MINUTES
CITY OF HAWAIIAN GARDENS
RECREATION AND PARKS COMMISSION
AUGUST 11, 2026
The Regular Meeting of the Hawaiian Gardens Recreation and Parks Commission is hereby called to order on Tuesday, August 11, 2026, at 6:00 p.m., at the City Council Chambers, 21815 Pioneer Blvd., Hawaiian Gardens, CA 90716.
The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Chair Amaro.
ROLL CALL
PRESENT
ABSENT
Chairmember
Commissioner
Commissioner
Commissioner
Vice Chair
Pedro Amaro
Anna Rodriguez
Carmen Hernandez
Ariana Chavez
Luis Gonzalez
Chair Amaro made a motion to excuse Vice Chair Gonzalez. Commissioner Rodriguez second the motion.
Also in attendance: Recreation Director, Joseph Jimenez and Recording Secretary, Elizabeth Vigil.
PUBLIC COMMENTS - ITEMS ON AND OFF THE AGENDA
No Public Comments
A. CONSENT CALENDAR
1. Presentation of the Recreation and Parks Commission Meeting Minutes for the month of July 2026
Commission Action: Receive and File
2. Department Monthly Report
Commission Action: Receive and File
3. Promotional Materials
Commission Action: Receive and File
Chair Amaro made a motion to receive and file Consent Calendar, Commissioner Hernandez second the motion.
Recreation and Parks Commission
Regular Meeting Minutes
August 11, 2026
B. DISCUSSION ITEMS
1. Youth Sub-Committee/ Teen Council
Staff reported that the Teen Center previously had a Teen Council and lead staff will start the process to develop and reestablish this council. Additionally, Staff will also consider a possible name change and establish guidelines.
2. Special Events Update
Staff reported on the past and upcoming special events.
Independence Day and Car Show were both well attended successful events.
Graduation banners can be requested via email to Eric Leon. Banners will be available for pickup at the next summer concert on September 18, 2026, at Fedde Sports Complex from 7:00pm to 9:00pm.
Upcoming special events include Golf Tournament, October 12; Red Ribbon Week, October 28; Halloween/Day of the Dead Altar, October 31.
3. Summer Update
Summer Food Service Program has seen low attendance at the Teen Center; this site will be evaluated, and the possibility of relocating the lunch program will be considered.
Youth Baseball is currently in the middle of the season. Swimming lessons have concluded, with- a total of 207 participants. Summer Camp at Lee Ware Park had 165 participants.
Staff confirmed that two city staff members would be assigned to the Pow Wow event.
Staff also announced a partnership with Fishers of Men organization to provide free shoes to students on August 29, 2026.
Staff shared that there's been an increase in participation in adult classes, and staff will include Senior Programs on the next agenda for further discussion.
4. Utility Box Project
Staff reported on the Utility Box Project and the ongoing issue due to the utility boxes being of different sizes. Currently staff are negotiating the cost and hope to begin this project in the fall 2026.
Staff will be providing commissioner Chavez with information on the Utility Box Project to bring her to date on this project.
Recreation and Parks Commission
Regular Meeting Minutes
August 11, 2026
5. Pickleball Update
Staff discussed the community's request for additional pickleball courts. The contracted vendor for the pickleball project recommended that the courts be oriented north to south instead of east to west due to sunlight exposure, allowing for one additional court. Staff will monitor the courts to ensure rules are enforced, especially in the evenings when large groups arrive.
Chair Amaro suggested adding more courts facing east to west and installing a canopy for sun protection. He also proposed purchasing city-branded pickleball paddles and exploring the possibility of adding courts at other park locations.
C. ORAL COMMISIONERS REPORT
Commissioner Chavez inquired about plans for after-school programs following school closures. Staff responded that modifications would occur when the time comes. She shared that her child attended the Summer Camp at Lee Ware Park and had a great experience, especially appreciating the rulebook provided to parents. She suggested a communication setup between staff and parents for emergencies or delays during field trips and alternative activities for kids not interested in swimming.
Commissioner Hernandez also conveyed her gratitude to the staff for their outstanding work on the summer programs.
Commissioner Rodriguez thanked staff for their excellent work this summer, noting significant program improvements compared to previous years. She mentioned that the community enjoyed the concert series and requested additional concerts be scheduled.
She also invited the commission to the Pow Wow event on August 22 and 23, 2026. Lastly, she noted a correction on the agenda: the next commission meeting should be on September 8, 2026.
Chair Amaro inquired if city staff would be scheduled to assist at the Pow Wow event. Staff confirmed that two city staff members would be assigned to the Pow Wow event. Chair Amaro also requested new gear for the commission, such as hats, shirts, and/or jackets.
He shared information about Bellflower's Annual Penny Carnival and suggested considering this type of event in our city to showcase our recreation programs. He expressed appreciation for the staffs efforts in organizing the summer programming.
ADJOURNMENT to the next regular Recreation and Parks Commission Meeting on September 8, 2026, at 6:00p.m.
Recreation and Parks Commission
Regular Meeting Minutes
August 11, 2026