Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAbout2026-05-18; Parks & Recreation Commission; 02; Parks & Recreation Department ReportMeeting Date: May 18, 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: 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, Nick Stupin, Parks Planning Manager, and Roger Havlak, Parks Superintendent, will report on recently completed and upcoming parks and recreation activities, as well as other topics of interest. Exhibits 1.Department report May 18, 2026 Item #2 1 of 5 PARKS & RECREATION DEPARTMENT REPORT May 18, 2026 GENERAL & RECREATION Ask the Orthopedic Surgeon Appointments Residents had the opportunity to meet one-on-one with an orthopedic surgeon during the “Ask the Orthopedic Surgeon” appointments held at the Carlsbad Senior Center on April 21. Registration secured participants a private 15-minute consultation between 10 and 11:30 a.m., providing personalized guidance and the opportunity to ask questions related to orthopedic health and wellness. Pickleball Social at the Pine Avenue Community Center On April 22, 2026, the April Pickleball Social was held at the Pine Avenue Community Center gym, where the space was decorated with seasonal spring décor to create a welcoming atmosphere. Over 20 participants joined in recreational pickleball matches, competing in a friendly and engaging environment. Participants enjoyed coffee and an assortment of fresh fruit, while others contributed to a potluck featuring pastries and breakfast items. When not on the court, attendees gathered in the bleachers to mingle, socialize, and enjoy the community-focused event. Country Line Dancing at Stagecoach Community Center Country Line Dancing was offered at the Stagecoach Community Center from April 21 through May 12 on Tuesday mornings, inviting experienced dancers to “Come on Out and Stomp Your Feet!” Participants danced to popular country and pop music while enjoying a fun cardio workout that also helped improve coordination and muscle strength. The class provided an opportunity to make new friends in a social, energetic setting, with dances taught consistent with those used in local line dance venues. Water Safety Month In recognition of Water Safety Month, aquatic staff continue their annual outreach efforts throughout May by hosting an informational tent and table during peak program hours. Staff engage with swimmers, program participants, and parents or guardians to promote safe water practices and increase awareness about drowning prevention. Educational opportunities include free CPR and first aid demonstrations, along with water safety tips and pointers that encourage confidence and preparedness in and around the water. To further support community awareness in a fun and interactive way, educational water safety coloring pages are also available for children. The Grand Tea Room Senior Center Excursion On May 15, 2026, the Carlsbad Senior Center hosted an excursion to The Grand Tea Room in historic downtown Escondido from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Participants enjoyed a traditional afternoon tea service in an elegant and relaxing setting, featuring freshly steeped tea, assorted tea sandwiches, fresh fruit, scones with cream, lemon curd and preserves, and petite desserts. The outing provided a wonderful opportunity to socialize, unwind, and spend time with friends and family in a charming atmosphere. Guests were also welcome to dress in traditional tea attire, including hats and gloves, if desired. Hot Rods & Cool Treats The annual Hot Rods & Cool Treats event welcomed more than 800 attendees to Pine Avenue Community Park on May 9, 2026, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Guests enjoyed a sunny day featuring a showcase of classic May 18, 2026 Item #2 2 of 5 Exhibit 1 and custom vehicles, with participants voting for their favorite cars across multiple categories. The event also included live music, carnival games, and complimentary sweet treats, creating a family-friendly atmosphere filled with entertainment and nostalgia. Attendees explored a wide variety of vintage and muscle cars while enjoying community engagement and activities throughout the park. Fiesta at the Rancho On May 9, the City of Carlsbad’s Parks & Recreation and Library & Cultural Arts departments, in partnership with Friends of Carrillo Ranch, Inc., hosted Fiesta at the Rancho at Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park, the annual fundraiser supporting the California History & Art Program (CHAP). More than 130 guests attended the event, which featured a “Man in the Moon” theme and included live music, dinner, cocktails, an interactive art activity, and a silent auction. Guests gathered at the historic hacienda to support CHAP, which provides free field trips for more than 1,000 local fourth-grade students each year to learn California history, explore Leo Carrillo Ranch, and participate in hands-on art activities. Community Connection: Wildfire Preparedness On May 16, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., the City of Carlsbad hosted a free Community Connection: Wildfire Preparedness event at Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park. Attendees met with representatives from the Fire Department, Parks & Recreation, and Habitat Management to learn practical strategies for protecting homes and properties during wildfire season. Topics included home hardening, defensible space, Fire Hazard Severity Zone maps, fire-smart landscaping, and wildfire prevention. Walk with Yáamay On May 17, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m., A Walk with Yáamay was held at Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park, presented by New Village Arts in partnership with the City of Carlsbad and sponsored by California State Parks. The free, site-specific guided art walk invited participants to experience an immersive journey blending San Diego’s natural landscape with live poetry, song, visual art, and performance. Led by a council of Indigenous artists and curators, and curated by Jovanny Perez, Juan A. Reynoso, and Camaray Davalos, the program offered a transformative outdoor cultural experience. Upcoming Events Aloha Plunge Saturday, July 18, 2026 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Alga Norte Aquatics Center Admission is $15 per person; children ages 3 and younger are free. The Aloha Plunge event invites participants to bring a swimsuit and enjoy a beach-themed pool party featuring luau-inspired activities such as Tropical Tic-Tac-Toe, Tiki Toss, floating obstacle races, and splash pad dancing. Additional dry-land activities include a tropical bounce house, photo opportunities, and lawn games. The evening concludes with a 45-minute Polynesian show, where guests also have the opportunity to learn hula. Food and beverages are available for purchase on site. PARKS Monroe Street Pool Renovation/Expansion Project The materials submittal process for the Monroe Stret Pool Renovation/Expansion Project is in the final stages. The contractor is overseeing roofing, plumbing, electrical and framing on the existing administration/locker room building and is incorporating revisions to the lobby which enhance site monitoring/security and staff safety. The contractor has also advanced the masonry walls and installed utility conduit for the mechanical/family restrooms building. The contractor has additionally completed May 18, 2026 Item #2 3 of 5 the following work on the enlarged pool: excavation, installation of utility conduits, placement of the concrete base/walls and initial placement of tile markers. On May 12, 2026, the City Council received a staff report that included a summary status on the project and authorized an additional appropriation of $800k in funds for unforeseen issues that were encountered during construction. The facility is currently closed through Summer 2026. 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 included the related Faraday Avenue Improvements project. Four bids for the projects were received on Feb. 12, 2026. Brightview Landscape’s low bid of approximately $39 Million was determined to be responsive and responsible. On Feb. 24, 2026, the City Council awarded the construction contract for both projects to BrightView Landscape. Staff are currently processing all necessary documents to finalize the construction contract. On March 10, 2026, the City Council authorized the formation of the Ad-Hoc City Council Veterans Memorial Park Veterans Recognition Subcommittee, and appointed Council Members Burkholder and Shin to serve on this new subcommittee. Beginning this summer, this subcommittee will seek to address the public interest in honoring and recognizing veterans, individual or otherwise, at the park. In July, Representative Mike Levin and Assembly Member Tasha Boerner will join City Council Members, Commissioners, staff and contractors for the Veterans Memorial Park Groundbreaking Ceremony. 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. 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 completed its processing of the documents, and the first round of review comments were received at the end of February 2026. Staff are currently working with the design consultant to review those comments and update documents for resubmittal by the end of May. Stagecoach and Calavera Hills Community Parks Pickleball Courts Project Staff submitted the construction plans for the Stagecoach and Calavera Hills Community Parks’ Pickleball Courts Project to the Community Development Department for permit review at the end of December 2025. Staff received review comments at the end of February 2026 and forwarded those comments to the consultant for corrections. Staff resubmitted the corrected plans to the Community Development Department in early May 2026 and expect to receive additional comments by the beginning of June 2026. Arbor Week Proclamation and Arbor Day Event at Poinsettia Community Park The City Council presented an Arbor Week Proclamation to staff and accepted a Tree City USA recognition from CalFire staff and the Arbor Day Foundation on April 14, 2026. Carlsbad has been recognized as a Tree City USA for 22 consecutive years. Staff also held an Arbor Day tree planting event at Poinsettia Community Park on April 25, 2026, where 50+ volunteers, local vendors, and city staff planted 25 trees. May 18, 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 grass, immediately north of Hemlock Avenue was used as the construction storage and lay-down area for the project. The occupation of this space by the contractor impacted the aesthetics of this State Parks property that the city maintains under the Joint Powers Agreement. The first phase of construction will last through May 22, 2026, with a moratorium on construction work during the summer. The Hemlock and Cherry Avenues beach access stairways will remain closed during the summer, with work reconvening on those areas after the Labor Day holiday. Fire Mitigation Efforts in Urban Forests City contractors recently completed work in Hosp Grove West, focusing on tree removal to reduce total canopy density. The contractors completed selective removals of full-skirted palm trees by Hosp Grove Park and removed tree debris on the forest floor for fuel reduction and improvement of emergency operations access. In the coming weeks, contractors will work at Hosp Grove East on the four tiers above Marron Road to reduce fuel ladders and will then shift to Village H South with a focus on thinning overcrowded trees. In addition, contractors will begin fire mitigation work at Woodbine Banks and in areas adjacent to the Police/Fire Headquarters. Carlsbad Village Hanging Baskets Staff recently added 10 new Geranium hanging baskets along Carlsbad Village Drive, west of Carlsbad Boulevard. These baskets increase our streetscape inventory to 62 total decorative hanging baskets. Temporary Closure of Poinsettia Dog Park The dog park (both the small dog section and the large dog park section) at Poinsettia Community Park were temporarily closed for maintenance from May 4 to 17, 2026. The maintenance contractor performed aerifying and fertilizing tasks, transitioning from Perennial Ryegrass to Hybrid Bermudagrass. Recent Trails Volunteers Events On May 13 and 16, 2026, volunteers participated in trails maintenance events at the Hidden Canyon Trail, and the Hosp Grove Rotary Trailhead, respectively. In each case, staff welcomed the volunteers at the trailhead and presented safety instructions, along with an overview of the day’s maintenance projects. Staff then provided the necessary hand tools and materials for the work and led volunteers on different tasks, including adding decomposed granite, surface grading, enhancing drainage, and removing invasive vegetation or debris. Progress was clearly made across significant sections of both trails. The city greatly appreciates the dedicated volunteers who contributed their time and efforts to the maintenance of these open space areas which enhance our community! 2026 Trails Volunteers Events The 2026 Trails Volunteers Annual Calendar includes Saturday and Wednesday events, 8:30 to 11:30 a.m. • 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 May 18, 2026 Item #2 5 of 5 Department Report Ashlee Williams, Recreation Services Manager Nick Stupin, Park Planning Manager Roger Havlak, Parks Superintendent Parks & Recreation Department May 18, 2026 ASK THE ORTHOPEDIC SURGEON ITEM NO. 2 - DEPARTMENT REPORT Residents met one-on-one with an orthopedic surgeon at the Carlsbad Senior Center for a 15-minute private consultation to ask questions and receive personalized orthopedic health guidance 2 PICKLEBALL SOCIAL AT PINE ITEM NO. 2 - DEPARTMENT REPORT On April 22, over 20 participants joined a spring-themed pickleball social at Pine Avenue Community Center for casual games, food, and socializing 3 COUNTRY LINE DANCING ITEM NO. 2 - DEPARTMENT REPORT A recent session of Country line dancing was held at Stagecoach Community Center from April 21 to May 12, offering a fun cardio workout with music, movement, and social connection 4 WATER SAFETY MONTH ITEM NO. 2 - DEPARTMENT REPORT During Water Safety Month in May, aquatic staff host outreach tables to share water safety information, provide CPR and first aid demonstrations, and engage families in drowning prevention education 5 SENIORS VISIT THE GRAND TEA ROOM ITEM NO. 2 - DEPARTMENT REPORT On May 15, the Carlsbad Senior Center hosted an excursion to The Grand Tea Room in Escondido, where participants enjoyed afternoon tea, desserts, and a social outing in a relaxing setting 6 HOT RODS & COOL TREATS ITEM NO. 2 - DEPARTMENT REPORT On May 9, the Hot Rods & Cool Treats event welcomed over 800 attendees to Pine Avenue Community Park for a showcase of classic and custom cars, live music, games, and complimentary treats 7 FIESTA AT THE RANCHO ITEM NO. 2 - DEPARTMENT REPORT On May 9, city staff and the Friends of Carrillo Ranch hosted Fiesta at the Rancho at Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park, featuring food, music, and a fundraiser for the California History & Art Program 8 WILDFIRE PREPAREDNESS ITEM NO. 2 - DEPARTMENT REPORT On May 16, city staff hosted a free wildfire preparedness event at Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park, where residents learned safety tips and home protection strategies 9 WALK WITH YÁAMAY ITEM NO. 2 - DEPARTMENT REPORT City staff, in partnership with New