HomeMy WebLinkAbout2024-11-18; Parks & Recreation Commission; 02; 2025 Parks & Recreation Commission Work Plan
Meeting Date: Nov. 18, 2024
To: Parks & Recreation Commission
From: Kyle Lancaster, Parks & Recreation Director
Staff Contact: Mick Calarco, Recreation Services Manager
mick.calarco@carlsbadca.gov, 442, 339-2859
Subject: 2025 Parks & Recreation Commission Work Plan
Recommended Action
Review, edit as needed, and accept the 2025 Parks & Recreation Commission Work Plan and
recommend its approval by the City Council.
Discussion
In 2018, the City Council revised the Carlsbad Municipal Code to create uniform policies and
procedures related to boards and commissions. CMC Section 2.15.020 (C) requires that each
board or commission provide to the City Council for its approval an annual work plan of
activities to be undertaken.
At the Nov. 20, 2023, Parks & Recreation Commission meeting, the Commission reviewed the
existing annual work plan and discussed the opportunity for making edits to the content. At the
conclusion of discussion, the Commission accepted its annual work plan and recommended its
approval by the City Council. On Jan. 9, 2024, the City Council adopted a resolution approving
the annual work plan of the Parks & Recreation Commission (Exhibit 1).
On Sept. 18, 2023, the Parks & Recreation Commission accepted the 2023-2030 Parks &
Recreation Department Master Plan Update and recommended its approval by the City Council.
On Sept. 26, 2023, the City Council approved the 2023-2030 Parks & Recreation Department
Master Plan Update. The department’s master plan update includes a strategic action plan
which provides systemwide recommendations for staff to implement over the short-term (0-3
years), long-term (4-7 years) and on an ongoing basis. That action plan is divided into four
categories:
• Parks
• Maintenance and operations
• Programs, events, and facilities
• Funding and marketing
The City Council approved the 2024 Parks & Recreation Commission Work Plan on Jan. 9, 2024.
Staff has prepared a draft 2025 Parks & Recreation Commission Work Plan, which incorporates
selected short term and ongoing action items from the 2023-2030 Parks & Recreation
Department Master Plan Update. This 2025 Parks & Recreation Commission Work Plan is
consistent with the approved 2024 Parks & Recreation Commission Work Plan.
Staff recommends that the Commission review, edit as needed, and accept the 2025 Parks &
Recreation Commission Work Plan. Staff believes this document is a comprehensive, timely
and viable work plan, maintaining focus on the department’s strategic action plan.
Next Steps
The Commission accepted 2025 Parks & Recreation Commission Work Plan will be presented to
the City Council for approval in early 2025.
Exhibits
1. Parks & Recreation Commission 2025 Work Plan
Exhibit 1
City of Carlsbad
Parks & Recreation Commission Work Plan
2025
I. Mission Statement
The Mission of the Parks & Recreation Commission is to promote community health and wellness
while supporting a culture that embraces change and continuous improvement.
II. Composition
Consistent with Chapter 2.36 of the Carlsbad Municipal Code, the Parks & Recreation Commission
shall consist of seven members appointed by the mayor with the approval of the city council.
Members shall serve four-year terms. The Parks & Recreation Commission shall have the power,
and it shall be the duty of the commission, to make recommendations to the city council and to
advise the council in matters pertaining to the creation, operation, maintenance, management and
control of community recreation programs, of playgrounds and indoor and outdoor recreations,
activities and facilities. Further, it shall be the duty of the commission to advise and make
recommendations to the city council on matters pertaining to planting, trimming, pruning, and care
of all trees, shrubs or plants and to the removal of all objectionable trees, shrubs and plants in and
upon any park of the city. The Parks & Recreation Commission shall have the additional power, and
it shall be the duty of the commission to review tree-related issues and to determine the needs of
the city with respect to its tree planting, replacement, maintenance and preservation programs.
The Commission will also make recommendations to the city council on policies, regulations or
ordinances pertaining to the care and protection of public trees and the selection of specific species
of trees for designation along city streets, including the development of a community forest
management plan for the city. In addition, in accordance with Section 11.12.150 of the municipal
code, the Parks & Recreation Commission shall hear appeals from decisions of the city manager
acting through the Parks & Recreation director or designee, regarding the planting or removal of
street trees.
