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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-06-16; Parks & Recreation Commission; 02; Parks & Recreation Department Report Meeting Date: June 16, 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: Parks & Recreation Department Report Recommended Action Receive an informational Parks & Recreation Department Report. Executive Summary The Parks & Recreation Department Report (Exhibit 1) provides information on recently completed and upcoming department events, activities, programs and projects, as well as any donations or other relevant topics of interest. 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 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. Department report PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION Staff Report Exhibit 1 PARKS & RECREATION DEPARTMENT REPORT June 16, 2025 GENERAL & RECREATION Annual Aquatic All-Staff Training On Saturday, May 31, 2025, Alga Norte Aquatic Center was closed for the annual all-staff aquatic training. This full-day session ensured staff readiness for the summer season through safety protocol reviews and hands-on emergency response practice. As part of the training, the Parks & Recreation Aquatics staff conducted a joint emergency drill with the Carlsbad Fire Department. The exercise simulated a mock drowning leading to cardiac arrest, allowing lifeguards to perform initial care before transitioning response duties to arriving EMS crews from Fire Station 2. The coordinated drill strengthened interdepartmental collaboration and reinforced emergency preparedness. Volunteer Appreciation Brunch at The Crossings at Carlsbad The Parks & Recreation Department’s annual Volunteer Appreciation Event was held on Saturday, June 1, 2025, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at The Canyons Restaurant of The Crossings at Carlsbad. The event provided an opportunity to recognize and thank the many dedicated volunteers who support city programs and services throughout the year. Attendees enjoyed lunch, connected with fellow volunteers and staff, and were acknowledged for their valuable contributions to the community. Alga Norte Aquatic Center Splash Pad Resurfacing During the week of June 2, 2025, resurfacing work on the Alga Norte Aquatic Center splash pad was successfully completed ahead of the summer season. In place of the previous painted surface, a more durable and slip-resistant PVC membrane was installed. This upgrade improves the longevity and appearance of the surface, enhancing the overall experience for families and visitors. Guests can now enjoy the refreshed space, featuring sea animals, which is fully open to the public and ready to provide an enhanced recreational experience. Carlsbad Senior Center and Kids for Peace Garden Party Celebration Saturday, June 7, 2025, the Carlsbad Senior Center, in partnership with Kids for Peace, hosted a joyful intergenerational Garden Party Celebration to mark the end of the school year. Held at the Senior Center, the event brought together youth and seniors for a day filled with laughter, connection, and meaningful activities. Kids were invited to complete their final acts of kindness including celebrating new friendships, playing games with older generations, and sharing happy dances. This heartwarming gathering reflects the ongoing commitment to fostering community through creativity, connection, and kindness. Summer Programming The city’s summer recreation programs began on Monday, June 9, 2025. Over the course of the ten-week summer season, a wide variety of activities are available for all ages, including youth camps, enrichment classes, fitness programs, and outdoor adventures. These programs offer opportunities for community involvement, personal growth, and enjoyable experiences throughout the summer. ( City of Carlsbad Parks & Recreation Master Sports Summer Youth Basketball League Returns On June 7, 2025, Master Sports Summer Youth Basketball League returned with strong momentum, welcoming approximately 50 more participants than last year. Held every Saturday at Calavera Hills Community Center and Stagecoach Community Center, the league offers young athletes a fun and engaging way to develop their skills throughout the season. This growth reflects the community’s enthusiasm for youth sports and the ongoing commitment to providing positive recreational opportunities for kids during the summer months. Upcoming Events Aloha Plunge The annual Aloha Plunge special event will be hosted at the Alga Norte Aquatic Center on Saturday, July 19, 2025, from 5 p.m. – 8 p.m. This popular luau-themed evening is designed to engage families and community members with a variety of aquatic and dry activities. Pool activities include