TO: HONORABLE CHAIR AND COMMISSIONERS OF THE PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
FROM: Melvin Racelis, Acting Parks and Community Service Manager
PREPARED BY: Roseann Otis, Administrative Assistant - Parks & Recreation
SUBJECT:
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Parks and Recreation Division Updates
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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
• Leadership: Special Events are led by Special Events Supervisor Laura Frasso and Sr. Special Events Coordinator Nadine Kotob
Upcoming Events
|
Event |
Date & Time |
Location |
|
9/11 Ceremony |
September 11, 6:00PM |
Town Square Park |
|
State of the City |
September 30, 5:30PM |
Town Square Park |
|
Murrieta Rod Run |
October 9-10 |
Downtown |
|
Dark in the Park / Trunk or Treat |
October 23, 5:30PM |
Town Square Park |
|
Veterans Day Parade |
November 11, 10:00AM |
Downtown to Town Square Park |
|
Donuts with Santa & Tree Lighting |
December 5, 9AM & 5PM |
Town Square Park |
• For the 2026 Concert in the Park season, the City offered residents twice the concerts by extending the series through July and August and doubling the amount of concerts from 4 to 8!
• The Community Services Department celebrated Parks and Recreation Month during the month of July at the Concerts in the Park by offering crafts and spinning wheel/giveaways at each concert.
• On August 8, prior to the concert, the City held a Military Banner Retirement ceremony, presided by Mayor Levell. Many families were recognized and given their keepsake banner that was previously displayed on Washington Ave. (photo attached)
• During the last three Concerts in August (8/15, 8/22 and 8/29) staff teamed up with 8 Bit Brewing to offer a beer garden to the concert attendees who were over 21. In doing this, the City also entered into a profit share with 8 Bit Brewing by receiving $1 per beer sold.
• The most well attended Concerts in the Park were the July 18 Blink 182/Killers tribute and on August 15 with the band Cheez Whiz. There was an estimated 3500-4000 attendees at each concert. (drone photo attached from 8/15 Cheez Whiz concert also showing the beer garden on the right side)
Senior Center
• Leadership: The Senior Center is led by Senior Recreation Supervisor Victor Patino, Recreation Supervisor Joseph Baker, Recreation Coordinator - Vacant
July:
• On Wednesday, July 1, the Office on Aging hosted an information booth in the Senior Center lobby, providing seniors with valuable resources and information about programs and services that promote senior wellness.
• On Tuesday, July 7, the Vet Center presented an informative talk on VA Homecare and other assistance benefits available to veterans.
• On Wednesday, July 8, staff hosted the annual Summertime BBQ, with more than 70 seniors in attendance. Staff served hamburgers with Lay’s potato chips, potato salad, and root beer floats. Following lunch, participants enjoyed a variety of outdoor games, including cornhole, Jenga, and Connect 4. The event concluded with summer-themed raffle prizes.
• On Thursday, July 9, Merrill Lynch presented a free Financial Exploitation workshop focused on identifying current scams and learning ways to protect against financial fraud. More than 20 seniors attended the presentation.
• The bi-monthly Grief Support Workshops were held on Thursday, July 9, and Thursday, July 16. These workshops provide individuals coping with loss with a safe and supportive environment to share their experiences, connect with others, and access helpful resources.
• On Friday, July 10, we held our monthly Parkinson’s Caregiver Support Group, offering caregivers a welcoming environment to share experiences, resources, and encouragement while navigating the challenges of caring for someone with Parkinson’s disease.
• On Tuesday, July 14, we hosted our monthly Senior Movie Day, featuring Star Wars: Return of the Jedi. Fifteen seniors attended and enjoyed popcorn and punch while watching the film.
• HICAP (Health Insurance Counseling & Advocacy Program) met individually with three seniors on Tuesday, July 14. HICAP provides free, unbiased Medicare counseling and educational assistance to help seniors better understand their healthcare options.
• On Wednesday, July 15, we hosted a Computer Class focused on Microsoft Word and its basic features. Six seniors participated and received hands-on instruction to improve their familiarity with the program.