III. 2025 Goals & Tasks
The Parks & Recreation Commission will focus on the following 2025 Goals and Tasks:
(Goals identified in numerals; Tasks to accomplish those Goals identified in alphas)
1. Advise city staff and City Council on projects, plans, events and programs
a. Focus on progress, adherence and impact
PARKS & RECREATION DEPARTMENT MASTER PLAN UPDATE: SELECTIVE SUPPORT REFERENCE
PARKS STRATEGIES
Short Term (0-3 Years)
• Seek City Council direction on whether to pursue the construction of outdoor pickleball
courts at an existing park to address the current demand
• Complete a Parks in Lieu Fee and Parks Impact Fee Study and present its findings to the
City Council for review and direction
• Complete construction plans, bidding and construction implementation for Stagecoach
Park Community Garden
• Complete construction plans, bidding and construction implementation for Veterans
Memorial Park
• Complete community engagement, conceptual design and permitting for Robertson
Ranch Community Park
• Contribute to completing construction plans, bidding and construction implementation
for Monroe Street Pool Renovation/Replacement (in support of project’s lead
department: Fleet & Facilities)
• Contribute to completing construction plans, bidding and construction implementation
for Beach Access Repairs and Upgrades (in support of project’s lead department:
Transportation)
Ongoing
• Incorporate environmentally friendly practices into park design and operations, such as
drought-tolerant landscaping and energy-efficient lighting
• Explore certifications or equivalencies, such as SITES or LEED, for new park designs or
renovations
• Ensure full ADA access at all parks, with a focus on most immediate needs
• Add more trees within parks, where feasible
MAINTENANCE AND OPERATIONS STRATEGIES
Ongoing
• Enhance pathway and parking lot lighting, and reduce energy consumption, by
converting aging incandescent systems with modern LED systems
PROGRAMS, EVENTS AND FACILITIES STRATEGIES
Short Term = 0-3 Years
• Assess current programs and facilities to identify barriers to accessibility and develop
plans to address identified barriers (in support of project’s lead department: Risk
Management)
• Explore expansion of scholarship programs and other financial assistance options, such
as sliding scale fees, to help reduce barriers to program participation
• Evaluate offering programs at the northern, city-controlled beach
• Expand program offerings outdoors, including fitness, etc.
• Annually evaluate program lifecycles to ensure balance between different stages
• Offer multicultural programs that reflect the community's increasing diversity
• Provide accommodations, such as sign language interpretation, to make programs and
facilities more inclusive
Ongoing
• Continue to monitor program trends to ensure ongoing alignment with community
needs
• Utilize technology, including Augmented Reality, and Virtual Reality to enhance the
program experience
FUNDING AND MARKETING STRATEGIES
Short Term = 0-3 Years
• Identify potential grant opportunities and develop grant proposals to secure funding
• Implement fee study findings to ensure fees are competitive to those fees of
surrounding cities for like offerings
• Develop a CAPRA compliant department marketing plan to promote the various
offerings
Ongoing
• Partner with community organizations and businesses to provide additional funding for
scholarships and discounted programs
• Annually review and adjust program, event and facility fees to ensure they are
competitive to the market
• Annually review athletic field use fees competitive to the market
2. Enhance accessibility, visibility and engagement
a. Ensure a quorum at all Commission meetings
b. Have Commissioners conduct site visits to parks, facilities and programs
c. Have individual Commissioners attend at least two Parks & Recreation events
PARKS & RECREATION DEPARTMENT MASTER PLAN UPDATE: SELECTIVE SUPPORT REFERENCE
PARKS STRATEGIES
Ongoing
• Encourage community participation in reporting maintenance or safety concerns
• Review the potential for adding park amenities based on the levels of service
recommendations
