Broward County Everglades Holiday Park. Gateway to the Everglades

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1 Broward County Everglades Holiday Park Short and Long Range Plan Gateway to the Everglades 1

2 Deeded to Broward County in 1964 by Davie Farm Lands, Inc. Sole use of the land shall be for public recreation purposes. Broward County entered into a Long Term lease agreement to lease property to FWC in FWC then entered into a series of subleases for concession services. History In 1992, current lease initiated with Bridges, Inc., who operates all concessions at Everglades Holiday Park. 2

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4 Current Operations 29 acres within Water Conservation Area 3 Concessions lease expires on June 2, 2012 Primary existing amenities Boat launch: 2 ramps, vehicle/boat trailer parking Airboat rides Boat rentals and docks Camping Food concession (fresh and packaged) General store: food, fishing licenses, bait and tackle Science Eye operates on property s p western edge 4

5 Current Conditions Aging facilities in need of modernization Property has no connection with Broward County branding or County functions Facilities do not meet current ADA requirements 5

6 Aging g construction o One lane bridge ADA issues Inadequate drainage 6

7 Reasons for Broward County s Interest Broward County owned Provides the missing link in sawgrass to seagrass theme Unique addition to park system Only convenient area to launch into the Everglades (conservation area) in Broward County Tourism destination Significant resource for environmental education, outdoor recreation, and ecotourism 7

8 Refine Current Master Plan Enhance 2008 conceptual master plan Promote historic and cultural uses of the Everglades Design for functionality and economic sustainability Secure additional lands (SFWMD, FL. Div. of State Lands) if possible Seek grants and other funding sources Partner with various federal, state and local agencies and the public sector Meet with key FWC, SFWMD officials Communicate with stakeholders throughout process 8

9 Conceptual Plan

10 Short term Capital Improvements Improve ingress/egress by widening bridge Renovate and stabilize existing facilities on site Improve First Impression while maintaining the rustic character of the site 10

11 Long term Operation and Budget Self sufficiency Plan New design concept that incorporates one entrance, a full service facility featuring boating; welcome center building (restaurant, gift shop, provisioning, bait and tackle, environmental center, information center); and newly created resort style cabin and RV/boat camping Following short term transition and operations, enter into long term public/private partnership(s) to operate some or all concessions Park amenities revenue generated is expected to make the Park self supporting 11

12 Future Vision i 12

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14 Artists Renderin Building contains: welcome center, gift shop, exhibits, restaurant 14

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17 Business and Construction Plan Phase I Site Development Design Consultant Cost: $350,000 Fully funded in FY12 Capital Program Completion date: FY12 Expand one way bridge to two way Cost: $450,000 Fully funded in FY12 Capital Program Completion date: FY13 17

18 Business and Construction Plan Phase II Renovate boat docks, boat ramps, weigh in station, tti and elevate associated it parking lot Cost: $3,900,000 Partially funded in FY13 Capital Program, 2000 Bond Discretionary Funds, and utilizing funds from the Broward Boating Improvement program* Completion date: FY14 *Requires a 1:1 match 18

19 Business and Construction Plan Phase III Demolish and rebuild main building Cost: $3,500,000 Funding to be determined Completion date: To Be Determined Phase in resort style camping 19

20 Business and Construction Plan Phase IV Renovate south parking and sidewalks Cost: $1,450,000 Funding to be determined d Completion date: To Be Determined 20

21 Short term Actions Et Establish Broward County presence on site, monitoring construction and contractor Et Extend existing iti contract t or enter into new, shortterm contract with present vendor for food service, general store operation, airboat tours, and fishing boat rentals Any profits will be immediately invested into the Park to offset construction costs 21

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