Parks & Recreation 2025/10/22MINUTES
COMMISSIONERS PRESENT:
Greg Martin, Vice Chair
Jim Cook
Bill Couture
Robert Ryan
Fred Sigala, Jr.
COMMISSIONERS ABSENT:
CarlottaRhea Clark, Chair
Tony Flores
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
WEST ANAHEIM YOUTH CENTER
320 S. BEACH BLVD., ANAHEIM, CA 92804
October 22, 2025 — 6:00 p.m.
STAFF PRESENT:
Sjany Larson -Cash, Director
Anaheim Sporn, Community Services Manager
JJ Jimenez, Parks Manager
Ana Straabe, Principal Project Planner
Kamila Rodriguez, Senior Secretary
AGENDA ACTION TAKEN
CALL TO ORDER: Vice Chair Martin called the meeting to order at 6:01 p.m.
2. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: Commissioner Sigala led the Pledge of Allegiance.
3. UNSCHEDULED PUBLIC COMMUNICATION: Resident Shorlette Knighton thanked the Commission for the
recent improvements at the Olive Hills Park tennis courts.
4. SCHEDULED COMMUNICATION: None.
5. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES: Vice Chair Martin presented the September 24, 2025 Minutes for changes or
corrections. Commissioner Cook made a motion to accept the Minutes, seconded by Commissioner Couture.
The motion was approved with four votes in favor. Vice Chair Martin accepted the Minutes.
6. REPORTS:
a) Park Ranger Report — September: Anaheim Sporn presented the report, noting a decrease in patrol counts
from August to September, primarily due to reduced staffing levels and all -staff trainings. She also reported
that of the six recent vacancies within the Park Ranger program, five have been filled, with patrol counts
anticipated to increase once the new hires are onboarded. Additionally, she highlighted a slight decrease in
curfew advisements, likely related to cooler weather as the winter season approaches.
Questions were answered regarding retention of Park Rangers and curfew advisements at Twila Reid Park.
a) Recreation, Human & Neighborhood Services Activity Report — August/September: Anaheim Sporn
presented the report, highlighting a range of popular summer programs, including Camp Venture, Youth
Sports, and Tiny Tots. She also noted the Park Ranger all -staff trainings conducted in partnership with the
Community Emergency Response Team in preparation for fire -watch season. Anaheim then highlighted the
Chicano Heritage Month exhibit and reception at the Center Gallery in the Downtown Anaheim Community
Center. She then reviewed the variety of summer programming at the Oak Canyon Nature Center including
guided hikes, archery classes, and the upcoming annual Acorn Festival. Anaheim showcased this year's
Girls in Government Program which provides an empowering opportunity for young women to engage in civic
leadership. Lastly, the Older Adults program was able to partner with Disney to host a special event in
celebration of Disneyland's 70t" anniversary as well as a separate celebration for National Senior Citizen's
Day.
Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes
October 22, 2025
Page 2
b) Parks Capital Project Progress Report: Ana Straabe presented the report, beginning with an update on the
Boysen Park Refresh project. She noted that Phase 1 is currently under plan check with the Public Works
Department, and staff recently attended a community district meeting to update nearby residents on the
project's overall progress. She added that a request for proposals for the design of Phase 2 was recently
submitted, with design work anticipated to begin in early 2026. Ana then highlighted the Rio Vista Park
Improvements project, showcasing ongoing progress on the construction of the new facility.
Questions were answered regarding the status of the River Park project and the increase in project costs
over the past few years.
7. NEW BUSINESS:
a) Approval of Master Plan for OC River Walk: Sjany Larson -Cash introduced the item, and Ana
Straabe provided an overview presentation of the OC River Walk project and Master Plan.
Questions were answered regarding anticipated water levels, property ownership, environmental
permitting, maintenance responsibilities, and the incorporation of indigenous elements in artwork.
Commissioner Ryan made a motion to approve the proposed Master Plan of River Park, seconded
by Commissioner Sigala. The motion was approved with five votes in favor.
8. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS: Commissioner Sigala requested that local Girl Scout Troop 7164 be invited to
perform the flag salute at the upcoming December meeting. The Commission concurred, and staff will follow up
to coordinate the troop's participation.
Anaheim Sporn announced the annual Dia de Los Muertos celebration on Friday October 24th and the annual
Fall Festival and Halloween Parade on Saturday October 25th at Center Greens.
Commissioner Couture invited Commissioners and staff to attend the upcoming Native Arts Festival at Founder's
Park on November 8th.
Anaheim Sporn highlighted the upcoming Acorn Festival at the Oak Canyon Nature Center on November 8th.
9. ADJOURNMENT: Vice Chair Martin adjourned the meeting at 7:06 p.m.