HomeMy WebLinkAboutRP Agenda: 09/10/2025
RECREATION AND PARKS COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING AGENDA
Wednesday, September 10, 2025, 6:00 p.m.
Location: Recreation and Community Services Department Conference Room
375 Campus Drive, Arcadia
Pursuant to the Americans with Disabilities Act, persons with a disability who require a disability related modification or
accommodation in order to participate in a meeting, including auxiliary aids or services, may request such modification or
accommodation from the City Clerk at (626) 574-5455. Notification 48 hours prior to the meeting will enable the City to make
reasonable arrangements to assure accessibility to the meeting.
根据《美国残障人法案》,需要调整或提供便利设施才能参加会议的残障人士(包括辅助器材或服务)可与市书记官办公室联系(电
话:(626) 574-5455)。请在会前 48 小时通知市书记官办公室,以便作出合理安排,确保顺利参加会议。
Pursuant to the City of Arcadia’s Language Access Services Policy, limited-English proficient speakers who require translation
services in order to participate in a meeting may request the use of a volunteer or professional translator by contacting the City
Clerk’s Office at (626) 574-5455 at least 72 hours prior to the meeting.
根据阿凯迪亚市的语言便利服务政策,英语能力有限并需要翻译服务才能参加会议的人可与市书记官办公室联系(电话:(626) 574-
5455,请求提供志愿或专业翻译服务,请至少在会前 72 小时提出请求。
CALL TO ORDER
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE
ROLL CALL
Sonny Mediana, Chairperson
Roberto Ayala, Vice-Chairperson
Valerie Cheung, Commission Member
Matthew Goldsby, Commission Member
Gregory Vanni, Commission Member
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION FROM STAFF REGARDING AGENDA ITEMS
1. PUBLIC COMMENTS (5-minute time limit per person)
Any individual wishing to speak before the Recreation and Parks Commission is limited to
five (5) minutes per person, unless waived by the Recreation and Parks Commission. Under
the Brown Act, the Recreation and Parks Commission is prohibited from discussing or taking
action on any item not listed on the posted agenda. The matter may automatically be
referred to staff for appropriate response or action or may be placed on the agenda of a
future meeting.
REPORTS FROM RECREATION AND PARKS COMMISSIONERS
REPORT FROM CITY COUNCIL MEMBER LIAISON
2. CONSENT CALENDAR
All matters listed under the Consent Calendar are considered to be routine and can be acted
on by one roll call vote. There will be no separate discussion of these items unless members
of the Commission, staff, or the public request that a specific item be removed from the
Consent Calendar for separate discussion and action.
a. Regular Meeting Minutes of August 13, 2025
Recommended action: Approve
3. REGULAR ITEMS
a. Report of Public Works Services Department
I. Project Updates
b. Report of Director of Recreation and Community Services
I. Staff Presentation on Contract Classes and Special Events
II. Monthly Reports
ADJOURNMENT
The Recreation and Parks Commission will adjourn this meeting to October 8, 2025, at 6:00
p.m. in the Recreation and Community Services Department Conference Room, 375
Campus Drive, Arcadia.
RECREATION AND PARKS COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING MINUTES
WEDNESDAY, August 13, 2025
RECREATION AND PARKS COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING
CALL TO ORDER – Vice-Chairperson Ayala called the meeting to order at 6:01 p.m.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – Commissioner Cheung
ROLL CALL OF COMMISSIONERS
PRESENT: Ayala, Cheung, Goldsby, and Vanni
EXCUSED: Mediana
A motion was made by Vice-Chairperson Ayala, seconded by Chairperson Vanni, and
unanimously carried on roll call vote to excuse Chairperson Mediana.
