TO: HONORABLE CHAIR AND COMMISSIONERS OF THE PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
FROM: Brian Ambrose, Community Services Director
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
• Upcoming Events
|
Event |
Date |
Location |
|
Memorial Day Ceremony |
Monday, May 25 |
Town Square Park |
|
Father’s Day Car Show |
Saturday, June 20 |
California Oaks Sports Park |
|
Birthday Bash |
Saturday, June 27 |
California Oaks Sports Park |
|
Concerts in the Park |
Every Saturday July 11 to August 29 |
Town Square Park & Amphitheater |
• On Sunday, March 22, Town Square Park & Amphitheater held the FlavorFest & Beats festival. This event aims to bring people together through food, music, and culture. International food trucks, live music, cultural performances, and an artisan small-business market provided a fun experience for the community. This was an external first year event.
• On Saturday March 28, and Sunday March 29, the 21st Annual Tour de Murrieta rolled into town. Cyclists from all over the world, including 4 countries and 17 states, enjoyed the two-day sanctioned USA Cycling event. The event featured a festival-style atmosphere with an exposition area, food and beverage vendors, music, and a popular kids’ race. The morning of March 28 included the second annual Murrieta 5K which had over 700 runners. The evening concluded with a Concert in the Park, featuring the band Shockwave, making Race Weekend a community-wide celebration combining fitness, family fun, and live entertainment in the heart of the city.
• On Saturday, April 4, the City of Murrieta held the Eggstravaganza and Rec Expo at Town Square Park. Children aged 3 to 10 participated in an egg hunt with over 12,000 eggs. A separate area was provided for children with special needs, and children 2 and under. This free, family-friendly event included music, food vendors, recreation vendors, prize giveaways, and photos with the Easter bunny! A great time was had by all.
Senior Center
• Leadership: The Senior Center is led by Senior Recreation Supervisor Jeri Schuler and Recreation Coordinator Joseph Baker.
March
• On Monday, March 2, a nutritionist from the Office on Aging spoke to 55 seniors during lunch about the benefits of healthy eating as we age.
• On Tuesday, March 10, twelve participants took part in a DIY art class, transforming ceramic pots into festive bunnies and chicks just in time for Easter.
• On Wednesday, March 11, six seniors attended a computer class focused on safely navigating Amazon for online shopping. Also, HCAG Insurance hosted a free Bingo event, drawing over 45 seniors for an afternoon of games and prizes.
• St. Patrick’s Day was celebrated on Tuesday, March 17, with more than 55 seniors enjoying festive treats, punch, and entertainment from our local ukulele group. The celebration concluded with a raffle, giving attendees the chance to win prizes.
• Wednesday, March 18, featured a Senior Photo Day, where over 40 seniors received professional portraits along with a complimentary 5x7 print.
• On Tuesday, March 24, Feeding America returned with a mobile food pantry, distributing 350 food boxes to community members in need.
• Tuesday, March 31, Riverside County Registrar of Voters set up an informational booth, offering resources on upcoming elections and local voting sites.
April
• April began with a fun and interactive Easter egg hunt on Thursday, April 2, where 25 seniors searched the center for hidden eggs and exchanged them for prizes.
• On Wednesday, April 9, the Office on Aging provided information in the lobby about the various services available to seniors.
• On Friday, April 10, Parkinson’s Support Group held its monthly meeting, offering caregivers a space to connect, share experiences, and exchange resources.
• The end of the tax season finished up on Monday, April 13. The Senior Center had approximately 280 participants come through to get their taxes done with AARP from February 2 - April 13.
• Tuesday, April 14 featured two engaging activities: Senior Movie Day, where 15 attendees enjoyed popcorn and punch while watching A Man Named Otto, and a DIY craft class with Lynn, where 12 seniors created beach-themed artwork using paint and decorative shells.
• On Wednesday, April 15, six participants attended a computer class introducing ChatGPT and exploring practical ways AI can be used in everyday life.
• Legal assistance was available on April 21, when Inland Counties Legal Services met with seniors for free, one-on-one consultations.
• Earth Day was celebrated on April 22 with a special presentation by Master Gardener Jane Payne of Riverside County, who spoke about the benefits of gardening later in life. The event drew 60 seniors, each receiving a reusable bag, and concluded with a raffle.
• On Tuesday, April 28, Feeding America returned with another mobile food pantry, distributing 330 food boxes to those in need.
• Wednesday, April 29 featured a health-focused “Doc Talk” led by Dr. Ghasb on diabetes; covering treatment, management, and prevention, which was attended by 30 seniors.
Murrieta Youth Center
• Leadership: The Youth Center is led by Recreation Supervisor Victor Patino, Senior Recreation Coordinator Ashley Velardes, and Recreation Coordinator Emily Orr, supported by an average of five Recreation Leaders each day.
• Enrollment: 2025/2026 319 youth enrolled We are averaging 125 daily check-ins.
• Annual Fee: $32.20 for the 2025/2026 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.
• Fall Clubs:
o Karaoke & Scrapbooking - Isabel
o Hip Hop & Paint and Treat - Kailin
o Sports Recap (Fantasy Football) - Nolan
o Zen Den (Wellness & Self-Care) - Kailin
o Garden Club - Jarrett
o Studio Ghibli Films - Lycely
o Mario Kart & Dodgeball Tournaments - Jack
o Lego Club - Leo
Youth Advisory Committee (YAC)
• Lead staff: Recreation Coordinator Emily Orr.
• The Youth Advisory Committee currently has 7 members between 9th-12th grade.
• Task: 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 members volunteered for the City’s Egg Hunt special event and spring youth camps.
Little Learners Dual Language Program
• An inclusive program for children ages 3-5, providing early academic foundations in English and Spanish at the Copper Canyon Facility.
o Program Start: March/April 2026 with 20 participants
o Schedule: Monthly | Tues-Thurs, 9:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
o Cost per Participant: $208.60
o March Enrollment: 10 participants
o April Enrollment: 10 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.
• Staff are working to develop an adult e-sports league that will operate similarly to our traditional adult sports programs. The program is expected to launch in the coming months, and additional details will be shared once everything is finalized.
Allocations
• All league allocation reviews are to be completed by mid-June.
Aquatics 2026 Season - Vista Murrieta High School
• 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.
• Programming will run 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 are provided by Swan Aquatics under the City’s vendor agreement.
• Admission rates range from $1 to $5 per entry. Punch passes will be sold at $20 for residents and $40 for non-residents
• 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.
Recreation Classes
• Lead staff: Recreation Coordinator Michelle Hamilton
o March: A total of 663 participants attended classes.
o April: There were 764 registered participants.
Alternative Recreation Program (ARP)
• Lead staff: Coordinator Michelle Hamilton
o On Friday, March 13, the ARP Social Lounge group had a “Paddy’s Scavenger Hunt” event with 53 participants. Participants had to find St. Patrick’s Day items on the wall; once completed they were given a prize for finishing. The DJ played music and participants were able to dance if they liked. Drinks and snacks were provided.
o On Friday, March 27, the ARP Social Lounge group had a “Hare Raising Hop” event with 44 participants. Staff put out eggs in the grass and hid them wherever they could. Participants were able to hunt for eggs, and afterwards they were able to do a craft (a bird sitting inside an egg) with pipe cleaners. There was music and dancing afterwords. Drinks and snacks were provided.
o On Friday, April 10, the ARP Social Lounge group had a “Disney Bingo” event with 47 participants. Participants were able to play bingo and win prizes. Drinks and snacks were provided.
FISCAL IMPACT
None
ATTACHMENTS
Recreation, Activities, and Events Pictures and Flyers