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HomeMy WebLinkAbout03/24/2011 PRC Agenda - Regular Meeting13 Commission AGENDA Thursday, March 24, 2011 7:00 p.m. THE GOVERNMENT CENTER AUDITORIUM 21865 Copley Drive Diamond Bar, California Chairman Dave Grundy Vice -Chairman Ted Owens Commissioner Lew Herndon Commissioner Benny Liang Commissioner Dave Roberto Written materials distributed to the Parks and Recreation Commission within 72 hours of the Parks and Recreation Commission meeting are available forpublic inspection immediately upon distribution in the City Clerk's office at 21825 Copley Drive, Diamond Bar, California, during normal business hours. Copies of staff reports or other written documentation relating to agenda items are on file in the Community Services Office, located at 21825 Copley Drive, and are available for public inspection. If you have questions regarding an agenda item, please call 909.839.7060 during regular business hours. In an effort to comply with the requirements of Title 11 of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, the City of Diamond Barrequires that any person in need of any type of special equipment, assistance or accommodation(s) in order to communicate at a Citypublic meeting must inform the Community Services Department at 909.839.7060 a minimum of 72 hours prior to the scheduled meeting. Please refrain from smoking, eating or drinking M, It - arM The City of Diamond Bar uses recycled paper n the Hearing Board Room"�%�a�� and encourages you to do the same. CITY OF DIAMOND BAR PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION AGENDA THURSDAY, MARCH 24, 2011 - 7:00 PM THE GOVERNMENT CENTER AUDITORIUM 21865 Copley Drive, Diamond Bar MISSION STATEMENT: The Mission of the Parks and Recreation Commission is to: ❑ Provide — Li Advice to the City Council. ❑ A quality parks system that is safe, properly maintained and equally accessible to all residents of the City of Diamond Bar. ❑ Quality recreational programs for all ages. ❑ Have vision and flexibility to meet the ever-changing interests of our diverse, multi -cultural community. ❑ Be open and actively responsive to input from individuals and community organizations. ❑ Develop facilities that will accommodate the needs of our active and growing community. City of Diamond Bar Parks and Recreation Commission Approved May 27, 1999 CALL TO ORDER: 7:00 PM PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: ROLL CALL: PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSIONERS HERNDON, LIANG, ROBERTO, VICE-CHAIRMAN OWENS, AND CHAIRMAN GRUNDY A. PRESENTATION OF 2011 YOUTH BASKETBALL SPORTSMANSHIP AWARDS: This award recognizes the team's outstanding efforts in good sportsmanship that was displayed and then rated throughout the just concluded youth basketball season. Seven teams will be presented with awards. This award serves as an incentive for players, coaches and fans to demonstrate positive support and to place the emotional and physical well being of the children ahead of a personal desire to win. B. SELECTION OF CHAIR AND VICE -CHAIR FOR COMMISSION March 24, 2011 PAGE 2 PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION MATTERS FROM THE AUDIENCE: This time is reserved on each agenda to provide an opportunity for members of the public to directly address the Commission on items or matters of interest to the public that are not already scheduled for consideration on this agenda. Those who wish to speak on Agenda Subjects or Matters from the Audience may complete voluntary Speaker's Cards at the desk of the Commission Secretary. Speakers are limited to five (5) minutes. CALENDAR OF EVENTS: Tuesday, April 5 — City Council Meeting — 6:30pm — The Government Center Auditorium, 21865 Copley Drive, Diamond Bar Wednesday, April 6 — Senior Excursion — Valley View Casino — Leaves Diamond Bar Center at 8:30am/Returns at 5:30pm Saturday, April 9 — Adult Excursion — San Diego Natural History Museum and Balboa Park — Leaves City Hall 8am/returns 5:30pm Saturday, April 16 — City Birthday Party Celebration —11 am-5pm, Carnival Rides — Teen Action Zone 11 am-6pm — Pantera Park, 738 Pantera Drive, Diamond Bar Tuesday, April 19 — City Council Meeting — 6:30pm — The Government Center Auditorium, 21865 Copley Drive, Diamond Bar Thursday, April 21 — Senior Special Event — Spring Dinner and Dance At the Diamond Bar