Parks recreation division hires new recreation manager; summer camp registration opens April 2

Patrick O’Meara, deputy director of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Affairs, told the commission that the department offered and filled the recreation manager position two weeks ago and the new manager will begin the following Monday.

O’Meara said summer camp registration opens tomorrow at 9 a.m., with a phased rollout: the first five weeks (May and the first four weeks of June) open at the start, families with active registrations for weeks 1–5 will get access to register for weeks 6–8 two weeks later, and all slots open citywide on April 23. He explained the phased approach is intended to make the online checkout experience smoother for families using scholarships and multi-child discounts.

The department is actively recruiting for seasonal positions including lifeguards, water safety instructors and hourly summer camp staff; O’Meara said staff are running aquatic trainings and multiple hiring fairs at Pavilion and Muni Pool this month. He said the division expects to have two confirmed recreation leader openings and possibly a third pending a position-justification committee decision.

O’Meara also highlighted a range of center-based programs across wards — active adult luncheons, no-school “fun days,” sports-skill programs, computer and culinary classes, mentoring and restored grant-funded after-school support at select centers — and said staff are converting many returning hourly workers into summer-camp roles to meet increased seasonal demand.

Commissioners asked clarifying questions and offered thanks; no formal action was taken on the report.