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION FROM STAFF REGARDING AGENDA ITEMS
1. PUBLIC COMMENTS
REPORTS FROM RECREATION AND PARKS COMMISSIONERS
Vice-Chairperson Ayala reported he and his family enjoyed the Concerts and Movies in the
Park throughout the summer. The children’s play area was an especially big hit. Vice-
Chairperson Ayala inquired about the possibility of having public Wi Fi in City parks. Director
Recreation Community Services Department (DRCSD) Sara Somogyi informed the
Commission although Wi Fi in public spaces would be a convenient amenity, there are more
negative aspects than positive, and since individuals have unlimited data plans, it is not
necessarily needed for one to connect as in the past.
Commissioner Cheung thanked DRCSD Somogyi and staff for all the summer programs
provided to the community. Commissioner Cheung reported she made it to a Concert and
Movie in the Park and noticed a lot of excited newcomers enjoying the event. Commissioner
Cheung reported she is looking forward to the upcoming opening of Newcastle Park.
Commissioner Goldsby reported he has observed a lot of activity on the Pickleball courts at
Tierra Verde Park.
Commissioner Vanni inquired if the Recreation and Community Services Department offers
Parent and Me classes for babies. DRCSD Somogyi informed the Commission the
Department offers a selection of tot classes including a Kindermusic class that engages
children with interactive musical instruments. Commissioner Vanni reported he is looking
forward to the opening of Newcastle Park. Commissioner Vani reported seeing recent
rockslides on Canyon Road in the Highland Oaks area of the City. Deputy Director Public
Works Services Department (DDPWSD) Carmen Masud informed the Commission she would
look into that.
REPORT FROM CITY COUNCIL MEMBER LIAISON
Mayor Kwan reported she attended all of the Concerts and Movies in the Park during the
summer. She reported she was happy to be able to connect with the community in such a
relaxed joyful atmosphere. Mayor Kwan reported she met many people from surrounding
communities who came out to enjoy the event. Mayor Kwan thanked DRCSD Somogyi for
getting the new cement dance floor installed in time for the concerts. Mayor Kwan reported
tennis players who utilize the Tierra Verde Courts are inquiring about possible designated
court usage time specifically for tennis play now that it is a dual use court. Mayor Kwan
informed DRCSD Somogyi she will provide direct contact information to reach out to the
Tierra Verde tennis group. Mayor Kwan asked the Commissioners how they feel about the
homeless issue in the City and how they would like to see it addressed. After some
conversation with the Commissioners, DRCSD Somogyi informed the Commission the City
has a Homlessness Case Management & Housing Navigation team that offers services to
unhoused individuals and to help others with homelessness prevention. DRCSD Somogyi
said there are challenges when addressing homelessness and that an unhoused individual
has the same rights to public space as anyone. DRCSD Somogyi said some individuals accept
services while some do not. Mayor Kwan thanked the Commission and DRCSD Somogyi for
the discussion and information on the homeless issue.
CONSENT CALENDAR
a. Approve the Regular Meeting Minutes of July 9, 2025.
It was moved by Commissioner Vanni, seconded by Commissioner Goldsby, and
unanimously carried on roll call vote to approve consent calendar 2.a. with the
correction of the spelling of Commissioner Vanni’s name.
2. REGULAR ITEMS
a. Report from Public Works Services Department
I. Project Updates
DDPWSD Masud reported the Public Works Services Department recently applied for the Los
Angeles County Regional Park and Open Space District Measure A Funding for the baseball
field bleacher project completed recently and received $845,241. The amount received
covered most of the overall cost of the project. DDPWSD Masud reported Newcastle Park is
moving along nicely with the landscaping, the irrigation system, more electrical, and various
park amenities such as benches and bike racks being installed. DDPWSD was asked what a
trailer was doing at Wilderness Park. DDPWSD Masud responded the Arcadia Fire
Department launched a project to have goats and sheep assist with brush clearance in the
foothills of Arcadia behind the residence of the upper Highland Oaks and the Wilderness
Park areas. The trailer housed the goat/sheep herder, and the project has been completed.
b. Report from Recreation and Community Services Department
I. Monthly Reports
DRCSD Somogyi thanked the Commissioners and Mayor Kwan for the positive comments on
Concerts in the Park and other summer programs. DRCSD Somogyi shared seeing the
community come together enjoying the event and each other’s company in a friendly safe
space is what makes this one of her favorite events the Department of Recreation and
Community Services Department provides to the community. DRCSD Somogyi passed out
flyers for the upcoming Health Fair on September 20 and the Grand Opening of Newcastle
Park on October 7.
