History

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.

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.

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, County and School Board received $240k DNR grant to construct the Nature Center which opens in 1989

A ground-breaking ceremony was held at The Concourse.

Internal roads were paved and connected to State Road 52.

Pasco 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. From 1995 until the present, Pasco Safety Town has averaged over 6,000 students yearly from predominantly public schools in the Tampa Bay area. Charter, private and specialty schools also regularly attend this fun and informative, but unique school.

In August, The Concourse hosted the “Back to School Bash” featuring live music, tours of Pasco Safety Town and the Nature Center, and many other activities, to introduce The Concourse to the people of Pasco County

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 Grand Concourse Railroad club partners with The Concourse to house and run their miniature trains for the benefit and enjoyment of the community.

The Nature Center is remodeled and renamed the Event Center to host a variety of gatherings.

The Concourse Event Center opens and The Concourse breaks ground for the Railroad Depot for special events and gatherings.