Center — 6pm-9pm Friday, April 22 — Senior Excursion — Carlsbad Flower Fields and Orchid Event — Leaves Diamond Bar Center at 8:30am/Returns at 6pm Friday, April 22 — Arbor Day Celebration — 9:30am — Pantera Elementary School, 801 Pantera Drive, Diamond Bar Saturday, April 23 — Easter Egg Hunt at 10am - Pancake Breakfast at 8:30am — Pantera Park, 738 Pantera Drive, Diamond Bar Sunday, April 24 — Easter Sunday Wednesday, April 27 —Administrative Professionals Day Wednesday, April 27— DB 4Youth and DB 4Youth "In Action" Meeting — 6pm — The Government Center, 21865 Copley Drive, Diamond Bar Thursday, April 28 — Parks & Recreation Commission Meeting — 7pm Government Center Hearing Board Room, 21865 Copley Drive, Diamond Bar March 24, 2011 PAGE 3 PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION 1. CONSENT CALENDAR 1.1 Approval of Minutes for February 24, 2011 Regular Meeting 2. INFORMATION ITEMS 2.1 Recreation Program Update — Christy Murphey, Recreation Supervisor 1. Power Point Presentation on Youth Basketball — Mickey McKitrick, Recreation Specialist 2.2 Parks Report — Anthony Jordan, Parks and Maintenance Superintendent 1. Power Point Presentation on Trail Connector Re -Route — Ridge Route to Canyon Route 2.3 Parks Master Plan — Update 3. OLD BUSINESS — None 4. NEW BUSINESS — None 5. ANNOUNCEMENTS — Commissioners may briefly respond to public comments, make announcements, ask a question of staff, and make a brief report on their activities, request staff to return with information at a future meeting or request that a matter of business be placed on a future agenda. 6. ADJOURNMENT CITY OF DIAMOND BAR MINUTES OF THE PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION THE GOVERNMENT CENTER HEARING BOARD ROOM DIAMOND BAR, CA 91765 FEBRUARY 24, 2011 CALL TO ORDER: Chairman Grundy called the Parks and Recreation Commission meeting to order at 7:02 p.m. in the SCAQMD/Government Center Hearing Board Room, 21865 Copley Drive, Diamond Bar, CA 91765. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE: C/Herndon led the Pledge of Allegiance. ROLL CALL: Present: Commissioners Lew Herndon, Dave Roberto, Vice Chairman Ted Owens and Chairman Dave Grundy. Absent: Commissioner Benny Liang was excused. Staff Present: Bob Rose, Community Services Director; David Doyle, Assistant City Manager; Anthony Jordan, Parks and Maintenance Superintendent; Christy Murphey, Recreation Superintendent; Andee Tarazon, Community Services Coordinator, and Marcy Hilario, Senior Administrative Assistant. MATTERS FROM THE AUDIENCE: None Chair/Grundy moved Item 2.1 from Informational Items prior to the Calendar of Events. 2. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS 2.1 LIBRARY UPDATE — ACM/Doyle presented staff's report. Following his PowerPoint presentation, ACM/Doyle reported that the current status of the Library is that it is in design and final cost estimates are expected to come back to staff by late March. Once staff has the cost estimates, the City will go to the Supervisor with the drawings and the budget for approval and announcement in early April. FEBRUARY 24, 2011 PAGE 2 P&R COMMISSION VC/Owens asked if there would be any meeting rooms included. ACM/Doyle explained that there is a very large meeting space that is not part of the library and will be owned and maintained by the City. This room will be available for library use. City staff asked for a list of all library meetings held in their existing community room, which they provided, and the City has committed to the library that they will be able to hold all of those existing meetings in this room. This meeting room will also be used to host Commission meetings. VC/Owens asked if the County would share in any of the costs for the improvements. ACM/Doyle explained that the County will fund the improvements. C/Herndon asked if he understood the library could possibly be reimbursing the City $1 million a year for use of the space. ACM/Doyle responded no, and went on to explain that the library uses the $1 million for salaries, administrative costs, maintenance costs, etc. and pays no rent. The size of the new library will be significantly larger and there will have to be an increase in staffing to off -set the increase in size and to off- set those additional operating costs. The grand total of rent the City will likely negotiate for the library space will be