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Laredo parks staff highlight summer events and expansion of adaptive programs
Summary
Parks staff presented a summer events calendar and said adaptive-program participation has grown, with five adaptive camps (55 campers so far), adaptive swim parties and a sponsored adaptive-athlete division at 5Ks that staff say is drawing regional interest.
City of Laredo Parks and Recreation staff detailed the department’s summer events calendar and described expanded adaptive programming during the advisory committee meeting.
Mila Ramos, who introduced the events report, told the committee she distributed two reports and a three-week events calendar to help council members and staff track upcoming activities. "I sent out these two reports for you guys so you all can see them, and y'all can review them later," Ramos said.
Staff highlighted recent events including the JJ Gomez Memorial 5K, a 27th annual fishing derby that drew more than 100 children, ribbon cuttings at North Central Park, and an Independence Hills Fourth of July celebration that staff estimated drew several thousand attendees. The department also listed multiple free family and senior events, partnerships with KLB for month-long programming, and routine pool parties and paddle-boat activities.
A parks staff member who oversees inclusionary programming described the department’s adaptive offerings in detail. The report said there are five adaptive summer camps (capped at about 15 campers each), adaptive swim parties for children and adults, and a new adaptive-athlete division for 5Ks that allows guides and wheelchair divisions. "The adaptive athlete division is so important because it provides that kind of assistance," the staff member said, noting sponsors such as Clear Choice have committed to supporting adaptive athletes’ fees and shirts.
Staff said the department has seen growing interest from other cities and organizations seeking to replicate the adaptive model. Ramos also described a collaboration with Laredo Main Street to provide monthly care packages to caregivers and noted vendor support that helped a young vendor with Down syndrome sell plants at a market.
Committee members praised the work and asked procedural questions about staffing and program capacity. Staff said most events remain free to residents and that camps are the only programs with participant fees. The presentation concluded with staff encouraging committee members to share ideas for future programming; no formal action was taken on the report.
The committee moved next to a status report on the Buena Vista Sports Complex.
