At the May 7, 2025 Parks, Recreation & Mobility Advisory Committee meeting, we examined important developments impacting the quality of life for Winter Springs residents. This meeting highlighted both exciting progress and some growing pains—especially in the balance between two booming recreational activities: pickleball and tennis.

Pickleball vs. Tennis at Trotwood Park: A Call for Balance

A major discussion point involved the evolving use of Trotwood Park’s courts, and how the recent expansion of pickleball facilities is affecting our tennis community.

Here’s what you need to know:

• Central Winds Park now hosts 14 dedicated pickleball courts, built in 2023 at a cost of approximately $3.2 million.
• Trotwood Park currently features one tennis court and four lined pickleball courts (with temporary nets).
• The city now has 19 pickleball courts and only one tennis court.
• Tennis players have voiced growing frustration over diminished access, frequent foot traffic from pickleball players, and unsuitable playing conditions.
• As a result, participation from tennis players has dropped significantly, with many traveling to other cities to play.

During the meeting, multiple residents and committee members raised the concern that pickleball is displacing tennis altogether in Winter Springs. Suggestions included dedicating Trotwood to tennis and consolidating pickleball activity at Central Winds Park, which already functions as a regional pickleball destination.

As your Commissioner, I am advocating for a deeper review of usage data and feasibility of restoring a second tennis court at Trotwood. I encourage all residents to share their perspectives on this issue by reaching out directly to my office.

Parks Improvements and Key Project Updates

City staff shared a number of exciting developments across our parks system:

• Over 1,200 trees were delivered through the city’s annual Tree Giveaway.
• Central Winds Park fields will undergo seasonal maintenance from May 26 through August 3.
• Lighting improvements at Central Winds have been completed, eliminating previous noise and flicker issues.
• Pavilion installations at Trotwood and Torcaso Parks are underway, with additional plans for upgraded restrooms, grills, and landscaping improvements at multiple park sites.
• The city is exploring amphitheater lighting upgrades and trail surface improvements as part of the Central Winds Master Plan.

Community Events and Engagement

Our programming continues to engage hundreds of residents of all ages:

1. The “Fish Winter Springs” program sold out in under two minutes, with more than 75 residents placed on a waitlist.
2. The annual Father-Daughter Dance welcomed over 350 attendees.
3. More than 600 children participated in the city’s Easter Egg Hunt in March.
4. The upcoming July 4th “Celebration of Freedom” is expected to draw thousands.

Policy Priorities Going Forward

During public discussion and committee dialogue, several recurring themes and concerns emerged:

1. Accessibility at Major Events

We must improve accessibility at high-traffic events like July 4th, including proper signage, curb cuts, and temporary but enforceable ADA-compliant parking options. I’ve requested city staff and leadership implement changes before this year’s event.

2. Trail Connectivity and Pedestrian Access

Residents expressed a strong interest in improving the trail and sidewalk system to better connect neighborhoods and reduce reliance on cars. This is especially important for safe routes to parks, schools, and cross-Seminole trail access points.

3. Budget Transparency

Committee members requested a clearer picture of how the current $3.5 million parks budget is allocated, including general maintenance vs. capital improvements. We will review this in the next meeting to help guide future spending recommendations.

4. Environmental Preservation

As development continues, it’s essential that Winter Springs upholds its “Tree City USA” legacy. I support preserving natural parkland, expanding shaded green space, and ensuring thoughtful planning around native wildlife habitats.

Final Thoughts

Winter Springs is fortunate to have a robust and growing parks system, but growth must come with balance. Whether you’re passionate about tennis, pickleball, trails, or preserving natural beauty, our community thrives when all voices are heard.

The next Parks & Recreation Committee meeting is scheduled for August 6, 2025. I hope you’ll attend or reach out to share your thoughts in advance.

Let’s continue working together to make Winter Springs a place where residents of all ages and interests can live, play, and thrive.

Contact Commissioner Victoria Bruce

Email: victoria@victoriaforwintersprings.com

Website: www.victoriaforwintersprings.com

Honoring Susie Coffman and the Winter Springs Senior Center

It was an incredible honor to attend the recent dedication ceremony officially renaming our city’s senior center as The Susie Coffman Winter Springs Senior Center. I was proud to be there to personally thank Susie for her nearly 30 years of dedicated service to our city and especially to our senior community.

Since beginning her work with Winter Springs in 1989, Susie Coffman has been a tireless advocate for seniors. Her leadership played a key role in expanding the senior center and securing the funding to construct the center’s Therapy Pool, which opened in 2008 and continues to serve residents today with low-impact aquatic therapy.

Now, her name stands proudly on the building she helped build—an enduring symbol of vision, compassion, and commitment.

The best part? Her legacy lives on every day inside The Susie Coffman Winter Springs Senior Center.

Located at 400 N. Edgemon Ave., this community space offers a welcoming and safe place for residents ages 55 and up to stay active, socialize, and participate in daily programs like art, exercise, games, and more. If you’re curious about becoming a member, I encourage you to stop by and check it out—I especially recommend joining them for Bingo, a true community favorite!

