Parks & Recreation 2025/04/23MINUTES
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
OAK CANYON NATURE CENTER
6700 E. WALNUT CANYON RD., ANAHEIM, CA 92807
April 23, 2025 — 6:00 p.m.
COMMISSIONERS PRESENT:
CarlottaRhea Clark, Chair
Greg Martin, Vice Chair
Jim Cook
Bill Couture
Tony Flores
Fred Sigala, Jr.
COMMISSIONERS ABSENT:
Robert Ryan
AGENDA
STAFF PRESENT:
Anaheim Sporn, Community Services Manager
JJ Jimenez, Parks Manager
Ana Straabe, Principal Project Planner
Kamila Rodriguez, Senior Secretary
STAFF ABSENT:
Sjany Larson -Cash, Director
ACTION TAKEN
CALL TO ORDER: Chair Clark called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m.
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Commissioner Cook led the Pledge of Allegiance.
3. UNSCHEDULED PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: None.
4. SCHEDULED COMMUNICATION: None.
5. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES: Chair Clark presented the March 26, 2025 Minutes to the Commissioners for
changes or corrections. Vice Chair Martin made a motion to accept the minutes, seconded by Commissioner
Cook. The motion was approved with 6 votes in favor; Chair Clark accepted the minutes.
6. REPORTS:
a) Park Ranger Report — March: Anaheim Sporn presented the report, noting an increase in public contacts
compared to March 2024. She suggested that this rise may be attributed to the addition of a fifth ranger to
the evening patrol schedule, up from the previous four. Anaheim also highlighted a rise in curfew
advisements at Twila Reid Park, which ranger staff believe is linked to the growing popularity of the pickleball
courts for evening recreation.
Questions were answered regarding the exclusion of Delphi Park from the report, the distinction between the
public contacts and public assists categories, and the advertisement of Park Ranger job openings.
b) Recreation, Human & Neighborhood Services Activity Report — February/March: Anaheim Sporn presented
the report and gave a brief overview of recent enhancements at the Pearson Park Amphitheatre, including
upgraded lighting and the replacement of wooden pergola structures. She also highlighted youth
programming taking place across the City, such as the spring camp at Oak Canyon Nature Center, Culture
Week with the Tiny Tots program, and the successful completion of Youth in Government Day, which this
year featured a new City Resource Fair. Finally, she emphasized recent events hosted by the Active Older
Adults program, including Mardi Gras and St. Patrick's Day celebrations.
Questions were answered regarding seating capacity and box office sales at the Pearson Park Amphitheatre.
Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes
April 23, 2025
Page 2
c) Parks Capital Project Progress Report: Ana Straabe presented the report and provided a brief update on the
Brookhurst Splash Pad project which is approaching the plan check submittal stage. She noted that due to
recent economic trends, contractor bids are expected to rise in the near future, potentially impacting the cost
and timeline of upcoming projects. Ana also highlighted two projects currently under construction: the
Canyon Rim playground replacement and the Rio Vista improvements.
Questions were answered regarding the status of the River Park project, engineered wood fiber, the
dedication date for Little Pine Park, and details of the Maxwell Park KABOOM! project. Additional questions
were answered regarding the installation of newly designed park rules signage and future development plans
for the Brookhurst Park play area.
7. NEW BUSINESS:
a) Parks, Recreation, Neighborhood & Human Services Fees For FY 2025/2026: Anaheim Sporn presented
the user fees proposal for fiscal year 2025/26.
Questions were answered regarding the percentage that fees were increased in FY 2024/25 and the annual
limit for fee increases.
Chair Clark made a motion to recommend that City Council approve the proposed Parks, Recreation,
Neighborhood and Human Services Fees For FY 2025/2026, seconded by Commissioner Sigala. The motion
was approved with six votes in favor.
8. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS: Anaheim Sporn encouraged Commissioners to share event details with their
constituents and to attend the annual Cinco de Mayo celebration which will be held on May 3rd at the newly
renovated Center Greens.
Commissioner Couture commented on his experience attending the La Palma Park Way Promenade Dedication
and thanked the staff involved for their efforts in improving the park.
ADJOURNMENT: Chair Clark adjourned the meeting at 6:58 p.m.