TO: Honorable Mayor & Members of the North Port Commission
FROM: A. Jerome Fletcher II, ICMA-CM, MPA, City Manager
TITLE: Discussion and Possible Direction Regarding the Fee Structure for Warm Mineral Springs Park, Located at 12200 San Servando Avenue, North Port, FL 34287
Recommended Action
Provide direction on potential changes to the Warm Mineral Springs Park fee structure for future consideration and implementation.
City Commission Options
Option 1: Reactivate the annual pass at Fiscal Year 2025 rates while maintaining current multi-visit pass structure and pricing.
• Pros:
o Familiar pricing structure for returning patrons.
o Offers better value for frequent users.
o Facilitates future implementation of phased plan as presented.
o Minimal administrative changes required; easy to implement within existing system.
• Cons:
o May not readily align with current pricing structure.
o Does not address feedback regarding affordability and eligibility tiers.
Option 2: Reactivate the annual pass with updated pricing and additional eligibility tiers (e.g., City resident, Sarasota County resident, senior, veteran).
• Pros:
o Encourages long-term commitment and loyalty.
o Offers better value for frequent users.
o Revised pricing and eligibility tiers respond to patron feedback, especially seniors and veterans.
• Cons:
o It must be carefully priced to align with established discounts and maintain cost recovery.
o May reduce per-visit revenue from high-frequency users.
o Expanded categories create added complexity to fee structure and require additional tracking.
Option 3: Incorporate improved flexibility and promotional incentives to current multi-visit pass structure and pricing.
• Pros:
o May increase accessibility for occasional users through extended pass duration.
o May encourage off-peak attendance during prime season through introduction of a weekday-only multi-visit pass.
o Seasonal promotions may temporarily boost sales.
• Cons:
o Promotional pricing will reduce short-term revenue.
o Less flexibility than existing multi-visit pass.
o Usage restrictions may lead to patron confusion and customer service concerns.
o Requires additional marketing and outreach to be effective.
Option 4: Maintain Current adopted pricing for Warm Mineral Springs Park.
• Pros: Does not require further action by City Commission and staff.
• Cons: Does not align with prior City Commission direction.
Background Information
The following provides a chronological order of events regarding Warm Mineral Springs fee structure:
Ø July 8, 2025: During the City Commission Regular Meeting, Ordinance No. 2025-14 was introduced to amend the code of the City of North Port, Florida, Appendix A - City Fee Schedule. The Parks & Recreation Department presented a phased plan with proposed adjustments to the multi-visit pass fees at Warm Mineral Springs Park and created a new rate category for Sarasota County residents. Following discussion, the Commission unanimously approved a motion “To continue Ordinance No. 2025-14 to second reading on July 22, 2025, incorporating the proposed Warm Mineral Springs Fiscal Year 2026 rate and discount changes and the new rate categories for Sarasota County residents.”
Ø July 22, 2025: During the City Commission Regular Meeting, Commission took the following actions:
Motion #1: “To adopt Ordinance No. 2025-14 as presented.” Motion 1 passed on a 3-2 vote.
Motion #2: “To direct the City Manager to bring back for further consideration the fee schedule for Warm Mineral Springs and direct City Manager to put together information for the public.” Motion 2 passed on a 4-1 vote.
Ø July 2025: Parks & Recreation staff launched a public outreach campaign to inform patrons and visitors to Warm Mineral Springs Park of the upcoming fee structure changes, including the discontinuation of the annual pass after September. As part of the outreach, patrons were encouraged to contact staff with questions or concerns, and several in-person meetings were held between Parks & Recreation staff and individual patrons to discuss concerns, clarify changes, and gather input. As a result of the outreach campaign, a total of eight (8) resident annual passes were sold during September 2025, prior to the category’s removal.
Ø October 1, 2025: Based on the direction provided, and adoption of Ordinance No. 2025-14, the following changes were implemented:
• Discount applied to the 30-visit pass-adult was reduced from 66.67% to 50%, resulting in a pass fee of $225.00 for a City of North Port resident and $300.00 for a non-resident.
• A new discounted rate category for Sarasota County Residents was added as follows:
o Daily Admission-student (6-17 years of age) $ 13.00
o Daily Admission-adult (18 years of age and older) $ 18.00
o 10-visit pass-adult (18 years of age and older) $135.00
o 30-visit pass-adult (18 years of age and older) $270.00
• The annual pass category was removed.
Although feedback was only received from a handful of patrons during the public outreach campaign, several points were noted:
Ø Concerns about limited financial flexibility and an increased sensitivity to changes in pricing and fees for seniors on a fixed income.
Ø Emphasis on keeping fees affordable for the core population of patrons that only come for the water.
Ø Interest in tailored discounts (beyond existing pass discounts) to recognize military service and age-based needs.
Ø Suggestion for incentives such as reduced rates for weekday-only usage or charge a premium of two (2) pass visits for weekend entry.
Ø Some patrons were unaware of the annual pass, while others found it unaffordable.
Ø Suggestion to extend pass validity longer than current 180-day limit to support international visitors.
Ø Interest in seasonal promotions such as buy-one, get-one offers.
Strategic Plan Pillar
Quality of Life
Financial Impact
Staff will prepare an ordinance amending the Code of the City of North Port, Florida, Appendix A - City Fee Schedule in alignment with Commission direction.
Procurement
Not applicable.
Attachments:
1. July 8, 2025, Meeting Minutes
2. July 22, 2025, Meeting Minutes
3. Ordinance 2025-14
4. July 8, 2025, Warm Mineral Springs Park Fee Presentation
5. Warm Mineral Springs Park Pass Sales
Prepared by: Sandy Pfundheller, Parks & Recreation Director
Trish Sturgess, Parks & Recreation Assistant Director
Devon Poulos, Aquatics Manager
Cheryl Greiner, Senior Business Manager
Department Director: Sandy Pfundheller, Parks & Recreation Director