DATE: September 23, 2025
TO: Board of Supervisors
SUBMITTED BY: Steven E. White, Director
Department of Public Works and Planning
SUBJECT: Exclusive Use of Kearney Park by Strong Positive Influences Reflect Independent Thinking (S.P.I.R.I.T.) for “Soul & Gospel in the Park” Community Event
RECOMMENDED ACTION(S):
TITLE
Approve and authorize the Chairman to execute an Agreement with Strong Positive Influences Reflect Independent Thinking (S.P.I.R.I.T.), a 501(c)(3) non-profit California Corporation, for exclusive use of Kearney Park for a one-day event, presented by Saint Rest Baptist Church and Community Partners.
REPORT
S.P.I.R.I.T. has requested the exclusive use of Kearney Park on October 18, 2025, to conduct a one-day community event, presented by Saint Rest Baptist Church and Community Partners entitled “Soul & Gospel in the Park”. This item pertains to location in District 1.
ALTERNATIVE ACTION(S):
Your Board may choose not to approve the recommended action, in which case S.P.I.R.I.T. will not be permitted to hold their event at Kearney Park this year 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. S.P.I.R.I.T. is subject to a $3,270 day-use fee and a $1,000 refundable deposit for cleanup and/or damage pursuant to the Master Schedule of Fees (MSF). District 1 intends to sponsor the $3,270 day-use fee and the $1,000 refundable deposit. Please note that also on this agenda is District 1’s requested approval of its sponsorship request for the day-use fee and refundable deposit. The County will collect the standard $5 per vehicle entrance fee, as approved in the MSF, for the event. Based on an estimate of 1,500 guests in attendance and assuming three persons per vehicle, this would represent a total of 500 vehicles that may enter the park during the event, yielding an estimated gross amount of $2,500 in vehicle entrance fees. Estimated revenues are not included for Org 7910 FY 2025-26 Adopted Budget.
DISCUSSION:
S.P.I.R.I.T. has requested exclusive use of Kearney Park to conduct a one-day community event, presented by Saint Rest Baptist Church and Community partners. The “Soul and Gospel 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 this event.
Community-based organizations, churches, and neighborhood leaders will also be present to provide resources, prayer tents, children’s activities, 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.
S.P.I.R.I.T. will provide all necessary staffing, equipment and setup to conduct the event, 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 event, and reimburse the County for any damages incurred to Kearney Park as a result of the event.
The Department has chosen not to use the standard insurance requirements recommended by County Risk Department for this group as it relates to automotive insurance and workers’ compensation requirements. The Department is waiving the automotive insurance requirements, as S.P.I.R.I.T. 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. Additionally, S.P.I.R.I.T. does not have employees and therefore does not have or require workers’ compensation insurance.
ATTACHMENTS INCLUDED AND/OR ON FILE:
On file with Clerk - Agreement with S.P.I.R.I.T.
CAO ANALYST:
Maria Valencia