about $1 per year. What the City gets is an asset for this community. The residents paid for the current building and paid to maintain it so that revenue (the sale of the property) will go to the library. Assuming the County buys it or a private entity buys it, that money comes back to the library. What will be done with those proceeds is yet to be determined. Chair/Grundy asked if the outside seating area had a retractable shade awning and ACM/Doyle recalled that there was some shading available either from the building or an awning. C/Herndon said he was impressed with the progress so far. He asked if there were plans for the City Hall and asked if the Commission could receive that presentation. ACM/Doyle said that the design phase was complete and construction drawings will be completed following the Tuesday night City Council meeting. The library's budget for architectural design was $333,000 and his architectural budget for design of City Hall was $168,000. C/Herndon said he would like to see the plans for City Hall. Chair/Grundy said the Commission would appreciate seeing the plans for the City Hall space. CALENDAR OF EVENTS: As presented in the agenda and read by CSD/Rose. 1. CONSENT CALENDAR: 1.1 Approval of Minutes for the Regular Meeting of January 27, 2011 as submitted. FEBRUARY 24, 2011 PAGE 3 P&R COMMISSION Motion by C/Herndon seconded by C/Roberto, to approve the January 27, 2011 minutes - as submitted. Without objection, the motion was so ordered with C/Liang absent. 2. INFORMATIONAL ITEMS 2.2 Recreation Program Update — RS/Murphy 2.2.1 PowerPoint Presentation on Concert Share — CSC/Tarazon Commissioners stated that they appreciated the presentation. G/Herndon asked if there were other money -making events the City could provide. CSC/Tarazon responded that in order to bring in revenue for the City, staff takes advantage of any and all opportunities including utilizing the Diamond Bar Center whenever possible. CSD/Rose added that staff is looking at hosting a bridal fair, which can be a very successful event. CSC/Tarazon is being extremely modest because to have this event (Concert Share) year after year in D.B. is because of the organization and quality of the event and all of the detailed work that CSC/Tarazon and others put into the event. CSD/Rose and Chair/Grundy thanked CSC/Tarazon for doing such a great job. In regards to the Concert Share, VC/Owens asked if there was any discussion about getting permission from ASCAP and BMI. CSC/Tarazon said this is one of the main topics of discussion because cities pay royalties for the use of the songs performed by bands represented by these groups. 2.3 Parks Report — PMS/Jordan C/Herndon asked if, with respect to Heritage Park roof problems, there would be a way to install a motion light or alarm to startle vandals. PMS/Jordan responded that staff is looking into a product that is used to repel pigeons, a very greasy, sticky product that would be poured on the parapet caps to deter vandalism. Chair/Grundy wondered if such a product would cause vandals to fall off of the stand pipe. PMS/Jordan said he did not know because he was in the midst of researching the best solution. C/Herndon said he was in favor of anything that would not affect the City's liability. C/Herndon asked if there was a way to install drains at Ronald Reagan Park to get rid of the accumulated playground water. PMS/Jordan said there is an existing drain sump; however, when it gets full, it flows down the slope. CSD/Rose said the sump was replaced in 1998 and as time goes on, the sump gets layers of dirt that make it less efficient. The only way to fix it is to remove the sump and redo it which would require a FEBRUARY 24, 2011 PAGE 4 P&R COMMISSION complete renovation of the tot lot. C/Herndon asked if there were reasons to have certain items remain on the punch list and PMS/Jordan responded, for some, yes. D.B. has had trouble receiving bids for some of the work. Because of the age of the poured -in-place rubber, many vendors are afraid to execute repairs because they feel that they would buy liability if a child were hurt even if the accident occurred on an unrepaired portion. One company was willing to sell the City the product and teach staff how to apply it and that possibility is under consideration. Some of the other items will be completed as work projects by Scouts and Leos, for example. In addition, there are items that staff has not been able to complete as of this report. 