MAINTENANCE AND OPERATIONS STRATEGIES
Short Term = 0-3 Years
• Continue to invest in upgrading aging infrastructure with the department’s annual
operating budget and – as needed – with the capital improvement program budget
Ongoing
• Explore grant opportunities to supplement funds for upgrades to aging infrastructure
and equipment
PROGRAMS, EVENTS AND FACILITIES STRATEGIES
Ongoing
• Encourage feedback and open communication between the department and the
community
FUNDING AND MARKETING STRATEGIES
Short Term = 0-3 Years
• Develop a CAPRA compliant department marketing plan to promote the various
offerings
3. Broaden outreach and education
a. Connect with other relevant agencies and organizations
b. Invite educational presentations at Commission meetings
PARKS & RECREATION DEPARTMENT MASTER PLAN UPDATE: SELECTIVE SUPPORT REFERENCE
PARKS STRATEGIES
Short Term (0-3 Years)
• Educate park visitors about sustainable practices and encourage them to participate in
environmental initiatives
Ongoing
• Encourage community participation in reporting maintenance or safety concerns
MAINTENANCE AND OPERATIONS STRATEGIES
Short Term = 0-3 Years
• Explore partnerships with community organizations or individual volunteers to
periodically provide additional maintenance support
PROGRAMS, EVENTS AND FACILITIES STRATEGIES
Short Term = 0-3 Years
• Partner with local organizations that represent marginalized communities to receive
input on program development
Ongoing
• Partner with healthcare organizations to provide health screenings and education to
the community to the active adult population
• Work with community organizations and local businesses to develop partnerships that
can help provide or promote new programs and event offerings
FUNDING AND MARKETING STRATEGIES
Short Term = 0-3 Years
• Consider revenue generation that includes corporate partnerships, sponsorships,
foundations and/or naming rights opportunities
Ongoing
Partner with community organizations and businesses to provide additional funding for
scholarships and discounted programs
Mick Calarco, Recreation Services Manager
Parks & Recreation Department
Nov.18, 2023
2025 Parks & Recreation
Commission Work Plan
1
RECOMMENDED ACTION
Review, edit as needed, and accept the
Commission’s 2025 work plan, and
recommend its approval by the City Council
ITEM NO. 2 – WORK PLAN FOR 2025
2
DISCUSSION
•In 2018, City Council revised Carlsbad Municipal
Code to create uniform policies and procedures
•CMC Section 2.15.020 (C) - Each commission is
to provide to City Council an annual work plan
ITEM NO. 2 – WORK PLAN FOR 2025
3
DISCUSSION
•On Nov. 20, 2023, Commission reviewed existing
annual work plan and discussed making edits
•Commission accepted the annual work plan, and
recommended its approval
•On Jan. 9, 2024, City Council approved
Commission’s annual work plan
ITEM NO. 2 – WORK PLAN FOR 2025
4
WORK PLAN COMPONENTS
•Three components to the work plan
•Mission Statement
•Composition (Role)
•Goals & Tasks
ITEM NO. 2 – WORK PLAN FOR 2025
5
MISSION STATEMENT
The Mission of the Parks & Recreation
Commission is to promote community health
and wellness while supporting a culture that
embraces change and continuous improvement
ITEM NO. 2 – WORK PLAN FOR 2025
6
COMMISSION COMPOSITION
•Per Chapter 2.36 of the Carlsbad Municipal Code,
the Parks & Recreation Commission shall consist
of seven members appointed by the Mayor with
the approval of City Council
•Members shall serve four-year terms
ITEM NO. 2 – WORK PLAN FOR 2025
7
COMMISSION COMPOSITION
•The Parks & Recreation Commission shall have the
power, and it shall be the duty of the commission, to
make recommendations to the city council and to
advise the council in matters pertaining to the
creation, operation, maintenance, management and
control of community recreation programs, of
playgrounds and indoor and outdoor recreations,
activities and facilities
ITEM NO. 2 – WORK PLAN FOR 2025
8
COMMISSION COMPOSITION
•Further, it shall be the duty of the Commission to
advise and make recommendations to the city
council on matters pertaining to planting, trimming,
pruning, and care of all trees, shrubs or plants and
