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Staff reports 1,200 responses to leisure needs survey; draft plan due to commission in June
Summary
Recreation and Parks staff reported the community leisure needs assessment collected about 1,200 responses (margin of error under 3%); staff will present a draft to the commission in June and seek Council review in July. Staff also updated commissioners on ranger training, vacancies, park projects and an upcoming fee-study council item.
Recreation and Parks staff told the commission on April 8 that the department—s recent community leisure needs assessment received roughly 1,200 responses, which staff said yields a margin of error of less than 3 percent and provides a statistically useful basis for planning.
Director Posada described the survey results as a substantive planning tool and said staff expects to provide the commission a draft of the leisure needs assessment in June and present to City Council in July (to coincide with Park and Recreation Month). Posada said the timing prevented the department from supplying the report before the city budget process but that a draft would be available to the commission in June.
Staff also reported on personnel and program changes. Business Manager Smith said the department recently completed Emergency Vehicle Operations training for rangers and that Ranger Jessica Torres completed field training and is now cleared to drive solo. Staff confirmed there are currently 10 rangers and that hiring remains constrained by city-directed vacancy holds intended to reduce spending.
Staff outlined a range of capital and maintenance projects in progress: DeJoy playground work (expected completion in about six weeks), Taylor Pocket Park construction, Memorial Garden work at Veterans Memorial Park, Presker Park entry paving, electrical wiring for the Enos House and Japanese Community Center, and a new playground at Los Flores Ranch Park. Staff also described programming updates including spring break camp, a Celebrate Earth Day event (April 22), a kite festival (April 27) and spring rec swim dates. Staff said swim lessons and other programs are filling rapidly.
On fees and revenue, staff told commissioners the fee-study item will go to City Council on May 2; staff explained the commission could be asked to assume a larger role reviewing seasonal program fees so the city could respond more quickly to evolving community demand without sending every fee change to Council.
Commissioners and staff also discussed survey outreach and noted higher Spanish-language engagement and community outreach methods that included in-person distribution and Spanish-language responses. Staff said the procurement consultant will compile results and staff will bring a draft plan to the commission in June for review.
