HomeMy WebLinkAboutRP Agenda: 01/14/2026
RECREATION AND PARKS COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING AGENDA
Wednesday, January 14, 2026, 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 November 12, 2025
Recommended action: Approve
b. Special Meeting Minutes of December 1, 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. Monthly Report
II. Discussion of Future Park Projects
ADJOURNMENT
The Recreation and Parks Commission will adjourn this meeting to February 11, 2026, 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, NOVEMBER 12, 2025
RECREATION AND PARKS COMMISSION REGULAR MEETING
CALL TO ORDER – Chairperson Mediana called the meeting to order at 6:01 p.m.
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE – Vice-Chairperson Ayala
ROLL CALL OF COMMISSIONERS
PRESENT: Ayala, Cheung, Goldsby, Mediana, and Vanni
SUPPLEMENTAL INFORMATION FROM STAFF REGARDING AGENDA ITEMS
1. PUBLIC COMMENTS
REPORTS FROM RECREATION AND PARKS COMMISSIONERS
Chairperson Mediana - No Report
Vice-Chairperson Ayala reported he has been enjoying Newcastle Park and utilizing the new
Pickleball courts. Vice-Chairperson Ayala reported the lights at Newcastle Park have been
coming on late in the evening. Director Recreation Community Services Department (DRCSD)
Sara Somogyi informed the Commission the lighting issue is being addressed but any
concerns or issues can be emailed directly to her.
Commissioner Cheung thanked DRCSD Somogyi and staff for the prompt and efficient
response given to email correspondence.
Commissioner Goldsby reported he is looking forward to the Breakfast with Santa and Snow
Festival Event on December 6. Commissioner Goldsby thanked staff for the well-organized
informational Future Park Projects binder that was given at the previous meeting.
Commissioner Vanni complimented the effort, organization, and information that was put
into the Future Park Projects binder.
REPORT FROM CITY COUNCIL MEMBER LIAISON
Mayor Kwan reported she attended the Grand Re-Opening of Newcastle Park. Mayor Kwan
reported she enjoyed talking with residents and celebrating the new facility with the
community. Mayor Kwan reported the Butterfly Garden is a lovely, unique addition included
in the park. Mayor Kwan thanked the Recreation and Parks Commission for all they do for
the community.
CONSENT CALENDAR
a. Approve the Regular Meeting Minutes of October 8, 2025.
It was moved by Commissioner Cheung, seconded by Commissioner Vanni, and
unanimously carried on roll call vote to approve consent calendar 2.a.
2. REGULAR ITEMS
a. Report from Public Works Services Department
I. Project Updates
Deputy Director Public Works Services Department (DDPWSD) Carmen Masud reported the
November 1st Community Clean-up Day at the Arcadia Transit Plaza went well and had a
good turnout. DDPWSD Masud reported that the City has applied for a Grant for funding
reimbursement for geological assessments needed to begin the early stages of cleaning
debris from Wilderness Park.
b. Report from Recreation and Community Services Department
I. Monthly Report
DRCSD Somogyi requested the monthly report be received and filed. The Commissioners
agreed to receive and file the report without further discussion.
II. Discussion of Future Park Projects
DRCS Somogyi and the Commissioners had an open format conversation regarding City
parks and potential projects that may be of highest interest. After discussing many
possibilities, it was unanimously decided by the Commissioners to schedule a Special
Commission Meeting on December 1, 2025, to tour several parks. The tour will give the
Commission a visual assessment of the facilities to help in prioritizing potential future park
projects to present for consideration.
ADJOURNMENT
Chairperson Mediana adjourned the meeting at 6:51 p.m. to December 1, 2025, at 11 a.m. in
the Recreation and Community Services Department Conference Room, at 375 Campus
Drive, Arcadia.
