Recreation and Parks Advisory Committee

Recreation and Parks Advisory Committee (RPAC)

Purpose:

The Recreation and Parks Advisory Committee was created by Ordinance to advise the Board of County Commissioners and its staff on issues pertaining to the creation of a balanced county-wide recreation program and integrated recreation facilities inventory, guided by the respective Recreation and Open Space Elements of the Avon Park, Sebring, Lake Placid, and Highlands County Comprehensive Plans.

AUTHORITY:

Section 12.03.90 of the Highlands County Code of Ordinances.

Ord. No.12-13-09, § 2; Ord. No. 12-13-11, § 2

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

Specific objectives include:

• Identify the recreation constituencies using recreation resources within Highlands County and the incorporated communities;
• Identify the existing recreation resources being used by recreation type and facility in both the public and private sectors;
• Identify existing latent resources having recreational potential for being integrated into a county-wide recreation program;
• Evaluate the potential for linkages to broader regional recreational programs and facilities, both existing and proposed;
• Identify user demand by recreation type and facility;
• Identify and prepare program scope and spatial criteria by recreation type and facility;
• Prepare a county-wide comprehensive recreation plan projecting user demand by recreation type and facility, incorporating program attributes and spatial criteria;
• Establish a priority system for program and facility development, incorporating existing and proposed resources guided by the spatial distribution of the users;
• Identify new revenue resources associated with selected recreation activities applicable to implementing the county-wide comprehensive recreation plan; and,
• Act as an advisory entity for governmental agencies within Highlands County on recreational matters. 

MEMBERSHIP:

Appointed by the Board of County Commissioners.

TERMS:

Members shall serve for two-years terms.

MEETINGS:

Meetings are held quarterly (Month to be determined) on the third Thursday at 2 p.m. at the Highlands County Multi Sports Complex.

The next meeting is Jan. 15, 2026.