Board Policy - Section Number: 08.02.05.00

Purpose

As communities continue to grow and to request community centers that are regional in nature, the operational expenses for these facilities are above and beyond traditional recreational facilities. This policy is to establish the conditions under which regional recreational facilities that are approved by the Board of County Commissioners as part of their Capital Improvement Program will be operated by entities other than the County Parks Department.

Policy

The Parks Department, provided appropriate funding for operations is allocated by the Board of County Commissioners, is the first choice for operating such facilities. When the BOCC determines there is not sufficient ad valorem tax revenue available to fund the operation of a proposed regional community center, the BOCC will consider entering into an agreement with a private non-profit, a community development corporation, or a community development district for the operation of such facility.

1. This will only be considered for regional community centers that S are at least 15,000 square feet and serve at least 50,000 residents within a Smile service area.
2. The prospective operating entity must not discriminate against any members of the community and must provide the same access to the facility as the County would provide, including following all applicable federal state and local laws in its hiring practices.
3. If the prospective operating entity has a membership or service fee there must be a sliding scale for those residents unable to afford such membership, or service fee.
4. The prospective operating entity must agree to make the facility available for community meetings upon reasonable notice consistent with the County policy concerning access to park buildings for community meetings.
5. The agreement will specify which operational costs will be the responsibility of the non-profit, community development corporation, or community development district.
6. The prospective operating entity shall not participate or engage in political activities that promote or oppose a specific candidate for public office. This is not intended to prevent the prospective operating entity from hosting a political function or forum where all the candidates for an office are invited to participate.
7. The prospective operating entity shall have a Drug-Free Workplace Policy in effect.
8. The agreement for operating a facility must include paragraphs (2), (3), (4), (5), (6) and (7) of this policy as requirements under the contract and a provision making failure to adhere to any one of those provisions a material breach for which the County, at its sole discretion, can terminate the agreement.

Responsibilities

It is the responsibility of the Parks and Recreation Department under the direction of the County Administrator to be the coordinating agency for this policy.