepare their yards for the upcoming hurricane season. Consult with a Broward County licensed and insured tree trimmer and have your trees properly pruned to minimize tree and property damage. The City hopes to avoid what happened in prior years. A threatening hurricane spurs residents to aggressively cut back trees and shrubs, leaving piles of debris that the City cannot clear before the storm arrives. Under the City’s contract with Waste Management, pruning materials can be placed curb side during normal collection service. Additional information on this topic is located on the City’s web page at www.cityofparkland.org or for more information contact Brian Archer at (954) 757-4153 or barcher@cityofparkland.org.

City of Parkland Approves Reduced Building Permit Fees
The City Commission of Parkland approved reduction in building permit fees for permits that existing residents would typically apply for. Included in the adopted Ordinance was a reduction in the over the counter water heater and air conditioning permits, residential solar cell permits and garage door replacement. For more information please contact Steve Pizzillo, Building Official, at 954-757-4148.

Shred-A-Thon & Prescription Drug Take-Back Event
The Broward Sheriff’s Office Parkland District will be hosting a Shred-A-Thon & prescription drug take-back event on Saturday, June 8th, from 9 a.m.-noon at Parkland City Hall (6600 University Dr). Participants will have the opportunity to shred information sensitive documents (limit of five boxes per car) & turn in their expired or unused medications for a $5 gift card (one per family while supplies last). Should you have any questions please call 954-753-5050.

National Night Out
On Tuesday, August 6th, from 6 .m. until 9 p.m., the Broward Sheriff’s Office Parkland District will host its annual National Night Out celebration. National Night Out is an enjoyable program designed to promote neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships with the goal of creating safer communities. Residents from Parkland and surrounding communities will be invited to view a variety of static displays from the Broward Sheriff’s Office, Coral Springs Fire Rescue and the Florida Wildlife Commission. The event will take place in the parking lot of Parkland Commons/ Publix Shopping Center (8095 University Dr.).

City of Parkland T-shirt Design Contest
City of Parkland students ages 8-18 were invited to share their artistic talent and creativity with the community by entering a t-shirt design contest. Students created a design that emphasized the negative attributes of invasive exotic plants and raised awareness about the detrimental impacts invasive exotic plant species cause to native habitats. The winning design will be placed on t-shirts available to volunteers aiding in the removal of invasive exotic plants within the City. Three finalists have been chosen based on creativity, design and originality. The community now has the opportunity to vote on the winner. Click here to vote.

Parkland Library Events

Adult Summer Reading Club Kick Off-“Groundbreaking Reads” and Literary Tea with Author Barbara Bixon
Saturday, June 1st 10:30am
Join Author Barbara Bixon, writing under the name of A R Alan, who has eleven published novels, award winning short stories and poetry. In her newest book, The Index Killer, Homicide Detective Catherine Delaney and her sexy, chauvinist partner Cody O'Dell are desperately trying to capture a killer before another petite young woman's body is found. Moving at breakneck speed, the thrilling intrigue and romantic tension will keep you fascinated and guessing. Register for the “Groundbreaking Reads” Summer Reading Club and receive a prize, read all summer and earn prizes along the way. Tea and refreshments served. Sponsored by Parkland Friends of the Library. Register here or call (954)757-4207.

Summer Reading Kick Off Show: Dig into Adventures with Geo Jane! (age 3 and up)
Tuesday, June 11th 3:30pm
Geo Jane takes children on a geological adventure full of stories, magic, comedy and audience participation. So lace up your boots and get ready to join Geo Jane as she takes you around the world! Starting June 11th, children ages 2 through 5th grade can register for the Parkland Library’s “Dig into Reading” Summer Reading Club. Sponsored by Parkland Friends of the Library. Parkland Library card required to register. Register here or call (954)757-4207.

Calling All Teens Beneath the Surface!
Tuesday, June 11th 5:30pm to 7:00pm
Venture “Beneath the Surface” to our Underground Teen Room. Teens can join other friends at the Parkland Library anytime between 5:30pm and 7:00pm to draw on our cave wall and create your own treat from the center of the earth. During your journey underground, register for the library’s “Beneath the Surface” Teen Summer Reading Club. Anyone who joins will get a prize and reading log. The more books you read this summer the more prizes you get! (Middle school and High School kids only) Sponsored by Parkland Friends of the Library. A Parkland Library card holder is required to participate. Register here or call (954)757-4207.