to the removal of all objectionable trees, shrubs and
plants in and upon any park of the city
ITEM NO. 2 – WORK PLAN FOR 2025
9
COMMISSION COMPOSITION
•The Parks & Recreation Commission shall have the
additional power, and it shall be the duty of the
commission to review tree-related issues and to
determine the needs of the city with respect to its
tree planting, replacement, maintenance and
preservation programs
ITEM NO. 2 – WORK PLAN FOR 2025
10
COMMISSION COMPOSITION
•The commission will also make recommendations
to the city council on policies, regulations or
ordinances pertaining to the care and protection of
public trees and the selection of specific species of
trees for designation along city streets, including
the development of a community forest
management plan for the city
ITEM NO. 2 – WORK PLAN FOR 2025
11
COMMISSION COMPOSITION
•In addition, per Section 11.12.150 of the Carlsbad
Municipal Code, the Parks & Recreation
Commission shall hear appeals from decisions of
the City Manager acting through the Parks &
Recreation Director or designee, regarding the
planting or removal of street trees
ITEM NO. 2 – WORK PLAN FOR 2025
12
GOALS & TASKS
1. Advise City staff and City Council on projects,
plans, events and programs
a. Focus on progress, adherence and impact
ITEM NO. 2 – WORK PLAN FOR 2025
13
GOALS & TASKS
2023-2030 Parks & Recreation Department
Master Plan Update Support References
Short term parks strategies (7)
•Seek City Council direction on whether to
pursue the construction of outdoor
pickleball courts at an existing park to
address the current demand
ITEM NO. 2 – WORK PLAN FOR 2025
14
GOALS & TASKS
•Complete a Parks in Lieu Fee and Parks Impact
Fee Study and present its findings to the City
Council for review and direction
•Complete construction plans, bidding and
construction implementation for Stagecoach
Park Community Garden
ITEM NO. 2 – WORK PLAN FOR 2025
15
GOALS & TASKS
•Complete construction plans, bidding and
construction implementation for Veterans
Memorial Park
•Complete community engagement, conceptual
design and permitting for Robertson Ranch
Community Park
ITEM NO. 2 – WORK PLAN FOR 2025
16
GOALS & TASKS
•Contribute to completing construction plans,
bidding and construction implementation for
Monroe Street Pool Renovation/Replacement
(in support of project’s lead department: Fleet
& Facilities)
•Contribute to completing construction plans,
bidding and construction implementation for
Beach Access Repairs and Upgrades (in support
of project’s lead department: Transportation)
ITEM NO. 2 – WORK PLAN FOR 2025
17
GOALS & TASKS
Ongoing parks strategies (4)
•Incorporate environmentally friendly
practices into park design and operations,
such as drought-tolerant landscaping and
energy-efficient lighting
•Explore certifications or equivalencies,
such as SITES or LEED, for new park
designs or renovations
ITEM NO. 2 – WORK PLAN FOR 2025
18
GOALS & TASKS
•Ensure full ADA access at all parks, with a
focus on most immediate needs
•Add more trees within parks, where feasible
ITEM NO. 2 – WORK PLAN FOR 2025
19
GOALS & TASKS
Ongoing maintenance and operation strategies (3)
•Incorporate environmentally friendly practices into park design and operations,
such as drought-tolerant landscaping and
energy-efficient lighting
•Explore certifications or equivalencies, such as SITES or LEED, for new park designs or
renovations
ITEM NO. 2 – WORK PLAN FOR 2025
20
GOALS & TASKS
•Enhance pathway and parking lot lighting,
and reduce energy consumption, by
converting aging incandescent systems with modern LED systems
ITEM NO. 2 – WORK PLAN FOR 2025
21
GOALS & TASKS
Short term programs, events & facilities strategies (7)
•Assess current programs and facilities to
identify barriers to accessibility and develop plans to address identified barriers (in support of project’s lead department: Risk Mgmt)
•Explore expansion of scholarship programs and
other financial assistance options, such as sliding scale fees, to help reduce barriers to program participation
ITEM NO. 2 – WORK PLAN FOR 2025
22
GOALS & TASKS
•Evaluate offering programs at north, city-
controlled beach
•Expand program offerings outdoors, including fitness, etc.
