General Programming
• Expanded Programming Opportunities. Many participants expressed a desire for expanded programming, including more evening programs for working adults, such as late evening exercise or art classes. Specific requests included after-work activities, more weekend options, and opportunities tailored for people with typical 9-to-5 work schedules.
• Expanding programming for children, teens, and families was a common theme.
Participants asked for more teen activities, including teen mixers, as well as more mommy and me classes, activities for children with disabilities, and family-centered events.
• Inclusivity and Accessibility. Many comments highlighted the need for more inclusive programming, especially for the disabled community, including more classes for children and teens with disabilities and a broader range of programs for neurodivergent people. • Suggestions for improving program access included making them more affordable, with residents noting that some current classes have become too expensive, reducing participation. More low-cost programs were requested across all age groups. • Equestrian and Unique Offerings. The Lakewood Equestrian Center was noted as a unique asset, with many requests for expanded equestrian programming. This includes ideas such as a therapeutic horse-riding program, equestrian-themed classes, and more opportunities for horse shows and riding lessons. Respondents highlighted the potential to offer agricultural and equine education, along with a broader connection between equestrian activities and the community.
• Fitness and Wellness. Participants expressed a need for larger exercise spaces, more fitness and wellness classes, and new offerings like tai chi and disc golf. Pickleball classes at various skill levels were specifically requested, along with introductory classes for tennis for adults.
• Arts, Culture, and Educational Programming. Many residents expressed interest in more arts and culture programs, such as a City-sponsored play or musical for children, music and cooking classes, and craft classes in the evenings. • Respondents also suggested more cultural and diversity events, as well as public concerts and movies in more parks. Requests were made for computer lessons, Appendix D. Equity, Access, and Needs Assessment D-49
Lakewood Parks, Recreation, and Community Services Long-Range Plan gardening workshops, and career programs for teens, with a general desire for more community involvement opportunities.
• Recreation and Events for All. Public community events were frequently requested, including City bike rides and bird walks for youth. There were also requests for weekend gymnastics for kids and additional concerts and musicals. Expanding outdoor activities beyond traditional sports was a common theme, especially for youth.
Senior Programming
General Senior Programs and Accessibility. Seniors in particular asked for more affordable senior trips, senior day classes, and additional public events. There were also suggestions to expand the senior lunch program and make it easier for low-income seniors to access these services. Some respondents expressed concerns that current programs are overcrowded, or inaccessible due to location, with a desire for more senior programs in Eastern Lakewood. Senior Exercise, Fitness, and Wellness. There is a high demand for fitness and wellness classes tailored for seniors, including tai chi during the day to accommodate those who don't drive at night, and expanding pickleball classes with more times available. Popular fitness requests also include Zumba, water exercise classes, and table tennis. Seniors also requested free dance classes and bridge lessons.
Several comments pointed to the need for mental health wellness programs that address issues seniors face, such as grief, loneliness, and general emotional well-being.
Seniors also want to see nutrition classes, with some specifically requesting vegan cooking courses. The expansion of health-focused activities could further support overall well-being in the community.
Arts, Crafts, and Cultural Enrichment. Arts and crafts courses are in high demand, with seniors expressing interest in more daytime ceramics, needle crafting, and knitting groups.
They also seek opportunities for acting, play script readings, and the creation of a theater for performing arts.
Additional suggestions include bingo clubs, birdwatching activities, and dominoes or game days to foster social engagement.
Travel and Excursions. There is a strong interest in travel excursion programs, with seniors calling for more field trips and easy-to-access senior transportation. They are seeking affordable and convenient ways to enjoy group outings, from cultural experiences to recreational adventures.
Extended and Flexible Hours. Respondents asked for extended hours for senior programs, noting that daytime-only activities are preferred, as many seniors are unable to participate in evening classes due to transportation or safety concerns.
Appendix D. Equity, Access, and Needs Assessment D-50
Lakewood Parks, Recreation, and Community Services Long-Range Plan Language Learning. A few participants expressed interest in learning Spanish, highlighting the need for language courses that can help seniors engage more fully with the community.
