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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025-11-17; Parks & Recreation Commission; 03; Parks & Recreation Department Report Meeting Date: Nov. 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: 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 Exhibit 1 PARKS & RECREATION DEPARTMENT REPORT Nov. 17, 2025 GENERAL & RECREATION Older and Bolder EXPO at Pine Avenue Community Center The Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce Aging Services Committee, in partnership with the City of Carlsbad, hosted the fourth annual Older & Bolder EXPO on Saturday, Sept. 27, 2025, at the Pine Avenue Community Center. The event served as an important resource for seniors and their families, aligning with the city’s commitment to being an age-friendly community. More than 40 vendors offered services in healthcare, financial planning, housing, and insurance, while three workshops covered real estate downsizing, legal considerations, caregiving options, and senior scams. Superhero Obstacle Race at Alga Norte Community Park Runners unleashed their inner hero at the Superhero Obstacle Race on Oct. 5, 2025, at Alga Norte Community Park. From 8 a.m. to 10 a.m., participants dashed through a 2K superhero-themed obstacle course filled with fun challenges for all ages. Every hero who completed the race received a cape, bib number and finisher’s medal to celebrate their victory. It was an unforgettable, action-packed community event. Alga Norte Aquatic Center Pumpkin Plunge The Alga Norte Aquatic Center transformed into a festive, family-friendly destination for the annual Pumpkin Plunge on Saturday, Oct. 18, 2025. The popular community event offered spooky fun for all ages with pool activities, floating obstacles, games, prizes and a splash pad for younger participants. On dry land, attendees enjoyed lawn games, a bounce house and a floating pumpkin patch, where every child took home a pumpkin. The event remained one of the department’s most anticipated seasonal celebrations, promoting community engagement and family recreation in a safe and fun environment. Intergenerational Halloween Bingo Bash at the Senior Center The Carlsbad Senior Center hosted its annual Halloween Bingo Bash on Oct. 30, 2025. The afternoon kicked off with costumes, Halloween trivia, a costume walk and contest, and spooky music from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m. From 3 p.m. to 5 p.m., participants enjoyed bingo and intergenerational fun, with the Leadership in Training and Education (L.I.T.E.) program providing prizes and sweet treats. The event offered a spirited celebration that brought together community members of all ages for festive fall fun. Haunted Halloween Bash Pine Avenue On Oct. 31, 2025, the Pine Avenue Community Center hosted its 3rd annual Haunted Halloween Bash, bringing fun and festivities for children and families of all ages. Guests enjoyed Halloween-themed crafts, cookie decorating, temporary tattoos, and carnival games like Can Knockdown, Ring Toss, Pop Shot Basketball, and Halloween Cornhole, complete with candy giveaways. The main attraction, a Haunted House in the Teen Center, featured themed rooms and scare actors from our L.I.T.E. program. Staff and teen participants worked tirelessly to create an immersive experience, and attendees loved it! Over 60 people came through the center to enjoy the fun, making this year’s bash a spooktacular success. Dia de Los Muertos at Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park celebrated Día de los Muertos on Nov. 1-2, 2025, welcoming more than 1,200 visitors. Hosted in partnership with the Parks & Recreation and Library & Cultural Arts departments, the free event filled the historic adobe hacienda with vibrant decorations, traditional and community ofrendas, and cultural performances. Guests enjoyed arts and crafts, photo opportunities, food and live entertainment, including Ballet Folklorico de Tapatio de San Dieguito and Jarabe Mexicano. The celebration honored the tradition of remembrance while embracing the joy and beauty