TO: HONORABLE CHAIR AND COMMISSIONERS OF THE PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
FROM: Lea Kolek, 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
Santa Stops
Santa Stops 2025 were in full swing from December 2-4 and December 8-11 at over 100 different locations throughout the City from 5 PM to 9 PM. Over the course of the seven days, Santa Stops received over 10,000 people and plenty of smiles from kids who had the opportunity to meet Santa. At each location there were characters, Santa, music, photo opportunities, and the neat experience of seeing Santa arrive on a holiday-themed, decked out trolley. Letters to Santa and the City’s annual Toy & Food Drive brought much needed toys and food to local organizations to distribute to those in need this year. The Santa Tracker was popular again this year and helped residents stay warm in their houses until the trolleys were close by.
On night one of Santa Stops, staff held Sensory Santa at the Youth Center as one of the stops. Sensory Santa is for neurodivergent individuals and those with adaptive needs. Santa took a little extra time with each child/family. There was an area for crafts and snow, and hot chocolate was provided. It was a great way to provide a memorable Santa experience for all! Over 400 individuals attended this special event.
Donuts with Santa
Donuts with Santa took place on Saturday, December 6, from 9 AM to 10:30 AM at Town Square Park. Santa, holiday characters, and other entertainment were on hand. This free event was generously sponsored by the Travis Winfield Group, Dunkin Donuts, and Tobie Love Mortgage. Many residents love this annual event. Staff collect toys and food items as “admission.” Animal Friends of the Valley were also there, and staff collected pet necessities for them as well.
Festival of Trees
Also on Saturday, December 6, the City’s Tree Lighting and Festival of Trees event took place at Town Square Park from 5 PM until 8 PM. This free family event included approximately 20 vendors, music from The Get Down band, crafts and activities, as well as a photo opportunity with Santa. The festival consisted of 40 trees that were generously sponsored and decorated to be donated to families in need. These donations were split up between Veterans Support Services Network (VSSN), Project Touch, Oak Grove, and MilVet. The official lighting of the City’s holiday tree took place at 6:30 PM.
Holiday Home Decorating Contest
Murrieta’s annual Holiday Home Decorating Contest was a hit. Voting took place from December 10 to December 18, with 44 home and neighborhood entries for the competition. Winners were announced between the different categories consisting of Best Use of Lights, Most Creative, Most Festive, Most Holiday Spirit, Best Overall, and Best Block. Their creativity was impressive and the residents loved viewing the houses on the City provided map.
Toy & Food Drive
The 2025 Toy & Food Drive was a big success! Drop off boxes were provided at all City facilities along with a few outside organizations who participated. Staff were able to provide numerous drops of toys and food to local organizations.
• MilVet - 1 large load of toys
• Salvation Army - 1 large load of toys
• Project Touch - 2 loads of food and 3 load of toys
• St Martha’s Food Pantry - 3 very large loads of food
• Methodist Church Food Pantry - 1 large load of food
• Vet Support - 1 load of toys
Senior Center
• On Monday, November 10, the Senior Center hosted a Veteran’s Day celebration for the seniors. Vet Center set up an information table to provide resources for seniors during the event. Staff had giveaways for the military veterans. Staff also served punch and snacks to everyone. Over 55 seniors attended this event.
• On Wednesday, November 19, the Senior Center held the very first Journaling Club. A total of seven seniors joined staff for this club. Staff served coffee and muffins to the seniors that attended.
• On Thursday, November 20, the Senior Center held a small Thanksgiving party for the seniors. Staff distributed raffle prizes, snacks, and punch. Over 60 seniors attended this event.
• On Tuesday, November 25, Feeding America set up a mobile food pantry in the Senior Center parking lot and passed out food boxes to the community; one box per household. Feeding America provided over 300 food boxes at this event.
• On Wednesday, December 3, the Senior Center held a tree decorating party. The seniors enjoyed pastries and hot chocolate while they created holiday themed ornaments. Once they completed the ornaments, the seniors were able to use them to decorate the Senior Center tree. Over 30 seniors participated in this event.
