1 STAFF REPORT
PARKS AND
RECREATION
DATE: April 22, 2025
TO: Justin Hess, City Manager
FROM: Marisa Garcia, Park, Recreation, and Community Services Director VIA: Diego Cevallos, Assistant Park, Recreation, and Community Services Director
SUBJECT: Acceptance of a Donation of Adaptive Sports Equipment Valued up to $90,000 from The Leadership Burbank Class of 202 5 to Support the Adaptive Sports Program
RECOMMENDATION
Accept the donation of new adaptive sports equipment valued up to $ 90,000 from the Leadership Burbank Class of 2025 to support the Adaptive Sports Program (Attachment 1).
BACKGROUND
Leadership Burbank, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, provides leadership development opportunities for individuals who live or work in the City of Burbank (City). In 2025, Leadership Burbank celebrates 30 years of empowering community leaders. Founded by the City of Burbank, Burbank Unified School District, and the Burbank Chamber of Commerce, Leadership Burbank has spent three decades providing leadership training through a nine -month program, master classes, candidate forums, and alumni engagement activities. The program is designed to enhance personal and professional skills, deepen understanding of local community dynamics, and foster meaningful connections among participants. Each year, the class selects a project based on shared values and current c ommunity needs. From January to May, participants fundraise and implement a project aimed at benefiting the Burbank community. This year, the class has chosen to support adaptive sports in Burbank.
2 The Leadership Burbank Class of 2025 (Class) is supporting the Parks and Recreation Department’s (Department) Adaptive Sports Program (Program) by raising awareness to expand opportunities for athletes with disabilities. With a focus on inclusivity and empowerment, the project aims to provide specialized sports wheelchairs and equipment, enabling individuals with disabilities to participate in both competitive and recreational sports. This initiative seeks to enhance the lives of participants by offering them a sense of community and personal empowerment that adaptive sports provide.
DISCUSSION
In November 2024, representatives from the Class approached the Department to explore potential class projects. During these discussions, the Program was identified as a unique and meaningful initiative that highlights the power of inclusivity in sports. The Program creates opportunities for individuals with disabilities to showcase their talents and determination through high -quality sports and recreational activities while fostering community connection and support.
In December 2024, the Class selected the Program as its project recipient and committed to donating specialized sports wheelchairs and equipment. The initiative, named PLAY WITHOUT LIMITS: Empowering Possibilities with Adaptive Sports, was launched alongside a fundraising campaign and dedicated website
(https://leadershipburbank.org/playwithoutlimits/) outlining the project and ways the community can contribute.
The Department will support the Class by coordinating the purchase of the new equipment. To ensure a smooth and successful implementation of the project, Leadership Burbank and the City established clear responsibilities regarding the acquisition and management of the adaptive sports equipment. The Class and City responsibilities regarding the acquisition of adaptive sports equipment are outlined in a Donation and Indemnity Agreement (Attachment 1). The Class is responsible for purchasing and delivering the equipment and obtaining any necessary City approvals. The City's responsibilities include accepting the donation, providing storage space, and ensuring ongoing maintenance of the equipment.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The acceptance of a donation is not a project and is categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). In addition, the proposed activity consists of minor alterations to existing City Park land and facilities and the addition of a limited number of small structures and is categorically exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) pursuant to 14 Cal. Code Regs §§ 15303 and 15304.
3 FISCAL IMPACT
The fiscal impact of this donation will include storage and ongoing maintenance of the donated equipment. These costs are expected to be minimal and will be included in the costs for maintenance of existing Adaptive Sports equipment . The equipment is anticipated to last for eight to ten years before needing replacement.
CONCLUSION
Pursuant to Administrative Procedure VI-12, staff requests Council formally accept the donation of new adaptive sports equipment valued up to $ 90,000, from the Class, commemorating Leadership Burbank’s commitment to supporting and enhancing the Burbank community.
ATTACHMENT
Attachment 1 – Agreement