City Council Memorandum
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL DATE: AUGUST 25, 2026 FROM: PARKS, RECREATION AND COMMUNITY WARD: 1
SERVICES DEPARTMENT
SUBJECT: MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING BETWEEN THE CITY OF RIVERSIDE AND CALIFORNIA INLAND EMPIRE COUNCIL, SCOUTING AMERICA ISSUE:
Approve a six-year Memorandum of Understanding with California Inland Empire Council, Scouting America, establishing a cooperative framework under which the City will make available to Scouts a parcel of land for the development of a new Council Headquarters at Fairmount Park, offering numerous opportunities for youth, a scout store, and both indoor and outdoor meeting facilities.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
That the City Council:
Approve the Memorandum of Understanding between the City of Riverside and California Inland Empire Council, Scouting America, establishing a cooperative framework under which the City will make available to Scouts a parcel of land for the development of a new Council Headquarters at Fairmount Park, offering numerous opportunities for youth, a scout store, and both indoor and outdoor meeting facilities; and Authorize the City Manager, or designee, to execute the Memorandum of Understanding with the California Inland Empire Council, Scouting America, including making minor and non-substantive changes.
BACKGROUND:
Starting in the early 1900’s, Fairmount Park was the home to the Boy Scouts of America (BSA) Riverside Council Scouting Organization. In 1981, the BSA gave approximately 2.5 acres of land north of Mission Inn Ave. and Scout Lane to the City of Riverside.
The City of Riverside is embarking on a Master Plan of Fairmount Park that includes opportunities to engage with private and non-profit partners to enhance the park to increase activity while preserving the historic integrity of the park.
DISCUSSION:
This Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) establishes the framework for a cooperative framework under which the City will make available to Scouts a parcel of vacant land for the development of a new Council Headquarters at Fairmount Park, offering numerous opportunities for youth, a scout store, and both indoor and outdoor meeting facilities. Revitalizing Fairmount Park with the goal of serving youth in the region.
To instill confidence with supporters and investors, Scouts seeks to enter into this MOU to establish a framework for negotiating a low- or no-cost long-term lease. If Scouts successfully meets the milestones for planning, fundraising, and permitting, staff will return to the City Council with a proposed ground lease for consideration. While Scouts' goal is to open the new headquarters within two years, the MOU provides up to six years to complete the required milestones and negotiations. The ideal building would be approximately 10,000 sq ft., which would consist of:
Three general use offices
One small conference room, with approximately 10 seats
One large conference room, with approximately 30 seats
One multi-use room, to serve a variety of programs and activities Kitchen facilities
A scout shop that will be open to the public
Outdoor features, including:
Small amphitheater for approximately 30 people
Outdoor workshop and storage
The MOU itself does not authorize construction or convey any property interest. Rather, it establishes the framework and timeline for negotiating a future ground lease. If Scouts successfully meet the milestones outlined in the MOU, staff will return to the City Council with a proposed long-term ground lease for consideration. If the milestones are not achieved within the MOU term, or if the parties are unable to reach mutually agreeable lease terms, the MOU will expire or may be terminated, and the City will retain full control of the property.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no fiscal impact associated with this action. The MOU does not obligate the City to expend funds or approve a lease. Any future ground lease, including its financial terms and any associated fiscal impacts, will be presented to the City Council for consideration and approval.
Prepared by: Pamela M. Galera, Parks, Recreation and Community Services Director Certified as to
availability of funds: Julie Nemes, Finance Director
Approved by: Kris Martinez, Assistant City Manager Approved as to form: James Johnson, City Attorney
Attachments:
Memorandum of Understanding
Presentation
California Inland Empire Council, Scouting America MOU ● Page 2