City Weighs $30K Deal For Downtown Recreation, Commemorative Bench Applications

LAMORINDA, CA — The Parks, Trails & Recreation Commission could pay a local nonprofit $30,000 to provide recreation programs for seniors, youths, and the broader community under a proposed service agreement heading through three city commissions.

The organization, All Ages Recreation Downtown — or, AARD — operates the Den and Gallery at 3561 Mount Diablo Blvd. and has organized pop-up activities in Lafayette.

Under the proposed one-year agreement being considered Wednesday, AARD would provide games, crafts, demonstrations, and other activities at least 10 community events annually. The city could extend the agreement for two additional one-year terms.

Staff recommended $6,000 for community recreation.

The Senior Services Commission recommended $12,000, and the Youth Commission will consider another $12,000 on Sept. 14.

The senior and youth programs would each offer at least five hours of public recreation weekly.

AARD Board President Grace Dixon is a former member of the Parks, Trails & Recreation Commission.

The City Council will consider the proposed agreement after the Parks, Trails & Recreation Commission and Youth Commission make their recommendations.

The Parks, Trails & Recreation Commission will also consider two commemorative bench applications during Wednesday’s meeting.

The first is a new bench along the natural trail near the Tot Playground at Lafayette Community Park, with an alternate location near the arts and crafts area.

The proposed plaque would identify John O’Leary as a veteran of the USS English, a Navy destroyer, and a beloved grandfather. It would also state that his legacy lives on with the O’Leary family in Lafayette.

The second application would install commemorative bench at Brook Street Park commemorating Annie Lai.

The Parks, Trails & Recreation Commission will consider the proposals Wednesday at 7 p.m. in the Lafayette Community Center, 500 Saint Mary’s Road.