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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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
• Every Saturday from July 11 to August 29 the City of Murrieta will host a free Concert in the Park at Town Square Park Amphitheater from 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
• On Monday, May 25, staff held the Annual Memorial Day Ceremony, honoring the men and women of the armed forces who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to our country. Attendees heard remarks from Mayor Jon Levell, keynote speaker Sergeant Major Gerald Saunders Jr., Retired U.S. Marine Corps, and had the opportunity to walk through the Rotary Club of Murrieta’s Fallen Hero Display.
• On Saturday, June 20, the City of Murrieta hosted the 55th Annual Father’s Day Car Show, where thousands of attendees enjoyed the annual community tradition. The event featured 360 registered cars, more than 40 food and business vendors, live music, and over 40 awards, with the Best in Show awarded to a 1935 Ford Roadster.
• On Saturday, June 27, the City of Murrieta hosted the 35th Annual Birthday Bash. This beloved community celebration brought thousands of attendees to Cal Oaks Sports Park and featured 75 food and business vendors, live music, family friendly activities and attractions for kids, and a spectacular fireworks show.
Senior Center
• On Friday, May 8, and Friday, June 12, we held our monthly Parkinson’s Caregiver Support Group. This group provides caregivers of Parkinson’s patients with a safe and supportive environment to share resources, experiences, and encouragement.
• HICAP (Health Insurance Counseling & Advocacy Program) met with three seniors on Tuesday, May 12, and Tuesday, June 9, for one-on-one counseling sessions. HICAP offers free, unbiased Medicare counseling and educational support.
• Wednesday, May 13, we hosted our annual Ladies Tea Party, where 65 ladies enjoyed an afternoon of tea, pastries, and sandwiches. Murrieta Rotary generously provided servers and sandwiches for the event.
• Hall Insurance Services hosted free Tech Table sessions on Monday, May 18, and Thursday, May 21, assisting 12 seniors with questions about their electronic devices and helping them become more comfortable with technology.
• On Wednesday, May 20, we held a computer class for six seniors focused on using YouTube to search for helpful videos and guides.
• On May 26 and June 23, Feeding America operated a mobile food pantry in the Senior Center parking lot, distributing more than 600 food boxes to families in need across both dates.
• On Wednesday, June 3, we hosted a free arts and crafts activity where seniors decorated and painted flowerpots. Eight seniors participated in this creative project.
• Later that same day, we held our monthly Bunco game, drawing 28 participants.
• On Thursday, June 4, seniors who participated in the flowerpot craft returned to plant wildflower seeds and began growing them at the Senior Center.
• On Wednesday, June 10, Office on Aging representative Vonn led a senior nutrition talk during lunch, attended by 60 seniors.
• Our bi-monthly grief support workshops were held on Thursday, June 11, and June 25. These workshops provide seniors with a safe and supportive space for healing and connection.
• On Monday, June 15, CarePatrol sponsored a free craft activity where seniors painted ceramic pots in red, white, and blue before planting small succulents.
• Hall Insurance Services returned for their June Tech Table sessions on Monday, June 15, and Thursday, June 18, assisting more than 10 seniors with their electronic devices.
• On Wednesday, June 17, we hosted our monthly computer class for six seniors. The topic focused on utilizing AI in everyday life.
• On Monday, June 22, Hospice of the Valley hosted a free informational table at the Senior Center, answering questions and providing community resources.
• On Wednesday, June 24, we celebrated Father’s Day with root beer floats, games, and raffle prizes for the men in attendance.
• On Friday, June 26, we hosted a doctor talk on “Preventing, Managing, and Living with Diabetes,” attended by more than 30 seniors.
• On Monday, June 29, the Office on Aging hosted an informational booth in the Senior Center lobby, sharing valuable resources and services available to older adults.
The Murrieta Youth Center
Youth Center Membership & Programming:
• Registration for the 2025-2026 school year has officially closed with a total of 322 enrolled participants, reflecting continued community interest in Youth Center programs and services.
• Registration for the 2026-2027 school year is now open and currently has 30 participants enrolled. The annual membership fee remains $32.20 per participant, with a fee increase scheduled to take effect in August 2026.
• In addition to daily programming, the Youth Center is currently hosting eight successful clubs that provide participants with opportunities to explore a variety of interests, develop new skills, and build positive social connections.
