HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda Report - May 18, 2016 C-07TM
CITY OF LODI
COUNCIL COMMUNICATION
AGENDA ITEM
C'.7
AGENDA TITLE: Accept Donation from Michael -David Family Foundation for Summer Recreation
Program
MEETING DATE: May 18, 2016
PREPARED BY: Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Director
RECOMMENDED ACTION: Accept donation from Michael -David Family Foundation for summer
recreation program.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION: Many years ago, the City provided a free drop-in summer recreation
program for children in various parks. That program was eventually
ended due to budget constraints and replaced by a fee-based
summer camp at Lodi Lake Park, which has been suspended due to low participation.
The Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Department recently developed financial scenarios to
determine the feasibility of reviving the free drop-in program on a limited basis -- if funded by donations —
in Lodi's lowest -income neighborhoods. Staff was delighted that the Michael -David Family Foundation
expressed interest in funding the program, and followed up with a check for $7,500 to cover the cost of
three hours of drop-in recreation, three days a week, at Blakely and Hale parks, during summer break.
Accepting the donation will allow staff to operate the program from 9 a.m. to noon, Monday, Wednesday
and Friday, at these parks in Lodi's lowest -income neighborhoods. The new program will bring
supervision, safety and hands-on fun to the neighborhood children. Activities will include "messy" art,
carom boards, sports, board games and a chance to bring back feelings of a time when parents didn't
hesitate to send their children to play in the parks. Children will feel safe playing in the parks, and our
experienced staff will engage children in conversation, play sports and teach them how to play board
games — and let them know to bring friends.
FISCAL IMPACT: Staffing costs will be offset by the donation.
FUNDING AVAILABLE: Accepting the donation will support staff costs (20073102).
Jordan Yyers. Deputy City Mena er/Intemai Services Director
/11
JH:tI
cc: City Attorney
APPROVED:
Jeff H6
Parks/ecreation and Cultural Services Director