The center is also home to the Therapy Pool, which provides accessible aquatic therapy classes that support strength, mobility, and overall wellness.

👉 Learn more or become a member:

Visit The Susie Coffman Winter Springs Senior Center

🏷️ Annual Membership Fees:

Winter Springs Residents:

• Senior Center – $20

• Therapy Pool – $40

• Both – $60

Non-Residents:

• Senior Center – $66

• Therapy Pool – $110

• Both – $176

Winter Springs Senior Association Membership: $8 for all

This beautiful center is more than a building—it’s a thriving hub of connection, care, and community. Thanks to Susie Coffman’s remarkable legacy, generations of Winter Springs seniors will continue to benefit from a space built with love and purpose.

Thank you, Susie. We are so grateful for all you’ve done.

Warmly,

Victoria Bruce

Winter Springs City Commissioner, District 2

A Closer Look at Our City’s Financial Health: The Full Story Beyond the Audit

The recent independent audit presentation by Pervis Gray for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2024, was an important step in evaluating the financial operations of our city. The results show commendable progress: a clean (unmodified) audit opinion, improved fund balances, and stronger performance in many areas compared to the prior year. These are encouraging signs, and I commend city staff for their diligence in addressing previous findings and improving financial reporting processes.

View the Full Report

The Good News: Clean Audit, Growing Revenues

Here are the highlights:

• A $1.8 million increase in General Fund Balance
• Unassigned Fund Balance now at 47% of expenditures, indicating a strong financial cushion
• Increased revenues across utilities, taxes, and intergovernmental support
• A $12 million gain in Enterprise Fund net position, driven largely by non-operating revenues and internal transfers
• Our city pension plan is now over 100% funded, a rare and notable milestone

These metrics signal that our current operations are in good shape, with improved stability and fiscal responsiveness.

The Hidden Story: What the Audit Doesn’t Show

While the audit provides a snapshot of current performance, it doesn’t tell the full story, particularly when it comes to long-term obligations. Most notably, the audit references our city’s major Wastewater Treatment System Project in Note 14, but the financial statements do not yet reflect the full cost.

Winter Springs is facing approximately $150 million in future infrastructure investments, costs that include:

• Debt service obligations
• Long-term infrastructure upgrades for water, wastewater, and stormwater systems
• Planning for population growth and regulatory compliance

These are critical investments that will shape the future of our community. But unless they are proactively incorporated into our financial planning, they may create budgeting pressures or service disruptions down the line.

Infrastructure Must Be Counted in Our Financial Reality

While it’s important to recognize the improvements we’ve made in fiscal discipline, we must not lose sight of the bigger picture. Clean audits are important, but accurate financial forecasting is even more vital. If we don’t account for these looming capital costs now, we risk misrepresenting the true state of our city’s finances.

As your Commissioner, I remain committed to transparency, smart growth, and fiscal responsibility. That means celebrating our wins, while also addressing our challenges head-on.

Let’s continue to push for clear communication, forward-thinking budgets, and sustainable infrastructure planning. Together, we can build a Winter Springs that’s both financially strong and future-ready.

View the Full FY 2024 Audit Presentation

Communication with Those Charged with Governance

Winter Springs Creek Debris and Sediment Removal Project Moves Forward to Protect Stormwater Flow

The City of Winter Springs is moving forward with an important environmental initiative to remove debris and sediment from several creek systems across our community. This project is designed to restore the functionality of stormwater systems and reduce the risk of flooding for nearby properties.

Following the impacts of recent hurricanes, inspections of local creeks identified over 30,000 linear feet of affected waterways across six major creeks, including Howell Creek, Bear Creek, Sheoah Creek, Gee Creek, No Name Creek, and Little Howell Creek.

The scope of work includes:

• Removing fallen trees, brush, logs, and other vegetative debris that obstruct water flow
• Clearing non-natural materials like building debris or discarded household items
• Ensuring that stable trees and healthy vegetation are preserved
• Minimizing impact to stream banks, aquatic habitats, and adjacent properties through Best Management Practices

Creek sections included in the project and their estimated debris cleanup zones:

• Sheoah Creek: ~300 LF (Sheoah Blvd area)
• Gee Creek: ~6,250 LF (Lido Road to South Moss Road)
• No Name Creek: ~150 LF (near Sailfish Road)
• Howell Creek: ~9,200 LF (Cross Seminole Trail to Northern Way)
• Bear Creek: ~9,290 LF (west of Carrington Court to Winter Springs Blvd)
• Little Howell Creek (Oak Forest & Winding Hollow): ~4,850 LF combined

Full details and bid documents can be viewed here:

City of Winter Springs Debris & Sediment Removal RFQ

Why It Matters

Healthy creeks are essential for effective stormwater management and flood prevention. By removing obstructions and restoring natural flow paths, this project helps protect nearby neighborhoods, infrastructure, and ecosystems. especially during Florida’s storm season.

This is one more step in our ongoing effort to invest in environmental stewardship and long-term resilience.

View the full debris removal project overview below: