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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2001-12-17; Parks & Recreation Commission; 1201-1; Commissioner's Report- PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION -AGENDA BILL AB# 1201-1 MTG. DATE: 12-17-01 TITLE : , COMMISSIONER'S REPORT INFO n ACTION STAFF: PRICHARD RECOMMENDED ACTION : IU 1 Accept and File ITEM EXPLANATION : Attached is the Commissioner's Report for December 2001. EXHIBITS: 1. Commissioner's Report - December 2001 I Recreation News I , i Adult Sports 3! Aquatics 6 Ballfields j I : Calavera Hills 2i ; Daytrippers 2; ~ Enrichment 1 5i fl j Harding Center I’ i Holiday Dinner J , New York Kids 31 : Parks 6 : Poinsettia Park d! ! Preschool 3[ I Senior Center J’ Stagecoach Park J; Stay ’n Play 5 ! Youth Sports 2 ~ ! HARDING CENTER BY GIAN LAURO The Harding Community Center and off-site facilities had a .busy and fun-filled October and November. The Community Center played host to several parties and two wedding receptions, including the 3d annual Purdy Realty Halloween Party. The Halloween event maintained its reputation as having some of the best costumes in Carlsbad. Also, the annual Octoberfest was held at Holi- day Park. Most people know the fall celebration as a time to indulge in special Octoberfest brews, however excellent food was also part of the festival. Over 5,000 visitors attended Carlsbad’s version of the German Fall Festival. The Rotarians raised over $40,000 from the event. The Parks and Recreation Departments also did their part in making this event as fun and safe as possible. Parks Department crews prepped the park site to accommodate the high number. of people. The Recreation Staff as- sisted in processing the event through the necessary channels and the use of the Scout House facility. In November the Harding Center played host to a vanety of events. One in particular was the Carlsbad Montessori School lunch. This group hosted a Thanksgiving potluck with over 100 students and their families involved. The guests enjoyed a delicious sit down meal in the comfortable and relaxing envi- ronment created by Harding Center staff. In other areas, the Bressi Ranch of Carlsbad donated several pieces of antique furniture belonging to the late ac- tor, Leo Camllo. The furniture will go to the Camllo Ranch Community Park to be restored back to its original 1930s look. A special thank you goes out to Brian O’Grady, Jamie Estrada, Manny Villalta and Robert Martinez for their help with moving the furniture. Also, recognition goes to Joan Kindle, our vol- unteer Curator, who through hard work and dedication over the last 10 years has kept the Camllo Ranch in great shape. The Arts Department has co-sponsored a theatrical group called New Village Theatre. They have worked with Recreation staff in changing the appearance of the Granary to present a staged production called “Brilliant Traces”. It is a play about two strangers trapped together in a cabin in the wilds of Alaska during a raging blizzard. Recreation staff has.done its part to help with making the production a success. Coming in future Recreation Newsletters: Exciting news about our 50th Anniversary Celebration and a schedule of events. rc- EXHIBIT 1 d1C Paee 2 c Calavera Hills Center is proud to provide facilities to a variety of Carlsbad Scout Troops. Girl Scout troops range from Daisy's to Ca- dets and Boy Scout troops span from Ti- ger Cubs to Wolf Cubs. Currently Calavera provides meeting space for over 16 scout troops. Featured this month is Brownie Troop #I 428. Guided by their dedicated Leader jai McCel- land, our smiling Carlsbad Brownies explore the world of scouting on a Thursday afternoon from 4:30- 6:OO pm. the last Monday of the month. I CALAVERA HILLS BY GAIL WAT On November 1, Calavera Hills Center hosted the seeding tournament for all of the North County Jr. High Girls Volleyball teams that participated in the Southern California Municipal Athletic Federation (SCMAF) Tournament. More than 80 girls participated in the tournament and were cheered on by over a hundred-spectators. Calavera staff members will be participating in a proactive training program to improve employee awareness and challenge each Calavera Center staff member to exceed the customer's expectations! Key staff members will also be trained in CPR and Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) units. The AED will be installed at Calavera Hills Center at the completion of the training this month! The gymnasium