• Staff are currently finalizing plans and activities for the Fall 2026 season to continue offering engaging and enriching experiences for Murrieta youth.
Youth Advisory Committee
• Youth Advisory Committee (YAC): The Youth Advisory Committee had a successful school year with 8 active committee members who demonstrated a strong commitment to community service and civic engagement.
• Committee members volunteered at several of the City's major special events, including the Easter Egg Hunt. Committee members also donated their time to support activities and programming at the Youth Center After-School Program.
• The YAC's Youth Representatives attended most of the Parks and Recreation Commission meetings, providing updates on youth initiatives, community involvement efforts, and programs important to Murrieta's youth population.
• Through their service, YAC members gained valuable leadership experience while making a positive impact within the community. Recruitment for the 2026-2027 Youth Advisory Committee will begin at the start of the new school year in August, providing new opportunities for local youth to become involved in leadership, volunteerism, and community service.
Little Learners
Little Learners Dual Language Program: This inclusive program for children ages 3-5 introduces participants to both English and Spanish through play-based learning, art, music, storytelling, and interactive activities designed to build foundational skills for future academic success.
• The May session enrolled 10 participants.
• The June session was canceled due to low registration.
• The July session currently has 5 registered participants.
• Staff will continue promotional efforts to increase enrollment and community awareness of the program.
Adult Sport
• Staff are currently evaluating and restructuring this program to better align with the evolving needs and interests of the community.
Adult E-Sport
• The Community Services Department is excited to introduce the City of Murrieta's first Adult Esports League, a new recreational program designed to engage adults through organized online competition. The pilot program will feature Madden NFL 26 and EA Sports FC 26, offering participants ages 18 and older a structured 7-week regular season followed by playoffs. Similar to our traditional adult sports leagues, the program emphasizes sportsmanship, community engagement, and friendly competition while providing residents with a modern recreation opportunity that reflects the growing popularity of esports.
• Registration will be open from June 29 through July 24, 2026, with a registration fee of $60 per participant. Communication, scheduling, and league administration will be managed through Discord, with participants using their own gaming systems and game titles. This pilot program will allow staff to evaluate community interest, participant engagement, and the potential for future esports offerings within the Community Services Department.
Allocations
• 2026 Summer Field Improvement Projects: Staff are finalizing the 2026 Summer Field Improvement Schedule, with maintenance and enhancement projects scheduled to take place between May 1 and August 31, 2026. These improvements are intended to preserve field conditions, enhance playability, and support long-term facility sustainability.
• Fall 2026 Field Allocation Meeting: The second biannual Field Allocation Meeting is scheduled for Thursday, July 16, 2026, at 5:00 PM. The meeting will provide youth sports organizations and stakeholders with information regarding field allocations, schedules, and facility use for the Fall 2026 season.
California Oaks Sports Park Pool
• Cal Oaks Sports Park Pool: The Cal Oaks Sports Park Pool remains closed to the public until further notice.
• 2026 Aquatics Season: The City’s 2026 Summer Aquatics Program is being hosted at Vista Murrieta High School and runs from June 6 through September 29, 2026.
• Operations & Programming: Aquatics operations are available Saturday through Tuesday, with operating hours from 7:00 AM to 4:00 PM. The program offers a variety of recreational opportunities for residents, including Lap Swim, Swimming Lessons, and Public Swim, providing accessible aquatic recreation and water safety education throughout the summer season.
Recreation Classes
• May had a total of 688 participants attending classes.
• June had 775 registered participants.
Alternative Recreation Program (ARP)
• On May 8 the ARP Social Lounge had an “Enchanted Garden Party” event with 57 participants registered. Participants made a flower suncatcher, the DJ played music and participants were able to dance if they liked. Drinks and snacks were provided.
• On May 22 the ARP Social Lounge had a “Wild West Hoedwon” event with 55 participants registered. Staff put on some country music, and the participants were able to dance. Participants painted horseshoes. Drinks and snacks were provided.
• On June 12 the ARP Social Lounge had a “Karaoke Beach Bash” event with 56 participants registered. Participants picked out a song and sung their hearts out. Participants also made a beach themed sensory bottle to take home. Drinks and snacks were provided.
FISCAL IMPACT
None
ATTACHMENTS
1. Recreation, Activities, and Events Flyers
2. Ranger Reports: April and May 2026