Item No. 10.
TO:HONORABLE MAYOR AND MEMBERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM:OFFICE OF THE CITY MANAGER
BY:MATTHEW BAUMGARDNER, DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS/CITY ENGINEER DATE:FEBRUARY 24, 2026
SUBJECT:ACCEPTANCE OF A COMMEMORATIVE BENCH DONATION FROM THE DOWNEY LOS
AMIGOS KIWANIS CLUB
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The City Council will consider accepting the donation of a commemorative bench from the Downey Los Amigos Kiwanis Club for installation at the Downey Civic Center between City Hall and the Downey City Library. The proposed bench will recognize the contributions of the long-standing community organization, which was found 60 years ago in 1966.
RECOMMENDATION
That the City Council:
Accept the donation of a bench from the Downey Los Amigos Kiwanis Club.
BACKGROUND
Founded in 1915 in Detroit, Michigan, Kiwanis International is a global service organization dedicated to improving the world one child and one community at a time. The organization is committed to promoting human values, encouraging ethical leadership, upholding high standards in civic and professional life, fostering active citizenship, and building lasting friendships through service. With more than 600,000 members in 80 countries and geographic areas, Kiwanis International has a broad and meaningful global impact.
The Downey Los Amigos Kiwanis Club has a longstanding tradition of partnering with local organizations to deliver essential services to residents of Downey. Notable initiatives include participation in the annual Thanksgiving luncheon hosted by The Arc – Los Angeles & Orange Counties, which supports individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities. The club also hosts its annual “Breakfast with Santa” event each December, providing dozens of students from low-income families with a complimentary breakfast, holiday gifts, festive caroling, and an opportunity to visit with Santa Claus.
ANALYSIS
This year will mark the 60th anniversary of the founding of the Downey Los Amigos Kiwanis Club. In recognition of this significant milestone, Kiwanis proposes to donate a commemorative bench to the City of Downey for installation at the Downey Civic Center. The new bench will replace an existing bench located in the breezeway outside the Downey City Library, as depicted in Attachment A. A rendering of the bench design is provided in Attachment B.
Upon the acceptance of the commemorative bench donation, Public Works staff will work closely with the Downey Los Amigos Kiwanis Club to facilitate the installation of the bench. Once the bench is installed, the City will invite the commnunity to a dedication ceremony that is to be scheduled for 10 am on March 4, 2026. The event will feature the unveiling of the bench, addresses from City Officials and Club representatives, and a group photo to commemorate the occasion. Furthermore, the City will ensure the bench's long-term preservation through ongoing maintenance, prioritizing safety and aesthetic appeal.
This generous contribution from the Downey Los Amigos Kiwanis Club will enhance the City’s public space while serving as a lasting tribute to Kiwanis century-long commitment to community service.
CITY COUNCIL PRIORITIES
Economic Vibrancy
Public Engagement
FISCAL IMPACT
Approval of the recommended action will result in an estimated cost of $500 for materials and Public Works staff time to install the bench.
Attachments
Attachment A.pdf
Attachment B.pdf
ATTACHMENT A
Location where the bench will be replaced.
ATTACHMENT B
Downey Los Amigos Kiwanis Club Bench Design