ABOUT FORT MYERS RECREATION
Mission Statement: "Bringing our Community Together”.
Recreation services are an essential part of every community. That is why the City of Fort Myers Recreation Division’s motto is “Bringing our Community Together”, that is exactly what we strive to do through leisure and recreational activities for individuals and families throughout the City of Fort Myers. By offering activities such as dance, arts and crafts, summer camps, swimming, tennis, soccer, baseball, softball, bridge, horticultural societies, community centers, after school programs, and much more, the Recreation Division is able to serve thousands of residents and visitors each year from young children to senior citizens.
FACILITY RENTALS
The City of Fort Myers Recreation Division offers rental Facilities for public or private special events. The rates are designed to fit the budget of our citizens. In addition to being available to rent for private events your Recreation Facilities offer a wide variety of classes and programs for all ages and interests, from Ham Radio Club Meetings to Youth Basketball Leagues. We have something for everyone!
If you are an instructor looking for a place to conduct classes or seminars, be sure and ask about our Recreation Partnership Programs.
If you are looking for a truly unique venue to have your next special event consider the following:
Riverside Community Center Rental Rates
Additional Fees
The amount of your refundable deposit is determined by whether or not you are serving alcohol at your event. If you are serving alcohol, your refundable deposit is $500.00. In addition, you will be required to hire private security to work during your event. You are also required to purchase $1,000,000.00 of Liability Insurance with a Host Liquor Liability Insurance Clause. If you choose not to serve alcohol at your event, your refundable deposit will be $250.00. These deposits are refunded to you after your event, providing the building is left clean and undamaged. In order to reserve the date, you must pay the refundable deposit plus $50.00.
Rental Rates do not include 6% Florida State Sales Tax
SUMMER CAMPS
The City of Fort Myers Recreation Division’s Success Through Academic and Recreational Support (STARS) Complex offers children and young adults the ideal safe place to play, learn, and explore year-round. By offering camps that coincide with school vacations, parents are assured their child experiences fun, friendly, and educational situations outside the classroom.
Cost of camp (per child) - *$160.00 for ten weeks of camp. $150.00 if the child is a member of the STARS After School Program. No discounts for more than one child. City employees (to include STARS staff) pay half price, or $80.00 per child (proof must be provided upon request). Payment can be made in full or by using our *payment plan that is available. NOTE: Anyone having outstanding balances to any Recreation Division facility must pay-off all balances before their child can be enrolled in this camp and the person must then pay all camp fees in full.
Age requirements - 6 to 14 years old (must be 6 years old at time of sign-up; birth certificate required for all 6 & 7 year olds, if not already on file at the STARS Complex. Children will be separated into age groups; 6 & 7 year olds, 8 & 9 year olds and 10 to 14 year olds.)
Camp hours of operation -**Monday - Friday, 7am – 5pm
Meals - Lunch and an afternoon snack is included with enrollment. Meals are provided through the Lee County School District.
Daily activities - Fully equipped indoor gymnasium, big screen TV for movie viewing, ping pong, pool table, foosball, swimming, arts & crafts, computer lab, group sessions, outdoor activities and more. Field Trips (cost extra) – Dates, times & costs To Be Announced (TBA) (examples, Sun Splash, Mike Greenwell’s, bowling, etc.) A full schedule of trips and costs will be given out on the first day of camp.
*Payment Plan is as follows – A $40.00 per child non-refundable deposit reserves a spot for summer camp and must accompany the enrollment form. $20.00 per child is due on the first day of camp (Monday, June 9, 2008), for a total of $60.00 due by the first day. Thereafter, $20.00 per child is due every Monday until the entire $160.00 fee is paid. If the child is a member of the STARS Complex After School Program, their payment is $150.00 for the summer, but the same payment plan is followed until paid in full.
**Children will not be allowed in the building before 7 AM each morning and should be picked up at 5 PM, when the complex opens to the general public, but no later than 6 PM, unless they are enrolled in an after hour program. (i.e., swim team, martial arts, etc.)
If you have a question about anything, please call 239-321-7530 or email: recreation@cityftmyers.com.
Fort Myers Special Event Process - Special Event Application [ docx ] | Special Event Handbook [ pdf ]
The City of Fort Myers recognizes that special events play a significant role in the life of a community. Special events enhance a community by providing recreation, cultural and educational opportunities; they foster a sense of belonging and collective identity among residents; they provide economic support for both the not-for-profit and business communities; and they provide opportunities for the development of tourism.
OUR MISSION is to provide our residents and visitors with a diverse series of events that will enrich their lives through culture, art and education.
OUR VISION is to attract local, regional, national and international events that will promote the City of Fort Myers as a wonderful place to visit with small town tropical flavor and big city fun.
We have assembled a Special Events Handbook to assist organizers, promoters, and producers in successfully planning and producing public events. Although this handbook was specifically developed for larger downtown events requiring the use of public property and services, we hope it will also be useful to anyone planning an event, regardless of the size of the production. Please contact the Recreation Division for a copy of the Special Events Handbook and application.
THE RECREATION DIVISION REPRESENTATIVE will be your primary contact to guide you through the permitting process. (239) 321-7530. The application process begins when you submit a completed Special Event Application Form and non-refundable application fee to the Recreation Division. Upon receipt of your application, copies are reviewed by affected city departments to assess site availability, quality and goal of the event, compliance with city ordinances, permits required, security deposit required and an estimated cost of all city fees that will be incurred.
WHO NEEDS A SPECIAL EVENT PERMIT? Any event, whether a carnival, circus, festival, parade or any other special event that takes place on public property (other than indoor city venues) or require city services or facilities must apply for a Special Event Permit. Centennial Park will have special requirements. Special events on private residential property do not require events approval, zoning approval (other than carnival and circuses) or proof of liability insurance. Private property special events must meet all other requirements and are subject to noise control, nuisance abatement and traffic regulations of the city.
Planning and implementing a special event takes time and energy, excellent organizational skills and money. Thank you for considering the production of a special event in the City of Fort Myers. We look forward to working with you.
Sincerely,
Fort Myers Recreation Division