Report Prepared by: Christopher Jensen, Director, Parks & Community Services
Title
SUBJECT: Accepting Merced Community College’s In-Kind Donation for Stephen Leonard Park Basketball Court Mural and Equipment Upgrades
REPORT IN BRIEF
Accept In-Kind Donation Valued at $25,000 from Merced Community College for a Basketball Court Mural and Backboard/Hoop Upgrades at Stephen Leonard Park.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Approving the Donation Acceptance Agreement for In-Kind Donation valued at $25,000 from Merced Community College including a mural and new basketball hoops at Stephen Leonard Park; and,
B. Authorizing the City Manager to execute any necessary documents; and,
C. Authorizing the Finance Officer to make necessary budget adjustments
Body
ALTERNATIVES
1. Approve, as recommended by staff; or,
2. Approve, subject to other than recommended (identify specific findings and/or conditions amended to be addressed in the motion); or,
3. Deny; or,
4. Refer to staff for reconsideration of specific items; or,
5. Continue to a future meeting (date and time to be specified in the motion).
AUTHORITY
Charter of the City of Merced, Section 200.
Administrative Policy and Procedures A-49 (Donation and Gift Policy).
CITY COUNCIL PRIORITIES
As provided for in the 2026-2027 Adopted Budget, Goals & Priorities.
DISCUSSION
Staff request City Council authorization to accept a donation of materials and labor valued at approximately $25,000 from Merced Community College (MCC) for the installation of a mural on the basketball court and related upgrades at Stephen Leonard Park, located at 640 T Street in South Merced. This donation is consistent with the City's Donation and Gift Policy, which requires City Council approval for donations exceeding $5,000, and aligns with the City's ongoing investment in Stephen Leonard Park.
Merced Community College was recently awarded a five-year lease agreement for the Stephen Leonard Youth Center through action taken by the City Council on June 15, 2026, and this donation represents an extension of their commitment to revitalizing the surrounding park environment for the benefit of the South Merced community.
The City has a well-established precedent for accepting In-Kind donations involving materials, equipment and labor for park improvements. Past examples include acceptance of donations valued at approximately $24,000 for replacing the Bob Hart Square Clock and recently a $20,000 contribution from UC Merced for Bobcat Exhibit upgrades at Merced Applegate Zoo and Eagle Scout projects including park benches, tree plantings, and other park amenities.
The City has previously approved basketball court mural installations at parks across Merced, including McNamara, Carol Gabriault, and Gilbert Macias Parks. Basketball court equipment will match City standards used at other basketball courts within City Parks.
IMPACT ON CITY RESOURCES
Although there is no cash exchange, Finance will need to make a revenue donation and expense entry to capture the Donation of the materials as a fixed asset.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Mural Rendering
2. MCC In-Kind Donation Agreement
3. Exhibit A- Donation Acceptance Form