City of Gonzales
PARKS & RECREATIONDEPARTMENT
ACTIVITY REPORT
TO: Honorable Mayor Rios and City Council
DATE: January 17, 2023
FROM: Carmen Gil, Community Engagement & Strat. Partnership Dir.
THROUGH: Carmen Gil, Interim City Manager
SUBJECT: Activity Report
Current Activities
November
1. November for Kid Power was busy. We had 47 children attend the program. For Thanksgiving we had fun arts and crafts. We also had a pizza party before we headed off to fall break. The kids really enjoyed it.
2. Public works staff also came to Kid Power to show the kids what they do as part of their jobs every day. The kids loved learning about their activities and the various jobs they do within the city.
3. Kid Power Fall Camp took place from November 21st through the 23rd, we had 20 kids enrolled in the camp. For those three days we enjoyed making crafts and learning about the different parts of a pumpkin.
4. City of Gonzales Adult co-ed volleyball season officially started November 1st. Our league continued into December. The last regular season game was scheduled for Tuesday December 13th and championship games were held Wednesday, December 14th and Thursday, December 15th. Higher division played on the 14th and Lower division on the 15th. The games were very competitive, and the scores have been very close which made them exciting and fun to watch.
5. City of Gonzales continued its youth basketball registration through November. We had 65 registered participants and 9 volunteers. Volunteers consisted of head coaches, assistant coaches, and team parents. We are expecting to receive more player and volunteer registrations through December.
AGENDA
ITEM
10 6. The month of November has been busy for the City. In November, we began accepting registrations for the Tree Decorating Contest taking place at the Annual Holiday Lights event. Participants thus far include City Hall, Police Department, Public Works, and the Boy Scouts. The winner of the Tree Decorating Contest will receive a $50 gift card to Luigi’s.
7. The City of Gonzales is also taking registrations for our annual Holiday yard decorating contest. We currently have 8 registered participants. This event is a fun and festive way to show off the community’s holiday spirit. Judging for the contest will take place on December 13th. Participants and winners will receive a yard sign to showcase in front of their yard so that people know who is participating and who the winner ends up being.
8. City of Gonzales is also taking registrations for our annual Holiday lights parade. We currently have 11 registered vehicles. Holiday lights parade is a wonderful evening event. The parade allows us the pleasure of spreading holiday cheer around our community. The City comes together to make this event possible. The Fire Department and the Police Department play an integral role in making this event happen. The parade will take place on Saturday December 17th starting at 5pm.
December
1. December was a very busy month for Kid Power. Kid Power after school did a tree decorating contest. TK/K had an Alice in Wonderland theme, 1st/2nd had Nightmare Before Christmas theme, 3 rd had Charlie and the Chocolate Factory and 4th/5th had the Grinch. The kids and staff all enjoyed decorating their trees, which were then voted on.
2. Kid Power Afterschool program also had a movie party with popcorn treats. They also had a visit from Santa where he brought them each a coloring book. They were all thrilled with his visit and especially with the fact that he brought them all a little gift.
3. Forty-five children were registered for Winter Camp in December. The camp took place over two weeks. During the first week we had a total of 26 kids registered and it was Christmas themed. The kids did lots of arts and crafts that they got to take home. They also got to enjoy a pajama party with pancakes and hot chocolate.
4. Our second week of Winter camp had a total of 24 kids registered. The second week’s theme was on the New Year’s holiday and why we celebrate it. We made lots of things for New Year’s such as party hats, noise makers and poppers so the children could bring in the new year with their families in a fun way.
5. Kid Power also had a visit from the Grinch and the Gonzales Fire Department. The Grinch had to warm the hearts of the children and gave board games to each of the kids. We played indoor games due to the weather and the kids made their own twister.
6. On December 3rd, the Recreation Department hosted the annual Holiday Lights Event. Due to heavy rains, the location was changed to the Fairview Middle School Gym at the last minute. However, there was still a good turnout and had plenty of activities to keep the kids entertained. Entertainment that night included games, prizes, performances, and a visit from Santa.
7. On Tuesday, December 13th the Recreation Department held the judging for the Holiday Yard Decorating Contest, in total we had 7 Participants in total.
8. On December 17th, the Recreation Department, in collaboration with the Fire and Police Department hosted our annual Holiday Lights Parade. Over 30 cars participated, and despite having a new route this year, we still had a great outcome.
9. Volleyball season ended on December 14th with the championship game, the higher bracket played that day, and it was a very close and competitive game. We finished the season with 9 teams, which consisted of 2 divisions (higher and lower).
10. Basketball registration is still up and running and going strong. For the month of December, we received about 100 registrations. The league will consist of 5 divisions and will have a total of 17 teams.