MINUTES
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
CITY HALL – COUNCIL CHAMBERS
200 S. ANAHEIM BLVD., ANAHEIM, CA 92805
December 4, 2024 – 6:00 p.m.
COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: STAFF PRESENT:
Ryan Balius, Chair Sjany Larson-Cash, Director
CarlottaRhea Clark, Vice Chair Anaheim Sporn, Community Services Manager James Cook JJ Jimenez, Parks Manager
Lynn Cudd Ana Straabe, Principal Project Planner
Tony Flores Kamila Rodriguez, Senior Secretary
Greg Martin
Fred Sigala, Jr.
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 6:11 p.m.
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Chair Balius led the Pledge of Allegiance.
3. UNSCHEDULED PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: None.
4. SCHEDULED COMMUNICATION: None.
5. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES: Chair Balius presented the October 23, 2024 Minutes to the Commissioners for changes or corrections. Vice Chair Clark made a motion to accept the minutes, seconded by Commissioner Sigala. The motion was approved with 7 votes in favor; Chair Balius accepted the minutes.
6. REPORTS:
a) Park Ranger Report – October: Anaheim Sporn presented the report and noted that the data from the newly opened Center Greens is currently being encompassed within the Downtown Community Center data. She stated that further conversation amongst staff will determine how the information will be reported moving forward. Anaheim shared specific counts from Center Greens, including over 4,000 patrons and almost 2,000 public contacts, since its opening day.
Vice Chair Clark thanked staff for their efforts in opening the park and commented on the high usage of new space.
Questions were answered regarding how park spaces are named.
b) Parks Activity Report – September/October: JJ Jimenez presented the report and noted that the activities from the past two months have been focused on projects to prepare the city’s parks for the winter months which generally bring colder temperatures, rain, and reduced patron activity. He described the activities that have taken place in all sectors recently such as mulching and fertilizing fields for erosion control, tree planting, and tree trimming. JJ also presented the activities of the TreePower program, including attendance at several community events as well as in the Facility Scheduling section, which hosted 15 football games at Glover Stadium.
Questions were answered regarding the process of seasonally adjusting park lighting, restroom facility and drinking fountain standards, and the field at Maxwell Park.
Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes
December 04, 2024
c) Parks Capital Project Progress Report: Ana Straabe presented the report and provided an update on the Brookhurst Splash Pad project design which will incorporate the nature theme that was selected by the community. She then informed the Commission of the release of the request for bids for the Canyon Rim playground project. Ana reported that two responsive bids were received and are now being evaluated by staff who will continue the selection process. She then highlighted the opening of the Paul Revere playground which took place in October. Lastly, Ana announced the construction of the Riverdale play area, which is expected to be completed in early January and provided a brief overview of the capital improvement projects that were completed in 2024.
Questions were answered regarding the Barton Playground Surfacing project, funding for the La Palma Park Improvements project, and the acquisition of Yorba Regional Park.
7. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS: Sjany Larson-Cash presented the 2025 Parks & Recreation Commission meeting schedule which was accepted by the Commission. Sjany also noted that the updated Park Ordinances were fully approved by City Council and will soon be in effect.
Anaheim Sporn presented the Winter Activity Guide and encouraged Commissioners to attend the Nutcracker Christmas Tree Lighting event on December 8
th. She also announced a Tree Lighting event in west Anaheim at Twila Reid Park on December 6th.
Sjany Larson-Cash presented details about Commissioner terms and noted that an election for a new Chair will be agendized for the January 2025 meeting.
Commissioner Sigala expressed gratitude to Anaheim Sporn for arranging the appearance of Community Services and Public Works staff and services at Walt Disney Elementary School’s Trunk-or-Treat event.
Commissioner Sigala also thanked his colleagues for their service on the Parks & Recreation Commission.
Chair Balius thanked staff and his fellow Commissioners for their collective efforts and accomplishments over the years.
8. ADJOURNMENT: Chair Balius adjourned the meeting at 7:02 p.m.