Title
Resolution of the City of Coral Gables, Florida, amending and updating operations policy for the Coral Gables War Memorial Youth Center facilities effective December 11th, 2007.
City Manager Recommendation
1. City Manager recommends approval of this item.
Brief History
Since the creation of the first Youth Center resolution in 1999, the use of the Youth Center Athletic field has expanded greatly. One issue confronting staff was the unauthorized use of athletic activities taking place on the Youth Center fields during non-programmed hours.
While the intent of having the field available for non-programmed hours was directed towards residents and families participating in small informal recreational activities, the participation has grown to include massive athletic contests that see the field overrun with non-sanctioned athletic contests.
Staff created a revised athletic field usage policy that allowed for greater supervision of the field. The usage policy would prohibit any outside recreational use while Youth Center programmed activities are on the field. The policy will also prohibit outside organized athletic play during non-activity, and the policy will outline the elements that define organized play.
Once the field usage was updated, certain other areas of the resolution were updated as well. These areas include: 1. The removal of the fees from the resolution, since a City-wide Fee Ordinance is instituted for fees. 2. The categories for membership have been updated to household categories from family categories (married, single). 3. Removal of the Youth Room from the list of rooms unavailable for rent.
The resolution was discussed at length with the War Memorial Association, and recommended by the Association. The Resolution was also reviewed and recommended by the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board.