5 Flags Civic Center budget reflects community events and a multi-year capital plan; council hears need for a theatre envelope assessment

Marie Ware, Parks and Recreation Director, presented the 5 Flags Civic Center FY2026 budget and capital outlook to City Council on April 9. 5 Flags is currently operated by ASM Global under a management contract; Ware said the city owns the facility and funds capital work and insurance while the operator manages day-to-day staffing and sales.

Community role and events: Ware highlighted 5 Flags’ role as a civic venue for ticketed entertainment, community programs and charity drives. Recent local uses cited in the presentation included Toys for Tots, Apples for Students school-supply distribution (more than 3,600 supplies delivered in 2024), pickleball and youth tournaments, Wags of the Flags and seasonal family activities. Ware noted an audience mix across income brackets and age groups for ticket buyers and emphasized the venue’s role as a downtown anchor for visitors and event attendees.

Capital planning and theatre concerns: Staff described ongoing concerns in the historic theater portion of 5 Flags and proposed a theatre-envelope assessment to identify water infiltration and masonry and framing repairs. Ware said the building has experienced water damage in places and noted the theater is on the National Register, requiring preservation-sensitive repair approaches. Ware also reviewed a multi-year capital plan figure—presented as a planning target in staff materials—of roughly $24,000,000 for phased building envelope and major repairs, with funds staged across several fiscal years and a request to engage architectural and design services as a first step.

Management transition and procurement: Ware told council the city had started an RFP / contract negotiation process for future management; staff said a formal procurement schedule and any transition work would be managed so programing and operations are not disrupted.

Public-safety and community access: 5 Flags can serve as an emergency shelter and has been used in recent local incidents for Red Cross sheltering. Ware emphasized the venue’s community and emergency uses while noting that the management contract includes benchmark and incentive provisions that affect annual operating subsidy calculations.

Next steps: Staff proposed a theatre-envelope assessment and the first-step procurement for architectural and design services; council discussion focused on timing, the building’s historic requirements and the need to balance multi-year capital planning with other city priorities.