Parks, Recreation, and Community Services
www.santa-ana.org/parks
Item # 14
City of Santa Ana
20 Civic Center Plaza, Santa Ana, CA 92701
Staff Report
July 1, 2025
TOPIC: Facilities Use Agreement with Santa Ana Lawn Bowling Club
AGENDA TITLE
Facilities Use Agreement Amendment with Santa Ana Lawn Bowling Club for the Use of the Santa Ana West Lawn Bowling Green near Santiago Park
RECOMMENDED ACTION
Authorize the City Manager to execute a Facilities Use Agreement with Santa Ana Lawn Bowling Club to reflect an annual rate of $3,600 payable to the City in two separate payments of $1,800 due by June 20 and December 20 of each year for a three-year term beginning July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2028 for use of the west lawn bowling green (Agreement No. A-2025-XXX).
GOVERNMENT CODE §84308 APPLIES: Yes
DISCUSSION
For over 40 years, the Santa Ana Lawn Bowling Club (SALBC) has been utilizing the lower level of the Lawn Bowling Center and Lawn Bowling Greens for various activities, including practice sessions, tournaments, and open houses. The former Parks, Recreation, and Community Services (PRCSA) administration had arranged to pay a monthly fee for the use of the SALBC’s customized lawn mower to maintain the bowling greens; in return, the City charged the club a lower cost for the use of the facilities, but no formal agreement was established.
In 2023, during a walk-through of all the Parks, Recreation, and Community Services centers, staff discovered that the SALBC had occupied the lower level of the Lawn Bowling Center by storing equipment and other items in the kitchenette area, storage room, and both bathrooms. This situation posed several ADA liability issues for the City.
Consequently, staff determined that a formal agreement should be established to clearly outline the expectations of both the City and the club, thereby preventing any potential liabilities that may arise from the lack of an agreement. Before agreement negotiations could begin, it was necessary for the club to register as a legal entity with the State of California and secure a valid certificate of liability insurance. These steps required a significant amount of time before an actual agreement could be drafted.
Santa Ana Lawn Bowling Club Facilities Use Agreement
July 1, 2025
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PRCSA has collaborated with the SALBC to establish a Facilities Use Agreement. Both parties have agreed to the terms specified in the attached agreement (Exhibit A). The agreement includes a semi-annual fee of $1,800 for the use of the West Bowling Green and outlines the terms for their equipment storage, facility usage, and payment details.
The fee grants access to the facilities every Tuesday from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. and on Saturdays from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m., as well as the opportunity to host up to two tournaments per year.
The annual fees being charged deviate from the Miscellaneous Fee Schedule but align with the historical fees set by the previous PRCSA administration. If the City were to implement the actual costs outlined in the Miscellaneous Fee Schedule, the club would find it challenging to accommodate the new fees. In addition, the City Public Works Agency has purchased a specialized mower to maintain the Lawn Bowling Greens, and as a result, the SALBC lawn mower will no longer be required.
Staff recommends that the City Council approve the facilities use agreement with the Santa Ana Lawn Bowling Club. This agreement will grant the Club access to the Lawn Bowling Greens for ongoing lawn bowling activities at an affordable rate, enhance the City’s protection against liability, and establish clear expectations for both the City and the club as outlined in the agreement.
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
There is no environmental impact associated with this action.
FISCAL IMPACT
Funds will be deposited in the Parks, Recreation and Community Services, General Fund Revenue Account (01113002-57361 - PRCSA Recreation Facility Rental).
EXHIBIT(S)
1. Facilities Use Agreement
Submitted By: Hawk Scott, Executive Director of Parks, Recreation, and Community Services Agency
Approved By: Alvaro Nuñez, City Manager