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Council approves Club Cowabunga after‑school program; private providers raise questions about overlap
Summary
The council approved a new city‑run after‑school program, Club Cowabunga, to run at the Gordon Clubhouse for kindergarten through fifth grade. Staff projected 30–40 students first year and revenue of $67,000–$97,000; a local program operator raised concerns during public comment about potential competition and program details.
The El Segundo City Council voted May 6 to approve a new city‑run after‑school program, Club Cowabunga, planned to operate at the Gordon Clubhouse for kindergarten through fifth grade.
Recreation, Parks & Library Director Ali Mancini described the program as a wellness‑focused after‑school option emphasizing recreation and social skills rather than extended homework support. "Club Cowabunga would focus on offering wellness and recreation programming while helping children build social skills in a safe and supportive environment," Mancini said. Staff proposed a fee of $450 per month for residents and $550 per month for nonresidents, plus an initial registration fee of $100 (residents) or $120 (nonresidents). Based on estimated enrollment of 30–40 students in year one, Mancini said the program could generate $67,000–$97,000 for the general fund; staff estimated later expansion to higher enrollment in year two.
Before the council item, a local program operator, Eric Hennesson (owner/operator of Family & Wellness Studio), addressed the council during public comment to ask how the city's program would affect existing providers, whether the city and private operators would run parallel programs, how the program would be marketed, and how fees and enrollment would interact. "We look at our partnership or contract with the city very seriously," Hennesson told the council, saying his program currently serves eight full‑time students ages TK through third grade and that he was seeking clarity about potential competition if the city offered an overlapping program.
Councilmembers asked about hours (staff estimated roughly 20 hours per week, about 80 hours per month) and the registration fee's purpose; Mancini said the registration fee covers paperwork and helps stabilize enrollment. Mancini also noted a recreation program scholarship for families with financial hardship. The council approved the program motion (moved by Councilmember Drew, seconded by Councilmember Keldorf) and voted in favor.
What comes next: staff will begin program setup at the Gordon Clubhouse and work with the district and community to enroll students. The council asked staff to monitor demand and how the program interacts with existing providers.