2.3.1 Park Walkthroughs VC/Owens said he would coordinate with SAA/Hilario. C/Herndon said he was willing to walk through any of the parks and is usually available on Monday and Friday mornings. Chair/Grundy said he would like to do Ronald Reagan and Starshine Parks and would follow up with dates. C/Roberto said he would get back to staff. 2.3.2 Power Point Presentation on Dog Parks — CSD/Rose presented staff's Council Study Session report of February 21. CSD/Rose concluded his presentation by reporting that the City Council directed staff to study the feasibility of constructing the dog park at one of the Pantera Park sites with priority given to the undeveloped portion of the park. Currently, staff is engaged in obtaining pricing for fencing, cleanup, etc. and will provide an update to City Council in the near future. Chair/Grundy said he thought there was some interest in a dog park but that the interest was rather insignificant and asked what was driving this element of the Parks Plan in deference to the rest of the elements. CSD/Rose said this matter has gained momentum throughout the community. There were about 15-20 residents who attended the study session to indicate their support for a dog park which prompted the Council to direct staff to study the matter. Whether it will move forward or be constructed is yet to be determined. C/Herndon asked how the subject was broached and CSD/Rose responded that it was requested by a Council Member. FEBRUARY 24, 2011 PAGE 5 P&R COMMISSION Chair/Grundy said he was concerned about how this matter has progressed versus a sports park, an aquatic facility, etc. If it looks like all it takes to get something built is to mobilize a group of people it might set precedence or send a message that this could work for something that another group might want. He questioned whether this would be the right process that should be used to fund this particular element rather than all of the other things that were identified in the Parks Master Plan. CSD/Rose said this was not so unusual for a special facility which is very similar to the way in which the skate park listed in the original 1998 Parks Master Plan came to exist. A small specialty project is much more likely to be considered if Council believes it can meet a community need without a substantial expenditure that also involves a lot of ongoing expense. A dog park is very similar to that type of facility. Chair/Grundy asked if there were grants for dog parks. CSD/Rose said it might be possible to get a sponsorship of a dog park. There are grants that pay to improve a dog park but he is not aware of any grants to build a park. VC/Owens said he did not see any doggie pickup bag and waste dump facilities in the presentation. CSD/Rose said that in many cities, non-profit organizations are developed such as "Friends of the Dog Park" that would keep the park clean and in good condition. C/Herndon asked the size of the undeveloped Pantera Park site and CSD/Rose responded about 1.3 acres. C/Herndon commented that there were no dogs pictured in the Dog Fun Zones. He asked if there was any mention of this space being used for something else in the Parks Master Plan. CSD/Rose said there is a trail in the area and the City would have to keep the trail area available. There was an outdoor meadow proposed for the area as well. C/Herndon asked if there was a budget for this item and CSD/Rose reiterated that determining a budget is part of the current feasibility study. C/Herndon asked if staff was aware of what the on-going maintenance costs would be. CSD/Rose reiterated that it would depend on whether turf was involved or some other type of ground covering was used. It would also depend on how well folks clean up after their dogs and whether staff would have to maintain the park. VC/Owens asked who would enforce posted rules. CSD/Rose said it would depend on whether the Sheriff's Department would begin getting a significant number of calls. Self -enforcement and peer pressure is essential and that is why many non-profit organizations work with the City to enforce the rules. VC/Owens asked if FEBRUARY 24, 2011 PAGE 6 P&R COMMISSION neighbors had been surveyed to determine whether they had issues with this type of facility. CSD/Rose