Staff Report
City Council
Item No. 3.L
Meeting Date: May 27, 2026
From: John A. Corella, Director of Public Works
Title: Approval of the Parks and Community Events Commission support for the Free Movies for Kids Summer Program at the Mary Pickford Theatre - 2026
RECOMMENDATION:
Approve the allocation of $1,100 from the Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Parks and Community Events Commission (PACE) Small Events Budget to support the Free Movies for Kids Summer Program at the Mary Pickford Theatre.
BACKGROUND:
The Parks and Community Events Commission (PACE) provide opportunities to engage the community and promote awareness of the City’s park resources. As part of its charge, PACE supports and participates in community events and related activities.
PACE is allocated $10,000 annually to fund small community events held at City parks.
Funding may be used for materials, services, or a combination thereof to support event success. Requests for funding are first reviewed by PACE and, upon recommendation, are presented to the City Council for final approval.
Over the past several years, PACE has supported the Free Movies for Kids Summer Program at the Mary Pickford Theatre through volunteer participation. The program has consistently demonstrated strong attendance and positive community engagement, providing a fun, safe, and no-cost summer activity for families.
DISCUSSION:
At the May 5, 2026, PACE meeting, the Commission considered and recommended funding for the Free Movies for Kids Summer Program.
The program will run for eight (8) weeks, with showings scheduled every Friday from June 12 through July 31, 2026. Hosted at the Mary Pickford Theatre, the program offers free weekly movie screenings along with complimentary popcorn and water for attendees.
PACE Commissioners will support the program by volunteering to distribute and collect movie passes and assist with ushering duties.
Program Costs:
$250 per movie × 8 weeks = $2,000 total program cost
Sponsorship Contributions:
Dinner with Patsy: $500
Christiansen & Company: $250
NAI Consulting, Inc.: $250
Total Sponsorship: $1,000
PACE Funding Request:
Program support: $1,000
Outreach materials (flyers): $100
Total Request: $1,100
To reduce costs for the 2026 season, the program has transitioned to a smaller theater with a capacity of 152 seats. As a result, outreach efforts have been scaled appropriately, with approximately 50 flyers planned compared to higher volumes in previous years.
This program continues to provide a positive, accessible, and family-oriented summer activity that supports families, encourages community participation, and strengthens partnerships with local businesses through sponsorships.
PACE is requesting City Council approval of $1,100 from the Small Events Budget.
PACE Budget Summary
Event Name Location Funding Request
Howl-O-Ween Dog Costume Panorama Dog Park $500
Feliz Navi Dog Costume Esperanza Dog Park $500
Free Movies for Kids Summer Program Mary Pickford Theatre $1,100 Total Proposed $2,100
The Dog Costume Events are included above as they are also being considered at this meeting. If all programs are approved, the remaining Fiscal Year 2026–2027 PACE Small Events Budget will be $7,900.
Staff will notify the Desert Recreation District (DRD) staff of all the above event dates upon funding approval.
FISCAL IMPACT:
DESCRIPTION GENERAL
LEDGER
ACCOUNT
CODES
PROJECT
CODE
AMOUNT ONE TIME or
ONGOING
2026-2027 Free Movies for
Kids Summer
100-500-510-
511-8300-8301
M03511-OPS-
Parks-M&O $1,100 One-Time
Program –
2026
2026-2027 Total $1,100
FIVE-YEAR STRATEGIC PLAN:
Goal F: Embracing, Inclusive City
The program promotes community engagement, inclusivity, and access to community recreational amenities.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. PACE “Free Movies for Kids Summer Program – 2026" May Report