STAFF REPORT
City of Lancaster
CC6
02/10/26
TN
Date: February 10, 2026
To: Mayor Parris and City Council Members
From: Sonya Patterson, Director - Parks, Arts, Recreation, and Community Services Department
Subject: Amendment to YMCA Ground Lease for Property Improvements Recommendation:
A. Approve the first amendment to the Ground Lease Agreement between the City of Lancaster and the YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles to authorize improvements to the leased premises, specifically the construction of an enclosed play area B. Authorize City Manager to execute all necessary agreements subject to final review and approval by the City Attorney.
G.C. Section 84308: No
Fiscal Impact:
There is no fiscal impact to the City’s General Fund. The YMCA is responsible for all costs associated with the proposed improvement, including construction, maintenance, insurance, and utilities, in accordance with the Ground Lease Agreement.
Background:
In 2003, the City of Lancaster entered into a Ground Lease Agreement (“Lease”) with the YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles for a portion of Sergeant Steve Owen Memorial Park (formerly Lancaster City Park). Under the Lease, the City serves as Lessor and the YMCA as Lessee, allowing the YMCA to construct, operate, and maintain a community recreation facility providing supervised recreational activities to its members.
The Lease establishes an initial development term followed by a long-term base lease period and requires the YMCA to construct and maintain improvements at its sole cost. The agreement contemplates recreational uses such as exercise facilities, meeting rooms, and other community- oriented amenities and allows the YMCA to modify or add improvements, subject to City review 1 3
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and approval when such changes materially affect the premises or alter the scope of development.
The YMCA has identified a need to enhance child-focused recreational programming at the site and is proposing the addition of an enclosed play area within the leased premises. This improvement would provide a safe, dedicated space for children and is consistent with the Lease’s stated purpose of serving families and YMCA members.
The YMCA of Metropolitan Los Angeles has requested an amendment to the existing Ground Lease Agreement with the City of Lancaster to allow for the construction of an enclosed play area within the leased premises at Sergeant Steve Owen Memorial Park (formerly Lancaster City Park).
The proposed improvement is intended to enhance recreational programming for children and families and to better meet current community needs.
The original Ground Lease Agreement authorizes the YMCA to develop and operate a recreational facility that provides supervised programs for the general public. Over time, the needs of the community and the scope of programming offered at the facility have evolved. The proposed enclosed play area represents a continuation of the YMCA’s mission to serve families and youth by providing safe, age-appropriate recreational amenities in a controlled environment.
Under the terms of the Ground Lease Agreement, the YMCA is responsible for the design, construction, operation, and ongoing maintenance of all improvements at no cost to the City. The proposed amendment does not alter the lease term, rental provisions, or the City’s ownership interest in the property. Upon termination of the lease, all improvements will continue to revert to the City, consistent with the original agreement.
City staff has reviewed the proposed improvement and finds it to be consistent with the recreational purpose of the lease, compatible with surrounding park uses, and beneficial to the public. The enclosed play area will enhance the functionality of the existing facility while maintaining the City’s oversight authority to ensure compliance with applicable building, safety, and design standards.
For these reasons, staff recommends City Council approval of the amendment to the Ground Lease Agreement to allow the proposed improvement.
Attachment:
First Amendment to YMCA Ground Lease Agreement
Original 2003 YMCA Ground Lease Agreement
SP:VR