DRCSD Somogyi reported on several senior activities during the month of July, starting with
senior classes with over 2,500 participating in the month. DRCSD Somogyi reported Coffee
with the Mayor had 35 participants attend. DRCSD Somogyi reported the Gift Shop had 145
visitors. DRCSD Somogyi reported Karaoke had 84 participants. DRCSD Somogyi reported 80
players participated in Mahjong. DRCSD Somogyi reported the Senior Meals Program served
1,144 meals. DRCSD Somogyi reported Sing Along with James had 204 participants. DRCSD
Somogyi reported Taste the Town had 22 participants having lunch at Ai’An Foodie
Restaurant in Arcadia. DRCSD Somogyi reported 27 seniors attended tech talk. DRCSD
Somogyi reported 45 people attended the Weekly Movie. DRCSD Somogyi reported 66
seniors attended the Patriotic Picnic, 78 seniors attended the Circus Bingo, and 13 seniors
attended the Afternoon at the Movies program.
DRCSD Somogyi reported on several recreation programs and activities during the month of
July. DRCSD Somogyi reported the Summer Fun ‘N Play concluded where 2,536 children
participated. DRCSD Somogyi reported the Summer Sports Camp ran for three weeks in July
with 1,273 participants. DRCSD Somogyi reported Specialty Camps, which include both
educational and outdoor recreational activities, had 785 children in attendance. DRCSD
Somogyi reported Concerts and Movies in the Park had 4,096 in attendance for the concerts
and 1,576 in attendance for the movies. DRCSD Somogyi reported the Volunteen Program
had 35 volunteens providing 1,576 hours of service. DRCSD Somogyi reported the City-Wide
Health Education Series had 34 attendees for the Seminar on “UV Awareness & Skin Cancer”
presented by Dr. Jenny Hu, MD,MPH.
ADJOURNMENT
Vice-Chairperson Ayala adjourned the meeting at 6:54 p.m. to September 10, 2025, at 6 p.m.
in the Recreation and Community Services Department Conference Room, at 375 Campus
Drive, Arcadia.
_________________________ _____________________________
Sonny Mediana Sara Somogyi
Chairperson Secretary
STAFF REPORT
DATE: September 10, 2025
TO: Honorable Chairperson and Members of the Recreation and Parks
Commission
FROM: Sara Somogyi, Director of Recreation and Community Services
SUBJECT: PROGRAMS & ACTIVITIES – August 2025
SENIOR SERVICES DIVISION
Arcadia Senior Services plays an integral part in the wellness of the senior community. The
multitude of programs, services, and activities offered supports the healthy and independent
lifestyle of the participants. A brief description with program attendance is listed below.
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION ATTENDANCE
Billiard Room
There are three pool tables available Monday
through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for
seniors to play.
137
Blood Pressure
Check
Free blood pressure checks are available on second
Tuesday of the month, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. 15
Bridge Bridge is available on Wednesdays from 10:00 a.m.
to 1:00 p.m. and Fridays from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. 204
Classes
Exercise plays a vital role in a senior’s health and
contributes to bone density, increased muscle
strength, flexibility, and can reduce stress.
1,505
Coffee with the
Mayor
Coffee with the Mayor is held on the third Tuesday of
the month, where seniors can listen and chat with
the Mayor about City issues and updates.