tropical tic-tac- toe, tiki toss, and floating obstacle course races. Dry land activities will feature a tropical bounce house, lawn games, and themed photo opportunities. The evening will conclude with a live Polynesian performance, including an interactive hula lesson for attendees. This event continues to promote community connection through safe, family-friendly recreation. Snores & S’mores Aviara Community Park will be hosting the annual Snores & S’mores special event from Saturday, Aug. 9, 2025, at 5 p.m. through Sunday, Aug. 10, 2025, at 9 a.m. This family-friendly overnight event is designed to bring the community together through outdoor recreation activities. Evening festivities will include family relays, games, crafts, face painting, and a dedicated fun zone. As the sun sets, attendees will enjoy popcorn, s’mores of course, and a feature presentation of the movie Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs under the stars. The event will conclude the following morning with a light continental breakfast and a hike along one of Carlsbad’s many scenic trails. This event continues to promote community connection through safe, memorable, and inclusive experiences for families. Leo Carrillo Ranch Film Festival The Leo Carrillo Ranch Film Festival is returning at the end of the summer season for three Friday evenings, Aug. 22, 29, and Sept. 5, 2025, from 5:30 to 10 p.m. at Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park. This event offers a nostalgic evening, featuring rare films from Hollywood’s Golden Age, including works starring Leo Carrillo and titles that reflect the spirit of his beloved ranch. The historic grounds will open for the event at 5:30 p.m., with guided tours available until 7:30 p.m. This event provides a one-of-a-kind cultural experience in one of the City’s most iconic historic settings. Tickets are available on July 1, 2025. PARKS Recent Trails Volunteers Events On June 7, 2025, staff hosted a trail maintenance event and celebration of National Trails Day at the Kelly Trail, near Kelly Elementary School. The event included over 50 trails volunteers from the city program, the Aqua Hedionda Lagoon Foundation and Parks & Recreation staff. The event included a presentation on National Trails Day and a trail tour to highlight the importance of native plant habitat and teach volunteers how to identify and properly remove invasive species. Volunteers later worked to trim vegetation, remove invasive species, and stabilize areas of the trail where steep terrain had created rutting on the surface. Upcoming Trails Volunteers Events The 2025 Trails Volunteer Annual Calendar includes Saturday and Wednesday events that are held from 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. as follows: • Saturday, Sept. 27 - National Public Lands Day at Lake Calavera • Saturday, Oct. 25 - Carlsbad Oaks North Business Park Trail • Wednesday, Dec. 3 - Old Rancho Sante Fe Trail More information is available on the department’s trails webpage. Monroe Street Pool Renovation/Replacement Project The contractor’s mobilization and staging were authorized for March 31, 2025. Salvage of equipment by staff from Parks & Recreation, Fleet & Facilities and Information Technology concluded on April 1, 2025. The contractor’s request for information process and the submittal process have commenced and will continue for the next several months. The contractor’s abatement and demolition activities commenced on April 14, 2025, and was completed by early June 2025. The general contractor is overseeing plumbing, electrical and framing work on the existing administration/locker room building, has completed excavation of the enlarged pool and is preparing to commence work on the pool footings. The facility closure period is scheduled through early Summer 2026. Fleet & Facilities staff are working with the contractor to finalize a full project schedule. Staff is continuing to accommodate as many patrons and user groups as feasible at the Alga Norte Aquatic Center during the Monroe Street Pool closure period. Veterans Memorial Park Project Parks & Recreation staff received the resubmittal of the grading package on April 10, 2025, and reviewed the package for completeness before submitting it to Community Development staff for plan checking. Parks & Recreation staff subsequently received preliminary comments from Community Development staff for the consultant to address before full grading plan resubmittal. Also, due to a need to confirm the integrity of the site’s soil stability, the consultant performed additional geotechnical investigations and analyses. Staff is awaiting the results of a geotechnical report in mid-June to determine if any modifications are required. The results of that report will