It is recommended that the City Council approve the Cooperative Agreement between the City of West Covina and the Youth Science Center (YSC) for the operation and programming of the Galster Wilderness Park Nature Center and authorize the City Manager to execute the agreement, in substantially the form as attached and in such final form as approved by the City Attorney.

The Galster Wilderness Park Nature Center, located at 1620 E. Aroma Drive, is an approximately 960 square-foot facility located within the approximately 40-acre Galster Wilderness Park. The park includes hiking and nature trails, a designated campground, picnic areas, restrooms, a children’s play area, and natural open space. Historically, the Nature Center has been utilized for environmental education, nature-based programming, youth activities, and other community educational opportunities.

The Nature Center has been inactive for many years, resulting in limited programming and public use of a facility that has historically served as an educational resource for the community.

The City was recently approached by the Youth Science Center (YSC) regarding an opportunity to reactivate the Nature Center and provide ongoing science, nature, environmental, and STEM-based educational programming. YSC is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving math and science education and providing interactive educational programs designed to make programs available to residents of all ages and backgrounds.

Following discussions between City staff and YSC, a Cooperative Agreement was drafted establishing the responsibilities of each organization and providing a framework for programming and use of the Nature Center.

The proposed agreement provides an opportunity to reactivate the Galster Wilderness Park Nature Center through a partnership with an established nonprofit educational organization while maintaining City ownership and oversight of the facility.

Under the agreement, YSC would develop, coordinate, and provide educational programming focused on science, nature, environmental education, technology, engineering and math, STEM, and other hands-on educational activities. All programming would be subject to City review and approval. YSC would also provide the personnel, equipment, and materials necessary to conduct all programs.

The agreement would allow YSC to offer free community programs as well as fee-based classes, camps, workshops, and other educational activities at the Nature Center. Approved programming may also utilize the park's nature trails, open grass areas, playground, restrooms, and, with prior city approval, the picnic shelter.

For fee-based activities conducted by YSC, gross program revenue would be distributed 70 percent to YSC and 30 percent to the City. YSC would be responsible for participant registration, collection of program fees, processing refunds, and providing the City with its 30 percent share of revenue along with a monthly financial report.

The City would support the partnership by marketing approved programs through the City's recreation brochure, the Discover, website, and other platforms. The City would also remain responsible for coordinating facility repairs, maintenance, and facility-related improvements deemed necessary by the City. YSC would be responsible for janitorial supplies and services for the Nature Center, including janitorial service at least twice per week unless otherwise directed by the City.

The agreement maintains City control over the facility. City use of the Nature Center and property would take priority over YSC's use, and the City may modify or cancel YSC's use with appropriate notice. YSC would also be required to submit proposed programming and calendars to the City for review and approval.

In addition, the agreement establishes safety and risk management requirements. YSC personnel and volunteers working at the Nature Center would be required to maintain First Aid, CPR, and AED certification and successfully complete a City live scan background check. YSC would also be required to maintain the insurance coverage specified in the agreement.

The proposed term of the agreement is three years, beginning October 7, 2026, and ending September 30, 2029. Either party may terminate the agreement, with or without cause, upon 30 days' written notice, subject to completion of any classes or programs already underway and advertised through the City's recreation brochure.

Staff believes the proposed partnership provides a positive opportunity to bring regular educational programming back to the Nature Center and increase community use of Galster Wilderness Park. The partnership also supports the City's efforts to expand recreational and educational opportunities through community partnerships. By combining the City's facility and resources with YSC's educational programming, the Nature Center can once again serve as an active community resource without requiring the City to independently develop and staff a new Nature Center programming operation.

The City Attorney's Office has reviewed the draft agreement and approved it as to form and will approve the final agreement as to form prior to execution.

The City Council has the following options:

1. Approve the staff recommendation; or 
2. Provide alternative direction.