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:
title
Recreation, Activities, and Events Report
end
RECOMMENDATION
recommendation
Receive and file.
body
PRIOR ACTION/VOTE
None.
CITY COUNCIL GOAL
Coordinate and deliver responsive, effective community services.
BACKGROUND
Special Events
• Donuts with Santa took place on Saturday, December 7, from 9 a.m. until 10:30 a.m. 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. Toy and food donations were collected as “admission.”
• On Saturday, December 7, the City’s Tree Lighting and Festival of Trees event took place at Town Square Park from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. This free family event included approximately 20 vendors, music from the Ugly Sweater Band, crafts, and activities, as well as a photo opportunity with Santa. The festival consisted of approximately 30 trees that were generously sponsored and decorated to be donated to families in need. These donations were split up between VSSN, Oak Grove, and Mil-Vet. The official lighting of the City’s holiday tree took place at 6:30 p.m.
• Santa Stops 2024 took place again and was in full swing from December 3-5 and December 9-12 at over 100 different locations throughout the city from 5:00 to 9:00p.m. Over the course of the 7 days, the City saw 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, a neat experience seeing Santa arrive on a trolley, and letters to Santa. The toy and food drive brought much needed toys and food to local organizations to give out to people in need. The Santa Tracker was popular again this year and helped residents stay warm in their houses until the trolleys were close by. This year the program stopped at the Murrieta Hot Springs Resort for the first time, as they were a “sponsor” of the event.
In addition, the City held Sensory Santa at the Youth Center as one of the nights of Santa Stops, which was for neurodivergent individuals and those with adaptive needs. The City enlisted a Santa that took a little extra time with each child/family. There was an area for crafts, snow, and hot chocolate. It was a great way to provide a special Santa experience for all!
• This year, parents were able to download letters from Santa from the City’s website from the comfort of their own home beginning December 2. Several options were available to choose from. In addition, kids (or adults) were able to call the Santa Hotline (951) 461-6086 to get a special message from the big-guy himself!
• Murrieta’s annual Holiday Home Decorating Contest was a hit. Over 40 home and neighborhood entries were submitted for this year’s 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 quite a site to see and share with the residents!
• For the City’s annual Toy and Food Drive, Parks and Recreation staff collected toys and food during our Santa Stops and at City facilities. The City began taking donations starting Saturday, December 7 through Wednesday, December 18. All donations went to Murrieta families in need this season.
Recreation Classes
• In December, 372 participants attend classes. City indoor facilities were closed due to holiday event.
• In January, there are 630 participants registered so far.
Senior Center
• On Thursday, November 7, the Senior Center held Grieving for the Holiday. It was sponsored by Mission Health Care.
• Feeding America was at the Senior Center on Tuesday, November 26. There were 310 participants that came and picked up a box of commodities.
• Lynn’s November craft class was held on Wednesday, November 20. A group of 15 seniors made wooden snowmen and reindeers.
• Thursday, November 21, the Senior Center had its Thanksgiving celebration with the seniors. They enjoyed a turkey lunch with raffles, and treats.
• Tuesday, December 3, the Senior Center held its annual tree trimming party with the seniors where they were served hot chocolate. The seniors got to make ornaments to decorate the tree or take their ornaments home.
• Feeding America came early in December due to the holiday. They came on Tuesday, December 10, and had 283 participants.
• Homestead was here to host their yearly present wrapping for seniors in the community.
• Thursday, December 19 was the Senior Center Christmas holiday party. There were carolers, kids, raffles, and fun!
• Monday, December 30, the Senior Center had a New Year’s toast with the seniors. Staff provided a cheese and cracker platter along with sparkling cider.
Alternative Recreation Program
• On December 13, ARP held its Christmas event “Grinchmas Party”. Seventy-seven (77) registered and fifty-six (56) attended. Those who wanted to participate in the gift card exchange brought a $10 gift card. Names were drawn for those to choose a gift card. A visitor (Mr. Grinch) arrived to show support for the program and to take pictures with the participants. The participants did a craft of a Grinch bell and goodie bags were handed out. A DJ was present to play songs the participants wanted to hear. Snacks and drinks were provided.
• January 10 is our Retro Rewind Karaoke - New Years Party. A DJ will be present to help with the Karaoke. Drinks and snacks will be provided.
Youth Center
• 2024/2025 registration for the school year is open and currently has 264 participants enrolled. The Youth Center is averaging 100 youth center members checking in per day.
• 2024/2025 Fees are $31.29 for the school year.
• The Youth Center is currently hosting eight successful clubs. Plans for spring 2025 are being finalized.
• Hours of operations have expanded during the 2024/2025 school year from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. for before school programming (included with 2024/2025 registration).
Murrieta Winter Camp
• Winter camp started on Monday, January 6 and ran through Friday, January 10. The program had 25 campers registered for the camp. The cost was $160 for the week.
Allocations
• The meeting for spring allocations will be on January 15, 2025.
FISCAL IMPACT
None.
ATTACHMENTS
1. Recreation, Activities, and Events Pictures