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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-02-09; Parks & Recreation Commission; 02; Parks & Recreation Department ReportMeeting Date: Feb. 9, 2026 To: Parks & Recreation Commission From: Kyle Lancaster, Parks & Recreation Director Staff Contact: Ashlee Williams, Recreation Services Manager ashlee.williams@carlsbadca.gov, 442-339-5778 Subject: Parks & Recreation Department Report District: All Recommended Action Receive a report on recently completed and upcoming Parks & Recreation Department activities, donations and grants, as well as other topics of interest. Executive Summary Ashlee Williams, Recreation Services Manager and Todd Reese, Parks Services Manager will report on recently completed and upcoming parks and recreation activities, and other topics of local interest. Exhibits 1.Department report Feb. 9, 2026 Item #2 1 of 5 PARKS & RECREATION DEPARTMENT REPORT Feb. 9, 2026 GENERAL & RECREATION Parks & Recreation Department CAPRA Accreditation The CAPRA (Commission for Accreditation of Park and Recreation Agencies) accreditation process, offered through the NRPA (National Recreation & Parks Association), is underway. It involves a rigorous review where agencies must demonstrate adherence to industry standards in areas like program management, facility operations, and public safety. The department submitted its self-assessment of 154 standards to the commission before the deadline of Jan. 15, 2026. The next step in the accreditation process will be a four-day visitation, in late June 2026, by a three-person national review panel. The final hearing in the accreditation process will be held at the October 2026 NRPA conference in Philadelphia. Understanding A.I. at the Senior Center On Dec. 2, 2025, the Senior Center hosted an “Understanding A.I.” workshop designed to teach participants how to use artificial intelligence tools safely, confidently, and effectively. The session covered practical ways to use A.I. for everyday tasks such as finding information, drafting messages, organizing documents, and getting help with questions, while also emphasizing best practices for privacy and obtaining accurate results. Holiday at the Rancho at Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park On Dec. 6, 2025, the sold-out Holiday at the Rancho event brought festive North Pole-themed fun to Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park, welcoming 700 attendees for an evening of holiday cheer. The program featured a tree lighting ceremony, a themed light display, movie, and hands-on activities including elf hat crafting and letter writing to Santa. Families also enjoyed photos with Santa, seasonal treats, and refreshments prepared by participants in the Leadership in Training and Education (L.I.T.E.) afterschool teen program. The event was supported by 83 community volunteers whose contributions played a key role in its success. Pickleball Holiday Social On Dec. 17, 2025, the Pickleball Holiday Social brought festive fun and friendly competition to the Pine Avenue Community Center. The community-focused event welcomed 10 participants for a lively round- robin format, ensuring everyone had the opportunity to play with and against different partners throughout the session. Patrons were encouraged to wear their ugliest holiday sweaters, adding to the spirited atmosphere. Participants also enjoyed a casual potluck featuring pastries and coffee. California History & Art Program at Leo Carrillo Ranch On Jan. 6, 2026, the California History and Art Program kicked off at Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park, offering local fourth-grade students an immersive look into California’s history and culture. Offered weekly on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays through the winter and spring, the program includes a pre-tour educational session with videos, a guided site tour, and a hands-on tortilla-making activity that celebrates California’s cultural heritage. Feb. 9, 2026 Item #2 2 of 5 Aquatic Center Chemical Supply and Delivery Services Agreement On Jan. 13, 2026, the City Council authorized execution of an agreement for chemical supply and delivery services to support the safe and reliable operation of the Alga Norte Aquatic Center and the Monroe Street Pool - which is expected to reopen in late summer 2026. The agreement provides cost-effective, scheduled deliveries that help maintain water quality standards, support regulatory requirements, and ensure uninterrupted use of aquatic facilities for