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Home My WebLink About2026-04-23; Senior Commission; 01; Status Report on Parks & Recreation Department Master Plan – Strategic Action Plan Support References to 2026 Senior Commission Work PlanMeeting Date: April 23, 2026 To: Senior Commission From: Ashlee Benson, Recreation Services Manager Staff Contact: Eric Biggin, Recreation Area Manager eric.biggin@carlsbadca.gov, 442-339-2648 Subject: Status Report on Parks & Recreation Department Master Plan – Strategic Action Plan Support References to 2026 Senior Commission Work Plan Recommended Action Receive a status report on the Parks & Recreation Department Master Plan – Strategic Action Plan support references to the 2026 Senior Commission Work Plan. Executive Summary/Explanation On Sept. 18, 2023, the Senior 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 includes a strategic action plan which takes into account the Age-Friendly Carlsbad Action Plan that was approved by the City Council in December 2021. The strategic action plan provides systemwide recommendations for staff to implement over the short term (0-3 years), long term (4-7 years), and on an ongoing basis. The strategic action plan is divided into four categories: • Parks •Maintenance and operations • Programs, events, and facilities • Funding and marketing Staff subsequently prepared a draft of the 2026 Senior Commission Work Plan, which incorporated selective short-term, long term, and ongoing strategic action items from the 2023- 2030 Parks & Recreation Department Master Plan Update, as well as selective domain goals established in the Age-Friendly Carlsbad Action Plan. Each domain encompassed specific goals and objectives aimed at fostering an inclusive, accessible, and supportive community environment. SENIOR COMMISSION April 23, 2026 Item #1 1 of 9 On Oct. 23, 2025, the Senior Commission accepted its 2026 Work Plan, which was subsequently approved by the City Council on Jan. 27, 2026. Staff have prepared for the Commission’s review a status matrix of the Parks & Recreation Department Master Plan – Strategic Action Plan support references to the 2026 Senior Commission Work Plan. Next Steps The next status report on the Parks & Recreation Department Master Plan – Strategic Action Plan support references to the 2026 Senior Commission Work Plan will be provided at the Oct. 22, 2026, Senior Commission Meeting. Exhibits 1. 2026 Senior Commission Work Plan 2.Status Matrix: Parks & Recreation Department Master Plan – Strategic Action Plan support references to the 2026 Senior Commission Work Plan April 23, 2026 Item #1 2 of 9 City of Carlsbad Senior Commission Work Plan 2026 I.Mission Statement The Mission of the Senior Commission is to champion an age-inclusive environment that promotes wellness, vitality and education that leads to a vibrant quality of life. II.Composition Consistent with Chapter 2.38 of the Carlsbad Municipal Code, the Senior Commission shall consist of five members appointed by the mayor with the approval of the city council. Members shall serve four-year terms. The Senior Commission shall have the responsibility to make recommendations to the city council and to advise the city council on the special needs and concerns of seniors, including the creation, operation, maintenance, management and control of senior programs, activities and facilities. The Senior Commission shall be authorized to and may receive donations, gifts, legacies, endowments or bequests made to the city or to the commission for or on behalf of the city. All donations, gifts, legacies, endowments or bequests so received by the commission shall be turned over to the city treasurer and shall be kept in a special fund to be designated as the senior fund. All moneys in the fund shall be used for promotion, supervision and operation of senior programs. No moneys in the fund shall be spent without prior council authorization. III.2026 Goals & Tasks The Senior Commission will focus on the following 2026 Goals and Tasks: (Goals identified in numerals; Tasks to accomplish those Goals identified in alphas) 1.Determine the needs of adults 50+ a.Continue annual assessment and feedback loop b.Use informal feedback received from staff and volunteers throughout the year 2023 -2030 PARKS & RECREATION DEPARTMENT MASTER PLAN UPDATE: 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. 