HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-03-20 - Agenda3, 2020
CITY OF DOWNEY DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION
RECREATION AND COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING: 4:00 P.M.
Council Chambers, Downey City Hall, 11111 Brookshire Ave., Downey, CA 90241
Call to Order:
Roll Call: Chair: Pemberton Vice Chair: Wood Commissioners: Rochin, Cunningham, and Trujillo
Pledge of Allegiance: Chair Pemberton
Invocation: Commissioner Rochin
Welcome to Members and Guests:
Written Communications:
1. Approve Commission Minutes: February 4, 2020
Non -Agenda Public Comment:
This portion provides an opportunity for the public to address the Commission on items within the jurisdiction of
the Commission and not listed on the agenda. It is requested, but not required, that you state your name,
address and subject matter upon which you will speak. Please limit your comments to no more than 3
minutes. Pursuant to the Brown Act, no discussion or action, other than a referral to staff or schedule
of subsequent agenda, shall be taken by the Commission on any issue brought forth under this
section.
Presentations:
1. Downey Sports Presentation
Commission Business:
1. Park Quality Control Checklists
Commission Member Reports/Discussion
Director Reports/Discussion:
1. February Activity Report
2. Measure S Update
3. Upcoming Events
Adjournment
Where applicable, reports and/or documents relating to Agenda items are available in the Department of Parks and
Recreation, 7850 Quill Drive, Downey, CA 90242.
The City of Downey prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability in any of its program and services. For questions,
concerns, complaints, or for additional information regarding the ADA, contact the City's ADA/Section 504 Coordinator at
ADACoordinator(d)downevca.orq: Phone: (562) 299-6619; or TTY at 7-1-1.
In compliance with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, the City of Downey prohibits discrimination of any person in any of its
program and services. If written language translation of City agendas or minutes, or for oral language interpretation at a
City meeting kaneeded, contact K562>200-8610orthe City Clerk's Office atH582\0O4'7280.48business hours prior to
the meeting.
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MINUTES OF THE
RECREATION AND COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSION
OF THE CITY OF DOWNEY
The Recreation and Community Services Commission held a Meeting at 4:00 p.m. February 4, 2020 in the
Council Chambers of City Hall, 11111 Brookshire Avenue, Downey, California, Chair Pemberton presiding.
Commissioner Trujillo led the pledge of allegiance and Commissioner Cunningham gave the invocation.
Present: Chair Pemberton
Vice Chair Wood
Commissioner Cunningham
Commissioner Trujillo
Absent: Commissioners Rochin
Also Present: Pamela J. Passow, Director of Parks and Recreation
Jason Chacon, Recreation Manager
Shantae Duren, Administrative Assistant
Karen Zavala, Interim Office Assistant II
Welcome to Members and Guests:
Chair Pemberton welcomed members and guests.
Written Communications:
Approve Commission Minutes: January 7, 2020
A motion to approve the minutes from the January 7, 2020 meeting was made by Commissioner
Cunningham, and was seconded by Vice Chair Wood. The motion passed 4-0.
Non -Agenda Public Comment:
►O STIR',
Presentations:
1. Kevin Barber, General Manager of Rio Hondo by Wedgewood Weddings, gave a presentation to the
commission for the purpose of introducing himself as General Manager and also introduced Linda Cote,
Regional Manager. He shared the background of Wedgewood Weddings and an overview of the
services Wedgewood Weddings is providing at the Rio Hondo Golf Course including; events,
sustenance, tournaments, banquets, weddings, and community events.
Chair Pemberton advised Mr. Barber that she was disappointed that Masters Grille closes at 5:30pm.
Mr. Barber advised that the hours for Masters Grille will be extended in the coming months as it begins
to be light outside later in the evenings.
Commission Business:
1. Park Quality Control Checklists
Vice Chair Wood reported that she visited Apollo Park and it looks very nice, the grass is green, and
the playground looked great. Commissioner Cunningham reported that he made a visit to Temple Park,
which looked great, but it was a little hard to find.
Commission Member Reports/Discussion:
1. Commissioner Cunningham advised that he may have a solution to the phone problems at
Independence Park. He said he would send Director Passow the information.
2. Commissioner Cunningham reported that people have been asking about the possibility of having
temporary lights placed at the softball field at Independence Park that does not currently have lighting.
Director Passow advised that three out of four fields currently have lighting and it is not in this year's
budget to have temporary lighting added to the fourth field. Ms. Passow advised that the Department
will keep the request in mind while planning for future budget years.
