Report to Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts Commission
Wednesday, May 25, 2022
Discussion
SUBJECT:
Title
REAL RUN
Body
I. SUMMARY
The Real Run Enterprise Incorporated is seeking a co-sponsorship from the City of Carson to operate a summer adult basketball league for college and prospective National Basketball Association (NBA) players. The co-sponsorship includes a request for 100% waiver of facility rental fees for the use of the Veterans SportsComplex at a cost of $12,302.80. Additionally, the organization is requesting Summer Youth Workers to assist with game operations, estimated at $2,880 for the entire summer season. Staff plans to present the request to Council at the June 7, 2022 scheduled meeting.
II. RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
RECEIVE and FILE
Body
III. ALTERNATIVES
TAKE any other action the Commission deems appropriate.
IV. BACKGROUND
The Real Run Enterprise Incorporated is a 501 (c)(3) non-profit (EXHIBIT 1). It started in the early mid 1990's when the program hosted professional players for their Summer Basketball Program. On May 17, 2005, City Council approved a 100% waiver of all fees (facility rental and staff time) for a five (5) week period during the summer. In 2021, City Council continued the support of the Real Run Program and approved a fee waiver on facilities and equipment for the summer use of the Veterans SportsComplex.
This year the League is proposing to continue its program and adding additional elements that include workshops to participating college and high school athletes as well as interested local high school or college athletes in the City of Carson during this Real Run Summer Program. These workshops will offer subjects such as: Financial Literacy, Mental Health, Legal and Law Enforcement Collaboratives, Health and Fitness Concepts, and a few others. The League operator desires to run this program this 2022 year at the Sports Complex from June 18, 2022, through August 6, 2022. It is an (8) eight-week program and will run on Saturdays only from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. This will help to maintain full participation of the college athletes and not interrupt scheduled summer commitments such as athletic or academic programs with their College Schools. This program is proposing to start earlier in the summer but only using one day out of the week as proposed to the four (4) days per week that has been conducted in previous years. In addition, the games are open to the public for the community to experience some high-quality basketball games with elite players of their time. They are requesting the City Council’s approval to co-sponsor the program by waiving facility rental fees totaling $10,862.80. Other fees associated with the facility use include $1,440 in staff time, for a grand total of $12,302.80 as outlined in the attached Facility Use Permit (EXHIBIT 2).
As noted in the past, staff has explored the possibility of supporting this program as a City-operated adult sports league. As outlined by the League, registration is restricted to college athletes and current/prospective NBA players within 100 miles of the gymnasium. Due to its closed registration, the league would not be open to the general public and thus would not be eligible to be operated as a City sports league.
As a result, Real Run Enterprises Incorporated would be responsible for all aspects of the exclusive private adult league, including game schedules, officials, score keeping, uniforms for league participants, and collection of registration fees for eight (8) teams in the amount of $1,000 per team. The City would be responsible for providing the Veterans SportsComplex main gymnasium, bleachers, Activity Room, and staff for the facility only. The City would also offer a youth summer basketball clinic to operate prior to the weekly adult Real Run league games. The clinic would consist of the fundamentals of basketball, scrimmages, as well as guest instruction by adult Real Run players, and giveaways donated by Real Run Enterprise.
In an effort to keep registration fees down and deliver a quality league to elite adult players in the region, Real Run Enterprise is unable to cover both the staff cost for the facility permit and the Summer Youth Workers’ salaries. The League is collecting an estimated $8,000 from participating teams, of which they will use to pay City staffing costs, game officials, buy uniforms, awards, and league supplies.
V. FISCAL IMPACT
Should the City Council decide to co-sponsor the program, the League would receive a facility rental fee waiver of $10,862.80, but would be required to pay $1,440 in staff costs associated with the use of the SportsComplex. The Real Run is also requesting the use of four (4) Summer Youth Workers each evening of game play to assist with the program at a cost of $2,880.
VI. EXHIBITS
1. Real Run Enterprises Incorporated 501(c)(3) Determination Letter. (1 pg.)
2. Facility Use Permit. (6 pgs.)
Prepared by: Gloria Marroquin, Recreation Program Manager, and Tim Grierson, Recreation Superintendent