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Commission receives department update covering community gardens, aquatics and upcoming events; approves consent calendar 6-0
Summary
The Parks and Community Services Department presented program updates including community gardens, aquatics programs and Fairview Park events; the commission voted 6-0 to receive and file the minutes and the department report.
The Costa Mesa Parks and Community Services Department presented an update on May 8 that covered community gardens, aquatics programs and capital improvements; the commission voted unanimously to receive and file the minutes and the department report.
Director Gruner gave a broad update and highlighted events and project work. Senior Recreation Supervisor Ashley Thomas reported the city operates two community garden sites — Del Mar (established 2003) and Hamilton (established 2014) — and announced David Smith as the California Parks and Recreation Society (CPRS) District 10 Volunteer Merit Award recipient for his work supporting the Hamilton and Del Mar gardens.
Senior Recreation Supervisor Kevin Stoddard and Recreation Coordinator Jose Guzman presented aquatics and water-safety activities in honor of Water Safety Month. Staff said the Downtown Aquatic Center hosted a spring-break water-safety camp in partnership with Hogue, and the city is providing free swimming lessons to 48 College Park Elementary students in collaboration with Newport-Mesa Unified School District; the Ben Carlson Foundation donated suits, towels and goggles for participants. Open registration for summer aquatics programming begins May 13 and the season starts June 9.
Director Gruner also listed capital-improvement highlights: batting-cage installation at TeWinkle Sports Complex (expected completion June 2025) and completed asphalt resurfacing at Baleary Community Center with forthcoming basketball hoop installation and activity striping. Staff referenced grant opportunities with GameTime and CPRS and noted Fairview Park planning continues with a June 3 anticipated council briefing.
The commission voted 6-0 to receive and file the minutes and department report. Commissioners praised community engagement at Earth Day and asked staff to improve outreach materials for future events.
Ending
Staff will follow up on Fairview Park master-plan timing and finalize community-garden and aquatics outreach materials for summer programming.