of life. Alga Norte Aquatic Center Highlighted on Athletic Business Conference Tour The City of Carlsbad’s Alga Norte Aquatic Center was selected as one of three featured aquatic facilities on a tour during the 2025 Athletic Business Show Conference on Nov. 5, 2025. The recognition highlighted Alga Norte’s standout design, innovative systems and diverse mix of recreation, instructional and competitive programming. Aquatic professionals from across the country toured the facility and met with Carlsbad’s aquatics team to learn why it remains a premier model for modern public aquatics. Veteran’s Day Celebration at the Carlsbad Senior Center The Carlsbad Senior Center celebrated Veterans Day in November with programs honoring the service and sacrifice of local veterans. Throughout the month, a Veterans Tribute display featured photos of veterans and their families as a community expression of gratitude. On Nov. 10, the center hosted a lunchtime musical program with live patriotic performances by volunteers Frank, Lou, and Rich. A free yoga session led by trauma-informed instructor Rebecca Hatman also offered a mindful way to honor veterans through movement and reflection. Winter Recreation Program Registration Begins Registration for winter recreation classes opened on Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2025, with programs beginning in early Dec. 2025. The Winter Community Services Guide was released online, featuring a wide range of programs for all ages and interests, including fitness and wellness classes, art workshops, youth sports leagues, dance, and swimming lessons. Thanksgiving Break ArtVenture Camp at Calavera Hills Community Center On Nov. 24–26, 2025, the Calavera Hills Community Center will host the ArtVenture Thanksgiving Break Creators Camp from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. Young artists will explore painting, sculpting, metal tooling and printmaking in this fun, hands-on art camp. Inspired by fall themes of gratitude, campers will create festive projects while learning new artistic techniques. Upcoming Events Holiday at the Rancho Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park Admission is $10 per person; children ages 3 and younger are free. Experience a classic holiday setting as Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park is lit up with lights and decorations. Watch the holiday tree lighting at 6 p.m. on the sand near the pool. Decorate holiday cookies, create crafts, participate in the ‘plush’ snowball fight, and enjoy festive entertainment. Face painting, train rides, an outdoor movie and a special visit by Santa are also included. A holiday film will be featured on the outdoor movie screen starting at 6:15 p.m. PARKS Monroe Street Pool Renovation/Replacement Project The contractor is overseeing plumbing, electrical, framing and masonry work on the existing administration/locker room building, and is awaiting finalization of design revisions for the lobby to enhance site monitoring/security. The contractor has also completed procurement and delivery of roof frame materials for that building. The contractor has excavated, formed a foundation and installed utility conduit for the mechanical/family restrooms building. The contractor has additionally completed the following work on the enlarged pool: excavation, installation of utility conduits, and placement of the concrete base and walls. The facility closure is scheduled through Summer 2026. Veterans Memorial Park Project On Oct. 21, 2025, the City Council adopted the project’s plans, specifications and contract documents, and provided authorization to advertise it for bids. Bids are due back from the prequalified bidders on Dec. 2, 2025. Staff anticipate returning to the City Council on Dec. 9, 2025, for the award of a construction contract. Construction is tentatively planned to commence in early 2026. Outdoor Pickleball Courts 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. Staff received revised the 90% construction plans on Nov. 3, 2025, and intend to return review comments to the consultant in mid- November 2025. The 100% construction plans, for permitting submittal, will be due back in December 2025. Staff anticipate requesting the City Council’s adoption of the project’s plans, specification and contract documents and authorization to advertise the project for public bids in spring 2026. Fire Mitigation Tree Canopy Pruning City contractors began fire mitigation related tree canopy pruning and selective tree removal within Hosp Grove. These efforts will continue in Hosp Grove and Woodbine Banks over the coming weeks. The funds for these fire mitigation efforts are anticipated to be expended by June 2026. Grass Renovation at Poinsettia Dog Park On Nov. 10, 2025, the city’s maintenance contractor began winter grass renovation at the Poinsettia Dog Park. Fertilization of the dog park will subsequently occur as the seed germinates and grows. Overseeding will help protect the root and crown of the Bermuda and will serve as the primary grass until the spring when the Bermuda will resume its active growth pattern. Both the large dog and the small dog areas will remain closed from Nov. 10, 2025, to Nov. 30, 2025, to allow for grow-in of the newly seeded Perennial Ryegrass. Carlsbad High School Tennis Court Resurfacing Project On July 29, 2025, the City Council adopted the project’s plans, specifications, contract documents, and executed a maintenance services agreement with CH Court Tech, Inc., for the tennis courts resurfacing project in the amount of $270,000. The maintenance of the tennis courts is part of the city’s responsibilities within the joint use and community recreation agreement between the Carlsbad Unified School District and the City of Carlsbad. The project scope included power-washing, crack repair, one coat of court re-surfacer, three coats of color finish, line striping, new net posts & nets, perimeter windscreen replacement and bench refurbishment. The courts were closed on Aug. 18, 2025, and the project was substantially completed on Sept. 22, 2025. The high school’s tennis practices/matches and the general public’s use were accommodated at the Poinsettia Community Park courts during the project period. Poinsettia Community Park Synthetic Turf Replacement Project The existing synthetic turf on the multi-use sports field at Poinsettia Community Park needs replacement. The proposed project will replace the existing synthetic field surface and rubber infill with a new, high performance no-infill synthetic turf system. On Oct. 7, 2025, the City Council adopted the project’s plans, specifications and contract documents, and provided authorization to advertise it for bids. The bid period closed on Nov. 6, 2025, and staff anticipate returning to the City Council on Nov. 18, 2025, for the award of a construction contract. Work is anticipated to commence in mid-January 2026 and require approximately two months to complete. Recent Trails Volunteers Event On Sept. 27, 2025, in recognition of National Public Lands Day, the Parks & Recreation Department hosted a trails maintenance event with volunteers at the Lake Calavera dam, where staff welcomed them and provided safety instructions, along with an overview of the day’s maintenance projects. Volunteers received information about National Public Lands Day and nationwide volunteerism efforts within governmentally owned open spaces. From 8:30 to 11:30 a.m., over 45 volunteers worked alongside city staff on various trails maintenance tasks on the Lake Loop Trail, the Solar Walk Trail, and the Peninsula Trail that included surface grading and drainage enhancement of the trails, weed abatement and vegetation trimming. On Oct. 25, 2025, the Parks & Recreation Department hosted a trails maintenance event with over 20 volunteers at the Carlsbad Oaks North Business Trail near Melrose Drive, where staff welcomed them and presented safety instructions, along with an overview of the day’s maintenance projects. Volunteers were also presented with information about wildlands conservation and management from Center for Natural Lands Management Ranger Todd Nordness. Staff provided the necessary hand tools and rock