• Island Community Center

    The information on this page is intended to be For Your Information (FYI) only to keep the island residents aware of an exciting effort that has begun that will provide benefits to residents and visitors alike. This effort of building an Island Community center is the vision of Steve and Marni Ward, residents of our island, who are spearheading the effort. To this point a lot on the corner of Rum Road and Bartlett Parkway has been identified to build on, the funding of the initial legal efforts needed to establish a non-profit organization have begun, and the coordination of the required legal zoning changes, meetings, etc. are in motion to move the project forward. As this project progresses to a point where there is a non-profit organization in place and the rezoning process is approved there will be a fundraising effort that will begin to collect the necessary funds to complete construction and to move toward operation of this self-funding center.  The rezoning effort will include public meetings on the island and at Lee County government as required by Florida regulation. Below are some of the initial organizational details that may be of interest. As things progress it is our intent to update this page to keep you informed of progress. At some point, the Island Community Center will likely have its own website, and at that time, this page may simply reference you to that new website.

  • Potential Uses

    - Civic meetings – no charge
    - Island music and theatre performances – no charge
    - Island Chapel –no charge
    - Classes – yoga, art, etc. – available to island residents – no charge
    - Weddings/receptions – rental
    - Business/group meetings/functions- rental
    - Available to residents for private functions – rental

  • Features

    - Hurricane standards, generator
    - Septic, water
    - Kitchen, Laundry, Bathrooms
    - Stage with modest lighting, sound, and video
    - Storage – tables and chairs
    - Office for staffing (as needed)
    - Outdoor seating/reception – porch and deck
    - Wall of Honor for recognition of island residents, “hall of fame”, donors, sponsors
    - Island history displays

  • Governance Plan

    Board comprised of a cross section of representation:
     - UCCA member
     - SHC member
     - NCIC member
     - Non-profit executive director (volunteer or paid)
     - Island business owner representative
     - Island resident member at large

    All Board decisions by consensus (unanimous decisions).

  • Funding Approach

    - Establish Island Community Center Foundation
    - Donation of lot on corner of Rum Rd/Bartlett
    - Solicit donations –various levels get recognition in facility
    - Donate now or pledge
    - Fund raising events
    - Sell pavers – various sizes and recognition
    - Establish escrow account for funds
    - If no/go by certain date, then return funds to donors
    - No debt, rental income funds operating expenses

  • Example Sponsorship Opportunities