DATE: February 10, 2026
TO: Board of Supervisors
SUBMITTED BY: Steven E. White, Director
Department of Public Works and Planning
SUBJECT: Exclusive Use of Kearney Park by Oppurtunity Bridges for the Future for “Gospel & R&B in the Park” Community Event
RECOMMENDED ACTION(S):
TITLE
Approve and authorize the Chairman to execute an Agreement with Oppurtunity Bridges for the Future, a 501(c)(3) non-profit California Corporation, granting exclusive use of Kearney Park for one-day community events, in partnership with Saint Rest Baptist Church and Community Partners, effective February 10, 2026, which includes a three-year base term and two automatic one-year extensions, for a total five-year term through February 9, 2031.
REPORT
Oppurtunity Bridges for the Future has requested the exclusive use of Kearney Park to conduct one-day community events, in partnership with Saint Rest Baptist Church and Community Partners entitled “Gospel & R&B in the Park”. The first community event date is scheduled for Saturday, April 11, 2026. Future “Gospel & R&B in the Park” event dates will be mutually agreed upon by the County and Oppurtunity Bridges for the Future. This item pertains to a location in District 1.
ALTERNATIVE ACTION(S):
Your Board may choose not to approve the recommended action, in which case Oppurtunity Bridges for the Future will not be permitted to hold their events at Kearney Park and no revenues associated with exclusive use rental or vehicle entrances fees will be collected by the County.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no Net County Cost associated with the recommended action. Oppurtunity Bridges for the Future will pay the County a $3,270 daily fee along with a $1,000 refundable deposit for cleanup and/or damages, and the standard $5 per vehicle entrance fee, as approved in the Master Schedule of Fees, for each event. Based on an estimate of 900 guests in attendance and assuming three persons per vehicle, this would represent a total of 300 vehicles that may enter the park during the event, yielding an estimated gross amount of $1,500 in vehicle entrance fees. Estimated revenues are not included in Parks and Grounds Org 7910 FY 2025-26 Adopted Budget. Estimated revenues will be included in future budget years during the term of this agreement.
DISCUSSION:
The Board had previously approved a one-day exclusive use agreement with Strong Positive Influences Reflect Independent Thinking (S.P.I.R.I.T.) for the “Soul and Gospel in the Park” event on September 23, 2025. Oppurtunity Bridges for the Future, a partner group to S.P.I.R.I.T., is now requesting exclusive use of Kearney Park to conduct similar one-day community events, in partnership with Saint Rest Baptist Church and Community partners. The “Gospel & R&B in the Park” event is a communal expression of unity, cultural pride, joy, and spiritual reflection rooted in the heart of Southwest Fresno. This is a free, family-focused celebration that is designed to uplift local residents through the power of music, food, faith, and fellowship.
The goal is to showcase the beauty, resilience, and heritage of West Fresno while creating a safe and inspiring environment for all to enjoy.
The center of the event will be music. Local gospel choirs, soul bands, praise dancers, and spoken word artists will be on stage in a family-friendly atmosphere that reflects both spiritual foundation and cultural legacy. The event honors the tradition of gospel and soul music being used by the community to express hope and celebrate life.
In addition to live performances, attendees will enjoy food trucks and vendors offering cuisine that reflects the diversity and richness of the neighborhood. From BBQ to tacos, baked goods to soul food, the smells and tastes will reflect the culinary culture that defines families and faith-based gatherings. Beverages (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) will also be sold at these events.
Community-based organizations, churches, and neighborhood leaders will also be present to provide resources, prayer tents, and public information that builds trust and engagement between residents and service providers. Security will be coordinated with the appropriate local partners to ensure a welcoming and peaceful environment.
Oppurtunity Bridges for the Future will provide all necessary staffing, equipment and setup to conduct the events, provide adequate security as determined by the Fresno County Sheriff’s Department and California Highway Patrol, provide all clean up at the conclusion of the events, and reimburse the County for any damages incurred to Kearney Park as a result of the events.
The Department has chosen not to use the standard insurance requirements recommended by County Risk Management for this group as it relates to automotive insurance and workers compensation requirements. The Department is waiving the automotive insurance requirements, as Oppurtunity Bridges for the Future does not have or require commercial automotive insurance. The use of personal vehicles will be minimized to drop off and pick up of event equipment and materials upon event setup and cleanup. The Department is waiving the workers compensation insurance as Oppurtunity Bridges for the Future does not employ staff, therefore, is exempt from the State of California’s workers compensation requirements.
REFERENCE MATERIAL:
BAI #48, September 23, 2025
ATTACHMENTS INCLUDED AND/OR ON FILE:
On file with Clerk - Agreement with Oppurtunity Bridges for the Future
CAO ANALYST:
Maria Valencia