Parks & Recreation reports summer programs, youth apprenticeship graduation and park upgrades

The city's Parks & Recreation director presented a detailed activity report covering May through September, highlighting youth programs, facility upgrades and volunteer efforts.

The department reported more than 550 students served by the summer program and described new and continuing offerings (culinary arts, taekwondo, piano, archery). The Yara youth apprenticeship program graduated its first cohort — seven of ten participants — and staff said graduates received certifications and work hours that position them for trades and potential pension eligibility after 1,000 hours.

Director Barnes described infrastructure and maintenance work: grid 1 tree pruning is complete (521 trees pruned), playgrounds received new fiber‑based safety chips and testing, and a major gas/water leak at the community center was repaired after a two‑week operational pause. Parks staff also noted the athletic turf at the Santa Paula Creek Sports Park is installed and that they expect to accept turf and irrigation and assume maintenance by December, with a probable public opening once remaining street work is complete.

Senior services continues at scale: more than 3,000 congregate meals and about 2,800 homebound deliveries were reported for the May–September period (roughly 5,800 total). The department said it is evaluating meal delivery frequency and volunteer recruitment as county funding declines have forced service reductions.

Why it matters: Councilmembers praised the department's work and asked staff to place highlights on the city website; parks projects, youth training and senior meal programs represent recurring service lines for residents.

Next steps: Staff will present further updates on park master plans, the master plan on aging and turf acceptance; Council requested event times and program schedules be distributed.