Fort Pierce presents Leisure Services annual review, plans online registration and expanded youth programs

Deputy City Manager Davoutre Johnson and Leisure Services Manager Jabari Williams gave the Fort Pierce City Commission an annual update on Dec. 15, highlighting growth in youth programs, new partnerships and a digital shift in registration.

Johnson said the department completed its first full year under administrative services after a June 24, 2025, managerial hire. He told commissioners the division served approximately 355 participants across four major programs and reported an 87% success rate on participant feedback collected from 51 family responses to a SWOT‑style survey. Johnson said the average likelihood to recommend was 8.6 out of 10 and that more than 54% of respondents gave perfect scores.

The presentation outlined partnerships that supported program operations and meals for children, including a grant from the St. Lucie County Children’s Services Council and collaboration with the Treasure Coast Food Bank. Johnson described program fees as affordable — $25 per week after a $50 registration fee — and said those fees covered field trips and program supplies.

Williams highlighted the Firehawks football and cheer programs and the department’s martial arts and chess offerings, noting competitive successes, championship rings and growing participation. He described a new learning lab created from surplus city equipment and ongoing renovations at the Garden Center.

On technology, Johnson previewed the Tyler Parks & Recreation portal the city plans to launch in the first quarter of 2026, saying residents will be able to register participants, reserve facilities and complete permitting online. He said the digital system should reduce paperwork and improve transparency in permit and special‑event processing.

Commissioners praised staff and volunteers, and Commissioner Gaines urged expanding offerings beyond football — including swimming, basketball and soccer — and exploring swim lessons through partnerships. Staff acknowledged existing constraints on practice fields and said they plan expanded off‑season clinics and clearer practice schedules in 2026. Johnson also described equipment needs (cheer mats, additional gear) and operational changes to ensure minimum playing time and clarify playing‑time transparency for first‑year athletes.

The department said it will continue volunteer training, strengthen policies and pursue funding and partnerships to expand programs in 2026. The commission welcomed the report and took no formal vote on the presentation.