CITY COUNCIL STAFF REPORT
Meeting Date: April 6, 2026
TO: THE HONORABLE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCILMEMBERS
TITLE: ADOPT RESOLUTION NO. __-26 APPROVING THE PLEASANT HILL
RECREATION AND PARK DISTRICT EVENT SPONSORSHIP
PROPOSAL FOR CALENDAR YEAR 2026
SYNOPSIS
The Pleasant Hill Recreation and Park District submitted a request to the City in February for sponsorship package of nine events during the 2026 calendar year for a total of $14,850.
DISCUSSION
Background
The Pleasant Hill Recreation and Park District (District) has organized numerous successful events over the years that enhance the quality of life for Pleasant Hill residents and support the local economy by attracting additional people into the area, who may choose to shop and eat at local businesses.
On March 11, 2026, the City Council Budget Committee reviewed the District’s proposed sponsorship package. The committee recommended that City Council approve the package, as presented.
Analysis
On February 17, 2026, the District submitted the attached City sponsorship proposal totaling $14,850 for nine events in calendar year 2026 (see Exhibit 1). The District made a few changes to its 2025 sponsorship request compared to 2024, as summarized below:
Specialty Events are recreation-based programs administered by individual recreation departments. These events are smaller in scale, with attendance of fewer than 500 participants, and are designed for specific target audiences. Advance registration is typically required. Participant fees and limited sponsorship support help offset program costs.
Examples include the Underwater Egg Hunt, Pumpkin Splash, and Breakfast with Santa. Signature Events are large community events administered by the District’s Special Events Department. These events typically attract more than 500 attendees and are designed to promote community outreach, engagement, and connection. Signature Events are offered free to the public in alignment with the District’s Play for All philosophy and Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging strategy. Providing free access reduces financial barriers and supports equitable participation for residents of all ages and backgrounds. Signature Events rely heavily on sponsorship revenue to offset a portion of event costs. The District currently offers seven Signature Events: “Egg”stravaganza, Tinkers & Thinkers Innovation Faire, Pups in the Park, Blues and Brews Festival, World Fusion Festival, Haunted Trail, and Winter Fest.
In 2025, the District introduced two new Signature Events, Bark in the Park, renamed Pups in the Park in 2026, and World Fusion Festival. Both events reached new audiences and expanded opportunities for inclusive community participation. No additional new Signature Events are planned for 2026.
The District’s request is $14,850, which is the same amount requested in 2025.
FISCAL IMPACT
The City Council allocated sufficient Economic Development funds within the Fiscal Year (FY) 2024/25 – 2025/26 Biennial Budget to pay for the District’s proposed City sponsorship package for FY 2025/26. The FY 2026/27 proposal would be incorporated into the next Biennial Budget, if approved by City Council.
To the extent that the special events spur additional economic activity, such as food and retail sales at nearby businesses, the General Fund could see an indirect positive impact through additional sales tax revenues.
PUBLIC CONTACT
Public Contact was made through posting of the City Council agenda on the City’s official notice bulletin board, at the Pleasant Hill Senior Center, and at the Pleasant Hill Police Department. The agenda and staff report are posted on the City’s web page.
RECOMMENDED CITY COUNCIL ACTION
Approve the District’s sponsorship proposal consistent with the Budget Committee recommendation.
ALTERNATIVES TO RECOMMENDED ACTION
The City Council could choose not to approve the District’s sponsorship proposal, or to approve a revised version of the sponsorship proposal with direction to City staff.
ATTACHMENT(S)
Proposed Resolution
Exhibit 1 - 2026 PH Recreation and Park District Event Sponsorship Proposal Prepared by: Bret Sweet, Economic Development Manager
Approved by: Ethan Bindernagel, City Manager