programs, lessons, and community use. Senior Center Lecture Series On Jan. 15, 2026, the Carlsbad Senior Center hosted an informative lecture titled Downsizing with Confidence: Navigating the Emotional Journey of Downsizing, Coping with Loss, and Embracing Change. The presentation provided attendees with practical guidance and emotional support, offering tools to help navigate life transitions, manage the challenges of downsizing, and confidently embrace change. Kudos to Cameron Velchek at Calavera Hills Community Center Cameron Velchek, a Recreation Leader at Calavera Hills Community Center received kudos for his exceptional customer service and quick problem-solving skills. A Girl Scout troop arrived believing it had successfully reserved a room to meet, only to discover the application hadn’t been submitted. Cameron immediately checked room availability, confirmed an open space, and quickly set up the room so the meeting could proceed without disruption. The troop leader shared their appreciation, writing, “Thanks to Cameron’s excellent customer service, our troop was able to complete all our activities and have a fun meeting. We are truly fortunate to have staff members like Cameron serving the public and representing the city.” Spring Recreation Program Registration Registration for spring recreation classes opens Wednesday, Feb. 11, 2026, with programs beginning on March. 2, 2026. The Spring Community Services Guide was also made available online and features a variety of programs for all ages, including dance, fitness, art, organized sports leagues, spring break camps, pickleball socials, and more. Upcoming Events Pirate Plunge Saturday, March 21, 2026 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Alga Norte Aquatics Center Admission is $15 per person; children ages 3 and younger are free. Dive into a swashbuckling evening at the Pirate Plunge. Families are invited to enjoy an action-packed night filled with water and dry land activities for all ages. Water activities include diving for treasure, message in a bottle, “X” marks the spot, floating obstacle races, walking the diving board plank, and a splash pad for younger children. Dry land activities feature a pirate ship slide, photo opportunities, pirate- themed games, and a treasure hunt across the decks. Food and beverages will be available for purchase during the event. Feb. 9, 2026 Item #2 3 of 5 PARKS Veterans Memorial Park Project On Oct. 21, 2025, the City Council adopted the Veterans Memorial Park Project’s plans, specifications, and contract documents and authorized staff to advertise this project for bids. The advertisement includes the related Faraday Avenue Improvements project. The due date for the pre-qualified contractors to submit bids for the project is Feb. 10, 2026. Staff anticipate returning to the City Council on Feb. 24, 2026, for the award of a construction contract. Robertson Ranch Park Project The City Council approved the Robertson Ranch Park’s recommended master plan on July 23, 2024, and directed staff to proceed with the necessary environmental permitting and entitlements for the park project. Staff made initial contact with the Foothills HOA regarding interest in obtaining an easement to facilitate secondary access. The consultant team completed preparation of the supplemental studies that are critical for the project’s environmental permitting and entitlements. These studies included a biological report and a local mobility analysis. On Jan. 13, 2026, staff submitted the associated documents and officially applied for the park’s Conditional Use Permit. The Community Development Department has begun its processing of the documents, and the first round of review comments is expected by the end of February 2026. Monroe Street Pool Renovation/Expansion Project The contractor’s materials submittal process for the Monroe Stret Pool Renovation/Expansion Project is nearing the final stages. The contractor is overseeing plumbing, electrical, framing and masonry work on the existing administration/locker room building, and will be incorporating revisions to the lobby which enhance site monitoring/security and staff safety. The contractor has also excavated, formed the foundation, commenced masonry 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 is currently scheduled to reopen at the end of Summer 2026. Stagecoach and Calavera Hills Community Parks Pickleball Courts Project Staff received the 100% construction plans for the Stagecoach and Calavera Hills Community Parks’ Pickleball Courts Project and submitted them to