CITY OF POMONA
COUNCIL REPORT
February 23, 2026
To: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
From: Anita D. Scott, City Manager
Submitted By: Mark Gluba, Assistant City Manager
SUBJECT: AUTHORIZES TO SUBMIT A GRANT APPLICATION FOR THE AARP COMMUNITY CHALLENGE PROGRAM RECOMMENDATION:
It is recommended that the City Council authorize City staff to pursue an AARP Community Challenge grant funding opportunity for lighting at the Palomares Park pickleball courts to expand access, enhance recreational programming, and activate the park.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
In April 2024, the City resurfaced and restriped four existing tennis courts at Palomares Park to create a hybrid sports court for use of up to 16 pickleball courts or up to four tennis courts. The creation of these courts was intended to expand recreational offerings, activate the park, deter negative activity, and integrate pickleball into existing youth, teen, and senior programs. Since opening, the courts have become a highly utilized park amenity and have increased positive use of the park. The pickleball courts at Palomares Park have not had operational lighting due to vandalism and theft, limiting the usage of the courts to daylight hours. Based on community input, staff have identified court lighting as a priority to better meet the needs of the community and to continue activating the park with positive activities for residents of all ages.
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 $500 or more that would require disclosure and/or recusal from discussing or acting on this agenda item. Campaign contributions of $500 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:
There is no fiscal impact in submitting a grant application. There is no grant match requirement.
DISCUSSION:
AARP is the nation’s largest nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering Americans 50 and older to choose how they live as they age. Since 1958, AARP has fought for the priorities of older Americans and their families, including health security, financial stability, and personal fulfilment. In 2017, the AARP Community Challenge grant program was launched to support quick-action projects that enhance livability, which helps neighborhoods, cities, and counties become great places to live for people of all ages. Now in its tenth year, AARP is awarding over $8 million in grants as part of its nationwide Livable Communities initiative. This year, the AARP Community Challenge is accepting applications for its Flagship Grant Program that supports projects that improve public places i.e. parks, open spaces, community amenities, up to $15,000.
After a thorough review of the grant guidelines, eligibility, and criteria, staff confirmed the City's eligibility to apply. Staff would like to apply for grant funding to repair the existing lights at the Palomares Park pickleball courts. Since opening, the courts have become a highly utilized park amenity and have reduced negative and illegal activity in the park. Currently, the pickleball courts do not have operational lighting due to vandalism and theft, which significantly limits court usage to daylight hours, thus restricting evening play, as well as during the summer months when high daytime temperatures make cooler evening hours the safest and most comfortable option for residents. Based on community input, staff have identified court lighting as a high priority to better meet the needs of the community and to continue activating the park with positive activities for residents of all ages.
Approval of this action will allow staff to submit a grant application to AARP’s Community Challenge Program by March 4, 2026. There is no grant match and award announcements are expected in May 2026. The grant period is July 2026 through December 2026.
COUNCIL PRIORITIES & GOALS:
This item supports the 2021-2022 City Council Priority 1: Fiscal and Operational Responsibility – Goal C: Obtain additional grant funding and other revenues to help achieve City goals and Priority 4: Safe and Clean Community – Goal M: Improve safety and cleanliness at parks and public spaces.
Prepared by:
_____________________________
Monica Belloso
Management Analyst
Authorization to Submit a Grant Application for Court Lighting through AARP