responded, no, and if there was an issue with neighbors it would most likely apply to the other side of Pantera Park. The proposed site is set down from the park and there are no adjacent neighbors so the site should be out of sight and sound of residences. C/Herndon said he would be open to the Commission presenting a resolution or petition to back off of this item. C/Roberto said the discussion during the Council Study Session was about many items in the Master Plan that the City could not fund but that this would be an item that could be funded. Chair/Grundy said he felt fine about a dog park but was concerned about how the City determines approving a dog park versus other things that were being considered. He was concerned that if the Council decided to move forward, the process had reasoned through the various alternatives and that it would be a decision that would be on balance. CSD/Rose said that it was likely this matter would go to the Commission for consideration and recommendation to the City Council for a final decision. Chair/Grundy strongly supported that notion because the Commission was an appropriate body to weigh all sides of the matter before rendering a consideration. In fact, any part of the Parks Master Plan should come to the Commission for further consideration in its role as an advisory body to the Council. VC/Owens agreed. 2.4 Steep Canyon Connector Trail Re -Route — CSD/Rose CSD/Rose reported that once the California Conservation Corp is ready to commence construction of the 500 foot re-route to solve the issue of the eroded area and move the trail away from the steep portion, it will likely be a couple of weeks to get the trail open again. C/Herndon asked if there would be any fencing to prevent climbers from leaving the trail to take a direct route up and down the hill. PMS/Anthony explained that there are a lot of shrubs and rock outcroppings the trail moves around; therefore, in some of the areas, due to the terrain, it might not be so enticing to take a shortcut or more direct route. At the request of the Commission during its last meeting, staff moved forward to solve the issue and this is, therefore, an information item only. Chair/Grundy felt this proposal was a very practical way to solve this issue. FEBRUARY 24, 2011 PAGE 7 P&R COMMISSION 2.5 Parks Master Plan Update — CSD/Rose CSD/Rose said that staff will request an assignment of contract from Matlock Associates to Jeff Scott and Ron Hagen of TKE Engineering who were the individuals that did the majority of the work on the Parks Master Plan. They will now take on the work to finish the Parks Master Plan and staff is already receiving updates from Jeff and Ron to move forward. Staff is requesting a $10,000 appropriation for a certain number of copies and for an update of the Trails Plan. Chair/Grundy requested that if the document is changed, he would appreciate seeing what the changes are. C/Herndon said he was still available to serve on the subcommittee and review the changes. VC/Owens said he would prefer a presentation to the entire Commission C/Roberto said he would appreciate a CD of the document. Chair/Grundy asked that all Commissioners receive a CD. CSD/Rose said he would provide a CD of the document and e-mail the changes. He also offered to ask the consultant to give a presentation to the Commission in a session prior to the regular March 24 meeting to take place from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., if the consultant is available. 2.6 City of Claremont Grant to Acquire Park Property — CSD/Rose In response to C/Herndon's inquiry, CSD/Rose explained that the City of Claremont used a couple of funding sources to acquire the 160 -acre property referred to as the Jose Cuervas property in the foothills adjacent to Claremont. One source was a grant from the Rivers and Mountains Conservancy for $2.43 million and another source was from a Trust for Public Lands, a non-profit organization that helps with the acquisition of properties. In order to apply for the grant, the grantee must provide evidence that it is dealing with a willing seller and that the price has been set. The Trust for Public Lands negotiated the price at $4.85 million so that the Rivers and Mountains Conservancy could consider the grant. D.B. has received grants on several occasions from the Rivers and Mountains Conservancy and has requested