Town reviews facility operations at session
The Fort Myers Beach Town Council discussed operational information regarding Bay Oaks Recreational Campus and Mound House at a Management & Planning work session Tuesday morning. Town staff members from the parks & recreation department and Cultural Resources division provided power point presentations and reviewed the two town-owned facilities after the first quarter of fiscal year 2011 (Oct. 1 to Dec. 31, 2010).
After listening to a financial presentation at its previous meeting, the council will be meeting with particular staff members of town departments and divisions to discuss operational performances, according to Town Manager Terry Stewart.
“We begin today with a presentation from Bay Oaks. Part of what you’ll hear this morning is a comparison where we were last year with what programs we had and what we are doing now with what the differences are,” said Stewart.
Regarding Bay Oaks, Stewart noted the Town Pool will be regarded separately from Bay Oaks operations. The town has operated Bay Oaks for roughly 18 months. Town staff updated council members on program and staffing comparisons of the facility since the takeover from Lee County.
“Since the town has been operating the facility, we continue to provide the same type of activities that are targeted for youth, seniors and the general public,” said Town Public Works Director Cathie Lewis, who oversees the town’s parks & recreation department. “
During the course of the presentation, council members asked questions about the viability of the programs and consolidation between the two facilities.
Mayor Larry Kiker asked why kayaks are held at both Bay Oaks and Mound House when one location and one program would be cost-efficient. He also asked about storing activity tents and rent them for revenue purposes.
Town officials also reviewed the fee schedule for membership and various activities. Town staff will bring forward a revised schedule for council’s consideration once the subject comes up during the budget process for fiscal year 2012. Modifications should be considered.
As of Feb, 11, 2011, Bay Oaks membership includes 171 individual residents; 133 family residents; 47 individual non-residents; and 24 family non-residents. Town pool passes include 8 individual members; 38 family members; 10 individual non-members; and 43 family non-members.
Programs offered include a youth program (Club Rec, Summer Camp, Fun Days and events such as Fright Night, Holiday Party and Valentine’s Dance); teen/tween program; athletics and special programs (adult and youth leagues); community pool (water aerobics, adult lap swim, swimming lessons, summer camp); and the senior program (43% of the Beach program is age 65 or older).
Expanded services include a tween (age 11-13) program, zumba, line dancing, yoga, karate, arts & craft, BORC Bash, leagues, pickle ball and mah jong.
Bay Oaks has received “enormous community support” since the town took over operations. During 2009-10 fiscal year, it accepted $32,000 in total donations, including $6,500 for the youth programs, $1,800 for the teen programs and $12,500 for the senior programs as well as other nonspecific program contributions.
Volunteers either from seniors, parents or other assistance- have contributed many hours per week to save operating costs.
You’re in transition, and that transition includes going out and asking people what they want and what they do not want,” said Councilman Tom Babcock to both Lewis and Recreation Manager Nicole Olsen. “I honestly think you’ve come a long way in the 18 months that we’ve owned (Bay Oaks).”
Note: Due to a looming newspaper deadline, the article centers on Bay Oaks which was primarily discussed during the earlier portion of the morning.