For City Council Meeting February 24, 2026
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council
FROM: Tanya Williams, City Manager
AUTHOR: Cynthia Alvarado, Director of Parks, Recreation and Community Services
Title
Request City Council: (1) Approve a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for Senior Mobile Recreation Programming with Heritage Park Senior Apartment Complex; and (2) Authorize the City Manager or Their Designee to Execute All Necessary Documents.
Body
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the City Council:
1) Approve a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for Senior Mobile Recreation Programming with Heritage Park Senior Apartment Complex; and
2) Authorize the City Manager or their designee to execute all necessary documents.
BACKGROUND
The City of Rialto Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department (the “Department”) provides a wide range of recreational, social, and enrichment programs for older adults through the Grace Vargas Senior Center. While these programs are well attended, many seniors residing in nearby senior living communities experience transportation barriers that prevent them from participating in center-based programming.
To address this service gap, the Department has been awarded $8,000 in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding to implement a Mobile Senior Recreation Program. The purpose of the program is to deliver recreational and enrichment activities directly to seniors at their place of residence, thereby increasing access to services for those unable to travel to the Senior Center.
The Department proposes entering into a partnership with Heritage Park Senior Apartment Complex (303 W. Merrill Ave., Rialto, CA 92376), where staff will conduct on-site programming using grant-funded equipment and supplies. The program will provide a cost-free service designed to improve the quality of life, increase social engagement, and ensure equitable access to City services for older adult residents.
ANALYSIS/DISCUSSION
The Senior Mobile Recreation Program offers an opportunity to expand the Department’s outreach services and address access barriers for older adults in senior housing communities. The program is intended to complement, not replace, the services offered at the Grace Vargas Senior Center by providing additional access points for residents who cannot attend traditional facility-based programming.
Program Limitations and Seasonal Challenges
The City of Rialto’s current senior programming is primarily centralized at the Grace Vargas Senior Center. While participation remains strong, attendance is largely limited to seniors who have reliable transportation or live within close proximity to the facility. Many residents of senior apartment communities rely on family members, caregivers, or limited transportation services, which restricts their ability to attend regularly scheduled programs.
Additionally, some seniors face mobility limitations, health challenges, and safety concerns when traveling during extreme heat or cold weather conditions. Seasonal temperatures, particularly during the summer months, can further reduce participation due to the risks associated with outdoor travel and extended exposure to heat.
By bringing programming directly on-site, the City removes transportation and weather-related barriers and enables seniors to participate in activities in a familiar, safe environment.
Funding Allocation and Mobile Recreation Expansion
The Department has been awarded $8,000 in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding to support the implementation of the Mobile Senior Recreation Program. Grant funds will be used to purchase program equipment, supplies, and materials necessary to conduct structured recreational activities at Heritage Park Senior Apartment Complex.
The funding enables the City to expand its existing recreation service model beyond traditional facilities and develop a mobile delivery approach. This expansion supports the City’s ongoing efforts to improve accessibility to services and ensures that recreation opportunities are equitably distributed throughout the community.
Collaboration with Heritage Park Senior Apartment Complex
The partnership with Heritage Park Senior Apartment Complex is a strategic collaboration that allows the City to directly serve a concentrated population of older adults. Heritage Park provides affordable senior housing and includes residents who may otherwise have limited opportunities to participate in City programs.
Through the Memorandum of Understanding, City staff will provide organized recreational and enrichment activities on-site. The complex will provide a designated programming area and assist with resident communication and participation coordination. This collaboration allows the City to efficiently deliver services while maximizing participation and program impact.
Community Impact and Benefits
Providing recreation programming directly to seniors at Heritage Park Senior Apartment Complex aligns with the City of Rialto’s commitment to inclusivity, accessibility, and quality of life for older adults.
The Mobile Senior Recreation Program promotes active aging and social engagement while addressing social isolation, which is a significant concern among older adult populations. Anticipated benefits include:
• Increased social interaction and community connection
• Improved cognitive stimulation and mental wellness
• Enhanced fine motor skills and physical engagement
• Reduced stress, anxiety, and feelings of isolation
• Increased sense of belonging and overall well-being
By delivering services directly to residents, the City strengthens community ties and ensures that seniors facing transportation barriers can still benefit from meaningful recreational opportunities. The program supports healthier residents and contributes to a more connected and engaged community.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
The requested action is not a “Project” as defined by the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). Pursuant to Section 15378(b)(5), organizational and administrative activities of governments that will not result in direct or indirect physical changes in the environment are not considered a project.
GENERAL PLAN CONSISTENCY
This action is consistent with the City of Rialto General Plan Guiding Principles:
Guiding Principle 1: Rialto is a Family First Community. Essential community services and amenities must meet the needs and desires of our families.
Guiding Principle 3: The City government operates in an open, transparent, and responsive manner that meets the needs of residents and enhances quality of life.
LEGAL REVIEW
The City Attorney's Office has reviewed the agreement and approved it as to form.
FINANCIAL IMPACTS
Operating Budget Impact
There is no impact to the General Fund. CDBG funds will be used to purchase program equipment and supplies. Staffing costs for program delivery have been budgeted and approved in the current fiscal year.
Capital Improvement Budget Impact
There is no impact on the Capital Improvement Budget.
Licensing
This action does not require a business license.
ATTACHMENTS
1. MOU with Heritage Park Senior Center Complex