Director Rivera on Monday told the Lake Havasu City Parks and Recreation Advisory Board the department completed new signs at Sarah Park, secured council funding for accessible playground features and installed an all-abilities learning and play element at the aquatic center.

Rivera said staff received requests from parents representing children with disabilities and took those requests to council, which approved funds for features such as an "all abilities go-round" to be installed at Rotary Park. "We were approved at the last council meeting to purchase an all abilities go-round," Rivera said, describing outreach and procurement steps taken this year.

The director also reviewed aquatics work: a two-week pool closure allowed crews to refinish locker room benches, replace shower heads and retile soaker tubs. Rivera described a new accessible, low-height water table and said seven new lifeguards are starting in January after recent certification and recertification training.

Rivera introduced a department expansion of swim-safety instruction. KinderSwim provides lessons to local kindergartners; a new program, Mission 5: Ready to Rescue, will retest fifth-graders and add hands-only CPR and other life-saving skills in coordination with the Red Cross. Rivera credited a lifeguard for originating the idea: "His name is Max Wokey," Rivera said, acknowledging staff initiative.

On staffing, Rivera announced the hire of recreation coordinator Jordan Dornblazer, who will oversee after-school care and seasonal camps. Rivera also corrected a program date: the "itty bitty golf" event is scheduled for Jan. 17, 2026.

Rivera summarized recent community events and participation metrics, saying the department ran about 160 programs over six months with "over 3,000" attendances (a rough count staff said may be closer to 4,000 when including large drop-in events). Rivera cautioned that figure counts attendances, not unique individuals.

The board asked clarifying questions about counts and implementation. Rivera said staff use a mix of registration data, ticket counts and photographic sampling for larger events and that staff will provide more detailed registration numbers on request.

The presentation closed with recognition of seasonal events, including a newly installed holiday tree that Rivera described as "56 feet tall," and positive community feedback on classes and special events. The board did not take action but thanked staff and encouraged follow-up reporting at future meetings.