Director Reports/Discussion:
January Activity Report
Director Passow delivered the January Recreation Commission Report. Ms. Passow reported on the
success of the 2019/2020 Camp Avalanche hosted by the parks division, Mommy, Daddy and Me Fit N'
Play Club at Apollo Gym, the current curriculum being taught at the ASPIRE program, the New Year's
celebration hosted by the Barbara J. Riley Community Center, and the increase in revenue at Rio
Hondo Golf Course from January of last year. Ms. Passow reported that KWICK Productions hosted a
Shake Rattle and Rock New Year's Eve party at the Downey Theatre. The Theater also hosted the
Downey Symphony to celebrate and honor Beethoven's 250th birthday, as well as the Downey High
School Production of Beauty and the Beast. Ms. Passow informed the commission that the Downey
Theatre will be celebrating its 50th anniversary on April 18, 2020.
2. Measure S Update
Recreation Manager Jason Chacon gave an update to the Commission regarding the status of the
parks currently being renovated as a part of the Measure S updates. Mr. Chacon reported that Golden
Park is on schedule to open at the end of March in time to host Brunch with the Bunny. Mr. Chacon
reported that the updates at Furman Park include updated bathrooms, walking trails, and playground
updates. Mr. Chacon reported that the park is on schedule to be open in time for concerts in the park
this summer. Mr. Chacon updated the Commission on the progress at Discovery Park, including new
turf and sod installation on the fields. Mr. Chacon advised that the park will be open for spring soccer.
Chair Pemberton asked if the installation of turf on the field was to save money, to which Mr. Chacon
replied the saving will be in the long term maintenance costs. Chair Pemberton inquired to what order
the parks are scheduled to reopen. Director Passow advised the opening order will be Dennis the
Menace Park, Discovery Park, Golden Park, Furman Park, and lastly Wilderness Park.
3. Upcoming Events
Director Passow reported that the Dennis the Menace grand re -opening will be held on February 8,
2020, at 9:00am.
Adiournment:
The meeting was adjourned at 4:30pm
Dorothy Pemberton, Chair
CITY OF DOWNEY
RECREATION & COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSION
ADMINISTRATIVE MEMO
Date: March 3, 2020
To: Recreation and Community Services Commission
From: Pamela J. Passow, Director of Parks & Recreation
Subject: Activity Report — January
RECREATION
Parks
The Playground Adventure program has opened back up at Apollo and Dennis the Menace Parks for Spring
Registration. During the months of mid -January to February, Rio San Gabriel and Brookshire Parks were our
only operating sites offering Playground Adventures and the attendance totaled 228 adventurers.
Apollo Gvm
The Northwest Downey Little League officially started its baseball season on Saturday, February 22, which
marks the first time Northwest Downey Little League will be playing a season at the Discovery Sports Complex.
February also marked the beginning of the Ponytail Softball League's season with opening day on Saturday,
February 22, at Independence Park.
:he first week of
participating in
Club enjoyed a
its were able to
received treats
Our facility
staff
attended
training for
a new John
Deere
tractor to
keep our
fields in
excellent
condition!
ASPIRE
On Friday February 141h, ASPIRE
celebrated Valentine's Day at all
school sites in various ways. At
Alameda Elementary, the students and
staff got creative and made
personalized Valentine's Day grams
with photographs. To keep the love
going, Sussman Middle ASPIRE began
a pen pal club with the Kindergarten
students at Alameda Elementary
ASPIRE. These Pen Pals will continue
to write to each other for the next six
weeks.
BARBARA J. RILEY COMMUNITY & SENIOR CENTER (BJR)
Events and Activities
On Monday, February 3, 2020 the Senior Monday program hosted Johnny Croshaw who performed
compilations songs from the 40's, 50's and 60's. A total of 80 seniors were present for the program, which
included classic lasagna, dinner catered by Cafe n Stuff.
On Monday, February 3, 2020 the Barbara J. Riley Community & Senior Center began appointments for tax
assistance. Tax assistance is provided free of charge to seniors every Monday & Thursday by AARP
volunteers during the tax season from February 2020 — April 2020.
On Wednesday, February 12, 2020 the Barbara J. Riley Community & Senior Center hosted Sweet Heart Quill.
There were 128 seniors in attendance. The event included, a photo booth sponsored by Jenkins Insurance
Agency, a DJ, and catered dinner of chicken and salad by HSA.
On Friday, February 14, 2020 the HSA lunch program hosted a Valentine's Day party complete with Bingo and
refreshments. A total of 80 participants were in attendance at the event.
Prociramminq
The Wee Three and Tot Time program for early childhood learning participated in two field trips for the month
of February. Wee -Three went to Kidz Town in Lakewood, CA with 27 participants. The Tot Time program
attended Billy Beez on February 27t" in Anaheim, CA with 94 participants in attendance.
Facilitv/Building
The Barbara J. Riley Community and Senior Center computers have all been updated to Windows 10. The
Crawford/TV will be getting new furniture at the end of the month.
RIO HONDO GOLF COURSE
Golf
Rob Douglas our PGA member has developed a very successful PGA Junior League team over the past 3
years. He has grown the competitive team from 12 players to over 50. In addition, his teams have finished
second, third, and second again in California the past three years. His success with the league has led him to
being chosen as one of only 5 Pro's selected to be instructors for the new PGA Coach program created by the
PGA of America. This is a new program for player development that will be conducted at Rio Hondo with the
support and help from the Southern California PGA.
