HomeMy WebLinkAboutIR 9273 INFORMAL REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS No. 9273
To the Mayor and Members of the City Council
' Page 1 of 2
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SUBJECT: PRIVATE SECTOR DONATION FOR SUMMER AQUATIC
147 PROGRAM
The purpose of this informal report is to provide an overview on a privately-funded aquatic facility
accessibility initiative being developed to mitigate closure of six (6) of the city's swimming pools.
The proposed pilot program will allow Fort Worth residents to gain entry into more contemporary
designed aquatic facilities in the Fort Worth area at a greatly reduced rate.
The City of Fort Worth has received a commitment of $21,000 for this summer, funded by private
donations through the Fort Worth Chamber Foundation. A marketing and education plan is under
development to inform Fort Worth residents about a discounted ticket price, which will become
effective on July 19, 2010. Currently, arrangements have been made with the City of North
Richland Hills (NRH), which owns and operates the NRH2O water theme park. The agreement
with NRH will allow Fort Worth residents to gain entry for a fee of less than ten dollars, each day
the park is open. It is important to note that a full ticket price of admission is $23.99 for persons
48" tall and over. Fort Worth residents will pay a discounted rate at the gate of NRH2O and will
need to provide proof of residency through a driver's license, water bill or some other form of third
party documentation that provides residency information. The private sector donations will be
utilized to match the discounted price thus providing a discount rate to Fort Worth citizens in
excess of fifty (50%) per cent. On a scheduled basis, NRH will invoice the City of Fort Worth and
Parks and Community Services Department (PACSD) will work with the Chamber to process
payment to NRH. Similar arrangements are being pursued with other municipalities and private
aquatic park operators in the Fort Worth area.
To promote this opportunity, an education campaign will be initiated this week with the support of
Neighborhood Services and the Communications Office to provide program information on the
City website, in the City News, through public service announcements, notice to neighborhood
associations, the local media, etc.
This arrangement will be in effect through Labor Day or until the donated funds are exhausted,
whichever occurs first. For FY2011, the Chamber, through the Fort Worth Chamber of
Commerce's membership, has pledged to donate an additional $90,000, for continuation and
expansion of the program.
An M&C is not necessary at this time because payment for tickets will be handled directly
between the Fort Worth Chamber Foundation and NRH2O. However, an M&C may be created if
future partnerships result in the need to appropriate funds.
Forest Park Pool continues to operate and the condition of the liner is monitored daily. In the
event the pool can no longer operate, bus transportation from Forest Park Pool to a specified
YMCA aquatic facility has been arranged and can be enacted within 48 hours. This program is
also being underwritten by the private sector through the Fort Worth Chamber Foundation.
ISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER FORT WORTH, TEXAS
INFORMAL REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS No. 9273
N'lIT[�
To the Mayor and Members of the City Council u y '
6
Page 2 of 2
a
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SUBJECT: PRIVATE SECTOR DONATION FOR SUMMER AQUATIC
PROGRAM
Should you have any questions regarding this matter, please feel free to contact Melody Mitchell,
Assistant Director at 817.392.5719 or Richard Zavala, Director at 817.392.5704.
Dale A. Fisseler, P.E.
City Manager
ISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER FORT WORTH, TEXAS