Report Prepared by: Lamnguene Kindavong, Recreation Supervisor, Parks and Recreation
Title
SUBJECT: Accepting Grant Funding in the Amount of $1,000 for FY 2024-2025 from Merced County First 5- Community Engagement Event Sponsorship Program for Free Fundamental Baseball Clinics for T-Ball
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers accepting grant funding in the amount of $1,000 from First 5 Merced County Fundamental Baseball Clinic for T-Ball to expand no cost recreational programing to youth.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Accepting grant funds from First 5 Merced County in the amount of $1,000; and,
B. Approval to increase revenue in Fund 1018-Parks and Community Service, Contribution Account in the amount of $1,000; and,
C. 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 2024-25 Adopted Budget.
DISCUSSION
The Children’s Bill of Rights’ Community Engagement Sponsorships Program provides financial support to organizations implementing community engagement events and activities that: Promote the Children’s Bill of Rights and connect families with children 0-5 years with available services that make the rights more of a reality for Merced County children. Funding under this program falls within First 5’s mission of “providing for the optimal physical, emotional and intellectual growth of the young children of Merced County” and aims to increase community level awareness and acknowledgement of the need to prioritize care benefiting our youngest kids (0-5).
Under this funding program, First 5 Merced County will support activities across a broad geography throughout Merced County, and partner together with a diverse group of organizations, groups, businesses, and other entities to engage community members and begin discussions around the Bill of Rights and children’s needs, and connect families with needed services.
The Parks and Community Services Department applied for a community engagement sponsorship program in May and was awarded $1,000 for costs associated with offering free fundamental baseball clinic for T-Ball. T-Ball is an excellent introduction to baseball, softball, and team sports for young children, typically ages 4-6. This engaging clinic emphasizes fun, safety, and the development of foundational physical and social skills. Young athletes will rotate through a series of interactive skill stations focused on core fundamentals including hitting, throwing, catching, fielding, base running, teamwork, sportsmanship, and basic game understanding.
To cap off the day, participants will have a chance to win exciting prizes during a raffle and equipment giveaway generously sponsored by the Giants Community Fund-a perfect way to celebrate growth, effort, and community spirit!
IMPACT ON CITY RESOURCES
Once accepted to Fund 1018-Parks and Community Services and Division 4030 (Recreation), this $1,000 will increase revenue within the FY2024-25 budget to help with offsetting any cost particular to the event.
This item will require an affirmative vote of five council members for approval.
ATTACHMENTS
1. First 5 Agreement Letter T-Ball Baseball Clinic
2. T-Ball Clinic Flyer