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.