REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM: AARON A. AGUIRRE, Director
Parks, After School, Recreation and Community Services Department
SHELBY MACNAB, MPA, Assistant Director
Parks, After School, Recreation and Community Services Department
BY: CHANELL WEST, MPA, Senior Management Analyst
Parks, After School, Recreation and Community Services Department
SUBJECT
Title
***RESOLUTION - Authorizing the City Manager or Designee to Apply for and Accept a Grant of up to $100,000 from the Trust for Public Land to Fund Movies in the Park Events in Summer 2026 and to Support Community Gardens (Citywide) (Subject to Mayor’s Veto)
Body
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommend that the City Council adopt the resolution authorizing the application for and acceptance of up to $100,000 from the Trust for Public Land to fund Movies in the Park events in Summer 2026 and support community gardens.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Staff are requesting authorization to submit a grant proposal to the Trust for Public Land, and to accept the funding if awarded. Funding will be used for Movies in the Park events and to support community gardens. The grant application is due January 6, 2026.
BACKGROUND
The Trust for Public Land is a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that seeks to create parks and protect public land. In November 2025, the Trust for Public Land announced the “Central Valley Park Access and Activation Grant program”, which is available to organizations located in ten Central California counties, including Fresno. The purpose of the grant is to address the Central Valley’s park access needs through park activation/programming. Applicants can request up to $100,000. If awarded, the grant funds will increase park access by activating park space through Movies in the Park programming and community garden promotion.
Movies in the Park events are well-liked by the Fresno community, with consistent attendance of 100-200 people per event in recent summers. The grant will fund approximately fifteen (15) Movies in the Park events by covering costs for movie licenses, snacks, water, and staffing. Park locations will be determined post-award, with priority given to parks in highest-need neighborhoods.
Community gardens are located on several City-owned/leased properties. Grant funding will support the activation of two community garden sites in Fresno located at Romain Park and McKinley and 41. Funding will cover costs associated with community garden operations as well as promotion and outreach efforts to highlight gardening opportunities at these new locations.
This resolution has been reviewed by the City Attorney’s Office.
ENVIRONMENTAL FINDINGS
Based upon the definition provided in the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines Section 15378, this item does not qualify as a “project”.
LOCAL PREFERENCE
Local preference is not applicable as this resolution does not include a bid, or an award of a construction or services contract.
FISCAL IMPACT
This resolution will have no immediate impact on the General Fund. An in-kind match of up to 10% of the project cost will be included in the proposal to demonstrate local investment in the project. If awarded, the funding will be amended into the FY26 PARCS Department budget.
Attachment:
Grant Resolution