REPORT/RECOMMENDATION TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
OF THE BLOOMINGTON RECREATION AND PARK DISTRICT
AND RECORD OF ACTION
May 18, 2021
FROM
BRENDON BIGGS, Director, Department of Public Works - Special Districts
SUBJECT
Title v
Naming of Baseball Field 1 at Kessler Park in Bloomington
End
RECOMMENDATION(S)
Recommendation
Acting as the governing body of Bloomington Recreation and Park District, authorize the naming of Kessler Park Baseball Field 1 as Gary Mendoza Memorial Field.
(Presenter: Brendon Biggs, Director, 387-7906)
Body
COUNTY AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER GOALS & OBJECTIVES
Provide for the Safety, Health and Social Service Needs of County Residents.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
Approval of this item will not result in the use of Discretionary General Funding (Net County Cost) as there is no financial impact from this action. There will be a memorial monument erected adjacent to the ball field. The Fifth Supervisorial District, through its discretionary funding, has contributed $25,000 to the Bloomington Recreation and Park District for the cost of this future monument.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
Pursuant to County Policy No. 12-16, the Bloomington Recreation and Park District is requesting approval to designate Baseball Field 1 at Kessler Park (18400 Jurupa Avenue, Bloomington) as Gary Mendoza Memorial Field. Parents, past and present players, coaches, umpires, friends and family have approached the Fifth District Supervisor’s office with letters of support and a desire to see the field named in Gary’s honor.
Gary Mendoza devoted his life to baseball and community, advocating for community youth to have a constructive outlet in the game of baseball. He was a coach and an inspiration to many youth in Bloomington through his tireless work of making the Bloomington Little League the success it is today. Mr. Mendoza was also a gifted umpire.
The following is a partial list of Gary Mendoza’s accomplishments:
• Involved in Little League for over 51 years, starting at the age of 13.
• Started umpiring at age 17.
• Joined the Little League organization in 1981 as umpire in chief and held that position for 23 years.
• Umpired the Western Regional and Little League World Series in 1995.
• Umpired the Senior League World Series in 2001.
• Served as President of Bloomington Little League for two years.
• Served as Little League administrator for 16 years.
PROCUREMENT
Not applicable.
REVIEW BY OTHERS
This item has been reviewed by County Counsel (Dawn Martin, Deputy County Counsel, 387-5455) on April 19, 2021; Finance (Tom Forster, Administrative Analyst, 387-4635) on April 26, 2021; and County Finance and Administration (Matthew Erickson, County Chief Financial Officer, 387-5423) on May 2, 2021.