For City Council Meeting July 28, 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 to: (1) Approve a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for Mobile Recreation Programming Held at TELACU La Paz 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 Mobile Recreation Programming at TELACU La Paz Senior Apartment Complex; and
2) Authorize the City Manager, or their designee, to execute all necessary documents related to the MOU.
BACKGROUND
The City of Rialto Parks, Recreation, and Community Services Department provides a wide range of recreational and enrichment opportunities 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.
The department has been awarded $8,000 through CDBG, which will be utilized to establish a mobile Senior Recreation Program on-site at TELACU La Paz Senior Apartment Complex to address this service gap.
This initiative is designed to deliver recreational, social, and creative activities directly to seniors at TELACU La Paz Senior Apartment Complex, ensuring equitable access to services for those who are unable to travel to the Senior Center.
Grant funds will support the purchase of program equipment, supplies, and materials necessary to deliver on-site programming to seniors at TELACU La Paz Senior Apartment Complex.
ANALYSIS/DISCUSSION
Transportation remains one of the most significant barriers to participation for older adults. Many seniors residing in assisted living and senior apartment communities rely on limited transportation or caregiver assistance, making it difficult for them to attend off-site programs. As a result, seniors may experience social isolation, reduced physical and cognitive engagement, and fewer opportunities for creative expression.
The proposed Senior Recreation Program directly addresses these challenges by bringing structured activities on-site, eliminating transportation barriers, and increasing participation.
The Senior Recreation Program will offer a variety of structured, staff-led activities designed to promote creativity, social interaction, and overall well-being. Activities may include arts and crafts, painting, jewelry making, scrapbooking, greeting card creation, decorative crafts, clay modeling, container gardening, bird feeder projects, and other hands-on experiences appropriate for seniors of varying ability levels.
City staff will facilitate all activities on-site at TELACU La Paz Senior Apartment Complex, using the equipment and supplies purchased with grant funds.
Providing recreation directly to seniors at TELACU La Paz Senior Apartment Complex aligns with the City of Rialto’s commitment to inclusivity and quality of life for older adults. Anticipated benefits include:
• Improved fine motor skills and dexterity
• Increased cognitive stimulation
• Reduced stress and anxiety
• Enhanced social engagement
• Greater sense of accomplishment and well-being
The program will foster connection, creativity, and active aging while supporting seniors who face challenges accessing traditional recreational opportunities.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
The requested action is not a “Project” as defined by the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to Section 15378, as it involves organizational and administrative activities that will not result in direct or indirect physical changes to the environment.
GENERAL PLAN CONSISTENCY
This action is consistent with the following City of Rialto 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: Rialto’s Economic Environment is Healthy and Diverse. 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.
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. Grant funds will be used to purchase program equipment and supplies necessary to implement the Senior Mobile Recreation Program. Staff costs associated with 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. Memorandum of Understanding