REPORT/RECOMMENDATION TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS
OF THE BIG BEAR VALLEY RECREATION AND PARK DISTRICT
AND RECORD OF ACTION
November 5, 2019
FROM
LUTHER SNOKE, Interim Director, Special Districts Department
SUBJECT
Title v
Donation from the Friends of the Big Bear Alpine Zoo
End
RECOMMENDATION(S)
Recommendation
Acting as the governing body of the Big Bear Valley Recreation and Park District, accept donation of approximately $235,557 from the Friends of the Big Bear Alpine Zoo to assist with completion of exhibits and playground area for the new Big Bear Alpine Zoo.
(Presenter: Luther Snoke, Interim Director, 386-8811)
Body
COUNTY AND CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER GOALS & OBJECTIVES
Operate in a Fiscally-Responsible and Business-Like Manner.
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 additional Discretionary General Funding (Net County Cost) for the Big Bear Alpine Zoo. Any budget adjustments needed in relation to this item will be included in a future quarterly budget report for approval from the Board of Directors.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION
The Big Bear Valley Recreation and Park District (BBVRPD) operates the Big Bear Alpine Zoo (Zoo). The current facility is small and outdated, which makes it difficult to properly care for the animals. As a result, BBVRPD is currently in the process of relocating the Zoo to a new site.
The Friends of the Big Bear Alpine Zoo (FOBBAZ) is a 501(C)(3) non-profit agency. Since 1989, FOBBAZ has provided, through fundraising and other initiatives, over $1.0 million in financial support to BBVRPD with the purpose of enhancing the Zoo’s development and programs designed to improve the visitor experience. In addition, FOBBAZ provides docent assistance, special event coordination, and many other vital support functions.
The subject donation from FOBBAZ will support the new Zoo by assisting with the purchase of the Nocturnal and Reptile House, construction of the Black Bear Viewing Exhibit, upsizing of landscaping materials with site wide enhancements, and acquisition/installation of a children’s playground.
Nocturnal and Reptile House: In order to increase the patrons’ experience, two prefabricated buildings will be purchased and the interior built out specifically for the nocturnal and reptile animals in the Zoo’s care. This will provide visitors with a better viewing and enhanced educational experience.
Black Bear Viewing Exhibit: In order to enhance the viewing experience for Zoo patrons, the Black Bear viewing area was redesigned to raise the viewing platform for more sweeping views of the black bear pool and enclosure. The donated funds will partially offset the costs of redesign and construction.
Landscaping Improvements: As part of the original project scope, trees were specified as small juvenile trees. In order to enhance the visitor experience, many trees will be upsized to larger, more mature trees. Additionally, any remaining funds will be used to enhance site wide landscaping.
Children’s Playground: The playground area will be custom designed to target children between 2-5 and 5-12 years of age. With playscapes and a playground area specifically designed to complement the Zoo dynamic, children can be engaged in physical activity within a safe environment. Picnic tables and a seating area will be incorporated in the design, thus allowing the whole family to benefit from the playground area.
Per County Policy 06-01 and Standard Practice 06-01SP, approval from the Board of Directors is required to accept gifts or donations valued over $10,000.
PROCUREMENT
Not Applicable.
REVIEW BY OTHERS
This item has been reviewed by County Counsel (Dawn Martin, Deputy County Counsel, 387-5455) on October 15, 2019; Finance (Tom Forster, Administrative Analyst, 387-4635) on October 21, 2019; and County Finance and Administration (Matthew Erickson, County Chief Financial Officer, 387-5423) on October 21, 2019.