Report Prepared by: Lamnguene Kindavong, Recreation Supervisor, Parks and Recreation
Title
SUBJECT: Accepting and Appropriating Grant Funding in the Amount of $2,500 for FY 2024-2025 from Merced County First 5- Community Engagement Event Sponsorship Program for Free Fundamental Basketball Clinics for Tiny Tots
REPORT IN BRIEF
Considers accepting and appropriating grant funding in the amount of $2,500 from First 5 Merced County Fundamental Basketball Clinic for Tiny Tots to expand no cost recreational programing to youth.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion:
A. Accepting grant funds from First 5 Merced County and increasing revenue in Fund 1018-Parks and Community Service, Contribution Account in the amount of $2,500; and,
B. Appropriating the same in Fund 1018-Parks and Community Service, Operating Materials, Services and Supplies; 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 early January and was awarded $2,500 for costs associated with the Tiny Tot Basketball Clinic. This free basketball clinic for tiny tots is designed to introduce the fundamentals of the game in a fun and engaging way. Children will learn key skills such as ball handling, hand and foot coordination, basic defense and offense drills, and shooting techniques. To wrap up the clinic, there will be an exciting opportunity for the kids to participate in a light scrimmage, allowing them to put their new skills into action in a friendly, supportive environment. The goal of this event is to create a supportive environment where young children can learn the fundamentals of basketball, guided by experienced and trained adults. This clinic will provide a safe and welcoming space for children ages 0-5 to not only develop their basketball skills but also to socialize with their peers, experience the joy of learning a new sport, and foster meaningful connections with both youth and adult mentors. It’s an opportunity for growth, fun, and positive relationship-building.
This event is for youth 0-5 years old and will be held on February 22, 2025, from 10:00am-12:00pm.
IMPACT ON CITY RESOURCES
Once it is accepted and appropriated to Fund 1018-Parks and Community Services and Division 4030 (Youth Sports), this $2,500 will be available within the FY2024-25 budget to help with costs for this particular event.
Recommendation A and B will require an affirmative vote of five council members.
ATTACHMENTS
1. First 5 Agreement Letter Tiny Tots Basketball Clinic
2. Tiny Tots Basketball Clinic Flyer