inform staff as to when the grading plans will be ready for resubmittal. The consultant team is currently revising the building plans, and Parks & Recreation staff anticipate receiving the building plan resubmittal package by mid-June 2025. Staff have docketed an item for the City Council Meeting of June 24, 2025, seeking the execution of a declaration of restrictive covenants for the hardline habitat preserve areas within the Veterans Memorial Park project. Staff have also docketed an item for the City Council Meeting of July 29, 2025, seeking adoption of the project’s plans, specifications and contract documents, and authorization to advertise it for bids. Staff anticipate returning to the City Council in the fall for award of a construction contract. Outdoor Pickleball Court Project Once designed, four courts each are to be constructed at Calavera Hills Stagecoach Community Parks. The addition of these new outdoor pickleball courts is responsive to the public’s current demand for this amenity and will substantially broaden the service area coverage. Final concepts were presented to the Parks & Recreation Commission at its November 18, 2024, meeting. On Feb. 26, 2025, Consistency Determination letters were received from Community Development staff for both sites. The design team subsequently completed the 70% construction documents which have been reviewed by Parks & Recreation staff. Review comments from staff were returned to the consultant team in early June and the design team has met to address those items. Staff anticipate requesting the City Council’s approval of the project’s plans, specification and contract documents and authorization to advertise the project for public bids later this year. Fire Mitigation Tree Canopy Pruning City contractors have completed fire mitigation related tree canopy pruning, ground fuel reduction, and tree removal in Hosp Grove, Woodbine Banks, Batiquitos Drive. The $300,000 in appropriated funds for these efforts in FY25 have been expended. Pending appropriation of an additional $300,000 in funds for these efforts in FY 26, staff plans to continue in Hosp Grove and Village H. Natural Grass Athletic Field Renovations The department’s grounds contractor began bi-annual renovations of natural turf athletic fields to enhance the overall conditions. Cultural/renovation practices include thatch removal, aerification, and resodding of bare areas. Work is anticipated to be completed by the end of July 2025. Natural Grass Replacements at Poinsettia Dog Park The department’s grounds contactor began the natural grass replacements in the dog park at Poinsettia Community Park. The scope of work for this project includes tilling and amending the existing topsoil, improving the drainage, and sodding with Bermudagrass. The small dog park will remain open to visitors while the grass replacement occurs in the large dog park. Once the sod is well-established, the large dog park will re-open and the contractor will commence grass replacement in the small dog area. The large dog area is anticipated to re-open July 7, 2025, and the small dog area is anticipated to re-open in late July 2025. Department Report Ashlee Benson, Recreation Services Manager Todd Reese, Parks Services Manager Parks & Recreation Department June 16, 2025 1 { City of Carlsbad AQUATIC ALL-STAFF TRAINING ITEM NO. 2 - DEPARTMENT REPORT •On May 31, 2025, Alga Norte Aquatic Center closed for annual all-staff training, featuring safety reviews and a joint emergency drill with the Carlsbad Fire Department to prepare for summer and reinforce emergency readiness. P&R VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION ITEM NO. 2 - DEPARTMENT REPORT •On June 1, 2025, the Parks & Recreation Department held its annual Volunteer Appreciation Event at The Crossings at Carlsbad, to thank volunteers for their year-round support, with brunch, recognition, and time to connect. SPLASH PAD RESURFACING ITEM NO. 2 - DEPARTMENT REPORT •During the week of June 2, 2025, the Alga Norte Aquatic Center splash pad was upgraded with a durable, slip- resistant PVC membrane, enhancing safety, appearance, and enjoyment - just in time for summer. INTERGENERATIONAL GARDEN PARTY ITEM NO. 2 - DEPARTMENT REPORT •On June 7, 2025, the Carlsbad Senior Center and Kids for Peace hosted a joyful intergenerational Garden Party, uniting youth and seniors through games, dancing, and acts of kindness to celebrate the end of the school year. SUMMER PROGRAMS KICK OFF ITEM NO. 2 - DEPARTMENT REPORT 6 The city’s ten-week summer recreation season began on June 9, 2025, offering activities for all ages including camps, classes, fitness, and outdoor fun. SUMMER BASKETBALL LEAGUE ITEM NO. 2 - DEPARTMENT REPORT •The Master Sports Summer Youth Basketball League