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Temecula staff report rising human‑services participation; splash pad repair estimated at $200,000
Summary
City staff reported increases in Human Services and workforce programs and said a damaged splash pad will likely require a roughly $200,000, two‑month repair. Staff described contingency plans for the summer food program while parks amenities are out of service.
City of Temecula staff told the Community Services Commission that several Human Services and workforce programs showed notable year‑over‑year increases in May, and staff said a damaged splash pad near the MRC will likely require a multi‑month, roughly $200,000 repair.
Shamara Anewo (listed in the meeting as Shamara Anewo), community services assistant for the Human Services Division, summarized May program activity. She said the division recorded 116 “impacts” in May, highlighted programs for participants with disabilities and special needs, and noted the Inclusive Visual Arts program (15 participants), an MRC Connect museum trip for five families, and a Global Citizens horticulture and viticulture vocational program that concluded its spring session with nine participants and excursions to local wineries.
Anewo said senior services reported 193 impacts for May and noted a 53% increase in senior participation year over year; commissioners also referenced a 457% year‑over‑year increase in a morning senior and special‑needs program at the CRC. Commissioners asked about session frequency and eligibility for the horticulture and viticulture program; staff said it runs two sessions per year and accepts applicants ages 18–29 through an application process.
Abigail “Abby” Solis, senior recreational leader with the Workforce Development Division, reported that workforce programming participation rose to 151 participants from 61 the prior year, driven in part by an inaugural Young Men’s Career Conference. Solis said mentors and community leaders participated and that mentors share contact information for follow‑up; commissioners praised the event and encouraged making it annual.
Director Russo told commissioners the splash pad at Nagar Park (near the MRC) is “very, very broken.” Initial inspection found two damaged water lines and a cracked tank; preliminary estimates staff provided put the repair at roughly $200,000 and a repair timeline of about two months. Russo said public‑works staff and the vendor are evaluating options for the quickest and most affordable durable fix and that staff will update commissioners as estimates are refined.
The damage comes as the city prepares to start its summer food service program. Staff and program lead Cece (staff) said the program will begin Monday and planned to serve 165 meals during the first week. Staff said they can relocate meal service from the damaged splash‑pad site to the MRC, Rotary Park, or indoors at the MRC in extreme heat and will publicize locations to reach children who need the meals. Commissioners praised staff flexibility and asked about impacts on other inclusive programs that use the splash pad.
Separately, the commission approved its consent calendar item to adopt action minutes from the May 12, 2025 meeting. Commissioner Kingsburg moved to approve; a roll‑call vote recorded votes from all five commissioners as “Aye,” and Chairperson Dr. Ewan Hawkes announced the motion passed unanimously.
