Parks & Recreation 2024/07/24MINUTES
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
DOWNTOWN ANAHEIM COMMUNITY CENTER
250 E. CENTER ST., ANAHEIM, CA 92805
J u ly 24, 2024 — 6:00 p.m.
COMMISSIONERS PRESENT: STAFF PRESENT:
Ryan Balius, Chair Sjany Larson -Cash, Director
Tony Flores, Vice Chair Anaheim Sporn, Community Services Manager
CarlottaRhea Clark JJ Jimenez, Parks Manager
James Cook Ana Straabe, Principal Project Planner
Lynn Cudd Kamila Rodriguez, Senior Secretary
Greg Martin
Fred Sigala, Jr.
AGENDA ACTION TAKEN
1. CALL TO ORDER: Chair Balius called the meeting to order at 6:02 p.m.
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Commissioner Clark led the Pledge of Allegiance.
3. UNSCHEDULED PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: None.
4. SCHEDULED COMMUNICATION: None.
5. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES: Chair Balius presented the June 26, 2024 Minutes to the Commissioners for
changes or corrections. Commissioner Cook made a motion to accept the minutes, seconded by Commissioner
Clark. The motion was approved with 7 votes in favor; Chair Balius accepted the minutes.
6. REPORTS:
a) Park Ranger Report— June: Anaheim Sporn presented the report and noted the similarities between the
2023 and 2024 June statistics, which demonstrated an expected decrease in public contacts due to
increasing temperatures. Anaheim shared the success of the recent recruitment efforts which has resulted in
a fully staffed Park Ranger team.
Questions were answered about the efforts to monitor curfew occurrences.
b) Parks Activity Report — May/June: JJ Jimenez presented the report and highlighted the efforts to repair play
area surfaces with colorful and creative patch work, the annual cleaning of the Pearson Park Pond, and the
reforestation of the Peralta sector.
Questions were answered regarding play area surfacing.
c) Parks Capital Project Progress Report: Ana Straabe presented the report and highlighted the progress on
the Center Greens project which is now in the plant establishment phase and expected to open by early
October. Ana also shared updates on OC River Walk funding as well as River Park design efforts.
Questions were answered regarding average park acreage per 1,000 residents, bids for Riverdale Park,
rubberized play area surfacing, and park amenities for active older adults.
Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes
July 24, 2024
Page 2
NEW BUSINESS:
a) Selection of Chair: Nominations for Chair were made: Commissioner Sigala nominated Chair Balius
to remain as Chair. Chair Balius received six votes in favor and will remain as Chair.
b) Selection of Vice Chair: Nominations for Vice Chair were made: Vice Chair Flores nominated
Commissioner Sigala and Chair Balius nominated Commissioner Clark. Commissioner Sigala
received three votes in favor and abstentions by Commissioner Cook, Chair Balius, and
Commissioner Clark; Commissioner Clark received five votes in favor and one abstention by Vice
Chair Flores. Commissioner Clark will be the new Vice Chair.
8. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS: Ana Straabe presented an update on Little Pine Park which, upon its completion, will
be the City's 68t" park. She shared details of its location as well as planned amenities and informed the
Commission of progress with a Council approved contractor for its construction.
Questions were answered regarding parking for the future park.
Anaheim Sporn announced the release of the Community Services Fall Activity Guide and promoted upcoming
concerts at Maxwell and Ronald Reagan Park as well as the National Night Out event at Modjeska Park.
Chair Balius shared his positive experiences attending concerts at Maxwell Park and a performance at the
Pearson Park Amphitheater and requested a future update from staff on changing curfew enforcement policies
and procedures.
9. ADJOURNMENT: Chair Balius adjourned the meeting at 7:20 p.m.