June 3, 2025
Case Study : City of Cape Coral Florida
Cape Coral Parks & Recreation :
How Two Decades with Stageline Elevated a City’s Events and Community Leadership
CLIENT : City Of Cape Coral Florida
INDUSTRY : Municipalities, Parks & Recreation
LOCATION : Florida, United States
PRODUCTS : SL250 and SL260
APPLICATIONS : Parks & Rec events, Non-profits & Outdoor concerts
Overview
Cape Coral, a vibrant planned community in Southwest Florida, thrives on its outdoor events. With a unique network of canals and a deep appreciation for its natural surroundings, the city places a strong emphasis on outdoor living. These events go beyond entertainment—they’re woven into the fabric of Cape Coral’s identity, nurturing a family-friendly atmosphere and strengthening community connections.
When the City of Cape Coral’s Parks & Recreation Department invested in a Stageline SL250 mobile stage in 2005, they weren’t just purchasing equipment—they were laying the foundation for a two-decade transformation in how their community experienced live events. Twenty years later, that decision has positioned the department as a driver of major events and community engagement.
A Strategic Investment That Paid for Itself — Twice Over
”We bought our SL250 in 2005, says Todd King, longtime Cape Coral Events Coordinator and Recreation Manager. It lasted 20 years. That stage has gone out hundreds of times and paid for itself twice over.”
Used approximately 12 times annually for Parks & Rec events and another 20 times by local non-profits and community groups, the SL250 became a tool for the entire community. Managed and operated by city staff technicians, it provided a high-quality stage experience without the high rental fees, saving taxpayers money while raising the bar for local productions.
”It’s a high-quality piece that we provide to nonprofits and community groups, making their events affordable and elevated. It’s a real return on tax dollars.”
Technical Superiority That Stood the Test of Time
What originally set the SL250 apart for the team was its ability to do what others couldn’t: provide monster-rock capacity for national acts while remaining nimble and deployable for small town events.
”We wanted something that would look the part for national events, explains Todd, and have the deliverability and mobility for smaller shows.”
Consulting with Cape Coral’s two local professional production companies and assessing rental experiences with Stageline products, the city landed on the SL250 after seeing it exhibited at an Orlando event because it struck the perfect balance: portability, clean design, and pro-grade capability.
As the team aspired to host national-level artists whose riders demand 40×40 setups—they proved that a Stageline 32’X24’ with proper backline and extensions can deliver just as well. And it did. The SL250 supported headline events, met touring artists’ rider requirements, and helped build the city’s reputation as a serious entertainment hub.
Upgrading to the SL260: A Natural Progression
After 20 years and a climate-induced retirement for their SL250, the decision to upgrade was easy: Cape Coral purchased the SL260 in 2024, reinforcing their commitment to high-quality, city-owned staging.
”When the Stageline engineer inspected our SL250 and pointed out rust damage from Florida’s salt air, we knew it had served its final season. The SL260 was the natural next step.”
The SL260 brought modern engineering enhancements that Todd and his team immediately appreciated:
- Improved fly arm design and safer rigging access (no more crawling under the gooseneck).
- Built-in LED lighting under the rig— “They know what it’s like to be a tech at 2 a.m.”
- Hydraulics and load-bearing structure that instill confidence and ease setup.
- Covered wings that elevate the aesthetic and enhance lighting effects for pro shows.
- USB chargers that Gen Z techs love.
”The sound and lighting companies who use it are impressed—those covered wings actually help trap haze and smoke, making the lights pop during the concert. It looks amazing.”
And importantly, the city’s existing inventory of SL-compatible decks and jacks carried forward seamlessly, maximizing past investments and easing the transition to the new unit.
Repositioning Parks & Rec as a Cultural Driver
Owning the SL250 and now the SL260 has redefined the Parks & Recreation Department’s reputation in Cape Coral. Once stereotyped as a provider of “Easter egg hunts and lawn darts,” the department is now recognized as a key driver of cultural vibrancy and community impact.
”People go: ‘Oh my god, that’s your Parks & Rec department doing that?’ The stage has a wow factor. And when they find out the city owns it—there’s a new level of respect.”
Cape Coral’s Parks team is now a high-performing production unit in their own right—recognized, respected, and rocking their Stageline swag (socks, hats, and all).
”We’re proud to rock our Stageline swag – we’re almost ready to make the official brochure.”
Todd’s lessons learned from 20 Years of Owning a Stageline
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Prioritize maneuverability : “Our stage has been set up in all kinds of locations.” – A well-engineered trailer like the SL260 adapts easily to different venues, layouts, and logistical challenges.
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A solid support system matters : “We’re always taken care of—whether it’s pins, accessories, inspections, or questions.” – Stageline delivers consistent follow-up, from recertifications to everyday needs, with responsive and reliable service.
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Good training makes a huge difference : Whether you’re setting up for the first time or your 80th show – like Todd, in-person training and accessible videos make sure your team knows exactly what to do.
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Look for smart, technician-friendly design : “From the fly arms to the hydraulic legs, everything is well thought out.” – Stageline stages reflect insight from the field and attention to the real needs of operators.
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Your voice helps shape future designs : “Our feedback is looped into the engineering process” – Even when there are things we think could be better, Stageline listens, so your voice helps shape future designs.
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Ready to take the stage?
Cape Coral’s journey shows what’s possible when you invest in the right equipment—and the right partner.
EXPLORE : How a mobile stage could transform your city, your events, or your community impact.
VISIT : www.stageline.com to explore our full line of mobile stages, accessories, and support services.