• Also on Wednesday, July 22, we hosted our popular Chair Volleyball program. This modified version of volleyball allows participants to remain seated while playing with a beach ball. Twelve seniors participated in the activity.
• On Friday, July 24, we celebrated Senior Recreation Supervisor Jeri Shuler’s retirement with a special gathering attended by more than 75 seniors. Participants came together to celebrate Jeri’s contributions and wish her a heartfelt farewell as she began her retirement.
August:
• On Monday, August 3, Royal Benefits Insurance Services sponsored a free craft activity where participants painted plaster flower magnets to take home as keepsakes. More than 20 seniors participated in the activity.
• On Wednesday, August 5, we hosted our monthly Bunco game, bringing together 28 participants for an afternoon of friendly competition and socialization.
• On Monday, August 10, we held our monthly Hand Embroidery Class, with five seniors participating and learning various embroidery techniques in a relaxed, creative setting.
• On Tuesday, August 11, we hosted our monthly Senior Movie Day, featuring Star Trek. Twelve seniors attended and enjoyed popcorn and punch while watching the film.
• HICAP also met with two seniors on Tuesday, August 11, for individual counseling sessions. The program provides free, unbiased Medicare guidance and educational support to help seniors make informed healthcare decisions.
• On Wednesday, August 12, we hosted a Computer Class focused on Artificial Intelligence (AI). The class introduced seniors to AI and explored practical ways to utilize its features in everyday life. Six seniors participated.
• The bi-monthly Grief Support Workshops were held on Thursday, August 13, and Thursday, August 27. The workshops continue to provide a supportive space for seniors coping with loss to connect with others, share experiences, and receive encouragement.
• Hall Insurance Services returned for additional Tech Table sessions on Monday, August 17, and Thursday, August 20. A total of 12 seniors received individualized assistance with their electronic devices and technology-related questions.
• On Wednesday, August 26, we hosted our End-of-Summer Luau, bringing seniors together for an afternoon of food, entertainment, and celebration. Our Ukulele class provided live entertainment, while Kona Ice generously donated free shaved ice to attendees. The event concluded with a selection of raffle prizes.
• On Thursday, August 27, HCAG Insurance hosted another educational Doctor Talk, this time focusing on polypharmacy and the importance of regularly reviewing medications, particularly for individuals taking five or more medications. Twenty-five seniors attended the presentation.
Youth Center
• Leadership: The Youth Center is led by Recreation Supervisor Ashley Velardes, Sr. Recreation Coordinator - Vacant, Recreation Coordinator Emily Orr, and are supported by an average of five Recreation Leaders each day.
• Enrollment: 2026/2027 - 212 youth enrolled. We are averaging 120 daily check-ins.
• Annual Fee: $32.20 for the 2026/2027 school year.
• Before-School Program: expanded hours 7:00 a.m. - 8:45 a.m. (included with registration), averaging 30 participants daily.
• Community Rentals: Promoting daytime rental opportunities for local charter schools (7:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.) for meetings and testing.
Summer Day Camp program
• We had a very successful Summer Day Camp program, providing eight weeks of fun, adventure, and engaging activities for youth ages 5-12. Participation remained consistently strong throughout the summer, with several age groups maintaining waitlists and enrollment increasing during the later weeks of the program.
• Over the eight-week program, we recorded 680 total weekly enrollments, averaging approximately 85 participants per week.
• Weekly Participation:
o Week 1 - 79 participants
o Week 2 - 79 participants
o Week 3 - 80 participants
o Week 4 - 79 participants
o Week 5 - 82 participants
o Week 6 - 97 participants
o Week 7 - 99 participants
o Week 8 - 85 participants
• The program reached its highest participation during Week 7 with 99 campers. Waitlists across multiple age groups throughout the summer also demonstrated the continued demand for affordable and engaging summer programming for our community’s youth.
• Overall, the eight-week Summer Day Camp was a great success, providing hundreds of youth experiences with opportunities to stay active, socialize, make new friends, and enjoy a fun and memorable summer.