Teen Programming
Programming Preference. Teens in Lakewood express strong interest in a variety of recreational and educational activities. Food preparation and sampling programs and the idea of a juice bar or snack station are among the most popular requests. In terms of recreational facilities, teens are enthusiastic about rock climbing walls, and skate parks.
There is also moderate interest in educational offerings, such as computer labs and homework study areas.
Enhanced Recreational and Educational Offerings. Teens expressed a desire for mentoring, education, and life skills courses, alongside additional recreational options like billiards, ping pong, air hockey, and gaming tables. There were also calls for nature walks, agricultural education and field trips, and specific activities for tweens and younger teens (ages 10-13).
Some teens also showed interest in boxing, boy and girl scouts programming, pump track/bike parks, equestrian riding lessons, and pickleball classes specifically for teens.
Adaptive Recreation
Accommodations and Support for Existing Programs. Many respondents emphasized the need for more accommodations and support to help individuals with special needs participate in existing programs and enrichment classes. Suggestions included providing inclusive mentoring, assistance with communication for non-English speakers, and making more programs accessible for people with varying abilities. Expanded Adaptive Programs and Classes. There is a clear demand for a greater variety of programs tailored specifically for individuals with special needs, including inclusive art classes that feature seasonal and holiday themes. Life skills courses were also suggested to help participants develop independence and confidence. An increase in adaptive aquatics programs was requested, alongside the creation of para-pickleball classes, allowing individuals with disabilities to participate in this popular sport. Therapeutic Recreation and Specialized Facilities. Respondents called for more therapeutic recreation facilities and programs, particularly for seniors and individuals with special needs.
This includes creating environments that are both physically and emotionally supportive, providing life-enriching activities in a safe, welcoming setting. Special Events and Community Involvement. There is interest in holding special events focused on people with special needs, fostering community inclusion and celebrating diversity. These events could help create more awareness and build stronger connections between participants and the broader community.
Appendix D. Equity, Access, and Needs Assessment D-51
Lakewood Parks, Recreation, and Community Services Long-Range Plan Family and Youth
Family-Friendly Programming. Survey responses indicated a strong desire for more familyfriendly programming. Many participants expressed that current event times are not always convenient for families, particularly those with children aged 9-14, as most events cater to younger kids. Suggestions for improvement included more family nights for older children and a greater variety of family activities at parks. Families also showed appreciation for existing recreational sports and programming, with some specifically enjoying the family nights hosted at The Centre. However, there is also a demand for more flexible, drop-in events that don't require advance registration, which would better accommodate families with young children.
Types of Family Programming. Survey data reinforced the emphasis on family and youth programming, with 40% of respondents expressing interest in these types of activities.
When asked about specific types of family programming, 55% favored family entertainment activities such as movie nights, live bands, or magic shows, while 45% were interested in food-related events, like food truck fairs. Additionally, 42% of respondents wanted more educational events and activities, and 48% showed a preference for splash pads and water play options, particularly during the spring and summer seasons.
Appendix D. Equity, Access, and Needs Assessment D-52
Lakewood Parks, Recreation, and Community Services Long-Range Plan Program & Special Events Needs 1. Contract Classes
The City of Lakewood’s commitment to enhancing community well-being is evidenced through its wide range of diverse recreational programs and activities, specifically contract classes.
Contract classes are available to both residents and non-residents at various recreation facilities throughout the city, with some additional programs held off-site at private venues. Instructors partner with the City to offer these classes, operating under a revenue-sharing agreement.
Through its contract classes, the City offered over 4,000 activities between Fall 2021 and Summer 2023, some popular program areas have extensive waitlists, limiting access to them throughout the year. This is due in part to the finite space available to expand programming, especially in aquatics, where over 60% of overall program participants are waitlisted. Decreasing the waitlist and expanding programming is essential for meeting the needs of the community.
Community engagement revealed significant interest in expanding pool usage beyond the current summer schedule.