returned on June 7, 2025, offering kids a fun, skill-building experience every Saturday at Calavera Hills and Stagecoach Community Centers. UPCOMING EVENTS ITEM NO. 2 - DEPARTMENT REPORT 8 Aloha Plunge – Alga Norte Aquatic Center Saturday, July 19, 2025, from 5 p.m. – 8 p.m. Snores & S’mores – Aviara Community Park Saturday Aug. 9 – 10, 2025, from 5 p.m. – 9 a.m. Leo Carrillo Ranch Film Festival – Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park Friday Aug. 22, 29 and Sept. 5, 2025, from 5:30 p.m. – 10 p.m. Monroe Street Pool Renovation/Replacement Project 9 ( City of Carlsbad RECENT AND PENDING ACTIONS •Jan. 14, 2025 - City Council awarded construction contract & construction management agreement •March 31, 2025 – Facility closed for construction •Summer 2026 – Anticipated facility re-opening 10 ITEM NO. 2 - DEPARTMENT REPORT ( City of Carlsbad Shade More parking Family restrooms Service truck access Mechanical equipment Exteriorentrance Natural drainage basin Locker rooms, office spaceSolar water heating Sports lighting 11 12 --~------- -------- Veterans Memorial Park Project 17 ( City of Carlsbad VETERANS MEMORIAL PARK ITEM NO. 2 - DEPARTMENT REPORT •Consultant team is addressing the various plan review comments •Anticipate receiving final resubmittal of the plans from consultant in June 2025 •Anticipate returning to City Council for approval of plans, specifications and contract documents and authorization to advertise project for bids later this year OUTDOOR PICKLEBALL COURTS PROJECT ITEM NO. 2 - DEPARTMENT REPORT 19 •Project expected to take until Summer 2026 to design, permit, bid and construct four courts each at Calavera Hills and Stagecoach Community Parks •On Feb. 26, 2025, Consistency Determination Letters were received from Planning Division for both sites ( City of Carlsbad OUTDOOR PICKLEBALL COURTS PROJECT ITEM NO. 2 - DEPARTMENT REPORT 20 •Design team completed the 70% construction plans •Anticipate returning to City Council for approval of plans, specifications and contract documents and authorization to advertise project for bids this year ( City of Carlsbad 21CALAVERA HILLS COMMUNITY PARK Legend (D Pickleball Court, Typ. @ Tennis Court, Typ. @ Bleacher, Typ. @ Backless Bench, Typ. @ Memorial Bench @ Proposed ADA Ramp (J) Drinking Fountain @ Trash Receptacle ® 30' Safety Netting @ Court lighting, Typ. ® Path lighting, Typ. @ BMP @ Shade Sail, Typ. Scale 1"=20' NORTHffi 22CALAVERA HILLS COMMUNITY PARK Section A-A Scale 1"=16' I ~. I I I I } I I I I ,. .. I Section B-B Scale 1"=8' I ! I I I I } I I I I.. I , .. 24• I 23CALAVERA HILLS COMMUNITY PARK 24STAGECOACH COMMUNITY PARK Legend G) pick\eball court, T'iP· @ Tennis court, 1YP· @ Bleacher, T'iP· © Backless Bench ® sewer l'Jlannole @ Drinking fountain (J) Trash Receptacle @ court lighting, T'iP· ® path lighting, 1YP· @)BNIP @ A.DA Ramil, T'iP· @ shade sail, ·wp. scale y•:20' 25STAGECOACH COMMUNITY PARK Section A-A Scale 1"=16' I ' I I I I " II I O' 8' 16' .. I Key Map Section 8-8 Scale 1"=8' I ! I I I I } I I I I.. 24• I EB 26STAGECOACH COMMUNITY PARK 27 SITE AMENITIES ITEM NO. 2 - DEPARTMENT REPORT 28 Kelly Trail - National Trails Day •Saturday, June 7, 2025, 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. •50 volunteers joined staff to trim vegetation, remove invasive species, fill ruts, remove trash •Trail hike included identification of invasive species and importance of native species to environment •Agua Hedionda Lagoon Foundation participated RECENT TRAILS VOLUNTEERS EVENT ITEM NO. 2 - DEPARTMENT REPORT 29 Includes Saturday & Wednesday events, 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. •Saturday, Sept. 27, National Public Lands Day - Lake Calavera •Saturday, Oct. 25 - Carlsbad Oaks North Business Park Trail •Wednesday, Dec. 3 - Old Rancho Sante Fe Trail More information available on department’s trails webpage 2025 TRAILS VOLUNTEERS EVENTS FIRE MITIGATION TREE CANOPY PRUNING ITEM NO. 1 - DEPARTMENT REPORT Completed $300,000 of fire mitigation tree pruning, tree removal and ground fuel reduction at Hosp Grove, Woodbine Banks and Batiquitos Drive $300,000 of additional work proposed FY26 budget 30 COMMUNITY GARDENSNATURAL GRASS ATHLETIC FIELD RENOVATIONS Core aeration, de-thatch and collect, drop cut, resod worn areas, and fertilize/irrigate Complete at select sites by end of July 2025 NATURAL GRASS REPLACEMENT AT POINSETTIA DOG PARK ITEM NO. 2 - DEPARTMENT REPORT •Tilling and amending topsoil, improving drainage and sodding with Bermudagrass •Small dog area open while large dog area is growing-in; anticipated to reopen July 7, 2025 •Small dog area will close for four weeks after July 7, 2025, for renovation and growing-in 32 QUESTIONS/COMMENTS Thank you 33 ITEM NO. 2 - DEPARTMENT REPORT {city of Carlsbad