materials for the work that included surface grading and drainage enhancement of the trails, weed abatement, and vegetation trimming. Upcoming Trails Volunteers Events The 2025 Trails Volunteers Annual Calendar includes one last meeting of Trails Captains on Nov. 13, 2025, from 5 to 6 p.m., at the Pine Community Center. The agenda will include a review of 2025 trail volunteer highlights and accomplishments, partner and captain recognition, and stakeholder updates. One last event will be conducted on Wednesday Dec. 3, 2025, from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m., at the Peninsula Trail. Department Report Ashlee Benson, Recreation Services Manager Todd Reese, Parks Services Manager Parks & Recreation Department Nov. 17, 2025 OLDER & BOLDER EXPO ITEM NO. 3 - DEPARTMENT REPORT The Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce Aging Services Committee in partner with the City of Carlsbad, hosted the fourth annual Older & Bolder EXPO on Sept. 27, 2025, providing seniors and their families with resources from more than 40 vendors and workshops 2 SUPERHERO OBSTACLE RACE ITEM NO. 3 - DEPARTMENT REPORT On Oct. 5, 2025, participants of all ages took on the 2K superhero-themed obstacle course at Alga Norte Community Park, earning capes, bibs, and finisher medals in this fun, action- packed community event 3 PUMPKIN PLUNGE ITEM NO. 3 - DEPARTMENT REPORT The Alga Norte Aquatic Center hosted the annual Pumpkin Plunge on Oct. 18, 2025,offering spooky pool activities, floating obstacles, games, prizes, lawn activities, and a floating pumpkin patch where every child took home a pumpkin 4 SENIOR HALLOWEEN BINGO ITEM NO. 3 - DEPARTMENT REPORT The Senior Center’s annual Halloween Bingo Bash on Oct. 30, 2025, featured costumes, trivia, a contest, spooky music, and intergenerational bingo fun supported by the L.I.T.E. program with prizes and treats 5 PINE AVENUE HALLOWEEN BASH ITEM NO. 3 - DEPARTMENT REPORT The Teen Center hosted its annual Haunted Halloween Bash on Oct. 31, 2025, offering Halloween crafts, cookie decorating, temporary tattoos, carnival games, candy giveaways, and a haunted house 6 DIA DE LOS MUERTOS ITEM NO. 3 - DEPARTMENT REPORT Leo Carrillo Ranch celebrated Día de los Muertos on Nov. 1–2, 2025, welcoming over 1,200 visitors for free cultural festivities including vibrant decorations, community ofrendas, arts and crafts, food, photo ops, and live music 7 AB CONFERENCE TOUR HIGHLIGHT ITEM NO. 3 - DEPARTMENT REPORT The Alga Norte Aquatic Center was selected as one of three featured facilities on the 2025 Athletic Business Show Conference tour showcasing its design, innovative systems, and diverse mix of programming to aquatic professionals from across the country 8 VETERANS DAY CELEBRATIONS ITEM NO. 3 - DEPARTMENT REPORT The Senior Center celebrated Veterans Day in November with a monthlong tribute display, patriotic musical program, and free yoga session led by a trauma-informed instructor honoring the service and sacrifice of local veterans 9 WINTER PROGRAM REGISTRATION ITEM NO. 3 - DEPARTMENT REPORT 10 Winter program registration opened Nov. 12, with the Community Services Guide offering programs for all ages, including fitness, arts, youth sports, dance, and swimming THANKSGIVING BREAK CAMP ITEM NO. 3 - DEPARTMENT REPORT The Calavera Hills Community Center will host the ArtVenture Creators Camp Nov. 24–26, 2025, where young artists will explore painting, sculpting, metal tooling, and printmaking through festive, hands-on projects 11 UPCOMING EVENTS ITEM NO. 3 - DEPARTMENT REPORT 12 Holiday at the Rancho – Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park Saturday, Dec. 6, 2025, from 5 p.m. – 8 p.m. Admission $15 per person; children 3 and under free Monroe Street Pool Renovation/Replacement Project 13 PROJECT MILESTONES •Jan. 14, 2025 - Construction contract awarded •March 31, 2025 – Facility closed for construction •Summer 2025 – Work on pool/buildings initiated •Summer 2026 – Anticipated reopening of facility 14 ITEM NO. 3 - DEPARTMENT REPORT HIGHLIGHTS OF COMPLETED WORK •Demolished mechanical building and