Safety, Wellness and Youth
Committee Memorandum
TO: SAFETY, WELLNESS AND YOUTH DATE: OCTOBER 15, 2025
COMMITTEE
FROM: PARKS, RECREATION AND COMMUNITY WARD: 1
SERVICES DEPARTMENT
SUBJECT: PROPOSED NAMING OF BORDWELL PARK GYMNASIUM IN HONOR OF LONG-TIME COMMUNITY LEADER ADRIAN DELL ROBERTS ISSUE:
The issue before the Safety, Wellness and Youth Committee is the proposed naming of the new gymnasium at Bordwell Park in honor of long-time community leader Adrian Dell Roberts.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
That the Safety, Wellness and Youth Committee:
Support the proposed naming of the new gymnasium at Bordwell Park in honor of long-time community leader Adrian Dell Roberts; and Forward their recommendation to the City Council for final consideration.
LEGISLATIVE HISTORY:
According to the established protocol for naming of parks and recreation facilities all names selected shall be acceptable and meaningful to a majority of the neighborhood/community where the park or recreation facility is located. Resolution No. 18647 (attachment 2) adopted by the City Council in February 1995 further stipulates as follows:
“A park or recreation facility can be named for a person only in limited situations. Such a person, except for cases deemed extraordinary by the Park and Recreation Commission, should be honored posthumously. The person for whom a park or recreation facility is named must be an outstanding, long-time City leader or a person of national prominence or historic interest who has supported or contributed to open space and/or recreation activities and concepts, or a person who has made a significant personal contribution toward the acquisition and/or development of a specific park or recreation facility. A donor whose contribution represents a major portioned of a planned park or recreation facility may designate a name as a condition of the donation, providing it conforms to the naming criteria set forth above.” BACKGROUND:
On January 22, 2025, the gymnasium naming request was considered by the Bordwell Park Advisory group. The group expressed unanimous support, and no concerns or objections were raised during the discussion. Members from the MLK Club were also present and shared strong support.
On July 28, 2025, Ward 2 Councilmember Clarissa Cervantes submitted an application to name the new gymnasium at Bordwell Park in honor of long-time community leader Adrian Dell Roberts. The request was submitted with strong support from Ward 1 Councilmember Philip Falcone.
On August 18, 2025, the naming request was presented to the Park and Recreation Commission. Chair Friedlander, Vice Chair Barlogio and Commissioners Forbes, Young, Dawson, Schaefer, Kopp and Johnson unanimously voted to support the naming of the Bordwell Park gymnasium in honor of long-time City leader Adrian Dell Roberts.
On August 28, 2025, the Department hosted the groundbreaking for the Bordwell Park gymnasium. Construction is scheduled to begin soon, with estimated completion in late Winter 2026.
DISCUSSION:
For decades, Adrian Dell Roberts has been a respected leader and mentor in Riverside’s youth advocacy and community development. Starting in the 1960s with the Parks and Recreation Department as a lifeguard and weight trainer, his early dedication set the tone for a lifelong commitment. His professional career began at Poly High School, where he founded the Black Student Union and Multi-Cultural Council, and advanced to Special Assistant to the Principal overseeing discipline and student engagement. By 1989, Dell led district-wide discipline and security for Riverside Unified School District, carefully building a team that shared his deep care for youth. Though he retired in 2003, his advocacy and impact have only grown stronger since.
For over 30 years, Adrian Dell Roberts has transformed Bordwell Park into a vibrant community hub. Through his leadership, he helped establish programs like the Black History Parade, Snow Day, and the Eastside Backpack Giveaway, which have strengthened community engagement, fostered pride, and united residents in a safe, welcoming space.
His work continues to empower student voices and celebrate cultural awareness throughout Riverside. Adrian Dell's community-driven advocacy is a blueprint for effective grassroots change. His recent recognition from the National Recreation and Park Association with the 2025 Robert Artz Award for Community Advocacy further underscores his profound influence.
As President of the Bordwell Park Advisory group, Dell has been a passionate advocate for the new gymnasium. His relentless efforts helped keep the project moving forward. This new facility stands as a reflection of his vision and commitment, a safe place for youth to engage in sports, mentorship, and leadership activities for generations to come.
Additionally, he founded The Adrian Dell & Carmen Roberts Foundation. The Foundation is committed to "bringing communities and opportunities together," rewarding academic achievement and excellence with scholarships, and nurturing an awareness of “giving back to the community” within today’s youth.
Adrian Dell Roberts’ enduring legacy is marked by his unwavering belief in young people, his devotion to community, and his vision of a Riverside where every child has the opportunity to thrive. Adrian Dell Roberts has been a vital presence in the Eastside community and is a great supporter of programs within the Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department.
The Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department fully support the request to name the new gymnasium at Bordwell Park in honor of Adrian Dell Roberts.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no fiscal impact associated with receiving this report. Should the naming request be approved, associated costs such as facility signage, plaque installation, or branding materials will be quantified and allocated in the construction project account in the report to City Council.
Prepared by: Mayra S. Ocampo, Administrative Services Manager 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 Attachments:
1. Resolution No. 18647
2. Gym Naming Application
3. Facility Naming Policy & Application
4. Presentation
Bordwell Park Gym Naming Request ● Page 2