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Home My WebLink About2025-03-17; Parks & Recreation Commission; 01; Options for a Parks & Recreation Commission Special Meeting/Tour Meeting Date: March 17, 2025 To: Parks & Recreation Commission From: Kyle Lancaster, Parks & Recreation Director Staff Contact: Ashlee Benson, Recreation Services Manager ashlee.benson@carlsbadca.gov, 442-339-5778 Subject: Options for a Parks & Recreation Commission Special Meeting/Tour Recommended Action Discuss scheduling options for a Parks & Recreation special meeting, to tour pre-determined parks, recreation facilities and capital improvement program projects. Executive Summary/Explanation & Analysis In past years, the Parks & Recreation Commission has opted to hold a special meeting, allowing staff to provide a tour of pre-determined parks, recreation facilities and capital improvement program projects. The Parks & Recreation Commission expressed an interest in scheduling a special meeting for such a tour. Staff will provide the Commissioners with a set of dates and time ranges that are available for consideration based upon staff availability, transportation requirements, and scheduled activities/programs/camps at selective parks and community centers. Should the Commissioners reach a consensus on a date and time range for the tour, staff will proceed with making the corresponding arrangements. Conducting a tour in this manner will also address the following Goals and Tasks of the Parks & Recreation Commission’s 2025 Work Plan (Exhibit 1): 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 Fiscal Analysis This action has no fiscal impact. Environmental Evaluation This action does not require environmental review because it does not constitute a project within the meaning of the California Environmental Quality Act under Public Resources Code PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION Staff Report Section 21065 in that it has no potential to cause a direct physical change or a reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment. 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 Ashlee Benson, Recreation Services Manager Parks & Recreation Department March 17, 2025 Scheduling Options for a Commission Special Meeting / Tour { City of Carlsbad RECOMMENDED ACTION Discuss scheduling options for a Parks & Recreation Commission special meeting, to tour pre-determined parks, recreation facilities and capital improvement program projects ITEM NO.1 – SCHEDULE FOR COMMISSION TOUR { City of Carlsbad BACKGROUND •In previous years, the Parks & Recreation Commission has opted to hold a special meeting, allowing staff to offer a tour of selected parks, recreation facilities, and capital improvement program projects of interest. ITEM NO.1 – SCHEDULE FOR COMMISSION TOUR ( City of Carlsbad BACKGROUND •On Nov. 20, 2024, the Parks & Recreation Commission approved its 2025 work plan and recommended City Council approval •On Feb. 4, 2025, the City Council adopted a resolution approving the 2025 Parks & Recreation Commission Work Plan ITEM NO.1 – SCHEDULE FOR COMMISSION TOUR ( City of Carlsbad COMMISSION’S WORK PLAN Conducting such a tour will address the following Goal and Tasks of the Commission’s annual Work Plan: 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 ITEM NO.1 – SCHEDULE FOR COMMISSION TOUR RECOMMENDED ACTION Discuss scheduling options for a Parks & Recreation Commission tour of pre-determined parks, recreation facilities and capital improvement program projects ITEM NO.1 – SCHEDULE FOR COMMISSION TOUR { City of Carlsbad QUESTIONS/COMMENTS •Thank you 7 ITEM NO.1 – SCHEDULE FOR COMMISSION TOUR { City of Carlsbad