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
• On Saturday, March 29, from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., the Community Services Department along with the Park Rangers will host the next Ranger Rap at Copper Canyon Park. Children ages 3 to10 can meet the Rangers, have hands on interaction with some cool reptiles, and create a fun craft. The cost is $3 per child and includes activities, snacks, and a take home goodie bag.
• On Saturday, April 19, the City of Murrieta’s annual Eggstavaganza egg hunt will be held at Town Square Park. Children up to age 10 can enjoy the festivities as they hunt for eggs. There will be a separate designated area for children with special needs and children under 2 years old. The event will include food vendors, prizes and a photo opportunity with the Easter bunny!
• Please see attachment for additional 2025 events.
Senior Center
• The Senior Center has started a biweekly self-defense class for seniors. During the hour-long class, the seniors will get an introduction to a practical way to apply self-defense strategies. The class takes place on Thursday and is free for the participants.
• Feeding America continues to grow. It is held on the fourth Tuesday of the month from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. Feeding America provides food to over 300 participants in the community.
• On Monday, February 3, the Senior Center started AARP tax appointments. Appointments are full, with approximately 25-30 participants each Monday from now through Monday, April 14.
• On Tuesday, February 4, the seniors got to make valentines for loved ones. Open craft time was from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
• On Thursday, February 6, the Senior Center celebrated the Super Bowl with a fun game day. Participants enjoyed several football game related activities with prizes and treats. The seniors came dressed in their favorite football jerseys.
• During the week of Valentines Day, the Senior Center celebrated by having a pop-up event where participants made watercolor hearts that decorated the Senior Center. Then on Friday, February 14, the Senior Center celebrated the actual Valentines Day with trivia, snacks, and games. Approximately 40 seniors participated.
• The VA was at the Senior Center on Thursday, February 20, from 10:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. They were here to answer questions on Veterans’ benefits.
• On Thursday, February 27, the Senior Center held a grief support class. This program is designed to help seniors in need of support from the death of a loved one.
Recreation Classes
• February had 563 participants attend classes and in March there are 266 participants registered so far.
Alternative Recreation Program
• In February, ARP held its annual Valentine’s Dance “Enchanted Evening”. Eight (80) participants plus sixty-four (64) guests attended. This event was sponsored by the Murrieta Rotary Club. Care-Rite donated the corsages and boutonnieres and passed out the invitations. Dinner and dessert were served. The DJ played music while the participants danced. A photographer took pictures that were handed out. Another photographer took candid pictures and provided a link to the page where they can download the pictures they liked. The City of Murrieta handed out butterfly magnet souvenirs and a crown key chain. This event was at no cost to the participants and guests.
• In March, ARP will have two events. One is the Frolic and Fiddles event - a tribute to St. Patrick’s Day on March 14. There will be a craft project, music, and dancing if they like. Drinks and snacks will be provided. The second event is Space Odyssey, held on March 28. It’s a space theme; there will be music and dancing. Drinks and snacks will be provided.
Youth Center
• 2024/2025 registration for the school year is open and currently has 291 participants enrolled. The Youth Center is averaging 110 members checking in per day.
• 2024/2025 fees are $31.29 for the school year.
• The Youth Center is currently hosting eight successful clubs.
• The Youth Center hours of operations have expanded during the 2024/2025 school year from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m. Before school programming is included with 2024/2025 registration.
Youth Alternative Recreation Program
• Introducing a new program designed for children with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The Youth Alternative Recreation Program focuses on fostering socialization and engagement through interactive activities such as theme parties, games, crafts, and peer-to-peer interactions. The first event takes place on Friday, March 14, 2025, from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at the Murrieta Youth Center. The event is open to children ages 5-12, with a participation fee of $3.00.
Adult Sports
• Adult Sports has resumed registration for spring 2025 season. Adult Softball has a full league of six teams. League play is on Wednesdays.
• Soccer and kickball registration is open, and leagues are projected to begin late March.
• The department is introducing a new, mixed doubles adult pickleball league at Alderwood Park. Team fees are $50 dollars. The seven-week season will take place in the morning.
The Murrieta Spring Camp
• Spring Camp registration opens Saturday, March 1, 2025. The camp runs from Monday, March 31, to Friday, April 4, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Murrieta Youth Center. Open to children ages 5-12, with a weekly fee of $120.
Allocations
• Spring Allocation are finalized and posted on the city website.
Aquatics Season 2025
• The Murrieta Valley Unified School District confirmed use of the pool at Vista Murrieta High School.
• Representatives from the school district have also approved the schedule: Saturday through Tuesday with programming that will include open swim, lap swim, swimming lessons, and water exercise.
• The Swimming Swan is onboard for lifeguards and swimming lesson instructors.
• Staff is currently researching “tough sheds” to store equipment on site.
FISCAL IMPACT
None.
ATTACHMENTS
1. City of Murrieta 2025 Special Events
2. Spring Ranger Rap Flyer
3. Eggstravaganza Flyer
4. AARP Tax Preparation Flyer
5. Murrieta Youth Center March Calendar
6. Youth ARP Flyer
7. Adult Soccer Flyer
8. Adult Kickball Flyer
9. Adult Pickleball Flyer
10. Spring Camp Flyer