• On Tuesday, December 16, Temecula Montessori Academy brought 13 students during lunch to pass out handmade Christmas cards and candy canes to the seniors.
• On Tuesday, December 23, the Senior Center hosted the monthly senior movie day. The seniors enjoyed the movie “A Christmas Story” while munching popcorn and refreshments.
• On Tuesday, December 30, the Senior Center hosted a New Year’s toast with 45 seniors in attendance. The seniors enjoyed snack trays, karaoke, and toasted the new year!
Murrieta Youth Center
• The 2025/2026 school year registration remains open, with 291 participants currently enrolled. The Youth Center averages 118 afternoon check-ins and approximately 30 morning check-ins daily.
• Program fees remain affordable at $32.20 for the school year.
• Regular afterschool hours are Monday through Friday from 3 PM to 6:30 PM with early release Wednesdays from 1:45 PM to 6:30 PM.
• Expanded morning hours have been added to include before-school programming from 7 AM to 8:45 AM. Morning hours are included with registration, and staff oversees about 25-30 students each morning.
• The Youth Center is currently offering eight active and engaging clubs, all running successfully.
Winter Camp
• Winter Camp took place at the Youth Center from January 5-9 from 8 AM to 4 PM for children ages 5-12. There were 43 children enrolled.
Youth Advisory Committee (YAC)
• Seven youth are currently participating in the committee.
• YAC meets at the Youth Center on the second Tuesday of each month.
• Events supported by YAC include the Youth Center Halloween Party, Dark in the Park, Sensory Santa, and Festival of Trees.
• When available, YAC members attend the Parks and Recreation Commission Meetings and provide updates to the commission on Youth Center and YAC activities.
• The next YAC meeting will be held on January 13, 2026.
Little Learners Dual Language Program
An inclusive program for children ages 3-5, providing foundational building blocks for future academic success in both English and Spanish. This program is held at the Copper Canyon Facility.
• Cost per participant: $208.60
• Schedule: Monthly sessions are held Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 9 AM to 12 noon.
• November enrollment: 11 participants
• December enrollment: 9 participants
• January enrollment: 10 participants
• This program continues to receive positive feedback, and staff are hopeful for continued growth.
Youth Alternative Recreation Program (Youth ARP)
• This newly launched program serves children ages 5-12 with intellectual and developmental disabilities, promoting inclusion, socialization, and peer engagement through themed activities, crafts, games, and more.
• Youth ARP events are held on the last Friday of each month from 6PM to 8 PM.
• The next event will take place on Friday, January 30, 2026.
• Participation fee is $3.00 per child.
• Staff are excited to continue building this inclusive and engaging program for the community.
Adult Alternative Recreation Program (ARP)
• On Friday, November 14, ARP members had a “Friendsgiving” event with 55 participants. The event was organized as a potluck, with participants bringing their favorite dishes to share. Drinks were provided.
• On Friday, December 12, ARP had a “Snowflake Social” with 57 participants. Participants who chose to participate in the gift card exchange brought a $10 gift card and took part in a “Right/Left Pass the Card” game. A special guest appearance by Mr. Grinch showed support for the program and provided photo opportunities. Goodie bags were handed out, and a DJ played music. Snacks and drinks were provided.
Recreation Classes
• November: A total of 186 participants attended classes.
• December: There were 51 registered participants. Indoor classes are not held in December due to holiday events scheduled at the Community Center and the holiday season.
Ranger Rap
• Ranger Rap took place on Saturday, November 22, from 5 PM to 8 PM at Alderwood Clubhouse. Children aged 3-10 were able to meet the Park Rangers, participate in fun crafts, make smores, and do some stargazing. Admission was $3.00 per child with 19 children in attendance.
Adult Sports
• Unfortunately, there were not enough teams registered to move forward with the adult soccer or softball leagues.
• Staff are currently developing new ideas and advertising strategies to help ensure a successful spring adult sports season.
Field Allocations
• As fall field allocations have concluded, staff are currently finalizing spring allocations.
FISCAL IMPACT
None.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Recreation, Activities, and Events Report Pictures
2. Recreation, Activities, and Events Report Calendars and Flyers