TITLE
Recommendation to authorize City Manager, or designee, to execute an agreement, and any necessary subsequent amendments, with the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation to accept and expend grant funding in an amount not to exceed $62,430, for the 2023 Dodgers Dreamteam Program, including the acceptance of funding for park field maintenance, umpire fees, in-kind contributions, and a Dodgers Dreamteam Coordinator for youth softball and baseball for the 2023 summer season; and
Increase appropriations in the General Fund Group in the Parks, Recreation and Marine Department by $62,430, offset by grant revenue. (Citywide)
DISCUSSION
City Council approval is requested for the Parks, Recreation and Marine Department (PRM) to enter into an agreement with the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation (LADF) to accept and expend grant funding for the 2023 Dodgers Dreamteam Program (Dreamteam Program). The Dreamteam Program is a comprehensive sports-based youth development program that uses the power of sports to provide critical resources and services to underserved communities.
The Dreamteam Program focuses on providing an inclusive, barrier-free sports-based youth development program to deliver programs, services, and resources that address basic needs, education, and health care. The program’s goals include increasing participation of underrepresented groups and creating an environment that fosters social and emotional learning opportunities.
Since 2017, PRM has applied for and been awarded grant funds from LADF to provide low-cost softball and baseball opportunities to youth between the ages of 5 through 18. Last year, 924 players participated in the program, reaching almost 95 percent of its enrollment capacity.
For the 2023 summer season, LADF has awarded PRM grant funding in the amount of $62,430, along with in-kind contributions, to support a total of 1,308 youth softball and baseball players at 23 parks in the City of Long Beach (City) and one park in the City of Signal Hill. The grant funding will offset costs for a Dodgers Dreamteam Coordinator, field maintenance costs, and umpire fees. Proposed in-kind contributions will include uniforms, equipment, recruitment and marketing flyers, location banners, educational and health resources, coach training, youth clinics, incentives, and giveaways. The Dreamteam Program is aligned with the City’s Strategic Plan for Youth and Emerging Adults goals by providing health, mentorship, physical and mental health benefits to its participants and with the PRM Strategic Plan by offering meaningful recreational programing and events aimed to increase youth participation.
To ensure the safety of program participants, the program is required to comply with the current health guidelines provided by the County of Los Angeles Department of Public Health and the Long Beach Health and Human Services Department.
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Anita Lakhani on February 16, 2023 and by Budget Operations and Development Officer Rhutu Amin Gharib on February 23, 2023.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action is requested on March 14, 2023, to enter into the agreement in advance of the start of the summer season.
FISCAL IMPACT
The City will receive a grant award in the amount of $62,430 from the Los Angeles Dodgers Foundation for the 2023 Dodgers Dreamteam Program, the grant award is currently unbudgeted. An appropriation increase is requested in the amount of $62,430 in the General Fund Group in the Parks, Recreation and Marine Department, offset by grant revenue. This grant does not require matching funds. This recommendation has no staffing impacts beyond the normal budgeted scope of duties and is consistent with existing City Council priorities. This recommendation will result in a positive impact on jobs, although the exact number is unknown at this time.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
BRENT DENNIS
DIRECTOR
PARKS, RECREATION AND MARINE
APPROVED:
THOMAS B. MODICA
CITY MANAGER