will be closed for our annual floor resurfacing. December 17, 2001 through January 1, 2002. Meeting rooms and the kitchen will be avail- able for use during the resurfacing. The Center will be closed Christmas Day and New Year's Day. The Calavera Hills staff took their holiday spirit to the 17~ Annual Tree Light- ing event in downtown Carlsbad on December 2, 2001. Carlsbad Recreation sponsored a booth where children made holiday cards for someone in their family and donated a hand-made card to someone currently in Tri-City Hospi- tal. Over 125 cards were donated to cheer the hospitalized patients. TP Calavera Hills Staff wishes you HAPPY HOLIDAYS! YOUTH SPORTS BY LORI SWENCK The month of December in the Youth Sports Department started off with a bang on December 1 with our opening day of youth basketball! Over 500 kids along with their parents, siblings and extended family took over both the Calavera and Stagecoach gymnasiums for a fun-filled day of basketball. Some of our n,ew staff were a bit ovewhelmed by all of the activity but managed to settle into their assigned duties without much trouble. By days end, they were weary yet satis- fied. Hats off to all of them. They did a great job! The Youth Sports staff would also like to thank all of the Volunteer coaches for their commitment to the NYSCA program. We're proud to announce that 100% of our coaches have gone through the training and are official NYSCA mem- bers. The total number of memberships has reached 109. Our goal now is to begin educating our parents on the PAYS philosophy and what their responsi- bilities will be in the future. Needless to say, we have a lot of work ahead of us. Happy Holidays to all and we'll chat again next year! DAYTRIPPERS BY DAVE MILLIKAN The busses are full to the "Glory of Christmas" show at the Crystal Cathec. and Newport Harbor "Christmas Fantasy" Cruise of Lights in December. There are a few spots still available for the January trips to the Pasadena Rose Parade and Tony award winning musical "Aida" at the Ahmanson Theater. Recreation News Page 3 ADULT SPORTS BY STEVE HERRERA The Adult Sports Leagues are headed for the final stretch of the season with twenty-two post- season tournaments for the Softball and Basketball Leagues. We implemented a new softball play-off system with the top two teams in each division competing with the other winners at each site. This allowed for the teams at Poinsettia, Stagecoach, Calavera, and Pine to play each other to determine who’s the best in Carisbad. Peabody’s Bar & Grill won the coed division on Thursday Nights, by defeating the teams from the Stagecoach league, Brew Crew won the men’s Thursday Night’s division by defeating the teams from the Poinsettia league, and That Pizza Place I won the women’s division on Wednesday Nights. With the new implementation of ‘Sportsmanship“ we recorded a drop in sus- pensions, ejections, attitude, and warnings by officials. We are currently in the process in obtaining feedback from the entire official’s association that works the City of Carlsbad Adult Sports Leagues. By obtaining information on “Sportsmanship” we hope to better our leagues to promote fun, safe, and competitive leagues. The Adult Sports office would like to commend our scorekeepers and field representatives for a job well done this season. Our staff is on the front lines every night to make sure our leagues are running smoothly. They must pro- mote sportsmanship, set-up fields, conduct field survey’s, keep accurate !scores, inspect equipment, and offer quality service to our participants. I scores, communicate with teams, evaluate leagues, report nightly game PRESCHOOL This month Adventures in Preschool travels to the world of our Preschool 3s and 4’s class at Stagecoach Park. Ex- ploring the holidays is always a treat at Stagecoach. An exploration of Thanks- giving was led by our enthusiastic In- structor, Alison Deacon and her creative Preschool Aide, Carla Miles. In addition to making Turkey hand-prints and mod- els, our preschoolers attended a Teddy Bear Picnic, found out why it rains and learned about their home address and phone number. The month could not go by without playing their favorite activity tape ” Going on a Bear Hunt“! As you - can see, Preschool at Stagecoach Park quite an adventure! 