Recreation staff report strong participation across summer and special events; commission received and filed updates

Recreation staff briefed the commission on a series of 2024 programs and events and the commission voted to receive and file those reports during its Nov. 21 meeting.

Ken Zinc summarized the Junior Lifeguard program, reporting about 204 participants certified and noting the program’s leadership-training changes and scholarship options through the Community Foundation of Morro Bay. He said registration fees were roughly $500 for a two-week session, with a reduced fee of $400 for sessions that overlapped the Fourth of July holiday schedule.

Staff also reported growth in seasonal sports and events: the flag football program expanded participation and secured a corporate sponsorship for uniforms; the Rock Toer Run drew roughly 1,000 participants across race categories; co-ed softball and adult kickball continued with stable participation; and the downtown trick-or-treat event reached more than 1,000 attendees with more than 40 local businesses participating.

"We had about 2,200 people in attendance" at the Fourth of July family fun day, staff said, highlighting partnerships with the Harbor, Fire and Police departments and community volunteer groups that helped reduce staffing costs.

Outcome: After presentations, a commissioner moved to receive and file items C2 through C8. The motion was seconded and approved by voice vote.

Next steps: Staff indicated continued partnership development and exploration of cost-reduction strategies for events and programs; commissioners suggested outreach to volunteer organizations to increase support for large events.