Designed By A.G. Messina © 2007 Winning Edge Productions - AGM Publishing,Inc.

In 1976 a group of citizens met to discuss bringing cultural programs to Pasco County.

As a result, several theatrical productions were brought to the area.

The productions were well attended, which supported the group's theory that a formal

organization should be established to encourage cultural services for the area.

In 1978, The Civic Center Council was chartered by the State of Florida as a non-profit

corporation. Also, in that year, the State of Florida determined that 216 acres of land it owned

on State Road 52 in West Central Pasco County was not suitable for use as a State Park,

and they were deeded to the Council for use as a recreational/cultural complex.

In 1981, after a community-wide contest for a new name and logo, the Council changed its

name to The Concourse Council, Inc. Its goal: to develop and administer The Concourse a

multi-use cultural and recreational complex. The word "concourse" means "a coming together".

The Concourse Council's logo became the symbol of a key - indicating that the

Concourse was a "key" to a better future for the area's residents.

In 1985, the Florida Legislature approved $200,000 for the construction of the Nature Center,

In 1988, a ground breaking ceremony was held at the Concourse. In 1989-1990, internal

roads were paved and connected to State Road 52.

In 1995, Safety Town, a realistic six-acre, child-sized town, designed to provide a complete

hands-on safety education for children ages 5-8 was opened. The town has paved streets,

working traffic signals, miniature buildings and even a railroad crossing.

In August 1999, The Concourse hosted the "Back to School Bash" featuring live music,

tours of Safety Town and the Nature Center, and many other activities, to introduce the

Concourse to the people of Pasco County.

In 2003 the Rotary Club of New Port Richey began construction at The Concourse,

of an open-air building and parking facilities to be used for large gatherings and events.

The new facility was complete by the first quarter of 2004.

The History Of The Concourse