_________________________ _____________________________
Sonny Mediana Sara Somogyi
Chairperson Secretary
RECREATION AND PARKS COMMISSION
SPECIAL MEETING MINUTES
MONDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2025
CALL TO ORDER – Vice-Chairperson Ayala called the meeting to order at 11:05 a.m.
PRESENT: Ayala, Cheung, Goldsby, and Vanni
PUBLIC COMMENTS - None
On Monday, December 1, 2025, the Recreation and Parks Commission met for a Special
Meeting. After calling the meeting to order the Commissioners boarded a van to tour ten
park facilities in the City of Arcadia for a visual assessment of the facilities. The purpose of
the tour was to physically see the facilities and discuss potential park projects that may be
presented for consideration in the future.
The tour included, in order, Fairview Park, Tripolis Park, Hugo Reid Park, Forrest Avenue Park,
Eisenhower Dog Park, Bonita Skate Park, Camino Grove Park, Bicentennial Park, Tierra Verde
Park, and Arcadia County Park. The attendees stopped at each facility to walk around and
assess potential projects. Ideas discussed included, additional dog parks, upgrades to play
areas, fencing around facilities, and the possible addition of restrooms at some of the
facilities.
ADJOURNMENT
Vice-Chairperson Ayala adjourned the meeting at 1:00 p.m. to December 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
RECREATION AND
COMMUNITY SERVICES
STAFF REPORT
DATE: January 14, 2026
TO: Honorable Chairperson and Members of the Recreation and Parks
Commission
FROM: Sara Somogyi, Director of Recreation and Community Services
SUBJECT: Programs & Activities – December 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. 201
Bridge Bridge is available on Wednesdays from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00
p.m. and Fridays 12:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. 140
Exercise
Classes
Exercise plays a vital role in a senior’s health and
contributes to bone density, increased muscle strength,
flexibility, and can reduce stress.
1,152
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 topics of personal interest.
24
Fit & Talk
Fit & Talk meets on Thursdays at 10:00 a.m. for easy 30-
minute workouts. This month participants enjoyed Senior
Olympics, a walk to and from Arcadia County Park, and
Chair Pilates.
25
Gift Shop
The Community Center Gift Shop sells jewelry, hand crafted
items, blankets, and other unique items made by senior
crafters.
Shoppers: 213
Revenue: $981
Information &
Referral
Intakes
The Information & Referral program assists seniors finding
resources that address their issues or living concerns. 45
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.
30
Legal
Assistance
A representative from the Neighborhood Legal Services of
Los Angeles Organization (NLSLA) is available each month
to provide seniors with a free 30-minute consultation.
Appointments are required.
3
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.
104
Monday
Dance
Monday dance is held the first, third, and fifth Monday of
each month. Seniors can show off their dance skills and
meet new dancers. Live bands play a variety of music to
dance to.
203
Monthly
Bus Pass
Dial-A-Ride bus passes are sold for $5 per month. Bus
Passes can also be mailed to customers. 21
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.
30
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 773
Average Meals 40
Senior Cinema
Free movies are shown on Tuesday’s at 12:30 p.m.
December movies were Love Hard, All Throughout the House,
Genie, Elf, Die Hard, and Miracle on 34th Street.
37
Senior
Seminars
Free information seminars are available each month for
seniors to attend. December’s seminar topic was Combating
Holiday Blues.
13
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.
91
Table
Tennis
Table Tennis is available Monday-Friday, from 8:00 a.m. to
4:00 p.m. with equipment provided. 123
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.
3
Volunteer
Holiday Brunch
Volunteers were invited to a Holiday Brunch where they
were celebrated and thanked for their hard work and
dedication throughout the year. Everyone enjoyed a nice
meal, a holiday goodie bag, and live entertainment.
50
Senior Holiday
Brunch
On December 19, 153 seniors attended the Holiday Brunch
event. The event included photos with Santa, brunch,
Maestro Carolers, and a chance to win holiday raffie prizes.
153
Taste the Town
Each month participants meet at a different restaurant in
Arcadia to have lunch and socialize. In December
participants had lunch at Mama Lu’s Dumpling House.
