Active Adult Drop-In Fee Waiver Program 

Review and comment on the Active Adult Drop-In Fee Waiver Program

Alexandra Ikeda, Deputy City Manager 

As part of the Parks and Community Services (PCS) Commission's Work Plan for Fiscal Year 2026/27, the Commission was tasked with exploring opportunities to reduce financial barriers for active adults participating in City parks and recreation programs. For purposes of this program, "active adults" are defined as individuals age 55 or older.

The City offers a variety of programs that provide active adults with opportunities to stay active, engaged, and connected. While many programs are available at little to no cost, some do require a drop-in fee to participate. Staff is proposing an Active Adult Drop-In Fee Waiver for qualifying American Canyon residents. To qualify, an individual must be age 55 or older, verify American Canyon residency in accordance with the City's adopted Fee Policy, and demonstrate current enrollment in Pacific Gas and Electric Company's (PG&E) California Alternate Rates for Energy (CARE) Program. The City currently uses enrollment in the PG&E CARE Program to determine eligibility for financial assistance through its Water Utility Billing program. Using this existing qualification standard provides a consistent method for determining financial eligibility without requiring City staff to collect or evaluate income information. 

Qualifications for the fee waiver would be valid for one year (7/1-6/30) and require annual renewal, aligning with the City's fiscal year for budgeting and program tracking purposes. Once qualified, the waiver would apply to drop-in fees for adult programs and activities provided directly by the City. Examples include lap swim, water aerobics, open gym, and daily drop-in at the Adult Activity Center. The fee waiver would not apply to programs or classes provided by an independent contracted instructor as they are compensated through participant fees collected for the programs they provide, trips, or program and class registration fees where a drop-in fee does not exist. 

OVERVIEW OF POLICY

Qualifications

• Must be an American Canyon resident - residency will be verified through the City's established Fee Policy. 
• Must be 55 years or older. 
• Must be enrolled in the PG&E CARE Program and provide valid documentation. 

Annual Renewal

Qualification for the fee waiver will be valid for one year (7/1-6/30) and must be renewed annually - aligning with the City's fiscal year for budgeting and program tracking purposes. 

Eligible Programs

The fee waiver will apply to drop-in fees for adult programs and activities provided directly by the City. Examples include: 

• Lap Swim
• Water Aerobics
• Open Gym
• Daily Drop-in at the Adult Activity Center

Exclusions
The fee waiver will not apply to programs or classes provided by an independent contract instructor, tips, or programs and classes that have a registration fee with no drop-in fee. 

Not applicable 

This staff report serves as the formal communication on this item.