Parks and Recreation Events

Summer Fishing Derby
Saturday, June 1st, 2013
8:00 – 10:00am
Pine Trails Park – 10555 Trails End
The City of Parkland, North Broward Preparatory School and Marrecau & Rodriguez Orthodontics are inviting all Parkland Families out to the Kid’s Fishing Derby at Pine Trails Park Fishing Pier on June 1, 2013 from 8:00-10:00am. Remember to bring your fishing poles, buckets, and bait! Each fish caught will be weighed and prizes will be awarded. This is a FREE event! For more information contact Caitlin Crossin, Program Specialist at 954-757-4113 or ccrossin@cityofparkland.org.

Pet Care Day
Saturday, June 1, 2013
10:00am – 2:00pm
“Barkland” Dog Park – 9245 Ranch Road
The City of Parkland is teaming up with the VCA and Broward County Animal Care and will be offering discounted rabies shots, pet licensing and chipping. Rabies shots are $15 and chipping is $20, cash only. For more information, contact Caitlin Crossin at 954-757-4113 or ccrossin@cityofparkland.org.

Healthy Lifestyle Class
Wednesday June 5, 2013
1:00-2:00pm
City Hall-6600 University Dr
Parkland residents, please sign up for a free class to hear Dr. Thomas Morrison discuss common sports injuries of all kinds for adults of all ages. The doctor will share his advice on how to prevent injuries, how they occur and when to seek help. Registration is required. For more information please contact Melissa Soto, Program Specialist at 954-757-4120 or msoto@cityofparkland.org.

Magic Show
Saturday June 8, 2013
10:00-11:00am
Pine Trails Amphitheater-10561 Trails End
Join us for a fun filled hour of magic as magician Gary Goodman shares his talents and dazzles the eye entertaining children of all ages. This event is FREE for all and will be held on Saturday, June 8, 2013 from 10-11am at the Pine Trails Park Amphitheater. Come and join in the fun! For more information please contact, Caitlin Crossin, Program Specialist at 954-757-4113 or ccrossin@cityofparkland.org.

Parkland Kids Camp
Summer Recreation Registration – Accepting Walk in Registration for Session A, B & Full Summer Only
Parkland Kids Camp is a summer recreation program for children ages 5 - 11 (kindergarten through grade 6). Children must be five years of age by June 17, 2013 to enroll in the program. The City of Parkland is currently accepting walk in summer recreation applications. The camp location will be at Heron Heights Elementary School for all sessions and the hours of operation are from 8:30AM-4:00PM with extended hours available in the morning from 8:00-8:30AM and in the afternoon from 4:00-5:30PM. The program consists of sports, arts & crafts, games, special on-site activities, and field trips. Field trips are taken aboard air-conditioned motor coach buses two to three days per week to facilities located in the tri-county area such as movies, bowling, water parks, arcades, skating, museums, etc. For further details, contact GerriAnn Dougherty at gdougherty@cityofparkland.org or go to the City website at www.cityofparkland.org.

Parkland Teen Camp
Summer Recreation Registration – Accepting Walk in Registration for Session A, B & Full Summer Only
Don’t get left out of the fun with your friends this summer! The City of Parkland is currently accepting walk in registration for Parkland Teen Camp. Parkland Teen Camp is a summer recreation program for children ages 12-14 (grades 7-9). Children must have completed the sixth grade to be eligible for the program. The camp will take place at Westglades Middle School for all sessions and the hours of operation are from 9:00AM-3:30PM with extended hours available in the morning from 8:30-9:00AM and in the afternoon from 3:30-5:00PM. The program is a Teen Travel Camp. Field trips are taken aboard air-conditioned motor coach buses four to five days per week to facilities located in the tri-county area such as movies, bowling, water parks, arcades, skating, amusement parks, etc. For further details, contact GerriAnn Dougherty at gdougherty@cityofparkland.org or go to the City website at www.cityofparkland.org.

Summer Camp Open House
Saturday, June 15, 2013
10:00am-1:00pm
Heron Heights Elementary School – 11010 Nob Hill Road
Westglades Middle School – 11000 Holmberg Road
The Parkland Summer Recreation Program will hold the Summer Camp Open House on Saturday, June 15, 2013 from 10am-1pm. The location of the Kids Camp Open House will be held at Heron Heights Elementary School and the Teen Camp Open House will be held at Westglades Middle School. This is an opportunity to meet the camp counselors, pick up pertinent materials and get acquainted with the program. For further details, contact GerriAnn Dougherty at gdougherty@cityofparkland.org or go to the City website at www.cityofparkland.org.