CITY OF POMONA
COUNCIL REPORT
May 20, 2024
To: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
From: Anita D. Gutierrez, City Manager
Submitted By: Mark J. Gluba, Assistant City Manager
SUBJECT: ADOPTION OF A PILOT PARK AMBASSADOR PROGRAM
RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the City Council:
Adopt a pilot Park Ambassador Program
Authorize the City Manager, or designee, to execute all documents related with this action, with approval of the City Attorney as to form.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
In accordance with prior Council and Parks and Recreation Commission direction, Community Services is proposing implementation of a pilot Park Ambassador Program aimed at promoting park safety, increasing park usage for positive recreation, facilitating friendly interactions with park patrons, disseminating relevant information, and promptly reporting any illicit activities. As proposed, the City will partner with Just Us 4 Youth, to provide personnel for the park ambassador roles.
SB1439/GOVERNMENT CODE §84308 APPLICABILITY:
☐ When this box is checked, it indicates the agenda item is subject to the Levine Act SB1439 requirements. Councilmembers are reminded to check their campaign contributions and determine whether they have received a campaign contribution of $250 or more that would require disclosure and/or recusal from discussing or acting on this agenda item. Campaign contributions of $250 or more made 1) by any person or entity who is identified in the agenda report as the applicant or proposer or 2) on behalf of the applicant or participant, including a parent, subsidiary or otherwise related business entity, or 3) by any person who has a financial interest in the agenda item requires a councilmember to comply with SB1439.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The City Council approved a $150k appropriation as part of the ARP Expenditure Spending Plan (191-0207-66182-10049) for establishment of the Park Ambassador pilot program. After purchase of program vehicles with these funds, approximately $40,000 of these funds remain available in FY 2023-24 Operating Budget account for vehicle equipment purchase/installation, and other personnel related equipment, uniform and program costs. These funds were accounted for recently in the revised ARP Expenditure Spending Plan as part of the FY 2024-25 Proposed Budget. Staff will re-evaluate how much of the $40,000 that is available and then will re-appropriate in the ARP fund to meet this program needs. This will be reflected in the Adopted Budget that will be presented to the City Council on June 3, 2024.
PREVIOUS ACTION:
On February 26, 2024, City Council approved a sole source agreement to Ken Grody Ford in the amount of $120,000 for FY 2023-24 for vehicle purchases to support a pilot park ambassador program.
DISCUSSION:
A Park Ambassador Program has been discussed in past years to address common issues at parks. Such a program would maintain a regular presence in parks beyond regular maintenance crews and programmatic staff assisting to reduce the amount of vandalism to park amenities and improve user experiences. Community members, City Council, Commissioners and staff share a common desire for Pomona’s parks to be safer and used for positive recreation.
Staff engaged with local agencies comparable in size and demographics to Pomona, which have park ranger/ambassador programs, and gathered information and insights from the experiences of cities like Claremont, Corona, Long Beach, and Upland regarding their program, vehicles, and equipment.
Staff from several City departments convened to collaboratively design a park ambassador program within the constraints of existing funding. The Park Ambassador Pilot Program will be a partnership Community Services Department and Office of Violence Prevention and our community partner Just Us 4 Youth. Within this structure, Just Us 4 Youth will provide Park Ambassadors based on a designated schedule and frequency. Ambassadors will work in teams of two, using City vehicles to patrol designated park locations, engage with visitors, provide education on park rules, and report maintenance issues or safety concerns.
The pilot program will assist both the City and our community partners, in assessing the benefits and impact of meeting community quality of life and neighborhood wellness needs through a park-centric approach. The details of the proposed program are as follows:
4 Ambassadors Monday – Friday 12:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.
2 Ambassadors Saturdays 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
2 Ambassadors Sundays 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Park
Monday -Sunday (Daily)
Monday - Friday (2X/week)
Saturday-Sunday (1X/weekend)
Centennial
X
X
Ganesha
X
Garfield
X
Kennedy
X
X
Memorial
X
X
MLK
X
X
Montvue
X
X
Palomares
X
X
Philadelphia
X
Ted Greene
X
X
Tony Cerda
X
X
Washington
X
Westmont
X
X
Parks
4 9
9 Minimum Frequency/WK
7 2
1 Minimum Touch Points per week
28 18
9 The City will provide up to three (3) City vehicles equipped with general supplies, information of park rules and regulations, information on upcoming events, and smartphones for Ambassador teams. Ambassadors will not engage in altercations and will not carry weapons. Ambassadors must have a valid California Driver's License and follow strict guidelines for vehicle use and maintenance. Ambassadors will submit weekly reports to the City highlighting their activities, engagements, and challenges faced. Ambassadors will receive training and supplies for communication, safeguarding park amenities, and addressing potential safety hazards. This includes first aid kits, hand sanitizers, wipes, caution tape, cones, including other related items and supplies.
The pilot Park Ambassador Program represents a proactive approach to enhance safety and promote positive park experiences in Pomona. By leveraging community partnerships and ARP funding, the City aims to create a program that can be scaled, evaluated and adapted to meet the needs of the community and Pomona’s parks. At the end of the pilot program, a comprehensive overview of the program’s successes and challenges, along with recommendations for improvement, will be provided to City Council for further guidance.
COUNCIL PRIORITIES & GOALS:
This item supports the 2021-2022 City Council Priority 4: Safe and Clean Community – Goal M: Improve safety and cleanliness at parks and public spaces.
Prepared by:
Monica Belloso
Management Analyst
Adoption of a Pilot Park Ambassador Program