24
Fit & Talk Fit & Talk meets on Thursdays for easy 30-minute
workouts. 30
Gift Shop
The Gift Shop sells jewelry, hand crafts, and unique
items made by senior crafters. It is located at the
Community Center.
Shoppers: 235
Revenue: $823
Information &
Referral
Intakes
The Information & Referral program assists seniors
finding resources that address their issues or living
concerns.
35
Karaoke
Karaoke meets on the second and fourth Tuesday of
each month. It is a popular program where seniors
can sing their favorite songs in many languages.
60
Legal
Assistance
The Neighborhood Legal Services of Los Angeles
Organization is available once a month to provide
seniors with legal insight.
4
Mahjong
Mahjong meets Fridays at 12:30 p.m. It is a game of
Chinese origin played by four people with 144 tiles
that are drawn and discarded until a player secures
a winning hand.
132
Monday
Dance
Monday dance is held the first, third, and fifth
Monday of each month. Seniors are able to show off
their dance skills and to meet new dancers. Live
bands play a variety of music to dance to.
242
Monthly
Bus Pass
Dial-A-Ride bus passes are sold for $5 per month.
Bus Passes can also be mailed to customers. 20
Pinochle
Pinochle meets every Monday at 9:00 a.m. It is a card
game of German origin played by two to four people
with a 48-card deck.
16
Senior Meals
Program
Lunch meals are provided Monday-Friday. The cost is
$3 for individuals who are 55 years or older and $4
for individuals who are 50-54 years of age.
Meals 764
Average Meals 48
Senior
Seminars
Free seminars are available every month on different
topics. August topics: L.A. Found and AARP Smart
Driver Tek.
12
Sing Along with
James
Sing Along with James meets Wednesdays from 1:00
p.m. to 3:00 p.m. James plays his guitar and has
participants sing along with him.
138
Table
Tennis
Table Tennis is available Monday-Friday, from 8:00
a.m. to 4:00 p.m. with equipment provided. 646
Taste the Town
Each month participants meet at a different
restaurant in Arcadia to have lunch and socialize. On
August 21, participants had lunch at Kababstic
Mediterranean Grill.
18
Weekly
Movie
Free movies are shown Tuesday’s at 12:30 p.m. This
month’s movies were Flow, Kitbull, We Bought a Zoo, A
Dog’s Way Home, and Fantastic Mr. Fox.
43
You’ve Got a
Friend
This program provides a weekly phone call to
individuals who live alone or need someone to check
in on them. New friends are made, and great
conversations are enjoyed.
2
Beach Trip
On August 14, seniors enjoyed the yearly sold-out
beach trip to Picnic Beach in Laguna. This excursion
included transportation, pastries and coffee, snacks,
lunch, fruit, refreshments, board games, raffle prizes,
and time to walk on the beach.
108
Bunco
On August 8, participants signed up for the popular
Bunco program. The theme was 80s Bunco and
included a light lunch, refreshments, dessert, and
prizes.
25
Afternoon at
the Movies
This new program invites seniors to learn all about
iconic movies. The movie topic on August 22, was
about the 1964 movie masterpiece Goldfinger
presented by film historian Theo Siegel.
13
Sewing
Techniques
This new class is being presented by Pasadena City
College starting August 26 through December 9,
2025, from 1:00 p.m. to 4:20 p.m. Participants will
learn all about patterns, sewing techniques, and craft
projects.
28
Bingo
On August 29, participants enjoyed the popular
Bingo program with an Around the World theme.
Bingo includes lunch, refreshments, dessert, and
prizes.
58
Arcadia
Travelers Club
Support services include registering members for
trips, signing up new members, and managing the
club’s correspondence. A monthly club meeting is
held at the Community Center to discuss information
on trips.
