MINUTES
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
OAK CANYON NATURE CENTER
6700 E. WALNUT CANYON RD., ANAHEIM, CA 92807
August 28, 2024 – 6:00 p.m.
COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: STAFF PRESENT:
Ryan Balius, Chair Sjany Larson-Cash, Director
James Cook Anaheim Sporn, Community Services Manager
Lynn Cudd JJ Jimenez, Parks Manager
Tony Flores Ana Straabe, Principal Project Planner
Greg Martin Kamila Rodriguez, Senior Secretary
Fred Sigala, Jr.
COMMISSIONERS ABSENT:
CarlottaRhea Clark, Vice Chair
A G E N D A A C T I O N T A K E N
1. CALL TO ORDER: Chair Balius called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Commissioner Martin led the Pledge of Allegiance.
3. UNSCHEDULED PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: None.
4. SCHEDULED COMMUNICATION: None.
5. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES: Chair Balius presented the July 24, 2024 Minutes to the Commissioners for changes or corrections. Commissioner Martin made a motion to accept the minutes, seconded by Commissioner Cook. The motion was approved with 4 votes in favor and 1 abstention; Chair Balius accepted the minutes.
6. REPORTS:
a) Park Ranger Report – July: Anaheim Sporn presented the report and noted the general increase in reports due to a fully staffed Park Ranger team and higher numbers of patrols.
Commissioner Flores entered the meeting.
Anaheim highlighted the noticeable decrease in curfew occurrences from the previous month’s report which in part could be due to the weather as well as the provision of resources to community members. She noted that there were no other substantial trends in the statistics.
Questions were answered regarding trends in curfew occurrences.
b) Recreation, Human & Neighborhood Services Activity Report – June/July: Anaheim Sporn presented the report and highlighted a variety of summer activities such as the Le Polynesia performance at the Pearson Park Amphitheater, the VolunTEEN program, and the Concerts in the Canyon series at Ronald Reagan Park.
Additionally, she touched on the various partnerships that allow the City to provide community resources like distribution events and free educational programming. Lastly, Anaheim announced the success of the Ponderosa Family Resource Center’s very first Toddler Sports Camp in July.
Questions were answered regarding attendance at the Toddler Sports Camp.
Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes
August 28, 2024
c) Parks Capital Project Progress Report: Ana Straabe presented the report and highlighted the progress with the Boysen Skate Park project, including the selection of the final design following a series of community feedback meeting, which will be followed by proposals for construction documents in the near future. She also provided information on upcoming outreach events for the Brookhurst Splash Pad project. Finally, Ana shared details regarding the North La Palma Green Promenade project including the selection of a contractor by City Council, anti-litter marketing materials in support of the Clean California initiative, and the groundbreaking ceremony taking place on September 17
th.
Questions were answered regarding progress on the Canyon Rim play area, details of the Brookhurst Splash Pad and Boysen Skate Park designs, and methods of advertising for community meetings.
7. NEW BUSINESS: None.
8. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS: Sjany Larson-Cash announced the upcoming Boards and Commissions Appreciation Dinner on October 15th.
Anaheim Sporn announced the upcoming Needs Assessment Community Forum on September 18th hosted by the Anaheim Community Foundation, where the reports of the recent survey will be shared and summarized for the community.
Commissioner Sigala shared his positive experience with reserving the Pearson Park picnic shelter and pool for a recent gathering.
Commissioner Cudd shared her experience meeting Rudy Boysen’s granddaughter at a recent Anaheim Historical Society dinner.
Chair Balius shared his positive experience attending the Summer Surfing Concert at Pearson Park Amphitheatre.
9. ADJOURNMENT: Chair Balius adjourned the meeting at 6:38 p.m.