re-graded for new mechanical/family restroom building •Performed utility and foundation tasks on buildings •Excavated and formed enlarged pool shell •Installed plumbing/electrical conduit under pool shell •Placed concrete along the base and walls of pool •Installed plumbing/electrical conduit under buildings 15 ITEM NO. 3 - DEPARTMENT REPORT Shade More parking Family restrooms Service truck access Mechanical equipment Exteriorentrance Natural drainage basin Locker rooms, office spaceSolar water heating Sports lighting 16 17 18 19 20 Veterans Memorial Park Project 21 ITEM 5: VETERANS MEMORIAL PARK 22 23 25 PARK FEATURES •Terraced walls and steps •Pathways and trails •Family-friendly bike park •Three playgrounds •Outdoor fitness stations •Public Art •Veterans Memorial Plaza •Military history panels •Military motto inlays •Small platform/stage •Perimeter seating •Large American flag •Support buildings •Added ADA parking MEMORIAL PLAZA ITEM NO. 3 - DEPARTMENT REPORT 27 CITY COUNCIL ACTIONS •June 24, 2025: Executed a declaration of restrictive covenants for the park’s hardline habitat preserve areas •Oct. 7, 2025: Approved the park’s public art piece •Oct. 21, 2025: Adopted project plans, specifications, and contract documents and authorized advertising for bids •Jan. 13, 2026: Award of a construction contract ITEM NO. 3 - DEPARTMENT REPORT 28 OUTDOOR PICKLEBALL COURTS PROJECT ITEM NO. 3 - DEPARTMENT REPORT 29 •Designing to 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 OUTDOOR PICKLEBALL COURTS PROJECT ITEM NO. 3 - DEPARTMENT REPORT 30 •Received 90% construction plans in early November and anticipate receiving 100% construction plans in December •Intend to return to City Council for approval of plans/specs and authorization to advertise for bids in spring 2026 31CALAVERA HILLS COMMUNITY PARK 32CALAVERA HILLS COMMUNITY PARK 33 STAGECOACH COMMUNITY PARK 34STAGECOACH COMMUNITY PARK FIRE MITIGATION TREE CANOPY PRUNING ITEM NO. 3 - DEPARTMENT REPORT •$300,000 of additional funding is included in the approved Fiscal Year 2025-26 budget •Contractors started tree canopy pruning and selective tree removal within Hosp Grove and will next continue work within Woodbine Banks 35 GRASS RENOVATION AT POINSETTIA DOG PARK ITEM NO. 3 - DEPARTMENT REPORT On Nov. 10, 2025, parks contractor began fall grass renovation work Large dog and small dog areas will remain closed until Dec. 1, 2025 36 CARLSBAD HIGH SCHOOL TENNIS COURT RESURFACING ITEM NO. 3 - DEPARTMENT REPORT •July 29, 2025 - City Council executed a $270,000 maintenance services agreement for resurfacing nine courts, new net-posts & nets and windscreens •Additionally, 15 player benches renovated by city staff •Tennis courts closed for renovation from Aug. 18, 2025, to Sept. 22, 2025 •High school practices/matches were accommodated at Poinsettia Park’s courts37 38 POINSETTIA COMMUNITY PARK SYNTHETIC TURF REPLACMENT PROJECT PROJECT BACKGROUND •The original synthetic turf contained a crumb rubber infill material and offered an eight-year warranty After 11 years of programming, the synthetic turf was replaced with crumb rubber infilled turf in 2015 39 ITEM NO. 3 - DEPARTMENT REPORT PROJECT BACKGROUND •After nearly 11 additional years of programming, the synthetic turf is nearing the end of its useful life Staff/consultant reviewed the synthetic turf systems currently available, and considered several factors: Health concerns, environmental impacts, overall costs and performance/durability 40 ITEM NO. 3 - DEPARTMENT REPORT SYNTHETIC TURF REPLACEMENT PROJECT ITEM NO. 3 - DEPARTMENT REPORT •Staff worked with consultant to develop plans, specifications and contract documents 41 SPECIFIED SYSTEM •Synthetic turf system specified is Pivot, manufactured by TenCate, a 300-year-old company (Netherlands) •TenCate is a global leader in innovative, high-quality synthetic turf for athletic fields and landscaping •TenCate’s Pivot system was specified for project over other synthetic turf field systems for several reasons 42 ITEM NO. 3 - DEPARTMENT REPORT SPECIFIED SYSTEM •It is free of added PFAS (Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances) – i.e., without microplastic compounds Reduces health concerns and environmental impacts •It uses a no-infill system, eliminating traditional infill materials like crumb rubber, walnut shells, et. al. Reduces health concerns and environmental impacts Also reduces associated maintenance needs 43 ITEM NO. 3 - DEPARTMENT REPORT SPECIFIED SYSTEM •It uses a low-density porous mineral as a ballast, providing a cooler surface compared to sand ballast Reduces health concerns and environmental impacts •Turf carries 12-year warranty instead of eight years, retaining playing condition up to 50% longer Reduces landfill waste and maintenance needs 44 ITEM NO. 3 - DEPARTMENT REPORT SPECIFIED SYSTEM •System uses an attenuation pad under the synthetic turf surface that includes a 25-year warranty Further reduces amortized costs and landfill waste •It exceeds industry benchmarks for wear resistance, stability retention, and structural integrity over time Durability has been validated through extensive laboratory testing and continuous high-intensity use 45 ITEM NO. 3 - DEPARTMENT REPORT 46 TENCATE PIVOT WITH COOLING BALLAST & PAD SUSTAINABILITY EFFORTS •System includes removing and recycling the existing synthetic turf and rubber infill material TenCate’s recycling service offers zero-waste process; diverts thousands of square feet of turf from landfill This service is consistent with Carlsbad Sustainable Materials Management Implementation Plan 47 ITEM NO. 3 - DEPARTMENT REPORT STATE / LOCAL INSTALLATIONS •System installed or in production at 40 sites in California, including parks, elementary/high schools, colleges/universities and pro athletic facilities Installed locally at the Santee Sportsplex USA in 2024 and SMUSD’s Leo Carrillo Elementary School in 2025 48 ITEM NO. 3 - DEPARTMENT REPORT LOCAL INSTALLATIONS •Staff have reviewed the installed turf system at the local sites and consulted with the associated staff 49 ITEM NO. 3 - DEPARTMENT REPORT Both staff expressed community support, installation efficiency and overall satisfaction in the turf system FISCAL ANALYSIS 50 ITEM NO. 3 - DEPARTMENT REPORT SYNTHETIC TURF REPLACEMENT PROJECT ITEM NO. 3 - DEPARTMENT REPORT •Oct. 7, 2025 - City Council approval of plans/specs and authorization to advertise for bids •Nov. 18, 2025 – City Council to award a construction contract 51 NEXT STEPS •The estimated construction period is two months, with anticipated completion by mid-March 2026 •Effectiveness of this synthetic turf system will be monitored for application to other city projects 52 ITEM NO. 3 - DEPARTMENT REPORT ITEM NO. 3 - DEPARTMENT REPORT 53 Lake Calavera Dam •National Public Lands Day •Saturday, Sept. 27, 2025, 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. •Presentation on nationwide volunteerism •45 volunteers joined staff to improve trail surface drainage fill ruts, complete weed abatement and trim vegetation RECENT TRAILS VOLUNTEERS EVENT ITEM NO.3 - DEPARTMENT REPORT 54 Carlsbad Oaks North Business Park Trail •Saturday, Oct. 25, 2025, 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. •Over 20 volunteers joined staff to fill ruts, grade trails, improve trail drainage, abate weeds and trim vegetation RECENT TRAILS VOLUNTEERS EVENT ITEM NO.3 - DEPARTMENT REPORT 55 •Wednesday, Dec. 3, 2025 - Old Rancho Sante Fe Trail •8:30 to 11:30 a.m. •More information available on department’s webpage NEXT TRAILS VOLUNTEERS EVENT QUESTIONS/COMMENTS Thank you ITEM NO.3 - DEPARTMENT REPORT 56 CURRENT INVENTORY •Synthetic turf introduced to city’s inventory in 2004 •Current inventory includes eight fields at five sites: Alga Norte Community Park [2] Aviara Community Park [1] Pine Avenue Community Park [1] Poinsettia Community Park [2] Stagecoach Community Park [2] ITEM NO. 3 - DEPARTMENT REPORT 57 PROJECT COSTS •Engineer’s estimate for construction is ~$2 Million Initial premium of ~20% for TenCate Pivot system over traditional crumb rubber infilled synthetic turf Premium reduced to ~10%, when the costs are amortized over two turf cycles with one pad 58 ITEM NO. 3 - DEPARTMENT REPORT