City Council Memorandum
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL DATE: FEBRUARY 27, 2024 FROM: PARKS, RECREATION, AND COMMUNITY WARD: 2
SERVICES DEPARTMENT
SUBJECT: RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING AN APPLICATION IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $700,000 FOR FUNDING FROM FISCAL YEAR 2024/25-2026/27 FOR OUTDOOR EQUITY GRANTS PROGRAM OFFERED BY THE CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION OFFICE OF GRANTS AND LOCAL SERVICES ISSUE:
Adoption of a Resolution authorizing an application for funding and post award administration documents in an amount not to exceed $700,000 from the Fiscal Year 2024/25-2026/27 for Outdoor Equity Grants Program offered by the California Department of Parks and Recreation Office of Grants and Local Services.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
That the City Council adopt a Resolution (Attachment 1) to approve a funding application in an amount not to exceed $700,000 for Fiscal Year 2024/25-2026/27 for Outdoor Equity Grants Program offered by the California Department of Parks and Recreation Office of Grants and Local Services; If awarded, approve a receipt of funding from the Outdoor Equity Grants Program offered by the California Department of Parks and Recreation Office of Grants and Local Services, in an amount not to exceed $700,000; With five affirmative votes, and upon grant award, authorize the Chief Financial Officer or designee to record an increase in revenues, and a like expenditure, in an amount not to exceed $700,000 in Fiscal Year 2024/25-2026/27 for Outdoor Equity Grants Program offered by the California Department of Parks and Recreation Office of Grants and Local Services accounts to be established by the Finance Department in the City’s Grants and Restricted Funds Accounts; and, Authorize the City Manager, or designee, to sign any and all documents related to this grant application, including but not limited to applications, extensions, and Standard Agreements to apply for, and receive, Grant funds, making minor corrections as necessary.
BACKGROUND:
The State Department of Parks and Recreation has been delegated the responsibility by the Legislature of the State of California for the administration of the Outdoor Equity Grant Program (OEP). In 2019, the Outdoor Equity Grant program was enacted when Governor Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 209 (Limon) which is now part of the Administration’s Outdoors for All Initiative. $57 Million dollars were available in Round #1. Round #2 for the grant has an anticipated $50 million dollars available and the staff believes the City of Riverside is well positioned for success in Round #2. The program will fund transportation costs, entry fees and food costs during the program related field trips. The OEP is designed to provide disadvantaged communities the prospects to improve their health and become more accustomed to the amazing opportunities available in Southern California. There is no local match required. The application deadline was December 14th, 2023, and anticipated awards for Round #2 are expected in the Summer or Fall of 2024.
DISCUSSION:
If awarded, the grant funds will provide the City an opportunity to develop and provide expanded outdoor recreation access to much of the community and develop sustainable programming to benefit the health and wellness of the City of Riverside residents.
The programming will be based out of Bordwell Park/Stratton Community Center and will include local programming as well as trips to “Natural Outdoor Destinations,” to educate the community on the natural environment or provide access that would otherwise be unavailable to the Community. The exact scope of the program includes partnerships with local neighborhood groups to increase outreach in addition to partnering/contracting with Inland Empire Kids Outdoors (IEKO) to provide many of the outdoor programs included in the scope which will be compensated. The Parks and Recreation Department conducted Community Outreach to receive input from the Community as to the program ideas that are most desired. Based on the results of the community outreach, a refined scope was completed and submitted along with the OEP application. A total of 2,160 youth will be served through the duration of this grant.
STRATEGIC PLAN ALIGNMENT:
This item aligns with each of the Cross-Cutting Threads as follows:
Community Trust – The program involves community outreach to gather input on desired program ideas. Partnerships with local neighborhood groups and Inland Empire Kids Outdoors (IEKO) demonstrate collaboration with the community.
Equity – The Outdoor Equity Program is designed for disadvantaged communities to provide more equitable access to outdoor recreational opportunities.
Fiscal Responsibility –The grant application seeks funds from the Fiscal Year 2024/25-2026/27 for Outdoor Equity Grants Program, demonstrating a strategic approach to financial resource allocation.
Innovation – The program involves sustainable programming to expand outdoor recreation access, showcasing innovation in addressing community health and wellness.
Partnerships with organizations like Inland Empire Kids Outdoors (IEKO) and utilizing community input demonstrate innovative collaboration approaches.
Sustainability & Resiliency – The focus on sustainable programming aligns with the goal of promoting the health and wellness of the community. Providing access to natural outdoor destinations fosters an appreciation for the environment and contributes to the overall resilience of the community.
FISCAL IMPACT:
If awarded, the anticipated grant award would be an increase in revenue and expenditures up to $700,000 and would provide the needed funding to provide continued and expanded access to outdoor recreation for the community for the duration of Fiscal Year 2024/25-2026/27.
PRCSD will utilize Grant funds as outlined below:
Fund
Program
Account
Amount
Revenue
FY 24/25-26/27 Outdoor Equity Grants. -Eastside Discovers Nature.
TBD
$700,000.00
Expenditures
FY 24/25-26/27 Outdoor Equity Grants. -Eastside Discovers Nature.
TBD
$700,000.00
Prepared by: Janet Palacio, Recreation Services Coordinator Approved by: Pamela M. Galera, Parks, Recreation and Community Services Director Certified as to
availability of funds: Kristie Thomas, Finance Director/Assistant Chief Financial Officer Approved by: Kris Martinez, Assistant City Manager Approved as to form: Phaedra A. Norton, City Attorney
Attachments: Resolution
Outdoor Equity Program Resolution ● Page 4