grant funds to acquire a particular piece of property on Clear Creek Canyon across from Cleghorn Drive. It would be of value to the trail route that goes from Sycamore Canyon Park trailhead to Steep Canyon to locate a trailhead or greenbelt. There are all sorts of issues with the land because the landowner is interested in developing the land which is not really suitable for development. The City has to be careful not to create a conflict of interest when trying to acquire land that the owner wants to develop. Claremont has a wilderness park immediately adjacent to the land they acquired and FEBRUARY 24, 2011 PAGE 8 P&R COMMISSION the City passed a bond measure in the $10-11 million range so that the residents ultimately pay for the property through annual property taxes. C/Herndon inquired about the possibility of getting a grant to purchase Site D. CSD/Rose responded that the owner has an approved plan for use of the land and he doubted that the City would consider making an offer to buy the land at this point. 2.7 CIP Projects — CSD/Rose a) Washington Street Mini Park - This project is still in plan check. VC/Owens asked what the problem was with this project and CSD/Rose responded that the consultant just received the Water District's approval for the water system. b) Sycamore Canyon Park Trail — Phase IV — Staff is putting plans and specs together to take this project out to bid. c) Silver Tip Mini Park — Staff is in the final phase of putting the construction documents together. Once staff has feedback on the electrical components, the documents will move into plan check. C/Herndon said it seemed to him there were some individuals at the community meeting who said they often use that park to walk their dogs and he asked if there were any studies that indicated how parks are being used for park exercise. CSD/Rose explained that all parks are used to walk dogs and exercise dogs and, as a result, doggie pick- up bags are provided in all parks. C/Herndon wanted to know if there was any Council discussion about how the parks are used during the dog park discussion. CSD/Rose responded that one Council Member talked about how she had seen lots of people walking dogs in parks throughout D.B. 3. OLD BUSINESS: None 4. NEW BUSINESS: None 5. ANNOUNCEMENTS: C/Roberto thanked staff for their reports. He attended the City Council Study Session dog park discussion. Last night he attended the D134 -Youth meeting and was very pleasantly surprised about the number of kids, as young as 12, who turn out for this event and the amount of planning for activities throughout the summer. The meetings are very inclusive and all decisions are reached as a result of team effort. He is very impressed with the group. FEBRUARY 24, 2011 PAGE 9 P&R COMMISSION C/Herndon thanked staff for an excellent job. He is always impressed with the City's Teen Volunteers and to have 312 volunteers at the Snowfest is absolutely phenomenal. His hat is off to staff for being able to incentivize that amount of participation. VC/Owens thanked staff for the PowerPoint presentations. Chair/Grundy asked Commissioners to remember that the Commission reorganizes next month. ADJOURNMENT: VC/Owens moved, C/Herndon seconded, to adjourn the meeting. With no further business before the Parks & Recreation Commission, Chair/Grundy adjourned the meeting at 9:10 p.m. The foregoing minutes are hereby approved this day of Respectfully Submitted, BOB ROSE, SECRETARY Attest: DAVE GRUNDY, CHAIRMAN 2011. Recreation Program Update TO: Honorable Chairman & Members of the Parks & Recreation Commission FROM: Christy Murphey, Recreation Superintendent DATE: March 17, 2011 MEETING DATE: March 24, 2011 Community Recreation Guide The Spring 2011 Community Recreation Guide was mailed to the residents of Diamond Bar, along with a mailing list of approximately 300 non-residents. It is available to be picked up at City Hall, Diamond Bar Center, Heritage Park Community Center, Pantera Park Activity Room and Diamond Bar Public Library, Contract Classes Winter 2011 -- Winter classes are beginning to wind down. Session officially ends March 18. This winter so far we have 792 participants enrolled in 155 classes. In Winter 2010 we had 817 participants in 157 classes. Most popular classes this winter were: tennis for all ages, baby ballet, Zumba, pilates/stretch-n-tone workout, crochet for