HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019-05-20; Parks & Recreation Commission; ; 0519-1 PARKS & RECREATION DEPARTMENT REPORT
Meeting Date: May 20, 2019
To: Parks & Recreation Commission
From: Kyle Lancaster, Interim Parks & Recreation Director
Staff Contact: Mike Pacheco, Recreation Services Manager
Subject: Parks & Recreation Department Report
Recommended Action
Receive a presentation from the Parks & Recreation staff.
Executive Summary
Mike Pacheco, Recreation Services Manager and Kyle Lancaster, Interim Parks & Recreation
Director will report on recently completed and upcoming Parks and Recreation activities,
donations and grants, as well as other topics of local interest.
Exhibits
1. Department Report
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PARKS & RECREATION
DEPARTMENT REPORT
May 20, 2019
GENERAL & RECREATION
Hot Rods & Cool Treats
On May 18, the Parks & Recreation Department held a new event called Hot Rods & Cool Treats at Pine Ave
Community Park. The vintage day in the park featured a classic car show, an old fashioned carnival, and ice
cream social. It was an exciting day with lawn games, a FunZone, face painting, balloon art, crafts, different
decades of entertainment and more. We hope you have the opportunity to join us for a fun day in the park.
AMPED
On May 11 at 7 p.m., the Parks & Recreation Department held the AMPED teen concert, a music & arts
throwdown at the Pine Avenue Community Center. The throwdown featured five bands: Homebase, Earthborn,
Hyde, Wack? and The Happy Return. The bands were amped to rock 'n' roll in the first annual Carlsbad
competition for the top spot in 2019!
Walk MS
The Parks & Recreation Department permitted the San Diego Credit Union Walk MS: Carlsbad 2019.
Corporations, teams and individuals united to raise money and make a difference in the lives of those affected
by MS. On April 28 at 8 a.m., approximately 2,500 people participated in the 3-mile fundraising walk which
began along Armada Drive and looped around LEGOLAND California Resort.
Making Wishes
The Parks & Recreation Department recently collaborated with Jefferson Elementary School Kids for Peace Club
to grant the wishes of Carlsbad’s homebound seniors. Both the students and the seniors will share their wishes
and grant them when possible. This intergenerational program was sparked when the students serenaded the
seniors over the holidays and provided gifts for the “Be A Santa To A Senior” program. One of the recipients was
a Jefferson Elementary School retired teacher who was so touched by the generosity of the students she called
the school to thank them directly. This connection is what sprouted the Kids For Peace Club to start sharing
wishes. Sharing children’s wishes with seniors and vice versa will deepen the connection to Carlsbad’s youngest
and oldest citizens.
Volunteers Recognized
On April 24, the Parks & Recreation Department recognized more than 40 volunteers that provided nearly 3,000
hours of community service to Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park. Volunteers were celebrated and treated to
brunch in the newly restored Stable. Without dedicated and passionate volunteers, the number and quality of
educational programs, tours, and visitor services wouldn’t be possible.
EGGstravaganza
On April 20, over 4,000 participants celebrate the EGGStravaganza Spring Festival at Poinsettia Community Park.
Children raced to collect 15,000 candy filled eggs in the EGG Scramble activity. Other activities included bounce
houses, obstacles races, a scavenger hunt, cookie decorating, photos with the bunny and more.
Senior Center Spring Fling
On, April 18, the Senior Center celebrated spring with a Spring Fling event to welcome the season in spring finery
with magical music from Perry Witt for all to enjoy. Each month the Senior Center holds a celebration of the
season or holiday and invites everyone to participate.
Parks & Recreation Department Staff Recognized
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On April 9, Recreation Supervisor, Steve Herrera, received the full-time professional merit award at the
California Park & Recreation Society (CPRS) District XII annual awards and installation breakfast. The award is the
highest honor given to a park and recreation professional, and the criteria includes making positive contributions
to the community, exhibiting high professional standards, and a commitment to excellence. Steve has been a
recreation supervisor for the City of Carlsbad for almost twenty years, and easily met the criteria necessary for
this award through his excellent work in the youth & adult sports and enrichment class divisions. Steve and his
team consistently offer the highest quality programming for participants of all ages. His dedication to the
Carlsbad community, and passion for his work is contagious. His ability to recognize new trends led him to
continually develop and grow exciting new programs. This CPRS award is highly competitive, with nominations
submitted from throughout the county. Carlsbad Parks & Recreation Department staff is fortunate to be able to
work with Steve, and are thrilled to have him recognized by his peers and colleagues throughout San Diego.
Ahoy, Mateys!
On March 23, it was a pirate celebration at Alga Norte Community Park, as over 200 people joined in the
festivities at the award-winning Pirate Plunge. Attendees scoured the deck in search of treasures, walked the
plank off of the diving boards, dove for gems, shot cannons balls at pirate ships, and battled in tic-tac-toe where
‘X’ marked the spot. Westley, aka Dread Pirate Roberts, even made an appearance this weekend sharing his
pirate’s booty (gems and coins), and pirate garb (props for photos), with the landlubbers. The event ended with
a special movie presentation on the giant outdoor movie screen.
