TO: Honorable Mayor & Members of the North Port Commission
FROM: A. Jerome Fletcher II, ICMA-CM, MPA, City Manager
TITLE: Discussion and Possible Action Regarding Accepting a Donation of $8,534.32 from the Kiwanis Club of North Port for the Purchase and Installation of Display Exhibits and Associated Materials for a Storybook Stroll at Pine Park, Located at 4556 McKibben Drive, North Port, Florida, 34287.
Recommended Action
Option 1: Accept a donation of $8,534.32 from the Kiwanis Club of North Port for the purchase and installation of display exhibits and associated materials to support a Storybook Stroll at Pine Park, located at 4556 McKibben Drive, North Port, Florida, 34287.
City Commission Options
Option 1: Accept a donation of $8,534.32 from the Kiwanis Club of North Port for the purchase and installation of display exhibits and associated materials to support a Storybook Stroll at Pine Park, located at 4556 McKibben Drive, North Port, Florida, 34287.
• Pros:
o Enhances Pine Park with an educational and family-friendly amenity at no cost to the City.
o Strengthens community partnerships and supports collaboration with local organizations.
o Supports literacy, outdoor recreation, and engagement for children and families.
o Contributes to the Strategic Plan focus on Quality of Life.
• Cons:
o Staff time will be required for coordination, installation, and ongoing maintenance of the displays.
o Future repair/replacement costs will fall to the City.
Option 2: Do not accept a donation of $8,534.32 from the Kiwanis Club of North Port for the purchase and installation of display exhibits and associated materials to support a Storybook Stroll at Pine Park, located at 4556 McKibben Drive, North Port, Florida, 34287.
• Pros:
o No additional long‑term maintenance or operational responsibility for the Parks & Recreation Department.
o Avoids adding new responsibilities for staff.
• Cons:
o Missed opportunity to add an educational, low‑cost amenity to Pine Park.
o Lost chance to support community literacy and outdoor engagement initiatives.
Background Information
The Kiwanis Club of North Port is a 501c (3) non-profit organization that has served the community and the children of North Port since 1972. The Kiwanis Club of North Port has a long history of supporting youth‑focused projects and has expressed strong interest in contributing amenities that promote reading and outdoor exploration. Kiwanis Club of North Port approached the City with an offer to fund the purchase of the display exhibits and accompanying materials for a Storybook Stroll at Pine Park.
A Storybook Stroll is an outdoor literacy feature in which pages of a children’s book are displayed sequentially along a walking path, encouraging families to enjoy reading together while being active outdoors. The longevity of Storybook Stroll displays average 5 to 7 years, while story inserts require more frequent replacement. Pine Park was selected as the preferred location due to its accessibility, family‑oriented environment, and suitability for a walking‑path‑based amenity. The City’s Parks & Recreation Department will oversee the purchase, installation and routine maintenance to ensure the displays remain in good condition for ongoing public use with books rotated periodically to keep the experience engaging.
Strategic Plan Pillar
Quality of Life
Financial Impact
Donation funding to be processed to account number 001-0000-366-10-02, project number P26PSS. Funding in the amount of $8,534.32 for the purchase is included in the FY2027 tentative budget account number 001-3039-572.52-50, project number P26PSS. Future financial impact is estimated at $200 per year and may include occasional book replacements and minor repairs to the display structures if applicable.
Procurement
Any purchases will be made within the guidelines of Chapter 2, Administration, Article VIII. - Procurement of the Code of the City of North Port, Florida, as well as all applicable procurement policies, procedures, and guidelines for any associated purchases with this item, including required approvals, competitive purchasing requirements, documentation and compliance with City purchasing standards.
Attachments:
1. Acknowledgment Letter to Kiwanis
Prepared by: Sandy Pfundheller, Parks & Recreation Director
Department Director: Sandy Pfundheller, Parks & Recreation Director