Winter Haven to open Recreation and Cultural Center April 30; staff preview free drop‑in access and rental rules

The Winter Haven City Commission received a detailed preview of the Recreation and Cultural Center on March 18, with staff saying the facility is nearly complete and scheduled for a ribbon-cutting and community open house on April 30.

The presentation, led by a city staff presenter identified in the transcript as Julie, described outdoor amenities (playground, splash pad, turfed outdoor classroom), a zero-depth entry pool, a two-court gym, a learning/technology studio, a library space and rentable community rooms. Julie said the project has been intentionally designed for intergenerational programming and to keep many uses available to the public.

Why it matters: the center will centralize youth programming, summer-camp operations and community rentals and is likely to change where residents seek recreation and social services in the city. Staff emphasized the city’s goal to keep basic drop-in access low- or no-cost while balancing operational expenses.

City operations and fees Julie said the city will open with a no-fee registration model called a “rec pass” so users can be tracked for liability and utilization metrics. “The current fee structure includes a drop in to the gym either to play basketball or to lift weights free of charge,” she said, adding that some specialty classes and instructor-led programs may carry modest fees.

On rentals and staffing, staff explained that community rooms (identified in facility plans as Room G and, for larger events, the gym) will be bookable under the rental policy included in this agenda. A dedicated staff person will be required for every rental and other staff will be assigned based on event size; the transcript records a per‑person staffing rate of $35 per hour. Police detail will be required when events include alcohol.

Access, parking and capacity Staff said front paved parking contains 87 marked spaces; an overflow grass lot and other nearby city lots will be used for large events. The gym contains bleachers and an opaque dividing curtain so both courts can be programmed simultaneously. The team plans a staffing complement of 14 full‑time positions for daily operations, with additional seasonal staff for summer camp.

Programming and equitable access Commissioners asked whether the facility will be free only to City of Winter Haven residents; staff said there is no residency restriction at opening but they will monitor access and may revisit policy if demand prevents affordable access for residents. On summer programming, staff said the recreation portions of the building will close to drop‑in use while summer camp runs; the library will remain open during that period.

Next steps Staff confirmed the ribbon cutting and community open house are scheduled for April 30 (public schedule on the city calendar) and said the team will open rental bookings about a month after opening. The city will publish the fee and rental schedules, and staff told commissioners they will return with operational adjustments if usage or costs require changes.

Quotes “Take a look at your screen... we are nearing completion of this project,” Julie said during the presentation.

“The current fee structure includes a drop in to the gym either to play basketball or to lift weights free of charge,” she said when describing the intended fee approach.

The commission closed with staff committing to provide exact parking counts, rental details and follow-up on questions about partner use agreements for youth sports.

Ending The commission accepted the informational presentation and will consider the rental policy on the Monday meeting agenda; staff will report back on parking counts, rental availability and any changes to the fee structure after initial operations.