CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT
February 6, 2024 {{section.number}}e
AUTHORIZE THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE A USE AGREEMENT WITH THE
CORONADO LAWN BOWLING CLUB FOR CONTINUED USE AND MAINTENANCE ASSISTANCE OF THE LAWN BOWLING GREEN AT THE JOHN D. SPRECKELS CENTER AND BOWLING GREEN FOR A TERM OF FIVE (5) YEARS WITH OPTIONS TO RENEW FOR TWO (2) ADDITIONAL 5-YEAR TERMS
RECOMMENDATION:
Authorize the City Manager to execute a use agreement, in a form approved by the City Attorney, with the Coronado Lawn Bowling Club for continued use and maintenance assistance of the lawn bowling green at the John D. Spreckels Center and Bowling Green for a term of five (5) years with options to renew for two (2) additional five (5) year terms.
BACKGROUND:
In 1934, a natural grass lawn bowling green was constructed at 7th and D Ave., known as the West Plaza. In February of 1935, the Coronado Lawn Bowling Club was formed as a City of Coronado Recreation Department organization, with its purpose being “to provide the residents of this city with a means of recreation which embraces all the elements of good fellowship, good sportsmanship and friendly competition.”
When the Coronado Library was expanded in 2005, the natural grass lawn bowling green was used as a construction staging area for the library facility, destroying the green and rendering it unusable for lawn bowling for several years after the construction was completed.
In 2010, a world-class artificial lawn bowling green was constructed, replacing the existing turf surface with an artificial surface. In 2017, the John D. Spreckels Center and Bowling Green facility was opened for the community. The Coronado Lawn Bowling Club was noted as a non-profit partner with the City of Coronado in programming the new facility, which included allowing access to storage facilities for bowls and green equipment, as well as a room for the Club to stage bowling activities. The most recent agreement between the Coronado Lawn Bowling Club and the City was executed on January 2, 2019, for a term of five years.
The lawn bowling green remains a publicly accessible facility for the community to utilize for lawn bowling activities.
ANALYSIS:
The ”Permit to Use City Facility, Coronado Lawn Bowling Club” Agreement (Attachment 1) between the City and the Coronado Lawn Bowling Club outlines the permissions and regulations for the Club’s use of the lawn bowling green and associated facilities.
The Coronado Recreation & Golf Services Department owns and operates the lawn bowling green, and the Coronado Lawn Bowling Club maintains an active bowling schedule including special events and celebrations, provides lessons for individuals interested in learning the game, and assists the City with ongoing daily maintenance of the green. Since the construction of the artificial lawn bowling green in 2010, the Club has facilitated over 65,000 uses of the green including daily play, tournaments, and community events.
During the COVID-19 pandemic, the bowling green provided a safe place for over 2,000 users to recreate according to the State’s Physical Distancing and Safety Guidelines. The Club has a current membership of 97 members, with age ranges between 18-98 years old. Each member pays a $150 annual membership fee. $75 of each membership fee goes to the City of Coronado:
$50 for the Lawn Bowling Green Replacement Fund and $25 for facility use. Since 2010, the Club has provided over $82,000 to the City of Coronado.
All the activity on the green is managed by volunteers from the Club, including over 200 hours of volunteer maintenance annually. Additionally, the Club provides one of their volunteer board members to participate in the Spreckels Center Advisory Committee, which meets monthly to advise the Director of Recreation & Golf Services on programs and events at the John D.
Spreckels Center and Bowling Green.
The Coronado Lawn Bowling Club desires to continue to utilize the Bowling Green and Green Room at the John D. Spreckels Center to coordinate programs and events to further promote the sport of lawn bowling. Staff recommends City Council authorize the City Manager to execute a use agreement with the Club for a term of five (5) years with options to renew for two (2) additional 5-year terms.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Anticipated revenues from the Coronado Lawn Bowling Club’s membership dues are budgeted within the Recreation & Golf Services operating budget. City maintenance of the green is budgeted within the Public Services & Engineering Department’s operating budget. No additional funding or General Fund Impact is anticipated with the execution of a use agreement for the lawn bowling green.
ALTERNATIVE:
The City Council could reject the use agreement with the Coronado Lawn Bowling Club or direct staff to modify the agreement.
CALIFORNIA ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY ACT:
The activity is not a project as defined by CEQA and is therefore exempt from environmental review.
PUBLIC NOTICE:
No notice required.
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Permit to Use City Facility – Coronado Lawn Bowling Club Submitted By: Recreation and Golf Services Department / Tim Farmer