TO: Honorable Mayor & Members of the North Port Commission
FROM: A. Jerome Fletcher II, City Manager
TITLE: Discussion and Possible Action Regarding Events, With or Without Alcohol, at the North Port Aquatic Center
Recommended Action
Discussion and possible action regarding events, with and without alcohol, at the North Port Aquatic Center.
Background Information
Since opening in October 2019, staff at the North Port Aquatic Center (NPAC) have been tracking and evaluating a variety of data to ensure offerings align with the needs of the community. In Fiscal Year 2021, NPAC had approximately 75,000 visitors, offered over 25 programs, events and activities, plus 10 learn to swim sessions throughout the year.
During a Regular Commission Meeting on October 12, 2021, an amended motion was approved with direction for Parks & Recreation and Aquatic Center staff, North Port Police Department, and Risk Management to gather information about a special event with and without alcohol, using Cape Coral's guidelines as an example for ideas on guidelines and structure, and to look at other program ideas to defray costs for a further discussion in February. Due to interruptions from COVID and technology issues, this first meeting in March was the closest available to meet the February direction.
Parks & Recreation staff meet with representatives from North Port Fire Rescue, North Port Police, Human Resources, and Risk to evaluate benefits and concerns with offering events that include alcohol at the North Port Aquatic Center. Staff also researched and evaluated the structure and operating functions of Cape Coral's facility and similar entities to assist with identifying potential opportunities to meet the needs of our community.
In addition, the annual Parks & Recreation Community Interest Survey included questions to garner interest for an event catered to adults at NPAC, including what amenities/activities patrons would like to see associated with a potentia...
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