Upcoming Events
• Carlsbad Triathlon, Sunday July 14, 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. at Tamarack State Beach
• Aloha Plunge: Saturday, July 20, 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Alga Norte Aquatics Center
• Snores & S'mores: Aug. 10 through Aug. 11, 5 p.m. - 9 a.m. at Aviara Community Park
PARKS
Aviara Community Park Ph. II & Poinsettia Community Park Ph. III Construction Projects
In September 2017, the City Council rejected all bids received for the Aviara Community Park Ph. II and
Poinsettia Community Park Ph. III Construction Projects and directed staff to revise the plans and specifications
to remove the dog park from the previously planned location and project scope at Poinsettia Community Park.
At that time, the City Council also directed staff to explore relocating the dog park to the area in Poinsettia
Community Park previously envisioned for a multigenerational community center. In November 2017, city staff
requested community input on this possible relocation of the dog park at Poinsettia Community Park. Park users
and neighbors provided input through an online survey, emails, social media and temporary on-site information
centers. City staff completed review of the community's input on this topic, and found it to be overwhelmingly
supportive of a dog park at the alternate location. In February 2018, the City Council approved staff’s
recommendation to pursue plans to place the dog park at the alternate location, as a separate project.
At that time, the City Council also approved the revised plans/specifications and authorized staff to advertise for
bids on the remaining planned improvements to both Aviara Community Park and Poinsettia Community Park.
The projects were then advertised to the public, with a bid opening in April 2018. The award of a construction
contract to the lowest responsive bid was approved by the City Council in June 2018, and construction
commenced on the projects in August 2018. Steady progress continues on the outdoor gathering space and
support structures at Aviara Community Park, as well as on the expanded playground, arena sports field, and
pickleball courts at Poinsettia Community Park. All amenities are expected to be completed this summer.
Veterans Memorial Park Master Plan Public Outreach
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On March 9, over 70 individuals - represented by all age groups - participated in the first community workshop
for the Veterans Memorial Park Master Plan. The primary purpose of the workshop was to get input on the
community’s values, needs and priorities for the park. The themes that emerged leaned towards a desire for
passive uses/amenities that would take advantage of the outstanding views and natural setting of the site,
including trails. In addition, paying homage to veterans in meaningful ways and in multiple locations was
frequently expressed. Also articulated was the need for ADA accessibility to various uses and areas of the park
site. Participants generally recognized the park site isn’t suitable for athletic fields or other activities associated
with mass grading, high impact lighting and significant noise. Directly after the workshop, staff led a tour of the
site that was attended by about half of the workshop participants. Staff described the site’s current features at
the various planned stopping points, listened to comments, and answered questions along the way.
Following the workshop and tour, an online survey was available - where community members were able to
provide (additional) input regarding planning this unique park site - until March 23. The city’s Communications
Division is in the process of compiling a summary report of the survey results. Upon initial review, the themes
from the survey appear to be consistent with those gathered at the workshop, but also include an interest in
expanded mountain biking opportunities, including a pump track and/or a skills track. The results of the public
engagement (both at the workshop, and via the online survey) will be used by staff and the consulting design
firm to prepare conceptual renderings of the park, which are anticipated to be ready for review by late summer.
Village H Property Status
On April 23, 2019, during the City Council’s Regular Meeting, staff advised that the terms of a restrictive,
conservation easement over the northern section of the Village H property had been fulfilled. This fulfillment
allowed staff to proceed with the recording of the property’s deed, consistent with the City Council’s previous
action on Jan. 8, 2019. Staff expected the recording of the deed to be completed within two weeks.
On April 26, 2019, staff published a ‘Village H Next Steps’ News Release and on May 1, 2019, staff posted a
‘Village H South Trail’ webpage on the city’s website. On May 2, 2019, staff posted ‘New Ownership/Upcoming
Work’ signs along the perimeter of the southern section of the property and placed ‘Village H Update’ fliers near
that section’s pedestrian entry gate.
On May 7, 2019, staff performed the following activities: completed the recording of the property’s deed,
posted ‘Temporary Closure/Maintenance Work Underway’ signs along the perimeter of the southern section,
installed supplemental construction fencing and locks at the southern section entries, and initiated the required
maintenance work to the southern section. Staff expects the above maintenance work, and the corresponding
trail delineation and improvement work, to be completed within the subsequent 90-day period.
Per City Council action on April 23, 2019, staff also expects to publicly notice, and conduct an outreach workshop
and an online survey during the above referenced 90-day period. As directed, the purpose of this public
engagement will be the development of a plan to integrate an off-leash dog run as part of the southern section
of the Village H property.
National Arbor Day Event at The Coastal Rail Trail
Staff celebrated Arbor Day on the morning of Saturday, April 27, by working with approximately 50 local
volunteers to plant 35 trees and 40 large shrubs along a section of the Coastal Rail Trail, between Oak Avenue
and Tamarack Avenue. The event included tree maintenance representatives from Western Environmental, San
Diego Gas & Electric and West Coast Arborists. This event, and the City Council’s Arbor Week proclamation at its
meeting of Tuesday, April 23, are two of the four criteria that were required to be met for Carlsbad to retain its
status as a Tree City USA for the 15th consecutive year. The Tree City USA designation, issued by the National
Arbor Day Foundation, acknowledges the city’s ongoing commitment to tree care and forest sustainability.
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