Year to date revenue (Jan 1-Feb20)
• Revenue is up $83,700 (28%)
• Play is up 1804 players (28%)
This is due to the great weather we have had to start the year compared to the rain we experienced last year.
Historically dating back to 2014 when the POS system was put in place, this is the best start to a year we have
had
Grounds
The golf course maintenance team has been hard at work beautifying the grounds. Projects include; replacing
flowers from the putting green planter with mixed color pansies, new
signage in the practice area, and trimming the ficus, palm, and coral trees
in the club house parking lot. The maintenance team is in the process of
replacing the old, malfunctioning drinking fountain with a new bottle filling
station as well as replacing the golfer general information signage by the
tee box on hole one.
Food. Beverage, and Events
Wedgewood hosted their first wedding on February 14, with a total of two
weddings in February. February marked the first full month of Wedgewood
appointments and consultations at Rio Hondo and the feedback received
from the events has been terrific. Demand for venue rentals has been high.
Wedgewood has also put in to service their new beverage cart for golf
services!
Performance/Show Hiqhliqhts
Dance Season has begun as the Downey Theatre is host to many dance company recitals and dance
competitions. Starting this month, the Theatre welcomed Energy National Dance Competition for their 1 day
competition, as well as Countdown National Dance Competition for a 3 day competition. Each day during these
events the Theatre is in use from 6 AM — 11 PM and welcomes thousands of dancers and their guests
throughout the day.
The Downey High School dance team joined us for their annual TLC benefit concert on February 13. This
event consists of not only Downey High's dance team, but also teams from surrounding schools such as
Lynwood and Gahr. TLC Family Resource Center is a program that assists children and their families with
health issues, child abuse concerns, family instability, and more.
The Downey Theatre welcomed two brand new performances to the building this month. Varsity Vocals — a
national acapella competition joined us on February 9, for their Quarter Finals. Over 200 young singers joined
took the stage for this competition. Also new to the Theatre was "Valentina" a Ballet Folklorico performance
performed by the nationally touring group Ballet Nepantla. Almost 500 patrons joined us for this stunning
collection of stories that speak to the strength and resilience of women during Revolutionary Mexico.
February Upcoming Events
• Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story March 5th at 8:00 PM
Now in its 30th amazing year, the "World's Most Successful Rock 'n' Roll Musical" continues to thrill
audiences around the world. Viewed by more than 22 million people worldwide, Buddy opened in
London's West End in 1989 and has been seen on Broadway, throughout Canada, the U.S., and many
more winning numerous awards along the way. Buddy tells the story of Buddy Holly through his short
yet spectacular career, and features the classic songs, That'll Be the Day, Not Fade Away, Oh Boy,
Ritchie Valens' La Bamba, The Big Bopper's Chantilly Lace, and many more! This show is just Peggy
Sue-perb.
Preview Video: htti)s://www.voutube.com/watch?v=7YXO8mw9r7i
• Beauty & The Beast Imagination Celebration
We invite you to "Be our Guest" at Disney's animated classic "Beauty and the Beast" — a movie Sing -
Along. This interactive presentation of Disney's favorite classic has been customized with on -screen
lyrics for all the songs so that audiences can sing along! Your hosts will introduce each performance
and in addition, goody bags are available for purchase and audience members are encouraged to
participate. Add to the fun by dressing up as a favorite character from the film!
Save the Date
Imagine Downey! 50th Anniversary Celebration of the Downey Theatre
"Imagine! Downey - 50th Anniversary of the Downey Theatre" is a celebration of the Theatre's history, the
vibrant arts in Downey and looking to the future of the Theatre, including the unveiling of a permanent fine art
exhibit and exterior building improvements. This open house event is to be held on Saturday, April 18, 2020,
from 3pm - 8pm and is free to the public.
The event is filled with indoor/outdoor activities including: live music and performances with strolling
entertainment in the newly renovated patio and plaza. A ribbon cutting and dedication with the Chamber of
Commerce will open the event. Multiple art exhibits featured in the lobby and upstairs gallery, arts & crafts area
for kids, beer & wine garden in the patio area and food trucks invited on 2nd street. A historical exhibit honoring
the rich history of the Downey Children's Theatre, Downey Teen Theatre, Downey Civic Light Opera, and The
Miss Downey Pageant will also be held in the lobby.
The Theatre stage will be programed with various vignettes featuring a wide range of local community talent
including the Southern California Dance Theatre Ballet, the Downey Symphony, Downey High School Drama
department, a medley of musical theatre songs paying homage to the Downey Civic Light Opera, the Downey
Children's Theatre, and the Downey Teen Theatre.
The Patio stage will include a special performance by Downey's own, The Blasters, Te Varua Ori high
energy Polynesian dance troupe and more.