FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact:    John Yarbrough or Barbara Manzo, Lee County Parks & Recreation,
                (941) 461-7410

FORT MYERS, Fla. (January 3, 2002) – The Board of Lee County Commissioners will hold a ribbon cutting Saturday, January 12 for the extensive remodeling and renovation of the auditorium and stage at Boca Grande Community Center. The ceremony will be at noon at the center, 131 First Street in Boca Grande.

The renovations cost $571,000 – $252,000 of which was donated by a private group, The Friends of Boca Grande Community Center – and included bringing the auditorium up to code, putting in a new floor and seats, modifications to improve indoor air quality, and new lighting and projection room.

The Boca Grande Community Center is a Lee County facility operated for the benefit of Boca Grande residents and visitors. The structure, built in 1929, served as the Island’s school until 1963 and was converted to a community center in 1975. In 2000, one room of the center became home to Lee County’s first charter school (The Island School). The Lee County Library System also offers Internet and reference phone services at the reference room in the center.

The renovation project amounted to a total reconstruction of the auditorium and stage. Over the years, the effects of age have taken their toll upon the structure, finishes and furnishings in the auditorium. The original wood floor fell into severe structural disrepair and the original wooden and rigid seats became increasing unacceptable to the auditorium’s visitors.

The auditorium's interior was gutted down to the bare earth and unfinished walls. A new concrete floor was placed to eliminate moisture in the building. Building insulation was added to improve energy efficiency and occupant comfort. The original window openings were restored and new windows were added. The original, narrow, hardwood seats were removed and new and wider, upholstered seating was installed. Consistent with Lee County's ongoing commitment to making its public facilities available to everyone, the renovations also included comprehensive accessibility improvements. The performance stage was completely reconstructed except for the original stage flooring that was preserved. Together with new curtains, stage lighting and controls, a state-of-the-art sound system and improved acoustics, the auditorium now offers a perfect venue for community based theater productions and community gatherings.

The architect for the project was Barany Schmitt Summers Weaver and the construction manager was Casey Construction. Contributions from The Friends of Boca Grande Community Center, a 501c-3 corporation, have significantly improved the programs and facilities at the center over the years.

Lee County’s Parks & Recreation Department maintains and operates 3,500 acres of developed park land, 14 centers, 9 pools, five boat ramps, three Gulf beach parks, one lakefront beach, 76 beach accesses, 60 tennis courts, 73 ballfields, and 13 preserves. The department’s fiscal year 2002 operating budget is $16.2 million.