REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL FROM: AARON A. AGUIRRE, Director Parks, After School, Recreation and Community Services Department BY: SHELBY MACNAB, Business Manager Parks, After School, Recreation and Community Services Department SHAWNA ROGERS, Program Manager Parks, After School, Recreation and Community Services Department SUBJECT ..Title ***RESOLUTION - Approving the Application for Outdoor Equity Grants Program (OEP) Funds totaling up to $300,000 to expand science education and access to outdoor recreation, and authorizing the City Manager or designee to execute all related grant documents (Subject to Mayor's Veto) (District 3.) ..Body RECOMMENDATION Staff recommends that the City Council approve the application for the OEP Funds totaling up to $300,0000 to expand science education and access to outdoor recreation; and authorize the City Manager or designee to apply for the OEP grant funding and execute all related documents. EXECUTIVE SUMMARY Staff are requesting authority to submit three grant applications totaling up to $300,000 to expand science education and access to outdoor recreation. Grant applications are due December 14, 2023. BACKGROUND On August 1, 2023, the California Department of Parks and Recreation opened a grant application period for round two of the Outdoor Equity Grant Program. The program aims to increase the ability for underserved communities to participate in outdoor experiences within their region, at state parks, and at other public lands as part of the statewide "Outdoor Access for All" initiative. The deadline to submit grant applications is December 14, 2023. If awarded, the grant term is three years, beginning in Spring 2024 and running through Spring 2027. Staff are requesting authority to submit three grant applications totaling up to $300,000 to establish a wilderness adventure academy with a focus on STEM - earth science, conservation, and geology. The academy would operate at three locations including Dickey, Sunset, and Fink White Community Centers. One grant application would be submitted for each program location. The centers were chosen based on grant criteria which prioritizes locations with a low median income, high rates of poverty, linguistic isolation, and the number of families qualifying for free or reduced lunch. Staff also evaluated daily participation in youth programs and interest in science by youth at all community centers when determining locations to recommend for the academy. As part of the proposed program, approximately 150 participants would receive hands on science education and nature area day trips to support scientific and outdoor exploration within the state of California. Programming would also include family centered opportunities that invite multi-generational participation at each center. If funded, the program would partner with the City of Fresno internship programs to engage youth in program delivery and provide mini grants to fund partnership with local educational institutions and non-profit organizations engaged in fields of natural conservation, science and geology. Implementation of this program and partnerships would align with Parks Master Plan goals for agency and organization partnerships (goals 7.8-9) and programming and management recommendations (goal 5.5). ENVIRONMENTAL FINDINGS Pursuant to California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines Section 15378, this item is not a project for the purposes of CEQA. LOCAL PREFERENCE Local preference is not included because this resolution does not include a bid or award of a construction or services contract. FISCAL IMPACT This resolution will have no immediate impact on the General Fund. If awarded, grant funding allocated to the program will be identified in future year budget appropriations. Attachment: Resolution