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South Gate parks director announces retirement; department readies teen center and releases community survey results
Summary
Parks and recreation director Steve Costly said he will retire at year end; staff announced a teen center opening, summarized a resident survey (472 responses) prioritizing playgrounds, restrooms and lighting, and said the pool might reopen in October but no firm date was given.
Parks and Recreation Director Steve Costly told the commission on Sept. 11 that he will retire at the end of the year after nearly 37 years with the city and 48 years in the profession.
Costly said Tina will handle parts of the director’s responsibilities beginning with the November meeting and invited commissioners to his final workday at the youth commission’s Pageant of the Trees on Dec. 6. Costly also described his tenure and thanked commissioners and staff.
Staff reported the opening of a renovated teen center (room A) with doors opening Monday afternoons from 3 to 6 p.m., including a community open house with free hamburgers, hot dogs and snacks. Kevin (staff) and other employees completed the space and tested gaming and AV equipment.
The department summarized results from a resident survey conducted April–August with 472 respondents. Key findings: 62% of respondents visit parks three to four times weekly; 95% reported visiting Southgate Park specifically; the top reasons for park use were playgrounds (46%), fitness/exercise/gym membership (45%), and sports (42%). Respondents were nearly evenly split on preferring new amenities vs. upgrading existing ones. Top requested upgrades were playground equipment (approx. 55.5%), restroom facilities (approx. 55.3%) and lighting for safety (approx. 40.9%). A splash pad appeared among the top desired new amenities.
Costly said the Swim Stadium remains closed for repairs and staff hope it will reopen in October but no hard date was given. He announced upcoming events and openings, including a Circle Park re-ground opening on Oct. 13, an art walk on Oct. 4 (to be held at the auditorium), a senior formal on Oct. 10, and various Halloween and holiday events including fireworks moved from July Fourth to the Oct. 31 Halloween event.
Staff also said the department is meeting with a Korean Olympic team and other neighboring cities to explore hosting practice times for the 2028 Olympics, and invited commissioners to provide input on survey follow-ups. The commission received and filed the director’s report.
