TITLE
Recommendation to authorize City Manager, or designee, to approve a fee waiver, in an amount not to exceed $550, for use of Marine Stadium in Alamitos Bay Marina for the Learn-to-Row Day event, hosted by the Long Beach Rowing Association, on June 4, 2022. (District 3)
DISCUSSION
In 1986, Long Beach Rowing Association (LBRA) members recognized the need to revive youth participation and developed junior rowing at LBRA. With financial support from a $150,000 grant from the Amateur Athletic Foundation (created with the profits from the 1984 Olympics), the Long Beach Junior Rowing program was created. Now called Long Beach Junior Crew, the program is recognized as one of the top youth rowing development programs in the nation.
LBRA has requested that fees be waived for the use of Marine Stadium, in an amount not to exceed $550, for the Learn-to-Row Day event on June 4, 2022, which also coincides with National Learn-to-Row Day. LBRA’s parent organization, United States Rowing, encourages every rowing club nationwide to participate and promote National Learn-to-Row Day, to elevate rowing programs and to raise national awareness for the sport of rowing. On the day of the event, anyone over the age of 18 is welcome to show up and try rowing. The event is free and there is no need to sign up beforehand. The event is conducted by LBRA’s members and volunteers to provide Long Beach, and neighboring communities, with the opportunity to try sweep rowing and sculling. At past events, LBRA has hosted approximately 200 participants and they hope to increase this year’s participation by at least 50 percent to 300 participants.
LBRA is currently adhering to all directives and guidelines regarding COVID-19. LBRA will continue to cancel/postpone any and all scheduled events in accordance with COVID-19 community response parameters. This event spotlights aquatic recreational sport in our marinas. It will also generate additional revenue for local businesses, such as restaurants and other retail establishments. This event is consistent with the Parks, Recreation and Marine Department’s partnering policy to support organizations that provide a service to the community and its residents by promoting the Long Beach Marinas.
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Anita Lakhani on April 5, 2022 and by Budget Analysis Officer Greg Sorensen on March 30, 2022.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action is requested on May 3, 2022, to execute required Marine Stadium reservation permits in Alamitos Bay Marina for this event.
FISCAL IMPACT
The value of the fee waiver will not exceed $550. Additional revenue specifically related to this event is not anticipated as part of the current budget. Therefore, the fiscal impact associated with the fee waiver is minimal. This recommendation has no staffing impact beyond the normal budgeted scope of duties and is consistent with existing City Council priorities. There is no local job impact associated with this recommendation.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
BRENT DENNIS
DIRECTOR OF PARKS, RECREATION AND MARINE
APPROVED:
THOMAS B. MODICA
CITY MANAGER