MINUTES
CITY OF HAWAIIAN GARDENS
RECREATION AND PARKS COMMISSION
May 12, 2026
The Regular Meeting of the Hawaiian Gardens Recreation and Parks Commission is hereby called to order on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, at 6:00 p.m., at the Teen Center, 22325 Norwalk Blvd., Hawaiian Gardens, CA 90716.
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Vice Chairmember Pedro Amaro.
ROLL CALL
Chairmember
Vice Chair
Commissioner
Commissioner
Pedro Amaro
Luis Gonzalez
Anna Rodriguez
Carmen Hernandez
Also in attendance: Recreation Manager, Juan Serrano; Recreation Coordinator, Rodolfo Magallon; and Recording Secretary, Elizabeth Vigil.
PUBLIC COMMENTS - ITEMS ON AND OFF THE AGENDA
No Public Comments.
A. CONSENTCALENDAR
1. Presentation of the Recreation and Parks Commission Meeting Minutes for the month of March 2026
Commission Action: Receive and File
2. Department Monthly Report
Commission Action: Receive and File
3. Promotional Materials
Commission Action: Receive and File
Chairman Amaro made a motion to receive and file Consent Calendar, Commissioner Rodriguez second the motion.
Recreation and Parks Commission
Regular Meeting Minutes
May 12, 2026
Attachment A
B. DISCUSSION ITEMS
1. Program Update
Youth Sports Staff reported on the following:
Sports Clinic - As a result of the gym's remodeling, the staff successfully conducted a nine-week sports clinic.
Youth Soccer - There are over 200 youths registered, ages 3-12, 32 teams and 8 volunteers.
Major League Soccer (MLS) Program - Staff is currently working to introduce a new soccer program, MLS, aimed at children aged 4 to 14. This all-inclusive package will feature MLS tickets, uniforms, and resources for both coaches and players, all at an affordable cost per participant. The program contract is currently under review for approval.
Youth Baseball - registrations are now open through June 20, 2026. Staff will be distributing flyers at the schools. Season runs from July 6 to September 14, 2026.
2. Special Events Update
Staff provided a report on the Parade and Carnival event.
Commissioner Rodriguez stated that there were fights during the carnival, and it took the sheriffs a little longer than expected to arrive. A special thank you to staff for intervening and breaking up the altercation. We appreciate all the staff efforts in organizing a fantastic event overall.
Commissioner Hernandez recommended better communication coordinating between parade shuttle services. She experienced miscommunication at the end of the parade route, where she could not be transported back to Furgeson Elementary School, where her car was parked.
Chair Amaro requested cooling stations at carnival event.
Staff Reported on upcoming Special Events:
- Pet Clinic, Thursday, June 8, 2026, C. Robert Lee Activity Center (Pickleball Court Area) Cats 4pm - 5pm / Dogs 5pm -7:30pm Mayor's Walk of Achievement, June 1 0, 2026
- Lee Ware Pool opens Memorial weekend / swimming lessons begin June 8, 2026 Recreation and Parks Commission
Regular Meeting Minutes
May 12, 2026
3. Youth Sub-Committee/ Teen Council
Chair Amaro shared a copy of the City of La Mirada Youth Council with the commissioners and staff. Additionally, he recommended reviewing the Youth Council bylaws and possibly implementing the format in our city.
Staff suggested conducting a survey among the teens to gauge their interest in establishing a youth council group.
Chair Amaro made a motion to table Youth Sub-Committee/Teen Council for further discussion at the July 2026 commission meeting. Commissioner Rodriguez second the motion. All in favor. •
4. Park Playground Swings
Chair Pedro Amaro inquired about the lack of infant swings in the city parks.
Staff indicated that they would reach out to Public Works to assess the feasibility of installing infant swings in our parks.
C. ORAL COMMISIONERS REPORT
Commissioner Hernandez asked whether the city could organize a paper shredding event.
Commissioner Rodriguez expressed her gratitude to the Easter photo booth attendant for taking care of her while dressed in the Easter Bunny costume, especially since the weather was quite warm. Regarding the parade, she feels more secure riding in a car rather than on a float. Additionally, she was somewhat disappointed by the low attendance at the parade breakfast, as she would have preferred the more formal arrangement that drew a larger crowd two years ago.
Vice Chair Gonzalez expressed his gratitude to the staff and Eric for organizing the parade and carnival, highlighting their ongoing excellent work in special events. He also noted that during the parade, the paper signs on the cars were falling off, suggesting that more durable options are needed.
Chair Amaro asked whether the parade would consistently be a community event. He also expressed his gratitude to the staff for their great work during the parade and carnival.
ADJOURNMENT to the next regular Recreation and Parks Commission Meeting on June 9, 2026, at 6:00p.m.
Recreation and Parks Commission
Regular Meeting Minutes
May 12, 2026