City Council Memorandum
TO: HONORABLE MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL DATE: JULY 19, 2022 FROM: PARKS, RECREATION AND COMMUNITY WARDS: ALL
SERVICES DEPARTMENT
SUBJECT: JULY IS “PARK AND RECREATION” MONTH, DEPARTMENT HIGHLIGHTS, AND RECOGNITION OF 2021 EMPLOYEE OF THE YEAR ISSUE:
Presentation of the programs and services of the Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department highlighting how “Parks Make Life Better,” and the National Recreation and Parks Association July motto “We Rise Up for Parks and Recreation” video, and Recognition of 2021 Employee of the Year.
RECOMMENDATIONS:
That the City Council:
Receive a report on department highlights;
Receive video presentation of Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department “We Rise Up for Parks and Recreation” campaign; and Recognize the Department’s 2021 Employee of The Year.
BACKGROUND:
The National Recreation and Parks Association’s (NRPA) “We Rise Up for Parks and Recreation” campaign urges residents and community leaders to rise up and support parks and recreation, because every day, park and recreation professionals rise up for their communities in service of equity, climate-readiness, and overall health and well-being. During July, NRPA and the Parks, Recreation, and Community Services Department (PRCSD) challenge residents to explore all the ways our communities are stronger, more vibrant, and more resilient because of parks and recreation.
The PRCSD provides a variety of programs and services that enhance the lives of the residents of Riverside and align with the NRPA’s mission. Dedicated staff pride themselves on providing high-quality services to the community with award-winning programs and activities for residents of all ages and interests in a variety of safe and attractive parks, landscapes, and facilities, from maintenance, park renovations, and construction projects to special events, athletics, social services, cultural arts, summer food lunch program, and much more. The primary objective of PRCSD is to provide the community with resources, safe places to play and relax, adequately maintained facilities, opportunities for physical activity, and fun. With the collaboration of community groups, local businesses, and non-profit organizations, staff and volunteers ensure that “Parks Make Life Better.” DISCUSSION:
To support the NRPA campaign and July as “Park and Recreation Month,” PRCSD will publish the “We Rise Up for Parks and Recreation” campaign and offer programming and events, such as the Summer Fun Concerts in the Park Series, 4th of July Fireworks Spectacular, Summer Splash, STAR and STEM Day Camps, swim lessons, senior trips and tours, youth sports, recreation swim Monday through Saturday, and weekly community park pop-up activities.
According to NRPA’s 2021 Engagement with Parks Report, people place a high value on the programs and services that park and recreation agencies deliver to their local communities every day and strongly support their mission. The reports states that:
260 million people in the United States visited a local park or recreation facility at least once during the past year.
More than seven in 10 U.S. residents have at least one local park, playground, open space, or recreation center within walking distance of their home.
Four in five U.S. adults seek high-quality parks and recreation when choosing a place to live. 87 percent of people agree that parks and recreation is an important service provided by their local government.
Nearly nine in 10 people agree that it is important to fund local park and recreation agencies to ensure every member of the community has equitable access to amenities, infrastructure, and programming.
According to a 2021 NRPA Park Pulse poll, more than nine in ten U.S. adults say it is important for local government to invest in community infrastructure, such as parks, community centers, recreation facilities, and senior centers.
The mission of PRCSD is to provide innovative recreational experiences and social enrichment opportunities to address the changing needs of people of all ages and cultures, in a variety of safe and attractive parks, trails, landscapes, and facilities. The City of Riverside values and understands community needs and has already invested in these spaces. The award-winning Parks, Recreation and Community Services Department maintains over 3,400 acres of 50 developed and natural parks featuring 14 community centers, one nature center, and seven pools. The facilities offer an assortment of amenities for all ages and interests. The Recreation Division provides high quality programming, events and extended learning opportunities throughout the community. The Parks Division performs tree planting, playground maintenance, gym floor refurbishments, parking lot resurfacing, and maintains the quality of facilities. The Department also provides the Special Transportation Program which offers transportation services to senior and disabled residents within city limits.
The Department recognizes the efforts of the committed staff who produce quality programming and events and maintain quality park facilities and would like to recognize the 2021 PRCSD Employee of the Year, Recreation Services Coordinator Valerie Espinoza. The presentation video highlights the Department’s “We Rise Up for Parks and Recreation” campaign and how it aligns with the City of Riverside Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives.
STRATEGIC PLAN ALIGNMENT:
The “We Rise Up for Parks and Recreation” campaign contributes to Strategic Priority 1 – Arts, Culture and Recreation, and the following goals:
Goal 1.1 - Strengthen Riverside’s portfolio of arts, culture, recreation, senior, and lifelong learning programs and amenities through expanded community partnerships, shared use opportunities, and fund development.
Goal 1.2 - Enhance equitable access to arts, culture and recreational service offerings and facilities.
Goal 1.3 - Improve parks, recreational amenities, open space, and trail development, and fulfill critical lifecycle and facility maintenance needs.
Goal 1.4 - Prioritize safety at parks, trails, arts, cultural and recreational facilities.
This action aligns with each of the Cross-Cutting Threads as follows:
Community Trust – Activities and programs offered through the PRCSD serve a variety of special interests, benefit the City’s diverse populations, and result in greater public good.
Equity – PRCSD activities support the City’s racial, ethnic, religious, sexual orientation, identity, geographic, and other attributes of diversity and PRCSD is committed to advancing the fairness of treatment, recognition of rights, and equitable distribution of services to ensure every member of the community has equal access to share the benefits of community progress.
Fiscal Responsibility – PRCSD continues to work with non-profit and community groups to offer low to no cost programs and activities. In addition, PRCSD continues to seek grants and sponsorships to offset the cost of city programming.
Innovation – The PRCSD staff continue to research and recommend new and innovative programming for all age groups.
Sustainability & Resiliency – PRCSD is committed to meeting the needs of the present without compromising the needs of the future and ensuring the City’s capacity to persevere, adapt and grow during good and difficult times alike.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no fiscal impact to the General Fund associated with this report.
Prepared by: Pamela M. Galera, Parks, Recreation and Community Services Director
Certified as to
availability of funds: Edward Enriquez, Interim Assistant City Manager/Chief Financial Officer/Treasurer
Approved by: Kris Martinez, Assistant City Manager
Approved as to form: Phaedra A. Norton, City Attorney
Attachment: Presentation Video
July is Parks and Recreation Month ● Page 2