DATE: August 5, 2026
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Councilmembers
FROM: Parks and Recreation Department
TITLE: Acceptance of $15,000 in grant funds from AARP for the purchase and installation of outdoor fitness equipment at Libby Lake Park; appropriate the grant funds; and authorize the City Manager to execute the agreement.
RECOMMENDATION
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Staff recommends that the City Council accept $15,000 in grant funds from AARP for the purchase and installation of outdoor fitness equipment at Libby Lake Park; appropriate the grant funds; and authorize the City Manager to execute the agreement.
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BACKGROUND AND ANALYSIS
The City of Oceanside was awarded an AARP Community Challenge Grant to support the installation of outdoor fitness equipment at Libby Lake Park. The AARP Community Challenge Grant Program provides funding for quick-action projects that improve public spaces, promote healthy lifestyles, increase accessibility, and support communities of all ages.
The Housing and Neighborhood Services Department's Libby Lake Community Center staff began hosting monthly community meetings in October 2024 to provide residents with a consistent forum for collaboration, discussion, and community engagement. Residents regularly gather to discuss public safety, infrastructure improvements, neighborhood initiatives, and opportunities to enhance walkability and overall livability in the Libby Lake neighborhood. Through these meetings and other engagement efforts, residents have partnered with City staff, nonprofit organizations, and county agencies to identify priorities, share concerns, and help guide community improvements and services. One of the priorities identified through this ongoing community engagement process was the desire for additional outdoor fitness and wellness opportunities in the Libby Lake neighborhood.
The proposed project directly responds to this community-identified priority by installing outdoor fitness equipment, including a cardio walker and chest press, to provide free recreational and wellness opportunities for residents. The project supports the City's ongoing efforts to create healthy, active, and age-friendly communities by improving access to outdoor fitness amenities.
Libby Lake Park serves a diverse population, including older adults, families, and residents with limited access to recreational opportunities. The fitness equipment will provide opportunities for physical activity, social interaction, and community engagement while enhancing the park experience for users of all ages.
In addition to the equipment installation, the Parks and Recreation Department plans to support community engagement activities, including a ribbon-cutting event once the equipment is installed and ongoing wellness programming designed to encourage use of the new amenities.
The project is anticipated to be completed by December 2026 in accordance with the grant requirements.
FISCAL IMPACT
The AARP Community Challenge Grant in the amount of $15,000 will be deposited and appropriated as shown in the table below. The total equipment cost is $16,795. The remaining $1,795 will be charged to Recreation Programs which has a current available balance of $536,460; therefore, sufficient funds are available.
The grant requires community engagement activities, including outreach efforts and a ribbon-cutting event. Staff estimates that the community engagement activities will cost $500 that will be funded through the Parks and Recreation Special Events account (935936101), which has a current available balance of $142,770; therefore, sufficient funds are available. Parks and Recreation and Housing and Neighborhood Services staff will support project implementation and community outreach as part of normal operations.
|
Description |
Account |
Appropriate |
Amount |
|
AARP Community Challenge Grant |
Revenue 835207426272.4376 Expenditure 835207426272.5704 |
$15,000 |
|
|
Outdoor Fitness Equipment |
AARP Grant 835207426272.5704 |
|
$15,000 |
|
|
Recreation Programs 935948101.5704 |
|
$1,795 |
|
Community Outreach |
Special Events 935936101.5704 |
|
$500 |
|
Total |
|
|
$17,295 |
COMMISSION OR COMMITTEE REPORT
The proposed agreement was presented as an information item at the Parks and Recreation Commission on July 14, 2026.
CITY ATTORNEY’S ANALYSIS
The City Attorney's Office has reviewed and approved the AARP Community Challenge Grant Agreement as to form.
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Prepared by: Elizabeth Kovar, Parks and Recreation Division Manager
Reviewed by: Manuel Gonzalez, Parks and Recreation Director
Submitted by: Jonathan Borrego, City Manager
ATTACHMENTS:
1. AARP Agreement
2. Quote