•Annually evaluate program lifecycles to ensure
balance between different stages
•Offer multicultural programs that reflect the community's increasing diversity
•Provide accommodations, such as sign language
interpretation, to make programs more inclusive
ITEM NO. 2 – WORK PLAN FOR 2025
23
GOALS & TASKS
Ongoing programs, events and facilities strategies (2)
•Continue to monitor program trends to ensure
ongoing alignment with community needs
•Utilize technology, including Augmented Reality, and Virtual Reality to enhance the
program experience
ITEM NO. 2 – WORK PLAN FOR 2025
24
GOALS & TASKS
Short term funding and marketing strategies (3)
•Identify potential grant opportunities and
develop grant proposals to secure funding
•Implement fee study findings to ensure fees are competitive to those fees of
surrounding cities for like offerings
•Develop a CAPRA compliant department marketing plan to promote the various offerings
ITEM NO. 2 – WORK PLAN FOR 2025
25
GOALS & TASKS
Ongoing funding and marketing strategies (3)
•Partner with community organizations and
businesses to provide additional funding for scholarships and discounted programs
•Annually review and adjust program, event
and facility fees to ensure they are
competitive to market
•Annually review athletic field use fees competitive to the market
ITEM NO. 2 – WORK PLAN FOR 2025
26
GOALS & TASKS
2. Enhance accessibility, visibility and engagement
a.Ensure a quorum at all Commission mtgs.
b.Have Commissioners conduct site visits to
parks, facilities and programs with city staff
c.Individual Commissioners to attend at least two Parks & Recreation events
ITEM NO. 2 – WORK PLAN FOR 2025
27
GOALS & TASKS
2023-2030 Parks & Recreation Department Master
Plan Update Support References
Ongoing parks strategies (2)
•Encourage community participation in reporting maintenance or safety concerns
•Review the potential for adding park amenities
based on the levels of service recommendations
ITEM NO. 2 – WORK PLAN FOR 2025
28
GOALS & TASKS
Short term maintenance and operations strategy
•Continue to invest in upgrading aging
infrastructure with the department’s annual operating budget and – as needed – with the capital improvement program budget
ITEM NO. 2 – WORK PLAN FOR 2025
29
GOALS & TASKS
Ongoing maintenance and operations strategy
•Explore grant opportunities to supplement
funds for upgrades to aging infrastructure and equipment
ITEM NO. 2 – WORK PLAN FOR 2025
30
GOALS & TASKS
Ongoing programs, events and facility strategy
•Encourage feedback and open communication
between the department and the community
ITEM NO. 2 – WORK PLAN FOR 2025
31
GOALS & TASKS
Short term funding and marketing strategy
•Develop a CAPRA compliant department
marketing plan to promote the various offerings
ITEM NO. 2 – WORK PLAN FOR 2025
32
GOALS & TASKS
3. Broaden outreach and education
a. Connect with other relevant agencies and
organizations
b. Invite educational presentations at Commission meetings
ITEM NO. 2 – WORK PLAN FOR 2025
33
GOALS & TASKS
2023-2030 Parks & Recreation Department
Master Plan Update Support References
Short term park strategy
•Educate park visitors about sustainable practices and encourage them to
participate in environmental initiatives
ITEM NO. 2 – WORK PLAN FOR 2025
34
GOALS & TASKS
Ongoing park strategy
•Encourage community participation in
reporting maintenance or safety concerns
ITEM NO. 2 – WORK PLAN FOR 2025
35
GOALS & TASKS
Short term maintenance and operations strategy
•Encourage community participation in
reporting maintenance or safety concerns
ITEM NO. 2 – WORK PLAN FOR 2025
36
GOALS & TASKS
Short term programs events and facilities strategy
•Partner with local organizations that
represent marginalized communities to receive input on program development
ITEM NO. 2 – WORK PLAN FOR 2025
37
GOALS & TASKS
Ongoing programs events and facilities strategies (2)
•Partner with healthcare organizations to
provide health screenings and education to the community to the active adult population
•Work with community organizations and local
businesses to develop partnerships that can
help provide or promote new programs and event offerings
ITEM NO. 2 – WORK PLAN FOR 2025
38
GOALS & TASKS
Short term funding and marketing strategy
•Consider revenue generation that includes
corporate partnerships, sponsorships, foundations and/or naming rights opportunities
ITEM NO. 2 – WORK PLAN FOR 2025
39
GOALS & TASKS
Ongoing funding and marketing strategy
•Partner with community organizations and
businesses to provide additional funding for scholarships and discounted programs
40
ITEM NO. 2 – WORK PLAN FOR 2025
RECOMMENDED ACTION
Review, edit as needed, and accept the
Commission’s 2025 work plan, and
recommend its approval by the City Council
ITEM NO. 2 – WORK PLAN FOR 2025
41
QUESTIONS AND COMMENTS
Thank you
ITEM NO. 2 – WORK PLAN FOR 2025