21
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: 65
Passes Sold: 70
Passengers: 92
Total: 227
Cumulative total for senior services 3,682
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 this season. The
league takes place at the Dana Gym on Sundays from 8:00
a.m. to 10:00 p.m. The winter league started December 14,
2025, and will run through March 8, 2026.
580
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 646
CG 789
HO 929
HA 624
HR 688
LW 418
Total 4,094
Tree
Lighting
On Thursday, December 4, approximately 225 people
attended the Tree Lighting Ceremony at the Arcadia Transit
Plaza. The guest of honor, Santa, helped light the holiday tree
while guests enjoyed carolers, face painting, crafts, hot
chocolate, and a reading of Night Before Christmas from Santa.
As a special treat, attendees were treated to “falling snow ”,
made of bubble foam.
225
Breakfast
with Santa
On Saturday, December 6, 330 individuals attended the sold-
out Breakfast with Santa event. Participants were divided
between the 8:30am and 10:30am seating and enjoyed crafts,
games, a hot chocolate bar, cookie bar, and a photo
opportunity with Santa.
330
Snow
Festival
On Saturday, December 6, approximately 1,000 people
attended the free Snow Festival event at the Arcadia
Community Center. Guests enjoyed snow sledding, face
painting, games, crafts, jumpers, and more.
1,000
Kid’s Night
Out
On Friday, December 12, Recreation staff hosted Kids Night
Out–Winter Wonderland. This month, 48 participants enjoyed
holiday crafts, making marshmallow snowmen, and playing
winter themed games. For dinner, they had pizza, cookies, and
hot chocolate. The night concluded with a viewing of the
movie, The Polar Express.
48
Youth
Basketball
Jr Clippers
Clinic
On Saturday, December 13, Youth Basketball participated in
the annual Jr Clippers Clinic in preparation for the Winter
League beginning January 5. Participants had a great
opportunity to build new skills, learn from professional-level
coaches, and bond with future team members.
100
Winter
Camp
Winter Camp took place December 22, 23, & 26 and December
29, 30, & Jan 2, 2026, from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Participants enjoyed
cool outdoor games, fun winter-themed crafts including
gingerbread house making, pizza parties and more.
Volunteens visited camp to present on how flowers impact our
environment and lead participants in a flower making craft.
319
Letters to
Santa
Every year children get to send letters to Santa with their
holiday wishes. Letters arrive at the Recreation and
Community Center Offlces where staff get to assist in getting
them to Santa. This year 458 letters were received and Santa’s
Elves helped Santa respond to each one with a personalized
letter mailed back to each child.
458
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 December, a
total of 221 hours were completed by 14 Volunteens.
14 Volunteens
221 hours
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.
381
Dana Gym
Classes
Examples of classes offered at this location include exercise
classes, youth basketball classes, pickleball, volleyball, and
badminton.
291
MEC
Classes
Examples of classes offered at this location include guzheng,
karate, tai chi, and line dancing. 58
Off-Site &
Virtual
Classes
Examples of classes offered off-site or virtually include tennis,
art, exercise, music, and more. 269
Community
Center
Rentals
The facility is available for rent to Arcadia civic and non-profit
organizations for activities and programs. 1,200
Cumulative Total for Recreation Classes and Youth Programs 9,367
Total for RECREATION AND COMMUNITY SERVICES 13,049
COMMUNITY CENTER RENTALS
DATE ORGANIZATION PARTICIPANTS FEES
December 7, 2025 Pasadena-San Gabriel Valley
Bridge 150 $1,204
December 14, 2025 The Well SGV 250 $530
December 20, 2025 Train Collector’s Association
Western Division 150 $250
December 21, 2025 The Well SGV 250 $530
December 24, 2025 The Well SGV 150 $250
December 28, 2025 The Well SGV 250 $530
Total 1200 $3,294