Youth Advisory Committee (YAC)
• Lead staff: Recreation Coordinator Emily Orr.
• Purpose: YAC members are required to attend monthly meetings that include leadership skills training, social gatherings, and youth event planning. The YAC is responsible for offering numerous events throughout the year geared to their peers.
• Recruitment: We currently have 3 applications.
• Task: Attending the Parks and Recreation Commission meetings, the Youth Representative provides a brief update on Youth Advisory Committee (YAC) activities, along with information on volunteer community service hours completed through Youth Center programs and special events.
• Volunteer: YAC next volunteer opportunity is for city’s Trunk or Treat special event on October 23.
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.
• We are currently assessing the needs of the program due to low registration. Enrollment has been impacted by free programs being offered through the Murrieta Valley Unified School District.
Recreation Classes
• Lead staff: Recreation Coordinator Michelle Hamilton
o July: A total of 720 participants attended classes.
o August: There were 752 registered participants.
Alternative Recreation Program (ARP)
• Lead staff: Recreation Coordinator Michelle Hamilton
o On July 10, ARP Social Lounge had an “Fairytale Masquerade Night” event with 41 participants registered. Participants made masquerade masks, the DJ played music, and participants were able to dance if they liked. Drinks and snacks were provided.
o On July 24, ARP Social Lounge had a “Game Show Night” event with 34 participants registered. They played Deal or No Deal, and the Price is Right games. No prizes were given out, but the participants were able to Spin the Wheel and win a prize. Drinks and snacks were provided.
o On August 14, ARP Social Lounge had a “Sports Spirit Night” event with 50 participants registered. Participants played beach ball volleyball and basketball and made a sports ball suncatcher. Later in the night, participants had the opportunity to dance. Drinks and snacks were provided.
Adult Sports
• We currently have a full Wednesday Coed Adult Softball League, consisting of 6 teams with an average of 15 players per team. All games are played at California Oaks Sports Park, with game times scheduled for 6:30 p.m., 7:45 p.m., and 9:00 p.m.
Allocations
• All Fall league allocation reviews are to be completed by late August.
• We currently have 8 recognized youth sports leagues utilizing City and school district athletic facilities:
o Soccer (2): Murrieta Youth Soccer League (MYSL) and AYSO Region 1463
o Baseball (2): Murrieta National Little League (MNLL) and Murrieta Valley Pony Baseball (MVPB)
o Football (2): Murrieta Pylon 2 Pylon (Flag Football) and Murrieta Valley Pop Warner
o Softball (1): Murrieta Valley Girls Softball Association (MVGSA)
o Basketball (1): Murrieta Valley Youth Basketball League
• Collectively, these recognized leagues utilize a combination of 12 City parks/sports parks and 10 school sites throughout Murrieta.
• Access to school athletic facilities is provided through the City's Joint Field Use Agreement with the Murrieta Valley Unified School District, allowing the City and its recognized leagues to maximize available field space and accommodate youth sports programming throughout the community.
Aquatics
• Summer 2026 Season is as follows:
o Saturday, June 6, through Sunday, August 9. Regular Schedule: Saturday to Tuesday, 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
o Modified Schedule: Weekends only, from Monday, August 15, to Sunday, September 27.
• 2026 Season Summary - Vista Murrieta High School Overview
o Following the closure of the California Oaks Sports Park Pool, the City of Murrieta successfully transitioned its summer aquatics programs to Vista Murrieta High School through a continued partnership with the Murrieta Valley Unified School District.
o Programming ran from June 6 to September 27, 2026, Saturday-Tuesday offering swim lessons, public swim, lap swim, and water exercise opportunities for residents of all ages. Lifeguard and instructor services were provided by Swan Aquatics under the City’s vendor agreement.
o Admission rates ranged from $1 to $5 per entry. Punch passes were sold at $20 for residents and $40 for non-residents
FISCAL IMPACT
None
ATTACHMENTS
1. Special Events and Recreation Pictures
2. Special Events Flyers
3. Ranger Reports - June & July 2026