The city’s Recreation Services division told the Parks and Recreation Commission on May 20 that summer program enrollment opened with higher-than-usual demand and that the department is launching new health and aging initiatives.

Margaret Hamer, Recreation Services manager, said summer registration opened May 12 and saw an 18% increase in overall enrollment on the first day, and an increase of more than 100% in sports enrollment that staff attributed in part to new and expanded pickleball classes. Hamer said classes were added to meet “interest and requests from our passionate pickleball players.”

Hamer also said staff estimated Cyclovia attendance at “over 5,000 people,” with final numbers to be confirmed later in the week.

On health and safety, Hamer announced automated external defibrillators (AEDs) are now installed at Leo Mullen Park, Encinitas Community Park and Carta Park; the units are stored in locked boxes accessible by 911 dispatchers who provide the access code in an emergency.

Hamer outlined the Age Friendly Encinitas initiative, funded by the San Diego Foundation and overseen by San Diego State University’s Center for Excellence in Aging and Longevity. The project will develop an action plan for making city programs and spaces more accessible to older adults; a public survey will launch Monday, June 2.

Hamer said the city also expanded Art in the Park workshops for veterans, active-duty military families and caregivers and noted ongoing staff support for community events such as Cyclovia.