TITLE
Recommendation to authorize City Manager, or designee, to execute all necessary documents with the LA84 Foundation to accept 2023 Learn to Swim grant funds in the amount of $15,000, for summer aquatics programs targeting economically disadvantaged youth at Belmont Plaza Temporary Pool, Silverado Pool, and Martin Luther King, Jr. Pool, during the grant term dates of April 4, 2023 through August 31, 2023, and execute all necessary documents to implement and administer the grant including any amendments. (Districts 3,6,7)
DISCUSSION
The LA84 Foundation (Foundation) is endowed with surplus funds from the 1984 Los Angeles Olympic Games. The Foundation makes grant funds available to recreation agencies for various youth sports programs designed to provide disadvantaged youth, ages 6 to 17, the opportunity to learn how to swim. The Parks, Recreation and Marine Department (PRM) has been selected by the Foundation to receive grant funds consecutively for more than a decade. This year, PRM has been selected to receive $15,000 in grant funds for the 2023 Learn to Swim program. This grant will fund scholarships for economically disadvantaged youth in swim instruction.
The 2023 Learn to Swim program will be conducted within the grant term dates, commencing on June 20, 2023, and concluding on August 25, 2023. The pools currently available for this program are Belmont Plaza Temporary Pool, Silverado Pool, and Martin Luther King, Jr. Pool. This popular program is advertised in the quarterly Recreation Connection, on the PRM website, through social media, and by word of mouth at local parks.
The Foundation supports programs that ensure all children have equal access to sports and structured play. This is consistent with the Parks Make Long Beach: PRM Strategic Plan action goal of reducing and removing barriers to youth enrollment in sports and, specifically, will increase the number of children who know how to swim through free or low-cost swim lessons.
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Anita Lakhani on May 30, 2023 and by Budget Analysis Officer Greg Sorensen ---on May 24, 2023.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action is requested on June 20, 2023, to enable the execution of the required documents.
FISCAL IMPACT
The award amount of $15,000 from the LA84 Foundation grant is currently budgeted and will continue to accrue in the General Fund Group and the Tidelands Operating Fund Group in the Parks, Recreation and Marine Department. The grant has no match requirement. This recommendation has no staffing impact beyond the normal budgeted scope of duties and is consistent with existing City Council priorities. The requested action will result in a positive impact on jobs. Approximately 20 City staff members may receive additional work hours through the duration of the program.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
BRENT DENNIS
DIRECTOR
PARKS, RECREATION AND MARINE
APPROVED:
THOMAS B. MODICA
CITY MANAGER