MINUTES
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
DOWNTOWN ANAHEIM COMMUNITY CENTER
250 E. CENTER ST., ANAHEIM, CA 92805
July 22, 2026 – 6:00 p.m.
COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: STAFF PRESENT:
CarlottaRhea Clark, Chair Sjany Larson-Cash, Director
Greg Martin, Vice Chair Anaheim Sporn, Deputy Director
Bill Couture JJ Jimenez, Parks Manager
Tony Flores Ana Straabe, Principal Project Planner
Robert Ryan Kamila Rodriguez, Senior Secretary
Fred Sigala, Jr.
COMMISSIONERS ABSENT:
Jim Cook
A G E N D A A C T I O N T A K E N
1. CALL TO ORDER: Chair Clark called the meeting to order at 6:03 p.m.
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Chair Clark led the Pledge of Allegiance.
3. UNSCHEDULED PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: Resident Arthur Castillo addressed the Commission and thanked staff for all the efforts to improve the park system over many years.
4. SCHEDULED COMMUNICATION: None.
5. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES: Chair Clark presented the June 24, 2026 Minutes for changes or corrections.
Vice Chair Martin made a motion to accept the Minutes, seconded by Chair Clark. The motion was passed with six votes in favor.
6. REPORTS:
a) Park Ranger Report – June: Anaheim Sporn presented the report, noting an increase of approximately 500 patrols compared to the previous month. She reported a corresponding increase in patrons, though numbers are expected to decline as summer temperatures rise. Public contacts have decreased, though Rangers continue to provide advisements regarding e-bike usage in parks. She noted that Martin Recreation Center and Walnut Canyon Reservoir were combined into a single reporting area this month, and that the two facilities will be reported separately again beginning next month. She highlighted picnic users as this month's positive reporting category, which included both patrons utilizing the dedicated picnic shelter facilities and those gathering informally in grass areas.
Questions were answered regarding the career progression for Park Rangers who would like to advance into Community Police Officer positions.
a) Parks Activity Report – May/June: JJ Jimenez presented the report, highlighting the transition into soccer season for athletic fields, as well as the preparation of parks for summer programming and events. He provided an overview of projects completed across all four maintenance sectors, including turf renovations at Maxwell Park, play area repairs at Modjeska and Stoddard Park, installation of engineered wood fiber at various play areas, and preparation of Peralta Park for the annual Fourth of July community event. JJ also highlighted the TreePower program and the continued high demand for its spring promotion, as well as new programming at the Pioneer Park Miracle League Field by a new adult sports group.
Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes
July 22, 2026
Chair Clark complimented staff on the excellent condition of the many parks she has visited during the summer season. Commissioner Couture commented on the heavy usage he has noticed at athletic fields.
Questions were answered regarding the scheduling of field renovations, the number of TreePower calls received relating to the spring promotion, and the optimal growing conditions for turf during renovations. b) Parks Capital Project Progress Report: Ana Straabe presented the report, beginning with an update on the Boysen Park Refresh – Phase 1, noting that the contractor remains on schedule with ordering materials and the preconstruction meeting is scheduled for the coming week. Irrigation modification will begin this week to prepare for construction, which is scheduled to begin in August. She then provided an overview of the Energy Field Improvements project, which will replace a worn artificial turf area with natural turf and add several amenities for community use, such as a basketball court and fitness equipment. Lastly, she updated the Commission on the River Park project, noting that the award of contract has been delayed as staff respond to bid protests received on the project. She noted, however, that the project drew 12 total bids, notably more than usual.
Questions were answered regarding the advantages and disadvantages of artificial turf, the turf selection for the La Palma Park Improvements project, grant expiration timelines for the OC River Walk project, and details regarding the California State Coastal Conservancy grant for the OC River Walk project.
7. NEW BUSINESS:
a) Selection of Chair: Nominations for Chair were made: Commissioner Flores nominated Commissioner Sigala and Chair Clark nominated herself. Commissioner Sigala received four votes in favor, one against, and one abstention. Chair Clark received two votes in favor and four abstentions. Commissioner Sigala will be the new Chair.
b) Selection of Vice Chair: Nominations for Vice Chair were made: Commissioner Sigala nominated Vice Chair Martin. Commissioner Martin received six votes in favor and will continue to be Vice Chair.
8. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS: Anaheim Sporn announced the remaining Concert in the Park dates and encouraged Commissioners to attend the reception for the Chicano Heritage Exhibit at the Center Gallery beginning at 7:00 p.m. following the meeting adjournment.
Commissioner Sigala shared information about dedicated E-bike facilities such as the MetCalf Motorcycle County Park and suggested that staff consider implementing similar facilities in Anaheim.
Commissioner Couture thanked staff for the progress on the Brookhurst Park Splash Pad.
9. ADJOURNMENT: Chair Clark adjourned the meeting at 6:51 p.m.