For City Council Meeting [December 12, 2023]
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council
APPROVAL: Henry Garcia, Interim City Manager
FROM: Cynthia Alvarado, Director of Parks, Recreation and Community Services
Title
Request City Council Approve A Memorandum Of Understanding (MOU) For Mobile Recreation Programming With Willow Village Apartment Complex; And Authorize The City Manager Or Their Designee To Execute All Necessary Documents.
Body
BACKGROUND
The Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department has recently secured funding from the Community Development Block Grant program (CDBG) to enhance its community outreach efforts through the expansion of its Mobile Recreation programming. This initiative aims to extend recreational and enrichment activities to individuals residing in apartment complexes who may face transportation barriers, preventing them from accessing programs offered at City parks or other recreational facilities.
CDBG has awarded the department a grant totaling $33,000, which will be utilized for the acquisition of a dedicated trailer, as well as the necessary materials and supplies to expand the Mobile Recreation program into underserved areas within the community. This expansion is particularly targeted at those who do not reside within walking distance of a park or recreational facility.
The Mobile Recreation program is designed as a cost-free service that offers an array of recreational and enrichment activities to families residing in neighborhoods without immediate access to community centers. Participants in this program will have the opportunity to engage in a diverse range of activities, including arts and crafts, painting, board games, physical exercises, and sports. The fundamental objective of Mobile Recreation is to provide accessible, safe, and enjoyable avenues for individuals to partake in recreational, educational, and social activities.
To facilitate the successful implementation of this initiative, the Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department has established a collaborative partnership with the Willow Village Apartment Complex. This complex comprises 100 units of affordable housing and is located at 1150 North Willow Avenue. The unit configurations vary, ranging from one-bedroom, one-bathroom units to three-bedroom, two-bathroom units. Willow Village Apartment Complex maintains an impressive 97 percent occupancy rate and features various amenities, including playgrounds, green spaces, a community room, and a computer room.
By capitalizing on this partnership and the CDBG grant, the department is poised to make a positive impact on the community by providing a much-needed avenue for residents of the Willow Village Apartment Complex to engage in recreational and enrichment activities, thereby promoting community well-being and social cohesion. This collaborative effort represents a promising step towards enhancing the quality of life for individuals who may face challenges in accessing traditional recreational opportunities.
ANALYSIS/DISCUSSION
The Parks, Recreation and Community Services department's application for CDBG funding for the expansion of the Mobile Recreation program in fiscal year 23-24 presents a critical opportunity to address existing limitations in program access and seasonal challenges.
Program Limitations and Seasonal Challenges
The current Mobile Recreation program is currently offered twice a week at Joe Sampson Park during the spring to late fall, transitioning to just Saturdays at rotating park locations during the winter months. This scheduling limitation presents several challenges. The reduction in the number of program days during the winter due to daylight and weather constraints hinders the department's ability to consistently engage the community. Additionally, the changing schedule and weather make it difficult to secure good attendance, potentially resulting in missed opportunities to serve the community effectively.
Funding Allocation and Mobile Expansion
The CDBG funding allocation for the purchase of a trailer, materials, and supplies is a crucial step toward addressing the current program limitations. The acquisition of a trailer will transform the Mobile Recreation program into a truly mobile operation. This will enable the department to bring recreational activities to various locations, particularly those areas where transportation resources are limited, which is a significant concern for many families in Rialto. By using a dedicated trailer, the department can efficiently reach communities with greater flexibility, ensuring that recreational opportunities are more accessible and convenient for residents.
Collaboration with Willow Village Apartment Complex
The collaboration with the Willow Village Apartment Complex is a strategic move that holds promise for expanding the reach of Mobile Recreation. Willow Village is an affordable housing property, making it a focal point for residents facing financial challenges. The Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) program's involvement further underscores the affordability of housing for lower-income households. The collaboration presents an opportunity to bring recreation activities directly to the doorstep of 100 Rialto households, significantly reducing the transportation barrier that many face.
Community Impact and Benefits
Expanding Mobile Recreation to Willow Village Apartment Complex aligns with the City of Rialto's commitment to providing recreational opportunities for all residents, especially those with transportation challenges. These programs offer social recreation opportunities and resources, contributing to the development of healthier communities and maintaining vibrant, involved residents. The collaboration will ensure that these vital services are extended to a larger segment of the population, enriching the lives of those who may otherwise face difficulties accessing recreational activities.
The proposed expansion of the Mobile Recreation program, with the aid of CDBG funds and through collaboration with Willow Village Apartment Complex, represents a significant step toward addressing program limitations, ensuring equitable access, and positively impacting the community. By enhancing the program's mobility and reach, the department is poised to provide more comprehensive and inclusive recreational opportunities for Rialto residents, fostering a stronger, healthier community.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
The requested action is not a “Project” as defined by the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). Pursuant to Section 15378(a), a Project means the whole of an action, which has a potential for resulting in either a direct physical change in the environment, or a reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment. According to Section 15378(b), a Project does not include: (5) Organizational or administrative activities of governments that will not result in direct or indirect physical changes in the environment.
GENERAL PLAN CONSISTENCY
This action is consistent with the City of Rialto General Plan Goal and Policies
Guiding Principles 3C & 4A in the General Plan:
Our City government will lead by example, and will operate in an open, transparent, and responsive manner that meets the needs of the citizens and is a good place to do business.
Our community will support the creation and maintenance of attractive parks, recreational facilities, and gathering places that meet the needs of our residents.
LEGAL REVIEW
The City Attorney has reviewed and supports this staff report.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
General Fund Impact
There is no impact to the general fund. CDBG funds will be used to purchase the program items needed and the staff necessary for the program have been budgeted and approved in the current fiscal year.
Capital Improvement Budget Impact
There is no Capital Improvement Impact.
Licensing
A business license is not required for this item.
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the City Council:
1. Request City Council Approve A Memorandum Of Understanding (MOU) For Mobile Recreation Programming With Willow Village Apartment Complex;
2. And Authorize The City Manager Or Their Designee To Execute All Necessary Documents.