011 Page 4 Recreation News i Our Annual Holiday Dinner to honor our Parks and Recreation Commissioners, will .be held Monday, December 17th at the Senior Center Audito- rium. The commission meeting will be held at s:30PM, followed by 2freshments on the outdoor patio at 6:OO and dinner at 6:30. Please set this time aside to join us and the Carlsbad Sound Express for a great evening of song, deli- cious food, friendship and fun. SENIOR CENTER BY LAURA BALL AND SHARON JEWELL On November 1 st we traveled to Transylvania for 'Dracula - The Musical'. . - what a production at'the La Jolla Playhouse. We felt very fortunate we were able to see this world premiere theatre. Another Liffle Italy tour on November 8'h. We coasted it to Old Town and then trollied it to Little Italy. After a scrumptious lunch at Filippos we walked the streets and learned the history of the area. 'A Christmas Carol' entertained us on November 2p. This special holiday event was held at the Lyceum Theatre in Horton Plaza and, what a production. To address subtle post traumatic stress disorders in the seniors relating to the September 11 terrorist attack, a family therapist from Elizabeth Hospice spoke to a group of seniors with advice and guidance to ease the anxiety. The grateful seniors appreciated the comfort and counseling. On November 20, Joy Parker from the Health Insurance and Advocacy Program (HICAP) advised a full house of the many changes in HMOs beginning in 2002. Any hike in rates, change in prescription benefits and departing HMOs were dis- cussed and the audience was advised of their rights and options. Memory enhancement was the topic of a seminar presented by speech and Ian guage pathologist Judy Ray from Casa Palmera. She presented an overview 01 the types of memories we possess and strategies for improvement and en- . hancement. An unforgettable time was had by all! (ha ha) Holocaust survivor Judy Unnan spoke to a group of seniors and shared her traumatic past in order to offer hope to Americans after the recent terrorist at- tacks. She spoke of the joy she and her fellow "prisoners" felt when, after their release, they saw the American flag waving on the grounds of the concentration camp. Mrs. Urman urged everyone to hold onto their freedom with optimism and strength. December looks to be a particularly festive month: a Holiday Hawaiian Dance Extravaganza will gracefully sway into the Center on December 12; the popular Goddess Workshop will return December 13; a U.S. Navy serviceman will re- gale audience members December 18 with his adventures during World War II; and the Carlsbad Choraleers will present their annual holiday concert on De- cember 19. STAGECOACH PARK BY DAVE MILLIKAN In the near future a defibrillator is scheduled to be placed at Stagecoach Community Center. Five recreation staff at Stagecoach were recently trained in the operation of a defibrillator so they could assist people experi- encing heart failure until paramedics arrived. Part of the Red Cross training included CPR. Also, Facilities Division staff remodeled the gymnasium of- fice at Stagecoach. The office now provides additional space for customers to conduct business, such as picnic and room reservations, with staff and improves the general layout of the office. Recreation News Page 5 , STAY ’N PLAY BY MARC BEASELY j On November 8’h, the Stay n’ Play program took 160 students to the movie I theater as a reward for the hard work these children put into their academics. i Each day the Stay n’ Play program gives “Homework Points” to participants who : complete their homework daily. The Stay n’ Play program consistently makes an i effort to make academics a priority for the participants of the program. with the ; assistance and motivation from the Stay n’ Play staff, and the incentives such i as the movie theater and other field trips, the results are constantly improving. Our field ttip eligibility lists are continuously growing and the children are : starting to see the benefits from completing their schoolwork. I The Stay n’ Play program’s next field trip is at the end of the semester to Vista’s Family Fun Center on December 20*. The Stay n’ Play children are working hard to earn enough points to attend, and are anxiously awaiting the trip. ENRICHMENT CLASSES BY BETSY KENNEDY As a new season rapidly approaches, we are looking forward to another great i Mnter/Spring session with Enrichment classes. we are introducing some new ~ and exciting classes to bring in the new year. One such class that I am sure we Tuesday, D~ember 25 ~ could all take advantage of after the holidays, Undiet Your Wav to a Healthv All facilities closed Body, will teach you to get in touch with yourself, your body and your