TO: HONORABLE CHAIR AND COMMISSIONERS OF THE PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
FROM: Lea Kolek, Parks and Community Service Manager
PREPARED BY: Roseann Otis, Office Assistant II - Parks & Recreation
SUBJECT:
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Recreation, Activities, and Events Report
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RECOMMENDATION
recommendation
Receive and file.
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PRIOR ACTION/VOTE
None.
CITY COUNCIL GOAL
Coordinate and deliver responsive, effective community services.
BACKGROUND
Special Events
September 11 Ceremony
On Thursday, September 11, 2025, the City of Murrieta held a 9/11 Tribute to honor and remember those whose lives were impacted by the events that took place on September 11, 2001. The ceremony was held at Town Square Park, adjacent to the 9/11 Memorial. Speeches were given by Mayor Cindy Warren, Police Chief Matt Henry, and Fire Division Chief Dave Perez. Attendees reflected on the events of that day in 2001 and remembered the strength and unity that followed.
Murrieta Rod Run
A City of Murrieta signature event, the Murrieta Rod Run took place October 10-11, 2025 in Downtown Murrieta. The fun kicked off Friday, October 10, for Cruise Night from 4 PM to 8 PM, and continued Saturday, October 11 from 9 AM to 3 PM for the Show & Shine! Residents and visitors enjoyed cars, great food, vendors, and family fun at this beloved community tradition. 480 cars showed up to be judged, and 63 trophies were won!
MORE THAN PINK Walk
Another City signature event, the 2025 Komen Inland Empire MORE THAN PINK Walk was back for its 8th year! Hundreds of participants joined in for the Susan G. Komen walk on Sunday, October 12 at Town Square Park. They walked, laughed, cried, and celebrated together in the fight for a world without cancer.
Halloween Home Decorating Contest
A Halloween Home Decorating Contest was hosted by the Community Services Department. Thirty-nine (39) residents entered their themed homes to be judged. Categories include Scariest, Best Theme, Most Original, Most Family Friendly, People’s Choice and City’s Choice. A map of the homes went out on October 15. Voting took place October 15 through October 22, and the winners were announced October 24.
Dark in the Park
On Friday, October 24 from 5:30 PM to 8 PM at Town Square Park, the Community Services Department hosted a big fun Dark in the Park party! Dark in the Park is in conjunction with Murrieta PD’s Trunk or Treat and includes a laser light show and concert featuring Those Guys. This free and family-friendly event was a perfect way to celebrate Halloween a little early. Costumes were encouraged, but not required
Upcoming Events
o November 11 - Veterans Day Parade
o December 2 - Sensory Santa
o December 2-4 & 8-11 - Santa Stops
o December 6 - Donuts with Santa
o December 6 - Festival of Trees and Tree Lighting
Senior Center
• On Wednesday, September 3, the Senior Center held a 20th Anniversary Ribbon Cutting event. There were roughly 75 people in attendance for the ribbon cutting which included dignitaries such as Supervisor Chuck Washington, Assembly Member Kate Sanchez, Assembly Member Kelly Seyarto, City Council Members Ron Holliday, Jon Levell, Lori Stone, Mayor Cindy Warren, as well as members from the Murrieta/Wildomar Chamber of Commerce. After the ceremony and speeches from the dignitaries everyone enjoyed donuts and coffee.
• After the Ribbon Cutting ceremony, the Senior Center hosted a Sock Hop for the seniors. There were approximately 130 seniors in attendance. Each senior received a free 20-year anniversary drinking cup. Staff cooked hamburgers and had a dirty soda drink station where the seniors could pick between 3 different flavors. The Ukulele class performed 50’s songs during the event.
• On Wednesday, September 17, the Senior Center held a surprise potluck for one of our seniors’ 100th birthday! Over 100 seniors were in attendance to party and help celebrate this amazing milestone.
• On Tuesday, September 23, Feeding America set up a mobile food pantry in the Senior Center parking lot. Feeding America will provide one box of food to any household regardless of income. In the month of September, Feeding America distributed a total of 308 boxes to those in need.
• On Wednesday, September 24, the Senior Center held a Health & Resource fair with 14 vendors in attendance. Over 75 seniors participated in the passport drawing. The seniors had to visit each table, once the seniors visited each table and collected a stamp, they could turn the passport in for an opportunity to win a prize that was provided by the vendors.
• On Wednesday, October 8, Royal Benefits Insurance held a free seminar about what’s new for Medicare in 2026. Sixteen seniors attended this seminar.
• On Monday, October 20, Home Instead hosted a free craft for the seniors. Eighteen seniors signed up to participate in making a creative sweater pumpkin craft.
• On Tuesday, October 21, MB Law hosted a free seminar on Wills, Trusts, and Estate Planning. There were 12 seniors in attendance at this seminar.