Meeting: 70
Passes Sold: 74
Passengers: 80
Total: 224
Cumulative total for senior services 4,738
Connection Total number of monthly newsletters distributed
this month. 1,300
RECREATION SERVICES DIVISION
The Recreation Services Division is responsible for providing programs and activities which
meet the recreational needs of the community. A diverse selection of programs is offered
for youth, adults, and families to provide the opportunity for positive recreation experiences
and to promote health and wellness. A brief description and attendance totals for the
programs and services is listed below.
PROGRAM DESCRIPTION ATTENDANCE
Adult
Basketball
The Adult basketball league has 28 teams each season.
The league takes place at the Dana Gym on Sundays
from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. The summer league started
July 13, 2025, and will run through September 21, 2025.
807
Co-Ed
Youth
Basketball
The Summer Co-Ed Youth Basketball League takes place
from June 23 to August 9. There are two divisions,
Division B for grades fifth and sixth and Division C for
grades third and fourth. This is an internal league with
four teams per division. Games are played on
Saturdays.
Div B 130
Div C 142
Total 272
Afterschool
Program
The Afterschool Playground Program is a free drop-in
program for youth in grades K-5. The program operates
Monday through Friday from school dismissal to 4:30
p.m. The program runs from August 18, 2025, through
May 29, 2026. Six elementary school playgrounds
provide a variety of activities including board games,
crafts, and outdoor games to keep participants safely
engaged and entertained.
BS 414
CG 468
HO 626
HA 336
HR 461
LW 256
Total 2,561
Kid’s Night
Out
On Friday, August 8, 36 children attended Kid’s Night
Out. The theme of the evening was Treasure Adventure.
The night consisted of themed activities including a fun
game of musical islands and watching Peter Pan.
36
Summer
Sports
Camp
Sports Camp is offered for four consecutive weeks, July
14 through August 8. Children 5-12 years old participate
in a variety of sport activities including basketball,
soccer, volleyball, swimming, and more. The final week
of camp included having lunch at the park and going to
the movies.
SC WK4 452
Volunteen
Program
The Volunteen Program provides teens, ages 13-16,
with valuable volunteer experiences to help prepare
them for college and future jobs. During the month of
August, a total of 52 hours were completed by 16
Volunteens.
16 Volunteens
52 hours
City-Wide
Health
Education
Series
On Wednesday, August 27, 17 individuals attended the
City-Wide Health Education Series seminar on “Update
on Lung Cancer: Screening and Diagnosis” presented by
Mark Feng, MD.
17
Community
Center
Classes
Examples of classes offered at this location include
exercise classes, karate, cooking, chess, table tennis,
yoga, lip reading, painting, and line dancing.
1,072
Dana Gym
Classes
Examples of classes offered at this location include
exercise classes, youth basketball classes, pickleball,
volleyball, and badminton.
355
MEC
Classes
Examples of classes offered at this location include
guzheng, karate, tai chi, and line dancing. 90
Off-Site &
Virtual
Classes
Examples of classes offered off-site or virtually include
tennis, art, exercise, music, and more. 612
Community
Center
Rentals
The facility is available for rent to Arcadia civic and non-
profit organizations for activities and programs. 2,160
Cumulative total for recreation classes and youth programs 8,450
TOTAL for Recreation and Senior Services 13,188
COMMUNITY CENTER RENTALS
DATE ORGANIZATION PARTICIPANTS FEES
August 1, 2025 Arcadia Chinese Association 150 $300
August 2, 2025 Arcadia Happy Dancers 150 $250
August 3, 2025 The Well SGV 250 $530
August 16, 2025 Firefighter Candidate Testing
Center (FCTC) 250 $1,720
August 16, 2025 The Well SGV 60 $140
August 17, 2025 The Well SGV 250 $530
August 23,2025 Western Division Train
Collectors Association 150 $250
August 23, 2025 Los Angeles Taishan Sports
Association 150 $250
August 24, 2025 The Well SGV 250 $530
August 30, 2025 Arcadia Riptides Swim Club 250 $1,204
August 31, 2025 The Well SGV 250 $530
Total 2160 6,234