MINUTES
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
DOWNTOWN ANAHEIM COMMUNITY CENTER
250 E. CENTER ST., ANAHEIM, CA 92805
September 24, 2025 – 6:00 p.m.
COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: STAFF PRESENT:
Greg Martin, Vice Chair Sjany Larson-Cash, Director
Jim Cook Kimberely Kelemen, Community Services Superintendent Bill Couture JJ Jimenez, Parks Manager
Tony Flores Ana Straabe, Principal Project Planner
Fred Sigala, Jr. Kamila Rodriguez, Senior Secretary
COM
MISSIONERS ABSENT:
CarlottaRhea Clark, Chair
Robert Ryan
A G E N D A A C T I O N T A K E N
1. CALL TO ORDER: Vice Chair Martin called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Commissioner Couture led the Pledge of Allegiance.
3. UNSCHEDULED PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: None.
4. SCHEDULED COMMUNICATION: None.
5. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES: Vice Chair Martin presented the August 27, 2025 Minutes for changes or corrections. Vice Chair Martin made a motion to accept the Minutes, seconded by Commissioner Sigala. The motion was approved with 5 votes in favor. Vice Chair Martin accepted the Minutes.
6. REPORTS:
a) Park Ranger Report – August: Anaheim Sporn presented the report, noting a decrease in patron count and public contacts in August, attributed to higher temperatures that month. The same reason may have contributed to curfew advisements increasing, as patrons may tend to visit parks later in the evening to avoid the daytime heat. Anaheim also reported lower patrol levels in August 2024 compared to 2025, reflecting more consistent park ranger staffing this year. She highlighted the continued collaboration between Park Rangers and the Police Department in monitoring hotspot areas for curfew advisements. Anaheim clarified what constitutes a vehicle advisement at the Anaheim Coves.
Ques
tions were answered regarding alcohol advisements at Manzanita Park. a) Pa
rks Activity Report – July/August: JJ Jimenez presented the report, highlighting a range of summer projects including numerous play area equipment repairs completed during the peak months of park usage.
He also spotlighted “The Gathering”, a community volunteer event organized by Love Anaheim, during which volunteers from July 14–17 carried out planting, mulching, painting, and other beautification efforts at Edison Park. In the La Palma sector, several improvement projects were completed at Pearson Park in preparation for the summer concert series at the Pearson Park Amphitheatre. In the Peralta sector, picnic amenities were replaced, and Parks Division staff supported Fire Station 10 by enhancing the station’s garden area. JJ also noted the season’s first football game and the successful conclusion of Disneyland’s “70 Happiest Hours Initiative” at Glover Stadium.
ITEM # 07
Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes
September 24, 2025
Questions were answered regarding the reuse of old picnic amenities, and the procedure for wood fiber maintenance in play areas.
b) Parks Capital Project Progress Report: Ana Straabe presented the report, beginning with an update on the Brookhurst Splash Pad project. She noted that bid documents are currently being prepared, with the project expected to go out to bid in early October and construction anticipated to begin in early 2026. She then highlighted the La Palma Park Improvements project which was awarded a $1.5 million grant from the Rivers and Mountains Conservancy.
Ana provided a final summary of the Maxwell KABOOM! project, which officially opened to the public on September 8. She added that benches and trash receptacles will soon be installed in the area surrounding the new play area. Sjany Larson-Cash thanked the Commission and Ex-Officio Member Patricia Soave for their support on this project. Commissioner Couture also commented on the community’s enthusiasm for the new addition and expressed appreciation to everyone involved.
Questions were answered regarding the frequency of KABOOM! projects.
Ana concluded with an update on the progress of the OC Riverwalk project.
7. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS: JJ Jimenez provided an update on upcoming improvements at the Olive Hills tennis courts.
Anaheim Sporn announced the annual Dia de Los Muertos celebration on Friday October 24th and the annual Fall Festival and Halloween Parade on Saturday October 25th at Center Greens.
Vice Chair Martin thanked staff, commissioners, and community members for their collaborative efforts in evaluating and addressing needs related to the City’s pickleball and tennis courts.
8. ADJOURNMENT: Vice Chair Martin adjourned the meeting at 6:33 p.m.