hunger, so you don’t have to diet ever again. You will be spared from making that New Year‘s resolution that we always break! i Tuesday, january I *I1 Redo? Rethink? Remodel? Redecorate? ~ When Wnter turns to Spring our thoughts turn to sprucing up our homes, gar- ; dens or place of business. Our Feng Shui classes are designed to answer these Monday, january 2 1 questions and save you from making costly mistakes. Adjusted Schedules for Michelle Alspaw and her dancers have found a wonderful way to celebrate the all facilities. spirit of giving by volunteering their time and talent to help others. They will be visiting 12 assisted living homes and performing dance routines for the seniors. Administration Offices , We all love the sounds of Holiday music ringing throughout the Community Cen- will be closed. : ! ters as they practice their routines. Miss Michelle has been spending countless l hours making all 80 costumes herself. ! The Enrichment class staff would like to wish you and your family a happy and healthy Holiday season. m 1 -. j BALLFIELDS BY GIAN LAURO ’ twice a year with all the local non-profit .athletic organizations in attendance. ! There were a total of nine organizations that came together to iron out a worka- ’ ble and fair use schedule for all the athletic fields in the city. These meetings , were held to discuss athletic field usage for the Spring 2002 season. I’m happy - i Ballfield negotiation meetings were held this month. These meetings are held ~ I to report that all were a success and agreeable schedules will be completed. 012 Page 6 Recreation News PARKS DEPARTMENT BY ANNETTE ScuoLL During the month of November, Park staff replaced a 4" backflow device at Calavera Park. The original device would not pass the backflow test due to corrosion and normal wear and tear. Staff reported that we have had.two days of frost at Stagecoach Park. When this occurs it looks like snow on the ground, and the Bermuda grass goes into dormancy. So if you want to see a winter wonderland in Southern California, drive by Stagecoach Park. Our following Park sites have these various jobs out for bid, Zone 5 backstop and fencing, resurfacing of various tennis courts, sidewalk repair for both Calav- era and Poinsettia Parks, the Heritage Halt project (renovation & ADA modifica- tion) at Magee Park and also the Chase Field Snack barhestroom building. Plans and specifications are currently in design for the new pool shell as well as for the synthetic turf for the Poinsettia soccer field. We hope to go to City Coun- cil and out to bid on these projects in late December. Construction should begin on these projects by the Jan/Feb time frame. We are awaiting delivery of 6 new concrete benches for Cannon Park and Poin- settia Park. These benches should withstand the coastal salt air and recycled water for many years to come, unlike the original vinyl coated expanded metal benches. At La Costa Canyon Park, 47 damaged trees were removed and stumped by Henderson .Tree Company. We will be replanting in January. The Parks Division Office Specialist II, Adriana Ojeda is participating in the En- gineering Tech Internship Program. She started on October 29*, and will be gone for six months. This should prove to be of great benefit to her, as she pro- gresses within the City organization. Annette Scholl will be filling in during Adri- ana's absence. She comes to us from Mammoth Lakes, CA. All city depart- ments that purchase Christmas trees this holiday season can get them flamed proofed at the Parks Yard. AQUATICS BY DAVE GORSLINE The City of Carlsbad Aquatics has designed a new program and position to re- cruit for "Aquatic Trainees",. Employees in this temporary position will earn minimum wage as Carlsbad Aquatics Instructors turn them into the best and brightest in the State. Please have anyone interested call the Swim Complex at 602-4685! The Swim Complex turned 20 years old in October, and it did so with its origi- nal boiler intact. This pool water heating equipment will, in all likelihood, be ab- sent from the Swim Complex's 215' birthday party. The Aquatics staff is re- searching possible replacement equipment while heaping tender loving care on the current system. Also, the Swim Complex is sporting a shiny new secon- dary containment structure for a chlorine scrubber system. The small rectangu- lar building protruding from the north side of our pump room has yet to be adorned with doors, vents, detection alarms and a scrubber; those items will amve in February.