beginners, Kajukenbo, karate, adult yoga, country line dance, ballroom dance, skin care and jazzercise. Spring 2011 -- The Spring Recreation Guide is now available and registration is open. This spring we feature eight new classes. Those classes are: decor flowers, pop tots, pastels fun with metaphors, soccer skills and scrimmages, youth ballet, fitness blast, Kundalini yoga, and digital photography for the beginner. Spring season begins March 26 and runs through June 17. Recreation Services is looking forward to a great Spring season. Youth Programs Tiny Tots -- Tiny Tots Spring session begins on March 28 and will go through June 11, 2011. Registration for spring session of Tiny Tots was open to everyone on Tuesday, March 8. At the time of this report Heritage Park Tiny Tots had 11 in the Tuesday/Thursday class and 20 in the Monday/Wednesday/Friday class. Pantera Park had 8 in the Tuesday/Thursday class and 9 in the Monday/Wednesday/Friday class. Tiny Tots will go on their spring excursion to the La Habra Children's Museum during this session. More details to come next month. DB 4Youth "In Action" -- Information and decorations for the "Starry Night in Paris" theme for the May 13, 6th 7th and 8th grade dance are well underway. The Diamond Bar Center will be transformed into small cafes around the Eiffel Tower. Teen Night Out scheduled for Friday, July 15 has been themed "Neon Dreams." Plans are in the works to build a neon filled maze on the softball field. Neon Dreams ideas include painting neon shirts, Dance, Dance Revolution competition, Rock Band, an inflatable obstacle course and some other competitive games to be announced. There will be two meetings in March one to plan the Food Drive at a local grocery store to benefit Dovetail Ministries and one at the regular monthly meeting on Wednesday, March 30. This meeting will include plans for the City ^� Birthday Party on Saturday, April 16. Volunteens -- The youth summer volunteen program applications have been available at City Hall, the Diamond Bar Center and online since Friday, February 28. Applicants, ages13-15 must fill out the four page application including a recommendation from a teacher and return it to the City by Friday, April 15, 2011. Summer Day Camp -- Staff has meeting dates set from now through June for trainings and set up. Included in the trainings will be PeaceBuilders, CPR/First Aid, and Child Abuse. Registration brochures were delivered to Diamond Bar schools kindergarten through sixth grade on March 2. Registration started on March 14. The CPRS booth in the exhibit hall was t. , all about Parks Make Life Better. They highlighted how different cities have been using the logo. Staff submitted day camp, volunteen and staff shirts and the recreation guide. All of these are using the Parks Make Life Better Logo. Our recreation guide, pictures, and shirts were displayed at the conference. Youth and Adult Sports Adult Basketball -- The winter 2011 season is scheduled to end on April 3. Games are played at Diamond Bar High School and South Pointe Middle School. The spring season will begin with practice games on April 17. There are 37 teams in the league this season. Included in the $360 registration fee are 10 league games plus a qualification game, scorekeepers, and championship awards. Teams also pay $20 per week for the officials. Adult Volleyball -- The current session will conclude on March 28. There are 11 participants enrolled in the program. For only $40, participants receive 10 weeks of play on two courts of action from 7-9pm. Table Tennis -- The Table Tennis program continues play at Heritage Park on Tuesday (average of 16 participants), Thursday (average of 18 participants), and Sunday (average of 15 participants) evenings. Open play takes place from 7:30-11 pm on Tuesdays and Thursdays, while Sunday is open from 6:30-10pm. Youth Basketball -- The 42 teams in the program played their final games on March 12. The coveted Sportsmanship Award will be presented to six teams this season. Each award-winning team has been invited to attend the Parks & Recreation Commission meeting on March 24. Youth Indoor Soccer -- Registration has begun for the youth indoor soccer program. There are currently 81 children enrolled in the program. Games begin April 9 and continue through June. Participants will practice and play games on Saturdays at Mt. Calvary