Palm Coast City Council on Aug. 26 reviewed a proposal from the Palm Coast YMCA to assume some programming at the city's Freedom Swim / Palm Coast Aquatic Center. Staff and the YMCA discussed three options; council members favored a partnership (option 2) in which the city retains pool operations while the YMCA offers supplemental programming (swim lessons, specialized classes such as scuba or "mermaid" camps) and the parties explore revenue-sharing for those programs. Why it matters: The YMCA said the organization brings specialized swim programming and larger program-management capacity; staff told council that an outright transfer of operations would offer no near-term budget savings for the city but a partnership could expand offerings without significantly changing the city's operating responsibilities until the new YMCA facility opens. Body: Parks staff reviewed the YMCA's proposed program list and said many of the YMCA's offerings (private lessons, scuba, specialty camps) would fill programming gaps the city cannot currently staff because of lifeguard shortages and seasonal constraints. Staff said one of the primary motivations for exploring the partnership is to expand programming and make better use of daylight hours. Council members signaled support for the partnership approach and asked staff to negotiate a written agreement that outlines revenue-sharing, programming assignments and access policies during peak public-use hours. Outcome and direction: Council supported staff pursuing the partnership model (option 2) and directed staff to work with the YMCA on a formal operating agreement and potential revenue-sharing terms, with the city to continue facility maintenance and default operations until the new YMCA is built. Ending: Staff said it will return with a draft agreement defining program scope, cost allocations and hours, and will include any necessary insurance or liability language for council review.