To: MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
From: ELIZABETH HAUSE, COMMUNITY SERVICES DIRECTOR
TITLE
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APPROVE A LICENSE AGREEMENT FOR SPECIAL EVENT SERVICES WITH GAME ON LIVE STUDIO, LLC FOR A KING HARBOR WATER POLO PROGRAM FOR THE TERM JUNE 16, 2026 THROUGH OCTOBER 31, 2026
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Proposed is an agreement with Game on Live Studio, LLC to implement and operate “King Harbor Aquatics”, a pilot open-water polo program to occur late June through September. The program consists of hosting open-water water polo practice, games and tournaments within the turning basin of King Harbor.
The Agreement includes defined cost recovery provisions, including per-event fees, revenue participation, and reimbursement provisions for incremental City services and property impacts. Staff recommends City Council approve the Agreement for the proposed waterfront program in King Harbor.
BACKGROUND
Game On Live Studio, LLC (GOLS) approached the City with a proposal to activate the King Harbor waterfront through a structured aquatic recreation concept centered on open-water water polo. The proposal includes high-performance training camps, league play, tournament weekends, and community engagement activities designed to utilize the King Harbor Turning Basin in a new and controlled recreational capacity.
Following receipt of the proposal, City staff from the Community Services Department, Police Department, Fire Department, and Public Works Department conducted an initial feasibility review to evaluate operational feasibility, safety considerations, and site constraints associated with implementing this type of use within an active harbor environment. The program requires a license agreement, which has been developed/negotiated over the course of several City Council closed session meeting discussions.
The open water polo program represents a unique opportunity to activate the waterfront through structured aquatic recreation in an environment that has not previously been utilized for programming of this nature. In addition to providing local recreational opportunities, it is expected to attract visiting teams, families, and spectators from outside the immediate area, which may generate ancillary visitation activity benefiting nearby restaurants, lodging, and retail establishments. Below is a map illustrating the activation area.
Game On Live Studio, LLC (GOLS) approached the City with a proposal to activate the King Harbor waterfront through a structured aquatic recreation concept centered on open-water water polo. The proposal includes high-performance training camps, league play, tournament weekends, and community engagement activities designed to utilize the King Harbor Turning Basin in a new and controlled recreational capacity.
Following receipt of the proposal, City staff from the Community Services Department, Police Department, Fire Department, and Public Works Department conducted an initial feasibility review to evaluate operational feasibility, safety considerations, and site constraints associated with implementing this type of use within an active harbor environment. The program requires a license agreement, which has been developed/negotiated over the course of several City Council closed session meeting discussions.
The open water polo program represents a unique opportunity to activate the waterfront through structured aquatic recreation in an environment that has not previously been utilized for programming of this nature. In addition to providing local recreational opportunities, it is expected to attract visiting teams, families, and spectators from outside the immediate area, which may generate ancillary visitation activity benefiting nearby restaurants, lodging, and retail establishments. Below is a map illustrating the activation area.
All sport activities would occur within the King Harbor Turning Basin under the coordination of the Harbor Master, with continued public access to the hand launch area maintained throughout the term of the program. Additional activation would occur in the adjacent walkway and parking lot to provide supportive tents and vendor areas to the program participants. Harbor operations would be managed in coordination with the approved Event Action Plan, developed with City departments and reviewed by the Fire Department’s Harbor Master, which establishes safety protocols, vessel movement procedures, emergency response coordination, and operational boundaries to ensure safe coexistence with ongoing harbor uses.
Under the proposed Agreement, GOLS serves as the sole operator responsible for all programming, staffing, equipment, and on-site execution, including exclusive operation and management of program-related equipment within the Turning Basin, while the City retains oversight authority and enforcement rights to ensure compliance with the Agreement and applicable regulations.
The program activities (see attached) would occur late June through September. Opening Day is scheduled for June 22 and Closing Day for September 26. The License agreement extends through October to allow for program closeout and equipment removal. The pilot activation is intended to evaluate the feasibility and operational impacts of this type of waterfront use within the King Harbor environment under defined safety and coordination controls.
Staff recommends City Council approve the proposed License Agreement with Game On Live Studio, LLC to proceed with the limited-term program in King Harbor.
COORDINATION
This report was coordinated by the Community Services Department, with programmatic safety review and input from the Fire Department, Police Department and Public Works Department. The License Agreement was reviewed and approved as to form by the City Attorney’s Office.
FISCAL IMPACT
The proposed Agreement is structured to allow the City to recover all direct costs associated with the program and includes fees for program activities on a per event, per day basis, as follows:
• $700 per day for tournaments
• $500 per day for camps
• $50 per day for practices
• $300 per day for exhibition events
• Reimbursement of any City services beyond standard service levels
• Reimbursement for any damage to City property
• $2,000 security deposit prior to commencement of operations
In addition, the City would receive 5% of net program revenue only to the extent that the amount exceeds the total per-event fees otherwise paid to the City, as defined in the Agreement (i.e., a revenue true-up provision and not an additive charge). GOLS is responsible for all program staffing, equipment, and operating costs. City services are not anticipated beyond normal service levels.
APPROVED BY:
Mike Witzansky, City Manager
ATTACHMENTS
• License Agreement - GOLS
• Summer Event Schedule