HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-07-15; Parks & Recreation Department Services Update (Districts-All); Barberio, GaryTo th e mem bers of the:
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July 15, 2021
To:
From:
Via:
Council Memorandum
Honorable Mayor Hall and Members of the City Council
Gary Barberio, Deputy City Manager, Community Services
Kyle Lancaster, Parks & Recreation Direcl':S
Geoff Patnoe, Assistant City Manager ~
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Carlsbad
Memo ID #2021139
Re: Parks & Recreation Department Services Update (Districts-All)
This memorandum provides an update on the Parks & Recreation Department services as the
region emerges from COVID-19 pandemic restrictions.
Background
On June 15, 2021, all Community and Aquatic Centers returned to full capacity and resumed in-
person services, except for the Senior Center. On July 6, 2021, the Senior Center reopened for
in-person services, including congregate dining under the meal program. Staff also continues to
offer several virtual programs, and to provide meal delivery service for patrons that qualify.
There are currently very few limitations to the Parks & Recreation Department's regular in-
person services.
Discussion
Summer Camps
The Parks & Recreation Department is offering in-person and virtual summer camps, ages three
to 16. This year's lineup includes 60 different camps including sports, arts, science and more.
Thus far, 3,700 participants are signed up for 184 total weeks of summer camp offerings, which
represents an increase in community demand prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. Several camps
have wait lists for participants. In response, staff has added camps and is exploring offering
more weeks of high-demand summer camps. The schedule of camps currently runs parallel
with the Carlsbad Unified School Districts' ten-week long summer break that started
June 14, 2021, and ends Aug. 20, 2021.
Food Assista nee
There has been a significant increase 'in requests for food assistance throughout the region
during the COVID-19 pandemic. In response, city staff have consistently administered the San
Diego County's Aging and Independent Services Senior Nutrition Meal Program (Program) to
Carlsbad residents. Under this Program, on July 6, 2021, San Diego County required the city to
suspend meal pick-up service and limit meal delivery service in deference to in-person
congregate dining of meals at the Senior Center. With that in-person dining now resumed, and
Community Services Branch
Parks & Recreation Department
799 Pine Avenue, Suite 200 I Carlsbad, CA 92008 I 760-434-2826 t
Parks & Recreation Department Services Update (Districts-All)
July 15, 2021
Page 2
the balance of the Senior Center now reopened, city staff and volunteers will continue to
address the requests of residents for home delivery of meals, as resources allow.
Transportation Services
The nationwide staffing shortages associated with the COVID-19 pandemic recovery have also
contributed to difficulties in recruiting part-time 'Class B' bus drivers for transportation services
of seniors. Due to a reduction in available drivers, and the need to address the above home
delivery of meals, transportation services of seniors are currently limited to medical
appointments on pre-scheduled days.
Aquatic Centers
The Aquatic Centers have also been significantly impacted by the nationwide staffing shortages
associated with the COVID-19 pandemic recovery. Part-time instructors and lifeguards are
needed for both Aquatic Centers. Until the instructor positions can be filled, all swimming
lessons have been consolidated at one center (Alga Norte) in order to concentrate efforts. In
addition, until the lifeguard positions can be filled, the Aquatic Centers cannot accommodate
inflatable aquatic structures due to the additional dedicated lifeguards required during this use.
Next steps
Staff will continue to explore offering more weeks of summer camps. Staff will also continue to
work with the Human Resources Department on strategies to recruit part-time staff. Recently,
a six-week digital marketing campaign for lifeguards and recreation leaders (drivers) was
completed. The campaign resulted in 770,000 impressions (views of a link to the job page on
websites such as Google/Bing/YouTube) and 1,016 clicks, but very few new applications.
Additionally, the Human Resources Department will be conducting salary surveys this fiscal ye 9r
to ensure the pay ranges for part-time staff are competitive with surrounding entities.
cc: Scott Chadwick, City Manager
Celia Brewer, City Attorney
Laura Rocha, Deputy City Manager, Administrative Services
Judy Von Kalinowski, Human Resources Director
Mike Pacheco, Recreation Services Manager
Mick Calarco, Special Projects Manager
Bonnie Elliott, Senior Management Analyst
Paul Ho, Human Resources Senior Program Manager
Silvano Rodriquez, Management Analyst
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