In regard to the contract classes reservation data, three program categories account for nearly half (49%) of all activities offered: aquatics (26%), dance (12%), and fitness (10%). However, these categories represent only 39% of total enrollments. In contrast, gymnastics and summer camps show high enrollment numbers relative to the smaller number of activities offered.
Programs with the highest average enrollments per activity include travel, summer camps, special interest, community events, and gymnastics. When it comes to program capacity, travel, aquatics, and gymnastics all average above 70% for non-cancelled programs.
Appendix D. Equity, Access, and Needs Assessment D-53
Lakewood Parks, Recreation, and Community Services Long-Range Plan Program & Special Events Needs 2. Sports Programming and Aquatics Lakewood’s sports programming from 2021 to 2024 reflects a thriving recreational landscape, with programs offered in youth and adult sports, aquatics, and community wading pools. Youth sports, especially baseball, saw strong participation, while adult leagues for volleyball and softball maintained steady involvement. Aquatics programs also demonstrated high popularity, particularly in recreation swim and family-oriented events. Wading pools, especially at larger community parks like Mayfair and Del Valle, attracted a significant number of visitors. Overall, these findings highlight Lakewood’s success in offering diverse and well-attended recreational opportunities for its residents.
Lakewood Youth Sports. A review of participant data for Lakewood Youth Sports from 2021 to 2023 reveals varying levels of interest across different sports, with strong overall engagement. Sports such as flag football, volleyball, and volleytennis attracted notable participation, though the figures fluctuated between 2021 and 2022. Basketball maintained a solid following, despite a slight decline in participants from 2022 to 2023. Baseball, however, stood out as the most popular sport, consistently growing in participation yearover-year. These trends highlight a sustained and enthusiastic involvement in youth sports, particularly in baseball.
Aquatics. Lakewood’s Aquatics programs experienced robust participation levels particularly in recreational swim activities. The Junior Guards program maintained stable attendance, while the Recreation Swim drew nearly 30,000 participants over the two years, indicating its popularity among residents. Additionally, the Family Friday Night Swim series saw a large turnout in 2022, although attendance dipped slightly in 2023. These patterns highlight the high demand for aquatics activities, making them a core aspect of the City’s recreation services. Notably, aquatics programs contribute to the majority (66%) of waitlisted participants.
Wading Pool. Attendance data for Lakewood's wading pools in 2024, with nearly 22,000 attendees, underscores their popularity, particularly at Mayfair and Del Valle, which saw the highest usage. Community Parks like Boyar and San Martin also had strong attendance figures, indicating that wading pools are an integral part of summer recreation for many families. Bloomfield’s wading pool participation number was under 500, well under the participation rate compared to other parks.
Appendix D. Equity, Access, and Needs Assessment D-54
Lakewood Parks, Recreation, and Community Services Long-Range Plan Program & Special Events Needs 3. Programming for Targeted Demographics Lakewood’s family and teen programming from 2021 to 2023 reflects strong community presence with various events drawing consistent participation. Family-focused activities like "Play at Palms" and "Fun-Tastic Family Nights" remained popular. Teen engagement saw a notable increase post-pandemic, with growing attendance at the Lakewood Youth Center.
Additionally, programs for individuals with special needs, including Adaptive Recreation and Special Olympics, continued to grow, highlighting the City's commitment to inclusive recreation for both residents and non-residents.
Family Programming. Lakewood’s family programming from September 2021 to Summer 2023 exhibited strong community engagement, with events consistently drawing in families.
The "Play at Palms" series saw sustained involvement, peaking in 2022 but maintaining a robust following into 2023, reflecting its popularity among local families. "Fun-Tastic Family Nights" also attracted a growing number of participants, with a notable increase in 2022, suggesting a strong connection with the community. Similarly, "Finally It’s Friday" experienced steady attendance, demonstrating its appeal as a regular family activity. Special events like "Daddy Daughter Date Night" and "Mother Son Date Night/Mayhem" continue to resonate with families, showing a lasting interest in these unique, relationship-focused gatherings.
