Parks & Recreation 2019/08/28
MINUTES
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
Ponderosa Park Family Resource Center, 320 E. Orangewood Ave., Anaheim, California
August 28, 2019
COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: STAFF PRESENT:
Lynn Cudd, Chairman Larry Pasco, Director
Nichole Rupp, Vice Chairman Sjany Larson-Cash, Community Services Manager
Ryan Balius Pamela Galera, Parks Manager
James Cook Eleanor Granflor – Sr. Secretary
John Elwell
Craig Farrow
COMMISSIONER ABSENT:
Yogesh Shah
A G E N D A A C T I O N T A K E N
1. CALL TO ORDER: Chairman Cudd called the meeting to order at 6:06 p.m.
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Vice Chairman Rupp led the Pledge of Allegiance.
3. UNSCHEDULED PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: Eddie Burciaga, advocate for programs of teens and youth, provided a
brief background of his involvement with Higher Ground Youth and Family Services and Little League.
4. SCHEDULED COMMUNICATION: None.
5. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES: Chairman Cudd presented the July 24, 2019 Minutes to the Commissioners for
changes or corrections. Commissioner Elwell made a motion to accept the minutes, seconded by Commissioner Balius.
The motion was approved with 6 ayes; Chairman Cudd accepted the minutes.
6. REPORTS
a) Recreation, Human and Neighborhood Services Activity Report – June/July: Sjany Larson-Cash presented the
report and highlighted the various summer programs that took place including Ramp N’ Roll Program, Day Camps,
TeenVenture, sports programs held at East Anaheim Gymnasium, Concerts in the Canyon, Disney Summer Movies
in the Park, “Summer Nights Under the Stars” at Pearson Park Amphitheatre, the VolunTEEN Program, Aquatics
Swim Programs at Pearson Park Pool and Canyon High School Pool, Active Older Adult Programs, Family Movie
Night at Downtown Anaheim Community Center, activities held at Ponderosa Park Family Resource Center and
Gymnasium, activities at Miraloma Park Family Resource Center, and with the Project S.A.Y. Program. Sjany
Larson-Cash answered questions regarding the Fall Festival and Halloween Parade and the Aquatics program.
b) Park Ranger Report – July: Sjany Larson-Cash presented the report and highlighted the increase in the number of
patrols, patrons and public contacts made by Park Rangers during the park patrols since last month, as well as the
reason for the slight decrease of patrols. Sjany also reported that Park Rangers started a new patrol strategy in July
in efforts to increase opportunities to engage with the public and highlighted the new section in the report titled
“Coyotes” for tracking purposes. Sjany Larson-Cash answered questions regarding the Park Ranger Study, the
decrease in patrols, and how number of patrons are counted.
c) Parks Capital Project Progress Report: Pamela Galera presented the report and highlighted the Downtown Green
Space near City Hall which will be named Center Greens and KaBOOM! Build Day at Julianna Park. Pamela
answered questions regarding the Maxwell Dog Park.
7. NEW BUSINESS
a) Consideration of Master Plan for the Expansion of the Higher Ground Youth and Family Services Facility at Lincoln
Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes
August 28, 2019
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Park: Pamela Galera introduced Joe Baldo, Founder of the Higher Ground Youth and Family Services, Inc., which is
based out of Lincoln Park. Joe Baldo provided an overview of how the program began, the services currently offered
through the program, the layout of facility, and the community partnerships. Geraldine Densmore provided
background on the services provided in the current modulars and Joe Baldo provided background on the services
provided in the proposed modulars. A discussion was held between the Commission, Joe Baldo, Geraldine
Densmore, and City staff regarding human trafficking prevention, the current and proposed parking lot, the approval
from other departments for new modulars and parking, field configuration, and City programming held at Lincoln
Park.
Commissioner Balius made a motion to consider and support the Master Plan for the Expansion of the Higher
Ground Youth and Family Services Facility at Lincoln Park, seconded by Commissioner Cook. The motion was
voted in favor unanimously; Chair Cudd accepted the motion.
9. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS: Sjany Larson-Cash reported the December Commission meeting will be held at City Hall in
the Council Chamber.
Commissioner Balius requested for a status on the trip taken to Tempe, Arizona by City staff to tour and learn about the
river. Pamela Galera stated staff is looking into a vision for the Santa Ana River, north of Ball Road and south of
Orangewood Avenue, to possibly create more connectivity and open spaces in the future.
10. ADJOURNMENT: Chairman Cudd adjourned the meeting at 7:23 p.m.