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 barriers (in support of project’s lead department: Risk Management) April 23, 2026 Item #1 3 of 9 2.Support the City of Carlsbad Age-Friendly Action Plan a.Promote with City of Carlsbad communication tools. b.Align with internal and external organizations. AGE FRIENDLY CARLSBAD ACTION PLAN GOALS & OBJECTIVES: SUPPORT REFERENCE GOALS, OBJECTIVES AND ACTIONS Domain 1: Outdoor Spaces & Buildings Goals •Provide well-maintained and safe public spaces to all residents across all city- owned facilities. Domain 2: Social & Civic Participation Goals •Build on and expand opportunities for social participation for all ages •Build capacity for civic engagement, volunteerism and employment Domain 4: Health & Wellness Goals •Review current health conditions for Carlsbad populations to identify areas of concern •Provide health – related programs to expand upon the educational health resources available in Carlsbad Domain 5: Mobility Goals •Support safe mobility options in the City of Carlsbad for all ages and abilities •Provide information and education about transportation options 2023 -2030 PARKS & RECREATION DEPARTMENT MASTER PLAN UPDATE: SUPPORT REFERENCE 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 •Expand program offerings outdoors, including fitness, etc. •Annually evaluate program lifecycles to ensure balance between different stages Ongoing •Continue to monitor program trends to ensure alignment with community needs April 23, 2026 Item #1 4 of 9 3.Create Adult 50+ opportunities and collaborations beyond the Senior Center, through: a.Public sites to include parks, community centers and libraries b.Private locations such as theaters and senior living communities c.Universities, hospitals, nonprofits and other organizations 2023 -2030 PARKS & RECREATION DEPARTMENT MASTER PLAN UPDATE: SUPPORT REFERENCE 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 •Encourage feedback and open communication between the department and the community •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 •Identify potential grant opportunities and develop grant proposals to secure funding Ongoing •Partner with community organizations and businesses to provide additional funding for scholarships and discounted programs 4.Increase social inclusion, enhance connectivity and minimize isolation. a.Foster technology friendly experiences b.Offer intergenerational programs c.Increase transportation to senior services d.Enhance marketing and communication of resources to adults 50+ AGE FRIENDLY CARLSBAD ACTION PLAN GOALS & OBJECTIVES SUPPORT REFERENCE GOALS, OBJECTIVES AND ACTIONS Domain 2: Social & Civic Participation Goals •Build on and expand opportunities for social participation for all ages •Build capacity for civic engagement, volunteerism and employment April 23, 2026 Item #1 5 of 9 Domain 5: Mobility Goals •Provide information and education about transportation options 2023 -2030 PARKS & RECREATION DEPARTMENT MASTER PLAN UPDATE: SUPPORT REFERENCE PARKS STRATEGIES Ongoing •Ensure full ADA access at all parks, with a focus on most immediate needs 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 •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 •Utilize technology, including Augmented Reality, and Virtual Reality to enhance the program experience FUNDING AND MARKETING STRATEGIES Ongoing •Annually review and adjust program, event and facility fees to ensure they are competitive to the market April 23, 2026 Item #1 6 of 9 P&R Master Plan - Strategic Action Plan Category Strategy Time Frame Status Updates (04/23/26) Parks Encourage community participation in reporting maintenance or safety concerns. Ongoing In Progress Parks Review the potential for adding park amenities based on the levels of service recommendations. Ongoing In Progress The Monroe Street Pool Renovation/Replacement Project construction continues; contract has been awarded for the Veterans Memorial Park Project; the Stagecoach and Calavera Hills Community Parks Pickleball Courts Project is under final design; and the Robertson Ranch Park Project is under preliminary design. Programs, Events and Facilities Assess current programs and facilities to identify barriers to accessibility and develop plans to address barriers. Short term (0- 3 years)In Progress IT Department is working to extend the time the fitness room door remains unlocked after a scan. P&R Master Plan - Strategic Action Plan Category Strategy Time Frame Status Updates (04/23/26) Maintenance And Operations Explore partnerships with community organizations or individual volunteers to periodically provide additional maintenance support. Short term (0- 3 years)In Progress New annual volunteer event was established to enhance the Senior Center courtyard, with ongoing weekly volunteer maintenance positions. Programs, Events and Facilities Expand program offerings outdoors, including fitness, etc. Short term (0- 3 years)In Progress Additional days have been added to the Carlsbad Cruisers walking club. Programs, Events and Facilities Annually evaluate program lifecycles to ensure balance between different stages. Short term (0- 3 years)In Progress Programs, Events and Facilities Continue to monitor program trends to ensure alignment with community needs. Ongoing In Progress Calsbad Senior Commission - 2026 Work Plan, Goal 1: Determine the needs of Adults 50 + Carlsbad