Report Prepared by: Lamnguene Kindavong, Recreation Supervisor, Parks and Recreation
Title
SUBJECT: Approval to Accept and Appropriate Race Registration Fees from the Gateway to Yosemite 5K/10K Run Walk and Central Valley Opportunity Fund (CVOF) Sponsorship to Support Event Expense Cost and Aletha June All-Inclusive Playground at General Vang Pao Park
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers accepting race registration fees of $9,178 and $2,000 sponsorship from CVOF appropriating some of the funds to Fund 1018-Parks and Community Services and transferring Fund 5000-Community Services CIP for Aletha June All-Inclusive Playground at General Vang Pao Park.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Accepting $9,178 from the Gateway to Yosemite Race Registration and accepting $2,000 from CVOF for Gateway to Yosemite event Sponsorship; and,
B. Increasing revenue in Fund 1018-Parks and Community Services in the amount of $5,572 in registration fees, transferring to Fund 5000-Community Services CIP and appropriating the same to support General Vang Pao Aletha June All-Inclusive Playground Project CP240049 and,
C. Increasing revenue in Fund 1018-Parks and Community Services in the amount of $2,000 as a sponsorship from CVOF, transferring to Fund 5000-Community Services CIP, and appropriating the same to support General Vang Pao Aletha June All-Inclusive Playground Project CP240049; and,
D. Authorizing the City Manager to execute the necessary documents.
Body
ALTERNATIVES
1. Approve, as recommended by Staff; or,
2. Approve, subject to conditions other than recommended by Staff (identify specific findings and/or conditions amended to be addressed in the motion); or,
3. Deny; or,
4. Continue to a future meeting (date and time to be specified in the motion).
AUTHORITY
Charter of the City of Merced, Section 200.
CITY COUNCIL PRIORITIES
As provided for in the 2025-26 Adopted Budget.
DISCUSSION
The Parks and Community Services Department and the Merced County Office of Education in partnership with community stakeholders, successfully continues the annual Gateway to Yosemite 5K/10K Run/Walk Fundraiser, now entering its third consecutive year. This community-focused event is designed to promote health, wellness, and civic engagement while generating financial support for nonprofit initiatives that directly benefit City of Merced’s park facilities and amenities.
For 2025, the City designated proceeds from the event to support the Aletha June All-Inclusive Playground planned for General Vang Pao Park which is currently in development. This playground will provide inclusive recreational opportunities for children of all abilities and represents a significant enhancement to the City’s park system.
The Gateway to Yosemite 5K/10K Run/Walk was established as an annual community event to:
• Encourage active lifestyles and outdoor recreation
• Highlight Merced’s park system and trail networks
• Support nonprofit organizations that actively utilize City parks
• Reinvest event proceeds into local park amenities and community infrastructure
Over the past three years, the City has intentionally partnered with nonprofit organizations whose missions align with public recreation, youth services, accessibility, and community wellness. Funds raised through the event are typically directed back into City park improvements, ensuring a direct benefit to residents and park users.
IMPACT ON CITY RESOURCES
The City of Merced received net registration fees of $9,178, of that $3,606 will remain in Fund 1018 Parks and Community Services to offset department expenditures for the event. The remaining $5,572 in proceeds is being requested to be used to support the playground at General Vang Pao Park.
If the City Council approves the recommendation, Fund 5000-Parks and Community Services CIP, project CP240049 will have $7,572 available within the FY2025-26 budget for playground amenities.
Recommendation B and C will require an affirmative vote of five council members.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Gateway to Yosemite 5K/10K Flyer