Teen/Youth Centers. The resurgence of teen attendance at the Lakewood Youth Center from 2021 to 2023 highlights a successful recovery of teen-focused activities. Following a period of low attendance during the pandemic in 2021, the center saw a significant increase in participation in both 2022 and 2023. This recovery reflects the center's importance as a hub for teen engagement and community connection.
Regarding responses to a Teen Survey, only 13.9% of respondents visit either the Lakewood Youth Center or Teen Resource Center at Bloomfield Park regularly, motivations to visit often revolve around socializing, enjoying recreational activities, and accessing food and snacks, with some interest in educational and practical learning experiences. Adaptive Recreation and Special Olympics. The Adaptive Recreation and Special Olympics programs in Lakewood maintained strong participation from 2021 to 2023, emphasizing the community’s commitment to inclusive recreation, for both Lakewood residents and other communities. Adaptive Recreation saw a sharp increase in participants in 2022, followed by a slight decline in 2023, indicating ongoing interest despite fluctuations. The Special Olympics program steadily expanded, with more athletes registering each year. These trends highlight the sustained value of these programs in fostering inclusive and supportive environments for individuals with special needs.
Appendix D. Equity, Access, and Needs Assessment D-55
Lakewood Parks, Recreation, and Community Services Long-Range Plan Program & Special Events Needs 4. City Special Events
Lakewood's special events programming from 2021 to 2023 highlights robust community participation and engagement across a variety of large and small-scale events. Signature gatherings like the Pan Am Fiesta, Civic Center Block Party, and Summer Concerts in the Park consistently attracted large crowds, underscoring their continued popularity. Smaller events, such as Earth Walk, Fest-Of-All, and the Halloween Carnival, also saw varied attendance, reflecting both growth in certain areas and slight declines in others. Overall, these findings indicate a strong community presence at Lakewood’s special events, with certain traditions standing out as major draws year after year.
Special Events. Lakewood's community special events from September 2021 to Summer 2023 showcased consistently high levels of participation, underscoring the community's enthusiasm for local gatherings. The Pan Am Fiesta, a beloved event, drew large crowds with 17,000 attendees in 2022 and 16,000 in 2023, reflecting its continued appeal. Similarly, the Civic Center Block Party maintained impressive numbers, attracting 20,000 attendees annually over two years. Summer Concerts in the Park also saw robust attendance, with 50,000 participants over both years, cementing its status as a major community highlight.
Other events like Earth Walk and Fest-Of-All demonstrated solid participation, while Lollipop Lane and Tree Lighting events further emphasized the community's commitment to celebrating together. The cumulative attendance across all these events—totaling 150,200— illustrates the enduring popularity of Lakewood’s special events in fostering civic pride and unity.
Halloween Carnival. The Halloween Carnival attendance from 2021 to 2023 reveals varied engagement levels at eight different park locations. Mayfair Park consistently drew the largest crowds, peaking at 3,500 in 2022, though slightly declining in 2023. Other locations, such as Bolivar and Boyar, saw increasing participation, indicating a growing interest in these venues. Biscailuz also experienced significant growth, more than doubling its attendance by 2023. However, some sites, like Bloomfield, saw a steady decline, dropping to just 75 participants by 2023. While overall attendance peaked in 2022, the slight decrease in 2023 suggests a potential need to reassess engagement strategies to maintain interest across all locations.
CAPITAL AND
PROGRAMMATIC
PROJECT LIST
APPENDIX E
Appendix E. Capital and Programmatic Project List E-1
Lakewood Parks, Recreation, and Community Services Long-Range Plan Appendix E. Capital and Programmatic Project List
The project list summarizes capital and programmatic recommendations detailed in Chapter 6 of the Long-Range Plan. The list is intended to provide a quick-glance overview of the improvement projects suggested for the City to undertake within the next 10 years. Depending on funding availability and City priorities, it is expected that not all of these projects will be completed in the timeframe. Chapter 7 of the Plan includes strategies for prioritization, funding and resource support, and partnership protocols to contribute to the completion of recommended projects.
