Hendry Commissioner Emory Howard and LaBelle Commissioner Jackie Ratica look over plans at Forrey Park. [Photo by Richard Marion/Lake Okeechobee News]

 LABELLE — The Hendry County Board of Commissioners met at Forrey Park on April 28 for a special workshop on the construction of a concession building. 

According to information presented at the Oct. 24, 2024 meeting of the City of LaBelle Commission, the initial proposed blueprints showed a concession building at Forrey Park in LaBelle with a walk-in cooler and freezer along with a serving area. The building would also have men’s and women’s bathrooms. Square footage of the building equaled roughly 3,264 sq. ft. The design would be able to accommodate a second floor in the future.   

But the proposed $2.5 million price tag of the design caused Henry County Commissioners to balk at their April 8 meeting. 

“We don’t need the Taj Mahal,” said Commissioner Mitchell Wills. He suggested they scale back the plans to something more affordable. 

Commission Chair Emma Byrd said they should scale the plans back. She said they could start with something smaller and expand it in the future if there is enough demand.  

Commissioner Michael Atkinson said they could build a basic concession stand for $400,000 to $500,000. He said they must also plan for funding for maintenance and upkeep in the future. 

The new concession stand will be built in this location, in between all four ball parks. [Photo by Richard Marion/Lake Okeechobee News]

At the workshop, Commissioners walked through the park and visited the spot where the new concession stand is set to be built, which is centered between four ball fields. 

While original plans called for an octagonal building, the commissioners weren’t fans of that design and brought it up during their walk through of the property. 

“I can envision a rectangle building here,” said Commissioner Ramon Iglesias. “It would be a lot cheaper than an octagon.” 

Hendry County Commissioner Michael Atkinson speaks during a workshop at Forrey Park on April 28. [Photo by Richard Marion/Lake Okeechobee News]

The rec leagues want a concession stand to offer snacks and drinks to those that come out to watch games, as well as a way to raise money to pay for the costs of running the leagues. 

Commissioners agreed that a paired down rectangular concessions building would be much more agreeable and affordable to the county.