STAFF REPORT
PARKS AND
RECREATION DEPARTMENT
DATE: February 27, 2024
TO: Justin Hess, City Manager
FROM: Marisa Garcia, Parks, Recreation and Community Services Director BY: Diego Cevallos, Assistant Park, Recreation, and Community Services Director
SUBJECT: Adoption of a R esolution A pproving the Filing of an Application f or and Acceptance of Grant Funds from the Los Angeles County Regional Parks and Open Spaces District for Measure A F unding for the City of Burbank Adaptive Sports Equipment, Acceptance of Grant Funds, and Amending the Adopted Fiscal Year 2023-2024 Budget by Appropriating Funds
RECOMMENDATION
Adopt A RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BURBANK APPROVING
THE FILING OF AN APPLICATION FOR GRANT FUNDS FROM THE LOS ANGELES
COUNTY REGIONAL PARK AND OPEN SPACE DISTRICT FOR MEASURE A
FUNDING FOR THE CITY OF BURBANK ADAPTIVE SPORTS EQUIPMENT ,
ACCEPTANCE OF GRANT FUNDS, AND AMENDING THE ADOPTED FISCAL YEAR 2023-2024 BUDGET.
BACKGROUND
In November 2016, 75% of Los Angeles County ( LA County) voters approved the LA County Safe, Clean Neighborhood Parks and Beaches Measure (Measur e A). Funding through the Measure A grant program is generated in perpetuity through the collection of a parcel tax, with an estimated total annual funding of $96.8 million across the County.
Through Measure A, LA County Regional Parks and Open Spaces District ( RPOSD) provides formula-based annual allocations for capital improvement projects. The RPOSD works in partnership with local cities, community groups, and other organizations to identify and prioritize park and open space projects that will provide the most benefit to the residents of LA County.
2 The RPOSD grant program requires the City of Burbank (City) to receive authorization from City Council (Council) via a resolution to authorize participation in the grant program and designate an authorized representative to negotiate and execute all necessary documents, including submittal of necessary application materials.
DISCUSSION
The Parks and Recreation Department (Department) prides itself on creating unique play areas and experiences for all park users. In April 2022, the Department launched a pilot Park and Play mobile recreation program to provide equal access to inclusive sport activities and offerings that advance the community's overall health and quality of life with a goal of connecting underserved communities with engaging City programming. The Park and Play pilot program further evolved to include Adaptive Sports opportunities for participants of all physical and cognitive abilities.
On Sunday, November 20, 2022, the Department, in coordination with the Triumph Foundation, launched Wheelchair Rugby as part of the Dr op-in program held at the McCambridge Recreation Center . The Triumph Foundation is a non-profit organization that works to improve the lives of people living with disabilities. Through this partnership, the Department aims to contribute to the mental wellness and self -esteem of individuals with disabilities. This adaptive drop-in sports program allows participants to feel a sense of camaraderie and fellowship among teammates and find a sense of purpose through sports.
On Sunday, July 23, 2023, the Department, in collaboration with Powerchair Soccer Head Coach Armando Ornelas, launched Powerchair Soccer as part of the Drop-i n program held at the McCambridge Recreation Center. Powerchair Soccer began in the 1970s, when a group of innovative teachers created a game suited to the abilities of students with severe physical disabilities. Today, Powerchair Soccer is the fastest growing sport for power wheelchair users, and combines the skill of the power wheelchair user with the speed and power of the chair itself in an exciting and challenging game. Powerchair Soccer is played on a regulation- sized basketball court with four players per team, a goalkeeper, and three attackers/defenders.
Developing a comprehensive Adaptive Sports program requires the appropriate funding levels to ensure athletes have the specialized equipment necessary to play each sport.
Unfortunately, most specialized sports equipment is not covered by insurance, and the cost of this equipment can be cost prohibitive to many athletes. As such, the Department continues to actively search for grant funding to support these programs.
The City will receive $40,000 from RPOSD Measure A funding for the purchase of Adaptive Sports Equipment. These funds will enable the Department to enhance the Drop-in Adaptive Sports programs offered year -around at the McCambridge Recreation Center.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
This activity has no potential for resulting in either a direct physical change in the environment, or a reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment,
3 and as such, is not a “project” subject to the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) 14 Cal. Code Regs § 15378.
FISCAL IMPACT
Staff is requesting Council’s authority to accept the RPOSD Measure A grant funds in the amount of $ 40,000 and amend the Fiscal Year ( FY) 2023-2024 Adopted Budget by appropriating $40,000 from revenue account 001.PR000.48010.0000.000000 (General Fund, Parks and Recreation, Other Intergovernmental Revenue, Grant) to expenditure account 001.PR32B.62300.0000.000000 (General Fund, Organized Sports Program , Special Departmental Supplies).
CONCLUSION
Staff recommends Council approve the filing of an application for the RPOSD Measure A Grant as this will provide the City with funding to advance the Adaptive Sports Program offerings. Additionally, staff recommends the Council approve a Grant Agreement to accept $ 40,000 from RPOSD Measure A . Doing so would allow the City to continue offering and enhance th e Adaptive Sports programs, further promoting wellness for participants of all physical and cognitive abilities.
ATTACHMENT
Attachment 1 – Resolution
Attachment 2 – RPOSD Measure A Grant Agreement