the Community Development Department for permit review at the end of December 2025. The first round of review comments is expected by the end of February 2026. Poinsettia Community Park Synthetic Turf Replacement Project On Oct. 7, 2025, the City Council adopted the project’s plans, specifications and contract documents and authorized the advertisement for bids. On Nov. 18, 2026, the City Council adopted a resolution to award the construction contract. On Jan. 12, 2026, the contractor began mobilization onto the site and commenced removal of the synthetic turf. The old synthetic turf has been removed and transported to the recycling center. The contractor has completed scarification and laser leveling of the surface in preparation for the installation of the shock pad and the new synthetic turf. This project remains on schedule to be completed by mid-March 2026. Feb. 9, 2026 Item #2 4 of 5 Beach Access Repairs Project The Beach Access Repairs Project administered by the Transportation Department and Construction Management & Inspection Division, commenced in November 2026. The project scope includes the phased reconstruction of the four switchback beach access stairways, and the widening of segments of the upper sea wall walkway, between Hemlock and Sycamore Avenues. A portion of the Tamarack Upper Picnic Facilities has closed due to the construction. These facilities are owned by State Parks, but maintained by the city, under a Joint Powers Agreement. The first phase of the construction is anticipated to last through spring 2026, with a moratorium on construction work during summer 2026. Fire Mitigation Efforts in Urban Forests City contractors recently resumed fire mitigation related tree canopy pruning and selective tree removal efforts within Hosp Grove. These efforts will continue in Hosp Grove and Woodbine Banks over the coming weeks. 2026 Trails Volunteers Events The 2026 Trails Volunteers Annual Calendar includes Saturday and Wednesday events, 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. •Feb. 21, 2026: Hosp Grove West Trails •Mar. 14, 2026: La Costa Glen Trail •May 13, 2026: Hidden Canyon Trail •June 6, 2026 [National Trails Day]: The Crossings Trail •July 15, 2026: Village H North Trail •Sept. 26, 2026 [National Public Lands Day]: Rancho Carrillo West Trail •Oct. 21, 2026: Melrose 55 Filoli Circle Trail •Nov. 21, 2026: Lake Calavera Trails Feb. 9, 2026 Item #2 5 of 5 Department Report Ashlee Williams, Recreation Services Manager Todd Reese, Parks Services Manager Parks & Recreation Department Feb. 9, 2026 CAPRA REACCREDITATION ITEM NO. 2 - DEPARTMENT REPORT CAPRA - Commission for the Accreditation of Parks and Recreation Agencies Evaluation of adherence to 154 national standards covering programs, facilities, and public safety, et al, within the parks and recreation profession Department’s self-assessment report was submitted Jan. 12, 2026 Next steps: Review of submittal and summer visit by a national review panel Accreditation hearing and decision at the October 2026 NRPA Conference 2 UNDERSTANDING A.I. ITEM NO. 2 - DEPARTMENT REPORT On Dec. 2, the Senior Center hosted an “Understanding A.I.” workshop that taught participants how to safely and confidently use artificial intelligence for everyday tasks while emphasizing privacy and accuracy. 3 HOLIDAY AT THE RANCHO ITEM NO. 2 - DEPARTMENT REPORT On Dec. 6, the sold-out Holiday at the Rancho event welcomed 700 attendees to Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park for North Pole-themed activities, a tree lighting, photos with Santa, and support from 83 community volunteers. 4 PICKLEBALL HOLIDAY SOCIAL ITEM NO. 2 - DEPARTMENT REPORT On Dec. 17, the Pickleball Holiday Social at Pine Avenue Community Center welcomed 10 participants for festive round-robin play, ugly holiday sweaters, and a casual potluck with coffee. 5 CA HISTORY & ART PROGRAM ITEM NO. 2 - DEPARTMENT REPORT On Jan. 6, the California History and Art Program began at Leo Carrillo Ranch, giving fourth-graders weekly tours and hands-on activities to explore California’s history and culture. 6 POOL CHEMICAL SUPPLY & DELIVERY AGREEMENT ITEM NO. 2 - DEPARTMENT REPORT On Jan. 13, the city executed a pool chemical supply and delivery services agreement to ensure safe, compliant, and uninterrupted operations at Alga Norte Aquatic Center and Monroe Street Pool. 7 SENIOR CENTER LECTURE SERIES ITEM NO. 2 - DEPARTMENT REPORT On Jan. 15, the Carlsbad Senior Center hosted Downsizing with Confidence, offering practical guidance and support for navigating life transitions and embracing change. 