Parks and Recreation 2012/10/24PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
Brookhurst Community Center, 2271 W. Crescent Avenue, Anaheim, California
October 24, 2012 MINUTES
COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: Chairman Crawford, Vice Chair Manes,
Commissioners Vadodaria, Brennan, Huitt, and Lappin
COMMISSIONER EXCUSED: Commissioner Navarro
STAFF PRESENT: Lynn Smith – Community Services Manager, Larry Pasco – Parks Manager,
Pamela Galera, Principal Project Planner, Wendy Solorio – Community Services Supervisor,
Eleanor Granflor – Sr. Secretary
CALL TO ORDER –Chairman Crawford called the meeting to order at 5:30 p.m.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE –Chairman Crawford led the Pledge of Allegiance.
INTRODUCTION OF VISITORS AND COMMUNICATIONS
A.Written Communication – Chairman Crawford requested a status on the response given to the Monsour Family. Larry
Pasco reported that a response from the Commission was sent to the Monsour Family, explaining the City does not
plan to purchase the two parcels of land. The Monsour Family replied with a complimentary email and understands the
position of the Commission.
B.Scheduled Oral Communication – Bob Wingenroth, City Manager, introduced himself to the Commission and thanked
the Commissioners for their time and hard work with the City.
C.Unscheduled Oral Communication from the Public – None
APPROVAL OF MINUTES – Chairman Crawford presented the September 26, 2012 Minutes to the Commissioners for
changes or corrections. There being none, Chairman Crawford accepted the minutes as presented.
ACTIVITY REPORTS
A.Recreation and Human Services Activity Report – August/September – Lynn Smith presented the report and
highlighted on the following:
Pearson Park Amphitheatre summer season – Approximately 800 patrons attended the Anaheim Ballet and over
1,000 patrons attended the Fab Four event.
O.A.K.S. Day Camp – Over 900 children participated in the day camp and over 1,500 participants attended the
evening “Nature Nights” program.
Annual Table Tennis Friendship Tournament – 83 senior players participated in the annual tournament held at the
Downtown Anaheim Youth Center.
East Anaheim Senior Program – New Senior programming information is now provided in the Activity Report.
Chairman Crawford asked if the participants are Anaheim residents. Wendy Solorio stated the participants are
Anaheim and surrounding city residents. Wendy reported the Anaheim Senior Citizens Club will be hosting a two-day
table tennis tournament on November 15-16. Madeline Jensen stated the participants are all members of the Anaheim
Senior Citizens Club and are known nationwide.
Commissioner Huitt questioned if the Alzheimer’s Health Fair event held at Brookhurst Community Center was
published in The Courier for Anaheim Senior Citizen’s Club. Lynn Smith stated that she understood Loretta Sanchez’s
office sponsored the event and she thought the event was not scheduled far enough in advance to be published in the
Courier.
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Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes
October 24, 2012
Chairman Crawford questioned if the Project S.A.Y. Program has a headquarters. Lynn Smith stated administrative
staff is located at City Hall in the Community Services Department and other staff members spend most of their time at
the junior high and high schools or community centers where they work with youth and their families.
B.Recreation and Human Services Park Ranger Report – July/August – Lynn Smith presented the report and reported
the Fire Watch in Anaheim Hills will begin soon with 24 hour watch.
C.Parks Capital Project Progress Report – Larry Pasco and Pamela Galera presented the report and provided updates
on the following projects:
Paul Revere Park – The grant application will be submitted in the next few weeks for Land and Water grant funds.
The project will continue to move forward even if grant is not awarded.
Palm Lane Playground – The project is complete. The playground and security lighting have been installed.
Woelke-Stoffel House Roof Replacement – The historic character of the house will be maintained and the project
will go to bid.
Anaheim Outdoors – The Anaheim Outdoors Connectivity Plan is in draft form and will go to City Council for
approval in January. Eighteen projects have been identified and grant applications will be submitted. A resolution
will be brought to the City Council for approval to encourage the Connectivity throughout the City.
5 Coves – City staff is negotiating with OCWD, SCE and Orange County Flood Control District to expand the trail
on the west side of the Santa Ana River bank to Frontera Street.
Commissioner Lappin questioned what is done with the old playground equipment that is taken out of the parks. Larry
Pasco stated the City currently disposes of the equipment. Larry reported the National Recreation and Parks
Association Convention was held at the Anaheim Convention Center recently and met a playground manufacturer who
mentioned a program of old equipment being sent to countries where the playground standards are still met when old
equipment is installed. Larry will be seeking further information for the program and would like to participate in
donating equipment in the future if possible.
Pamela Galera reported the City received two awards from the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) for
Colony Park and Founders’ Park.
Commissioner Huitt questioned if other cities south of Anaheim are going to expand open space to the trail along the
Santa Ana River bank. Pamela Galera stated Santa Ana opened three pocket parks along the river bank and other
cities are adopting the model of Anaheim Coves to increase open space. Pamela stated three counties are working on
the Santa Ana River Trail project to connect the trail through Prado Dam.
Chairman Crawford questioned the status of Lincoln Park. Pamela Galera stated the school district has agreed to
open the playground after school and on weekends.
D.Senior Citizen Sub-Committee Report – Commissioner Huitt reported the last Senior Citizens Advisory Council (SCAC)
meeting was the annual meeting where bills are reviewed and discussed. Commissioner Huitt sat on the Housing and
Transportation group to discuss low cost transportation for seniors and new Building standards. Sr. Citizen Sub-
Committee member, Antonio Rodella, sat on the Social and Community Services group along with City staff, Maureen
Richardson. Commissioner Huitt explained each group picks a maximum of five bills that are feasible and achievable.
Commissioner Huitt also stated two members of the Senior Citizens Advisory Council submitted bill proposals. One of
the sponsored bills being voted on will allow Nurse Practitioners to sign POLST cards that are kept at an individual’s
doctor’s office which show’s an individual’s medical wishes.
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Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes
October 24, 2012
NEW BUSINESS – Wendy Solorio reported the crosswalk was recently striped outside the Downtown Anaheim Community
Center, towards the parking structure across the street. Wendy thanked the Sr. Citizens Sub-Committee for their input and
help with the crosswalk project.
INFORMATIONAL ITEMS– Commissioner Vadodaria reported the club called “Krafts for Kids” was launched and held
their first crafts event at Canyon Hills Library where approximately 20 children participated with four volunteers.
Commissioner Vadodaria requested help from City staff and Vice Chair Manes to publicize future events. Commissioner
Brennan suggested the events be held initially at different libraries. Lynn Smith stated she can connect the club with the
libraries and Cops 4 Kids program.
Commissioner Huitt stated the meals program was stopped at the Rancho La Paz Mobile Home Park and seniors are now
bussed to Fullerton Senior Center for meals.
Vice Chair Manes announced the following:
Halloween Parade and Fall Festival will be held on October 27 at the Center Street Promenade.
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Haunted House can be found at 500 Santa Ana Street, corner of Anaheim Boulevard.
Paint Your Heart Out program continues to find projects.
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St. Catherine’s Academy will hold their annual auction on November 17
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Christmas Tree Lighting ceremonies will be held at City parks.
Accountable Care Organizations is a new program where physicians are taught how to communicate with senior
citizens.
The “Coming Together” event was held at La Palma Park to provide free activities for attendees.
Lynn Smith invited the Commission to attend the following Neighborhood Council meetings will be held:
Central District – October 24
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South District – October 25
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Lynn Smith reported the East and West District meetings were held last week.
ADJOURNMENT – Chairman Crawford adjourned the meeting at 6:25 p.m.
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