| Sarasota Herald-Tribune
NORTH PORT — The city of North Port is setting up a computer lab at the Morgan Family Community Center, 6207 W. Price Boulevard, starting Aug. 31, so students can access computers for remote learning.
Students will be able to reserve a computer for a two-hour work block up to 24 hours in advance, on a first-come, first-served basis during standard operating hours at the Morgan Family Community Center.
To reserve a work block, call 941-429-3555 or stop by the front desk.
In response to COVID-19, all computer stations will be physically distanced, partitioned and will be thoroughly cleaned by staff before and after each use. In addition, a deep cleaning in the Learning Lab will be completed at least twice throughout the day, and a sanitation fogging every evening.
The Learning Lab is being developed through a partnership between the city’s Parks & Recreation Department and Information Technology Division.
“We’re excited to open this Learning Lab as a resource for the youth in our community. I am proud of our team for their quick thinking and ability to adapt our services to support safe and equitable access to essential technology,” Parks & Recreation Director Sandy Pfundheller said in a prepared statement.
The Learning Lab is free for students 11 and older that have an active Achieve Anything membership, are current members of North Port D-Fy (Drug-Free Youth), or are a Sarasota County School student with a valid student ID.
All patrons are responsible for bringing their own headphones and necessary school supplies. No food or drink will be allowed in the lab and those who are feeling ill, have a fever or other symptoms must stay home.
“The City was able to implement this program for approximately $2,000 by utilizing seven computers that were scheduled for decommission to help keep that overall cost low,” Assistant Parks & Recreation Director Tricia Wisner said in the same statement. “Other materials included power cord cables, battery back-ups and computer station partitions to help protect the health and safety of our patrons.”
The Morgan Center is currently operating at reduced capacities in accordance with the current public health guidelines. Admission is provided on a first-come, first-served basis. Masks are not required but are strongly encouraged and all patrons are asked to follow physical distancing guidelines.
For more information, call 941-429-PARK(7275) or visit www.CityOfNorthPort.com/ParksAndRecreation.
To make an appointment for a North Port D-Fy membership, call 941-257-3019.
