City Council Memorandum
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL DATE: JUNE 17, 2025 FROM: PARKS, RECREATION AND COMMUNITY WARD: 5
SERVICES DEPARTMENT
SUBJECT: ACCEPT GRANT FUNDS IN THE AMOUNT OF $3,000 FROM THE NATIONAL RECREATION AND PARK ASSOCIATION SHAPR GRANT TO EXPAND SENIOR PROGRAMMING AT VILLEGAS COMMUNITY CENTER – SUPPLEMENTAL APPROPRIATION ISSUE:
Accept grant funds from the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) Supporting Healthy Aging through Parks and Recreation (SHAPR) Grant in the amount of $3,000 to expand senior programming at Villegas Community Center.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
That the City Council:
Accept grant funds from the National Recreation and Park Association SHAPR Grant in the amount of $3,000 to expand senior programming at Villegas Community Center; With at least five affirmative votes, authorize the Chief Financial Officer, or designee, to record an increase in revenues in the amount of $3,000 and appropriate expenditures in the same amount to the Grants and Restricted Programs Fund, NRPA SHAPR 24/25 grant revenue and expenditure accounts; and Authorize the City Manager, or designee, to execute the National Recreation and Park Association SHAPR Grant agreement including making minor, non-substantive changes, and to sign all documents and instruments necessary to complete the transaction, including, but not limited to agreements, and payment requests necessary to complete grant funded activities.
BACKGROUND:
The National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA) is the leading not-for-profit organization dedicated to building strong, vibrant and resilient communities through the power of parks and recreation. NRPA advances this vision by investing in and championing the work of park and recreation professionals as a catalyst for positive change in service of equity, climate-readiness, and overall health and well-being.
NRPA’s network of more than 60,000 park and recreation professionals advocates and represents public spaces in urban communities, rural settings and everything in between. NRPA champions and supports the field of parks and recreation through professional development, advocacy, grants and programs, research, publications and more.
Every day, in communities across the country, the people of parks and recreation provide essential services and confront the most pressing issues of our time — advancing mental and physical health, creating climate-ready parks, supporting equity and inclusion, and so much more. NRPA knows we cannot solve these challenges alone. By partnering with like-minded organizations, such as the City of Riverside — including non-profits, government agencies, academics and corporate leaders — NRPA brings strength to park and recreation programs.
DISCUSSION:
On November 21, 2024, the City of Riverside Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department (PRCSD) received notice from the NRPA that it was awarded the SHAPR Grant. This grant is intended to help expand the Arthritis Appropriate Evidence-Based Intervention (AAEBI) program. The AAEBI program supports the growth of senior classes and provides certification for two instructor trainings, along with related materials for the Walk with Ease program at Villegas Park.
STRATEGIC PLAN ALIGNMENT:
The work contributes to the “Arts, Culture and Recreation” priority of the Envision Riverside 2025 Strategic Plan, which aims to provide diverse community experiences and personal enrichment opportunities for people of all ages.
The Walk with Ease program aligns with Goals 1.1; Strengthen Riverside’s portfolio of arts, culture, recreation, senior, and lifelong learning programs and amenities through expanded community partnerships, shared use opportunities, and fund development; 1.2; Enhance equitable access to arts, culture and recreational service offerings and facilities; and 1.5; Support programs and amenities to further develop literacy, health, and education of children, youth, and seniors throughout the community.
The item aligns with each of the five Cross-Cutting Threads as follows:
Community Trust – Activities and programs funded or assisted by the NRPA SHAPR grant serve the public interest, benefit the City’s diverse populations, and result in greater public good.
Equity – Recreation activities support the City’s racial, ethnic, religious, sexual orientation, identity, geographic, and other attributes of diversity and is committed to advancing the fairness of treatment, recognition of rights, and equitable distribution of services to ensure every member of the community has equal access to share the benefits of community progress.
Fiscal Responsibility – The Recreation Division continues to work with non-profit and community groups to offer low to no cost programs. Securing grants such as NRPA SHAPR provide opportunities for the underserved and vulnerable population such as seniors.
Innovation – Riverside is inventive and timely in meeting the community’s changing needs and prepares for the future through collaborative partnerships and adaptive processes; joining forces with NRPA is a strong indicator of innovation.
Sustainability & Resiliency – Grants allow the PRCSD to continue to offer high quality services at low to no cost to the community.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The total fiscal impact of this grant award is an increase in revenues and expenditures in the amount of $3,000. No City match is required. Upon Council approval, an increase in revenue and a supplemental appropriation will be recorded in the Grants & Restricted Programs Fund, Support Healthy Aging Program revenue and expenditure accounts as listed in the table below.
Fund
Program
Account
Amount
Grants & Restricted Programs
Revenue
Support Healthy Aging
9348900-331100
$3,000.00
Expenditures
Support Healthy Aging
9348900-426500
$3,000.00
Prepared by: Desiree Gurrola, Recreation Supervisor
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: Rebecca McKee-Reimbold, Interim City Attorney Attachment: Agreement
NRPA SHAPR Grant ● Page 2