Village Arts and California State Parks, hosted A Walk with Yáamay at Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park, a free guided outdoor art experience featuring poetry, story telling, and visual art 10 UPCOMING EVENTS ITEM NO. 2 - DEPARTMENT REPORT •Aloha Plunge – Alga Norte Aquatic Center Saturday, July 18, 2026 5 p.m. – 8 p.m. Admission is $15; Children ages 3 and younger are free 11 Monroe Street Pool Renovation/Replacement Project 12 Shade More parking Family restrooms Service truck access Mechanical equipment Exteriorentrance Natural drainage basin Locker rooms, office spaceSolar water heating Sports lighting 13 HIGHLIGHTS OF SITE WORK TO DATE •Completed plumbing, electrical, framing and masonry work on the existing administration/locker room building •Completed masonry and roofing and commenced plumbing, electrical, framing work on the new mechanical room/family restroom building •Excavated and formed the enlarged pool shell and installed plumbing/electrical conduit under that shell Placed concrete along the base and walls of the pool and commenced installation of tile for lanes and edge coping 14 ITEM NO. 2 - DEPARTMENT REPORT 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 Veterans Memorial Park Project 22 23 RECENT ACTIONS BY CITY COUNCIL •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: Awarded project’s construction contract •March 10, 2026: Formed of Ad-Hoc Veterans Memorial Park Veterans Recognition Subcommittee to address the public interest in honoring and recognizing veterans ITEM NO. 2 - DEPARTMENT REPORT 25 NEXT STEPS •End of May: Receive conformed set of plans/specs and hold pre-construction meeting with design team, general contractor, construction managers and staff •Summer: Ad-Hoc City Council Subcommittee will meet to seek public input and consider recognition options •Early July: Representative Mike Levin and Assembly Member Tasha Boerner will join City Council Members, Commissioners, staff and contractors for a Veterans Memorial Park Groundbreaking Ceremony 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 •Construction plans were submitted for permit review by Community Development in December 2025 •Review comments were received from Community Development comments at the end of February 2026 OUTDOOR PICKLEBALL COURTS PROJECT ITEM NO. 2 - DEPARTMENT REPORT 28 •Staff subsequently forwarded the review comments to the design consultant for corrections •Staff resubmitted the corrected plans to Community Development in early May 2026 •Staff expect to receive additional comments from Community Development in early June 2026 29CALAVERA HILLS COMMUNITY PARK 30 STAGECOACH COMMUNITY PARK 31 •April 14, 2026 – City Council Arbor Day Proclamation April 14, 2026 – Tree City USA Presentation by Cal-Fire •April 25, 2026 – National Arbor Day Event •jggn ARBOR WEEK 2026 Poinsettia Community Park, 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. Giveaways, tree display, and planting demonstration 50+ Volunteers planted of 25 trees within the park •jggn ITEM NO. 2 - DEPARTMENT REPORT BEACH ACCESS REPAIRS PROJECT ITEM NO. 2 - DEPARTMENT REPORT 32 •Project is being administered by Public Works Branch, but impacts a city park site (Tamarack Upper Picnic Facilities) •Phased reconstruction of four switchback beach access stairways, and the widening of segments of the upper sea wall walkway, between Hemlock and Sycamore Avenues •Work to be suspended for summer and resume in fall 33 34 35 36 FIRE MITIGATION EFFORTS IN URBAN FORESTS ITEM NO. 2 - DEPARTMENT REPORT •Completed work in Hosp Grove West, focusing on tree removal to reduce total density •Completed selective removals of full-skirted palm trees by Hosp Grove Park and removed tree debris on the forest floor for fuel reduction and improvement of emergency operations access •Currently working at Hosp Grove East above Marron Road to reduce fuel ladders and will then shift to Village H South with a focus on thinning trees 37 CARLSBAD VILLAGE HANGING BASKETS ITEM NO. 2 - DEPARTMENT REPORT 38 •Recently added 10 hanging baskets with Geraniums along Carlsbad Village Drive, west of Carlsbad Boulevard •Increased number of hanging baskets maintained to 162 TEMP CLOSURE - POINSETTIA DOG PARK ITEM NO. 2 - DEPARTMENT REPORT 39 •The dog park (both small and large dog sections) were temporarily closed for maintenance from May 4 to 17, 2026 •Contractor performed aerifying and fertilizing tasks, to transition from Perennial Ryegrass to Hybrid Bermudagrass ITEM NO. 2 - DEPARTMENT REPORT 40 •Hidden Canyon Trail & Hosp Grove Rotary Trailhead Wednesday May 13 & Saturday, May 16 Staff led volunteers on tasks, including adding decomposed granite, surface grading, enhancing drainage and removing invasive vegetation/debris Progress was made across sections of both trails RECENT TRAIL VOLUNTEER EVENTS 41 ITEM NO.2 - DEPARTMENT REPORT 42 Events on Saturday and Wednesday mornings, 8:30 to 11:30a.m. •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 W. Trail •Oct. 21, 2026 – Melrose 55 Fioli Circle Trail •Nov. 21, 2026 – Lake Calavera Trails 2026 TRAILS VOLUNTEER EVENTS QUESTIONS/COMMENTS Thank you! ITEM NO.2 - DEPARTMENT REPORT 43