8 KUDOS TO CAMERON VELCHEK ITEM NO. 2 - DEPARTMENT REPORT Cameron Velchek, Recreation Leader at Calavera Hills, received kudos for quickly resolving a room booking issue for a Girl Scout troop, ensuring their meeting proceeded smoothly and earning heartfelt thanks from the troop leader. 9 SPRING PROGRAM REGISTRATION ITEM NO. 2 - DEPARTMENT REPORT Spring recreation program registration opens Feb. 11, for programs starting March 2 Community Services Guide featuring activities for all ages, from sports and fitness to arts and spring camps 10 UPCOMING EVENTS ITEM NO. 2 - DEPARTMENT REPORT Pirate Plunge at Alga Norte Aquatics Center Saturday, March 21, 2026, from 5 p.m. – 8 p.m. $15 per person; children ages 3 and younger are free 11 Monroe Street Pool Renovation/Replacement Project 12 PROJECT MILESTONES •Jan. 14, 2025 - Construction contract awarded •March 31, 2025 – Facility closed for construction •Spring 2025 – Work on pool/buildings initiated •End of Summer 2026 – Facility anticipated to reopen 13 ITEM NO. 2 - DEPARTMENT REPORT HIGHLIGHTS OF COMPLETED WORK •On-going plumbing, electrical, framing and masonry work on the existing administration/locker room building •On-going utility tasks on buildings and grounds •Excavated and formed the enlarged pool shell •Installed plumbing/electrical conduit under pool shell •Placed concrete along the base and walls of the pool 14 ITEM NO. 2 - DEPARTMENT REPORT Shade More parking Family restrooms Service truck access Mechanical equipment Exteriorentrance Natural drainage basin Locker rooms, office spaceSolar water heating Sports lighting 15 16 17 18 19 20 Veterans Memorial Park Project 21 22 24 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 CITY COUNCIL ACTIONS •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 •Feb. 24, 2026: Award of a construction contract ITEM NO. 2 - DEPARTMENT REPORT 26 OUTDOOR PICKLEBALL COURTS PROJECT ITEM NO. 2 - DEPARTMENT REPORT 27 •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. 2 - DEPARTMENT REPORT 28 •Submitted 100% construction plans to Community Development for permit review at the end of December. Expect initial review comments by end of February 2026 •Anticipate seeking City Council approval of plans/specs and authorization to advertise project for bids in spring 2026 29CALAVERA HILLS COMMUNITY PARK 30CALAVERA HILLS COMMUNITY PARK 31 STAGECOACH COMMUNITY PARK 32STAGECOACH COMMUNITY PARK 33 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 34 ITEM NO. 2 - 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 35 ITEM NO. 2 - DEPARTMENT REPORT SYNTHETIC TURF REPLACEMENT PROJECT ITEM NO. 2 - DEPARTMENT REPORT •Staff worked with consultant to develop plans, specifications and contract documents 36 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 37 ITEM NO. 2 - DEPARTMENT REPORT 38 TENCATE PIVOT WITH COOLING BALLAST & PAD LOCAL INSTALLATIONS •Staff had reviewed the installed turf system at the local sites and consulted with the associated staff 39 ITEM NO. 2 - DEPARTMENT REPORT Both staff expressed community support, installation efficiency and overall satisfaction in the turf system SYNTHETIC TURF REPLACEMENT PROJECT ITEM NO. 2 - DEPARTMENT REPORT •Oct. 7, 2025 - City Council approved plans/specs and authorized advertisement for bids •Nov. 18, 2025 – City Council awarded a construction contract •Jan. 12, 2026 – Contactor started mobilization onto the park site 40 41 42 43 NEXT STEPS •Final surface preparations wrapping up this week •Synthetic turf deliveries continuing this week •Estimated construction period is two months, with completion anticipated in mid-March 2026 •Effectiveness of this synthetic turf system will be monitored for application to other city projects 44 ITEM NO. 2 - DEPARTMENT REPORT FIRE MITIGATION TREE CANOPY PRUNING ITEM NO. 2 - DEPARTMENT REPORT •$300,000 of additional funding is included in the approved Fiscal Year 2025-26 budget •Contractors efforts on selective trees are continuing in Hosp Grove and Woodbine Banks 45 ITEM NO.2 - DEPARTMENT REPORT 46 Events include Saturday and Wednesday mornings, 8:30 to 11:30a.m. •Feb. 21, 2026 - Hosp Grove West Trails •Mar. 1, 2026 – La Costa Glen Trail •May 13, 2026 – Hidden Canyon Trail •June 6, 2026 [National Trails Day] – The Crossings Trail •July 15, 2026 – Village H North Trail •Sept. 26, 2026 [National Public Lands Day] – Rancho Carillo West Trail •Oct. 21, 2026 – Melrose 55 Fioli Circle Trail •Nov. 21, 2026 – Lake Calavera Trails 2026 TRAILS VOLUNTEERS EVENTS QUESTIONS/COMMENTS Thank you ITEM NO.2 - DEPARTMENT REPORT 47