Senior Commission, 2026 Work Plan, Goal 2: Support the City of Carlsbad Age-Friendly Action Plan April 23, 2026 Item #1 7 of 9 P&R Master Plan - Strategic Action Plan Category Strategy Time Frame Status Updates (04/23/26) Programs, Events and Facilities Partner with local organizations that represent marginalized communities to receive input on program development. Short term (0- 3 years)In Progress A new partnership with Persian Place brings monthly multicultural arts programming to the Senior Center. Programs, Events and Facilities Encourage feedback and open communication between the department and the community. Ongoing In Progress A new congregate lunch survey is available and advertised in the dining room to encourage regular feedback. Programs, Events and Facilities Partner with healthcare organizations to provide health screenings and education to the community to the active population. Ongoing In Progress Programs, Events and Facilities Work with community organizations and local businesses to develop partnerships that can help provide or promote new programs and event offerings. Ongoing In Progress Funding and Marketing Consider revenue generation that includes corporate partnerships, sponsorships, foundations and/or naming rights opportunities. Short term (0- 3 years)In Progress The Carlsbad Rotary Club has parterned with the Senior Center to provide volunteer support and decorations for special events throughout the year. Funding and Marketing Identify potential grant opportunities and develop grant proposals to secure funding. Short term (0- 3 years)In Progress The County of San Diego continues to apply nutrition program reimbursements under its current contract, valid through April 2027. Funding and Marketing Partner with community organizations and businesses to provide additional funding for scholarships and discounted programs. Ongoing In Progress P&R Master Plan - Strategic Action Plan Category Strategy Time Frame Status Updates (04/23/26) Carlsbad Senior Commission - 2026 Work Plan, Goal 3: Create Adult 50+ opportunities and collaborations beyond the Senior Center Carlsbad Senior Commission - 2026 Work Plan, Goal 4: Increase social inclusion, enhance connectivity and minimize isolation April 23, 2026 Item #1 8 of 9 Parks Ensure full ADA access at all parks, with a focus on most immediate needs. Ongoing In Progress Maintenance And Operations Enhance pathway and parking lot lighting, and reduce energy consumption, by converting aging incandescent systems with modern LED systems. Ongoing In Progress Programs, Events and Facilities Offer multicultural programs that reflect the community's increasing diversity. Short term (0- 3 years)In Progress A new partnership with Persian Place brings monthly multicultural arts programming to the Senior Center. Programs, Events and Facilities Provide accommodations, such as sign language interpretation, to make programs and facilities more inclusive. Short term (0- 3 years)In Progress AARP provided Spanish-speaker support for tax-aide appointments on both Tuesdays and Thursdays this year. Programs, Events and Facilities Utilize technology, including Augmented Reality, and Virtual Reality to enhance the program experience. Ongoing Not Started Funding and Marketing Annually review and adjust program, event and facility fees to ensure they are completive to the market. Ongoing In Progress The congregate lunch program has updated its voluntary suggested contribution to $4 for seniors 60+, and $8 for guests under 60. This adjustment brings program amounts in line with comparable Senior Center programs across North County San Diego. April 23, 2026 Item #1 9 of 9 Eric Biggin, Recreation Area Manager Andi Koller, Recreation Supervisor II Parks & Recreation Department April 23, 2026 Status Report on Department’s Master Plan Support References to Senior Commission Work Plan ITEM NO.1 – REPORT ON DEPARTMENT MASTER PLAN RECOMMENDED ACTION Receive a status report on the Parks & Recreation Department Master Plan – Strategic Action Plan support references to the 2026 Senior Commission Work Plan 2 SUMMARY / EXPLANATION On Sept. 26, 2023, City Council accepted the 2023– 2030 Parks & Recreation Department Master Plan Includes a strategic action plan which considers the Age-Friendly Carlsbad Action Plan Strategic plan outlines short-term, long-term, and ongoing actions in four areas: parks, maintenance, programs and facilities, and funding ITEM NO.1 – REPORT ON DEPARTMENT MASTER PLAN 3 SUMMARY / EXPLANATION ITEM NO.1 – REPORT ON DEPARTMENT MASTER PLAN Staff prepared a draft of the 2026 Senior Commission Work Plan by incorporating selective short-term, long-term, and ongoing actions from the Department Master Plan and Age-Friendly Carlsbad Action Plan On Oct. 23, 2025, the Senior Commission accepted its 2026 Work Plan and on Jan. 27, 2026, the City Council approved that 2026 Work Plan 4 SUMMARY / EXPLANATION ITEM NO.1 – REPORT ON DEPARTMENT MASTER PLAN The Senior Commission has requested biannual status reports on the Department Master Plan – Strategic Action Plan references to its work plan Staff provided the biannual updates through 2025, and will continue doing so through 2026 5 GOAL 1: DETERMINE THE NEEDS OF ADULTS 50+ ITEM NO.1 – REPORT ON DEPARTMENT MASTER PLAN P&R Master Plan - Strategic Action Plan Category Strategy Time Frame Status Updates (04/23/26) Parks Review the potential for adding park amenities based on the levels of service recommendations. Ongoing In Progress The Monroe Street Pool Renovation/ Replacement Project construction continues; a construction contract has been awarded for the Veterans Memorial Park Project; the Stagecoach and Calavera Hills Community Parks Pickleball Courts Project is under final design; and the Robertson Ranch Park Project is under preliminary design. Programs, Events and Facilities Assess current programs and facilities to identify barriers to accessibility and develop plans to address barriers. Short term (0-3 years)In Progress IT Department is working to extend the time the fitness room door remains unlocked after a scan. 6 GOAL 2: SUPPORT THE CITY OF CARLSBAD AGE-FRIENDLY ACTION PLAN ITEM NO.1 – REPORT ON DEPARTMENT MASTER PLAN P&R Master Plan - Strategic Action Plan Category Strategy Time Frame Status Updates (04/23/26) Maintenance and Operations Explore partnerships with community organizations or individual volunteers to periodically provide additional maintenance support. Short term (0-3 years)In Progress New annual volunteer event was established to enhance the Senior Center courtyard, with ongoing weekly volunteer maintenance positions. Programs, Events and Facilities Expand program offerings outdoors, including fitness, etc. Short term (0-3 years)In Progress Additional days have been added to the Carlsbad Cruisers walking club. 7 GOAL 3: CREATE ADULT 50+ OPPORTUNITIES AND COLLABORATIONS BEYOND THE SENIOR CENTER ITEM NO.1 – REPORT ON DEPARTMENT MASTER PLAN P&R Master Plan - Strategic Action Plan Category Strategy Time Frame Status Updates (04/23/26) Programs, Events and Facilities Partner with local organizations that represent marginalized communities to receive input on program development. Short term (0-3 years)In Progress A new partnership with Persian Place brings monthly multicultural arts programming to the Senior Center. Programs, Events and Facilities Encourage feedback and open communication between the department and the community. Ongoing In Progress A new congregate lunch survey is available and advertised in the dining room to encourage regular feedback. 8 GOAL 3: CREATE ADULT 50+ OPPORTUNITIES AND COLLABORATIONS BEYOND THE SENIOR CENTER ITEM NO.1 – REPORT ON DEPARTMENT MASTER PLAN P&R Master Plan - Strategic Action Plan Category Strategy Time Frame Status Updates (04/23/26) Funding and Marketing Consider revenue generation that includes corporate partnerships, sponsorships, foundations and/or naming rights opportunities. Short term (0-3 years)In Progress The Carlsbad Rotary Club has parterned with the Senior Center to provide volunteer support and decorations for special events throughout the year. Funding and Marketing Identify potential grant opportunities and develop grant proposals to secure funding. Short term (0-3 years)In Progress The County of San Diego continues to apply nutrition program reimbursements under its current contract, valid through April 2027. 9 GOAL 4: INCREASE SOCIAL INCLUSION, ENHANCE CONNECTIVITY AND MINIMIZE ISOLATION ITEM NO.1 – REPORT ON DEPARTMENT MASTER PLAN P&R Master Plan - Strategic Action Plan Category Strategy Time Frame Status Updates (04/23/26) Programs, Events and Facilities Offer multicultural programs that reflect the community's increasing diversity. Short term (0-3 years)In Progress A new partnership with Persian Place brings monthly multicultural arts programming to the Senior Center. Programs, Events and Facilities Provide accommodations, such as sign language interpretation, to make programs and facilities more inclusive. Short term (0-3 years)In Progress AARP provided a Spanish-speaker support for tax- aide appointments on both Tuesdays and Thursdays this year. Funding and Marketing Annually review and adjust program, event and facility fees to ensure they are completive to the market. Ongoing In Progress The congregate lunch program has been updated to a voluntary suggested contribution of $4 for seniors 60+, and $8 for guests under 60. This adjustment brings the program contribution amounts in line with comparable Senior Center programs across North County San Diego. 10 NEXT STEPS ITEM NO.1 – REPORT ON DEPARTMENT MASTER PLAN The next status report will be provided at the regularly scheduled Senior Commission Meeting on Oct. 22, 2026 11 QUESTIONS & COMMENTS ITEM NO.1 – REPORT ON DEPARTMENT MASTER PLAN