• On Wednesday, October 22, the Senior Center held its monthly Chair Volleyball class with 15 seniors participating. Chair Volleyball is a form of volleyball where seniors stay seated in chairs and play volleyball with a beach ball. After chair volleyball, the Senior Center had its monthly Golden Game Day where 18 seniors competed against staff and other sponsors. This month’s session was sponsored by Chick-Fil-A who generously donated 65 chicken sandwiches to the Senior Center during lunchtime. They also had some staff members come by and play games with the seniors.
• On Wednesday, October 29, the Senior Center hosted a Halloween Party. Over 70 seniors attended this event. The seniors enjoyed sweet treats and punch during the event. Other activities included: a costume contest, a performance of Halloween themed songs by our Ukulele class, and BINGO for prizes that were generously provided by HCAG Insurance Agency.
Youth Center
• Leadership: The Youth Center is led by Supervisor Victor Patino, Sr. Coordinator Ashley Velardes, and Coordinator Emily Orr, supported by an average of five Recreation Leaders each day.
• Enrollment: 2025/2026 276 youth enrolled. The Youth Center is averaging 125 daily check-ins.
• Annual Fee: $32.20 for the 2025/2026 school year.
• Before-School Program: New expanded hours 7 AM to 8 AM (included with registration), averaging 30 participants daily.
• Community Rentals: Promoting daytime rental opportunities for local charter schools (7 AM to 2 PM) for meetings and testing.
• Fall Clubs:
o Karaoke & Scrapbooking - Isabel
o Hip Hop & Paint and Treat - Kailin
o Sports Recap (Fantasy Football) - Nolan
o Board Game Club - Hannah
o Zen Den (Wellness & Self-Care) - Kassie
o Studio Ghibli Films - Lycely
o Mario Kart & Dodgeball Tournaments - Jack
o Lego Club - Leo
• October Activities: Halloween Party October 30 and Halloween Costume Contest October 31
• Upgraded Computer Lab: The Murrieta Youth Center received a $9,003 California Advanced Services Fund Grant from the Public Utilities Commission. The funding allowed us to enhance the computer lab by adding eight new gaming PCs, improving technological access and engagement for youth participants
Youth Advisory Committee (YAC)
• Lead staff: Recreation Coordinator Emily Orr
• Recruitment has concluded for 9th-12th graders.
• Applications/interviews have concluded. Staff interviewed seven applicants and expected seven.
• All applicants will participate in a thorough interview process to gauge their level of commitment and availability for active participation.
• Selected members will begin planning community events for the school year.
• Restructure Plan: This year, YAC will be restructured to encourage greater youth involvement and leadership development. The new format will focus on giving members more ownership in planning, decision-making, and representing the voices of their peers at the Youth Center and in the community.
• First official meeting was conducted on Tuesday, October 7. Next meeting will be Tuesday, November 4, staff will be electing official positions.
• The first community event to attend and volunteer at is Dark in the Park on Friday, October 24.
Recreation Classes
• In September, 490 participants attended classes.
• In October, 279 participants registered for classes.
Alternative Recreation Program (ARP)
• On September 12, 64 members participated in an “Animal Kingdom” event. LLL Reptiles were in attendance. Participants were able to hold lizards, snakes, and view spiders, scorpions, and other types of reptiles. There was a DJ for music and dancing, an animal game where participants were given clues and had to guess the animal. Drinks and snacks were provided.
• On September 26, 56 participants went to Mulligan Family Fun Center. Participants met at Mulligan Family Fun Center and were able to go on the Go Karts, Laser tag, and more. Arcade games and food/drinks were not provided.
• On October 10, 56 members participated in a “Fall Carnival” event. Participants played carnival games (ex. goldfish, clown ball darts, ring toss, knock down the cans, etc.) and won prizes or candy.
• On October 24, 25 members attended a “Graveyard Rave” party. At this event, the participants wore costumes and joined in the costume contest. There were also some haunted rooms, DJ, dancing, and goodie bags. Drinks and snacks were provided.
Youth Alternative Recreation Program (Youth ARP)
• This inclusive program serves children ages 5-12 with intellectual and developmental disabilities, focusing on inclusion, socialization, and peer engagement through themed activities, crafts, and games.
• September and October events were canceled due to low attendance.
• Next Event: Friday, November 14
• Participation Fee: $3 per child
Little Learners Dual Language Program
• An inclusive program for ages 3-5, providing early academic foundations in English and Spanish at the Copper Canyon Facility.
• Program Started: July 2025 with eight participants
• Schedule: Monthly | Tuesday to Thursday, 9 AM to 12 PM.
• Cost per Participant: $208.60
• September Enrollment: Nine participants
• October Enrollment: Ten participants
Adult Sports
• Due to low registration numbers, all adult sports leagues have been canceled. Staff are developing a revised tournament-based model to reintroduce adult sports programming.
Allocations
• All league allocation reviews are to be completed by mid-December
Aquatics
• The aquatics season concluded on Sunday, September 28.
FISCAL IMPACT
None.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Recreation, Activities, and Events Report Pictures and Flyers