HomeMy WebLinkAbout2019-07-15; Parks & Recreation Commission; ; 0719-2 DEPARTMENT REPORT
Meeting Date: July 15, 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
July 15, 2019
GENERAL & RECREATION
New Recreation Specialist for Intergenerational Programs
The Parks & Recreation Department congratulates Jennifer Burros on her promotion to Recreation Specialist.
This position was reclassified from a vacant office specialist position and will oversee intergenerational programs
at the Pine Avenue Community Center and Senior Center. Jennifer has experience with school districts,
nonprofits and senior centers and will complete her master’s degree in Public Health this year. For the past year
Jennifer assisted staff with developing new teen and intergenerational programs in her part-time role as a Senior
Recreation Leader.
Carlsbad Senior Center Hula Instructor Dances Her Way Into 101 Years of Life
Christinia Pualani Lee, Carlsbad Senior Center dance instructor for 25 years, was featured in the July 9, 2019 San
Diego Union Tribune for spreading her aloha spirit for 101 years. Known as the “hula lady” Christinia transforms
this dance style from the physical to the spiritual and from the heart. She has been a volunteer at the Senior
Center since starting the class in 1995 when she was in her late 70s, after her husband died of cancer. Hula
dancing helped her grieving process and she helps women in the class going through similar grief or health
problems.
Lee’s top 10 secrets to a long, happy life:
1. LOVE. Spread the alchemy of love in all directions. Smile.
2. BE POSITIVE. Creates healing energy. When negative, count your blessings, give thanks and get over it.
3. BALANCE WORK, RECREATION, WITH THE SPIRITUAL.
4. BE NON-JUDGING.
5. BE FORGIVING.
6. BE CREATIVE. With color, write something, draw, sing, plant something.
7. MOVE. Yoga, exercise, dance, free movement.
8. TEND TO YOUR HEALTH. Eat and drink wisely.
9. SERVE OTHERS.
10. CHANGE THE I, I, I TO YOU, YOU, YOU
https://www.sandiegouniontribune.com/north-county-community-news/story/2019-07-09/101-year-old-hula-
teacher-spreads-aloha-spirit
Carlsbad Senior Center Fitness Room Reopening
On July 1, the Senior Center held the grand reopening of the Fitness Room with over sixty members and
potential new members in attendance to learn about the new equipment technology and innovation that was
promotes health and wellness for Carlsbad’s 50+ adults. The project would not have been possible without
facility support from the public works department to include Bob Ferris and Brian Bacardi’s team that assisted
with the installations and oversight of the final setup. The orientation was video-taped thanks to the
communications department videographer David McMinn and a training video will be available for all new and
existing members as they learn to master the new fitness technology. Beyond the new equipment the room
added motivational messages and inspiration to remind each member that health is their greatest wealth.
Reopening Video - https://youtu.be/p7wvSm_Qcz4
Leo Carrillo Ranch Donation
On June 27, Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park received a donation of 250 custom embroidered caps, valued at
$1,537.53, to benefit the Leo Carrillo Ranch Trust (special revenue) Fund. The gift shop sale of the caps is
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expected to generate approximately $4,000 to directly benefit park operations and educational programming.
The donor, Joan Kindle, wanted to honor her late husband and Founder of the Friends of Carrillo Ranch, Inc.,
Alan K. Kindle, and the Friends organization's partnership as it exists with the City of Carlsbad today. We are
grateful for her passion, extraordinary generosity, and continued support of Leo Carrillo Ranch Historic Park.
Drowning Prevention Training
On June 21 & 22, the Parks & Recreation Department conducted a two-day training on drowning prevention
featuring presentations from a national drowning prevention and water safety nonprofit organization called
Drennen’s Dreams Foundation. The foundation was formed in the memory of 12-year-old Drennen O’Melia who
was the victim of a tragic drowning accident. The foundation works with agencies to reinforce accountability
standards and ensure lifeguards know how to implement their training and understand what is truly at stake
while they are on duty. The foundation also created this four minute ‘Not On Your Watch’ American Red Cross
training video that is shared across the country: https://vimeo.com/221107906
Mr. O’Melia flew out from Colorado to share his very personal and difficult story of losing his son to a
preventable drowning in a lifeguarded facility. Staff had the opportunity to engage further with him and were
moved by his story. The learning outcomes included recognizing the need for in-depth policies and procedures,
emergency action plans, and frequent, quality in-service trainings along with assessing the responsibilities of
management as part of the aquatic safety team.
Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month
June was Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month, and the Senior Center held a power of purple contest with
special guest speakers and entertainment for wear purple week. Dr. Daniel Anderson, geriatric psychiatrist,
reviewed early signs and symptoms of Alzheimer’s along with the six pillars of prevention to include exercise,
social engagement, healthy diet, mental stimulation, quality sleep, and stress management. The Carlsbad Senior
Center offers these opportunities for Seniors daily and encourages everyone to practice these preventative
practices.
Carlsbad Junior Lifeguard Aquatic Camp
On June 21, the Carlsbad Fire Department made a welcomed visit to the Carlsbad Junior Lifeguard Aquatic Camp
at Alga Norte Aquatic Center. To the delight of all campers, Carlsbad Fire Fighters shared stories about structure
fires, demonstrated how to put on their turn-outs, and gave campers a tour of the apparatus including how it
works and what it is used for. Even more exciting, this wasn’t a one-time occurrence! This summer, Carlsbad
Fire Fighters will be paying a visit to Junior Lifeguard Campers at Alga Norte Aquatic Center during each session.
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
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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 by late summer.
Poinsettia Community Park Dog Park
Staff is currently requesting Planning Commission approval of a Conditional Use Permit and Coastal
Development Permit prior to developing construction documents for the dog park. The permit application was
reviewed by applicable city staff and deemed complete. The permit is tentatively scheduled to be considered at
the August 21, 2019 Planning Commission Meeting.
The dog park will be located on the east side of Poinsettia Community Park on a vacant split-level pad of
approximately 1.07 ac. Most of the site will be re-graded into a large, gently sloped pad. The dog park design
includes an entry plaza with shade structure and separate enclosures for large dogs and for small dogs. An area
of approx. 7,700 sf is provided for small dogs, while the area for large dogs encompasses about 20,000 sf. Both
areas will be enclosed and separated by a 6 ft. high vinyl-coated chain-link fence with dual gate access. Both
areas will contain similar features, such as dog agility equipment, drinking fountains, site furniture (benches,
picnic tables, trash receptacles, etc.) and perimeter lighting.
Veterans Memorial Park Master Plan Public Outreach
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 in early fall.
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.
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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 publicly noticed, and conducted an outreach workshop and
an online survey during the above referenced 90-day period. The workshop was held on June 29, 2019, 10 a.m.
to 12 p.m., at the Calavera Hills Community Center, with approximately 100 participants. The online survey was
posted to the city’s website on July 5, 2019 and will remain open until July 28, 2019. As directed, the purpose of
this public engagement is to develop options on a plan to integrate an off-leash dog run as part of the southern
section of the Village H property.
Buena Vista Reservoir Site Park Planning
The site of the former Buena Vista Reservoir will be turned into a small park as part of a set of agreements
approved by the Carlsbad City Council in March 2017. The property was previously considered to be sold for the
construction of up to 14 new homes. The agreements, which stemmed from a lawsuit against the city over its
updated General Plan and Climate Action Plan, will also ensure the completion of the missing link of Poinsettia
Lane, the creation of new trails and the addition of protected habitat in Carlsbad. The new park will be
approximately three acres and will include the following amenities: the existing water tank, children's play area,
loop trail around park, picnic areas with shade, enhanced landscaping, benches throughout the park and 11 new
parallel parking spaces.
The city asked for input on the vision for the new park and three draft conceptual park designs through a
neighborhood workshop and an online survey in June 2018. The design was revised based on the input received.
A second public meeting was held in September 2018 to share the revised designs and the public provided
comments to city staff via email. After presentations to the Parks & Recreation Commission and the City
Council, Lennar Homes - in partnership with the city - submitted an application for a Conditional Use Permit for
the project on Dec. 13, 2018. The permit application was reviewed by the applicable city staff and deemed
complete. The permit is scheduled to be considered at the Aug. 21, 2019 Planning Commission Meeting, with
advance notice being provided to the public.
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