Appendix E. Capital and Programmatic Project List E-2
Lakewood Parks, Recreation, and Community Services Long-Range Plan
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS
OPERATIONS /
PROGRAMMATIC
IMPROVEMENT PROJECTS
Recreation BuildingControl BuildingSwimming Pool Wading PoolCPTED Safety Measures1ConnectivityPark Design / LandscapingPlaygroundShade AdditionsComfort AmenitiesPublic ArtSports FacilitiesExercise FacilitiesSocial FacilitiesSafety Patrols / ProgramsRecreation ProgramsMaintenanceConcessions / Rentals
NEIGHBORHOOD PARKS
Biscailuz Park
Bloomfield Park
Boyar Park
Candleverde Park
Cherry Cove Park
San Martin Park
COMMUNITY PARKS
Del Valle Park + Youth Center
Bolivar Park
Mayfair Park
Palms Park
Rynerson Park + Home Run Dog Park
SPECIAL USE PARKS
Monte Verde Park
Lakewood Community Gardens
Lakewood Equestrian Center
PARKWAYS AND NATURE TRAILS
San Gabriel River Nature Trail
STANDALONE RECREATION FACILITIES
The Centre
Burns Community Center
Weingart Senior Center
Notes:
1 CPTED refers to “Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design”, and uses design to create safer spaces. Examples include better visibility, lighting, and maintenance.
TABLE E-1. CAPITAL AND PROGRAMMATIC PROJECT LIST PER SITE
Proposed ORGANIZATIONAL APPOINTMENTS
ORGANIZATIONS 2026-26
California Contract Cities Association Wood – Rep.
Chase – Alt.
California Joint Powers
Insurance Authority
Croft – Rep.
Wood – Alt.
Council of Governments Organizations
1. Southern California Association
of Governments (SCAG)
a. Representative
b. General Assembly (Annual
Conference) 2
2. Gateway Cities COG Board
Arellano – Rep.
Chase – Alt.
Arellano – Rep.
Rogers – Alt.
Greater Los Angeles County Vector
Control District 3 Croft – Rep.
Job Training Partnership Act
SELACO WDB Wood – Policy Bd
League of California Cities
1. L.A. County Division Arellano – Rep.
Chase – Alt.
2. L.A. County City Selection
Committees 4
Croft – Rep.
Chase – Alt.
3. Annual League Conference 2 Chase – Rep.
Arellano – Alt.
L.A. County Sanitation Districts 3 & 19 1 Mayor – Rep.
Wood – Alt.
Southeast Water Coalition Rogers – Rep.
Chase – Alt.
88 for 28 Committee Wood – Rep.
Chase – Alt.
1 - Representative must be the Mayor. For City Selection Committees, Mayor must designate an alternate for each meeting where required.
2 - If neither can attend, delegate may be appointed by Mayor prior to annual conference 3 - Two-year term expiring in January 2026
4 - Committees appoint City representatives to boards, commissions, and agencies specified by law (e.g., AQMD, MTA, and Library Commission). Committees meet on an “as needed” basis during League (County Division) Meetings
3.3 Proposed COMMITTEE APPOINTMENTS
STANDING COMMITTEES 2025-26
Intergovernmental Relations 1 Chase - Chair
Wood - Member
Lakewood Schools Arellano - Chair
Rogers - Member
Environmental Management Croft - Chair
Arellano - Member
Public Safety 2 Rogers - Chair
Wood - Member
Park Development Wood - Chair
Chase - Member
Water Resources Croft - Chair
Chase - Member
Community Promotion Wood - Chair
Arellano - Member
Economic Development 3 Chase - Chair
Rogers - Member
Hall of Fame – Board of Electors Wood - Chair
Audit 4 Chase - Chair
Arellano - Member
Capital Improvement Plan Chase - Chair
Croft - Member
Race, Equity, Diversity and
Inclusion
Chase - Chair
Rogers - Member
1 – Current Mayor and Vice Mayor (since 1999)
2 – Includes License & Permit Hearing Board
3 – Current Mayor and Previous Mayor
4 – Comprises Members of Measure L Community Oversight Committee (per Bylaws)