Lutheran School. The $84 registration fee includes a jersey, trophy, and eight games. Skate Park -- The skate park averages 7 users per hour on weekdays, with 16 users per hour on the weekend. Field attendants check in on the skate park a few times each day, from 4pm - Dusk on weekdays, and from 8am - Dusk on the weekends. Adult Excursions Saturday, March 12, 2011- Lunch at Lawry's and the Getty Center - SOLD OUT The cool and crisp Saturday started with a bus ride to Lawry's of Beverly Hills. Lunch was an adventure, the meal started with fresh baked bread, tea and water. A spinning salad demonstration was conducted, where participants could see their salad freshly made. Next was the main course, a choice of prime rib with mashed potatoes, Yorkshire pudding and cream corn, or chicken with shiitake mushroom sauce or grilled salmon, with mashed potatoes and garden vegetables. Dessert was a decadent English Trifle. After lunch guests were quickly transported to the Getty Center in Los Angeles. The afternoon was theirs to enjoy taking in the gardens and art. The ride home was enjoyable as the snack was enjoyed and there was no traffic. The excursion was sold out with 55 participants at $52 per person. Saturday, April 9, 2011- San Diego Natural History Museum & Balboa Park Spend the day in beautiful San Diego. Our day starts with a relaxing bus ride to Balboa Park in San Diego. Here the day is yours to spend perusing the San Diego Natural History Museum. Dinosaurs, horses, fossils, polar bears, penguins, and more is all here! After the museum the day is yours to spend in beautiful Balboa Park, exploring the sights. Excursion includes roundtrip transportation, admission to the Natural History Museum and a snack for $40. There are currently 11 participants registered and 34 spaces available. Saturday, May 21, 2011- Dodger Stadium Tour & Hollywood & Highland Center Dodger Stadium is one of the most treasured Los Angeles landmarks. We will go on the "Championship Tour" of Dodger Stadium where you will learn history, get a view that only the player's get, visit the Press Box, the Club, and the training center. After the tour we will go to the famous Hollywood & Highland. Here you will have time to eat at one of the famous eateries, shop in the many stores, and take in the sights. Excursion includes roundtrip transportation, Dodger Stadium tour, and a snack for $31. There are currently 12 participants registered and 33 open spaces. Saturday, June 4, 2011- Pechanga Casino Don't drive all the way to Vegas; get lucky at Pechanga Casino in Temecula. Spend the day testing your luck at the tables, machines, and sports pit. Receive $5 in free slot play just for coming! Don't forget to eat at one of the fabulous restaurants or conquer the buffet. Excursion includes roundtrip transportation and a snack for only $16. There are currently 8 registered participants and 37 spaces available. Saturday, June 18, 2011- Santa Barbara Land/Sea Tour Enjoy a narrated land and sea tour in beautiful Santa Barbara. We depart and first go on a tour of downtown Santa Barbara. Learn about the cities fascinating history. Next we drive into the water and take a Harbor tour and see the sea life and enjoy being on the ocean. Upon return to land, the afternoon is yours to spend sampling the food at Stern's Warf and on State Street. Excursion includes roundtrip transportation, sea/land tour, and a snack for $39. This trip is a repeat of last July's excursion, it was so popular we took 55 people and the land/sea tour company was unable to accommodate more participants. We had 22 people on the waitlist when the excursion ran. There are currently 15 registered participants and 30 spaces available. Senior Programs Senior Classes -- Mt. San Antonio College partners with the City of Diamond Bar to offer 15 free classes to seniors at the Diamond Bar Center. The classes vary from computer to exercise and fine arts. All classes are full. They began January 10 and will conclude June19, 2011. Senior Seminars 3/14 Hospice Basics & Benefits 3/21 Staying Strong 3/10&3/11 AARP Mature Driving Senior Activities and Services • Bridge every Wednesday 4-8 per session • Mahjong every Wednesday -30 per session • Bingo every Tuesday and Friday — 190 per session average • Complimentary Legal Services every 1st Wednesday of the months in advance — 6 appointments month booked 2 0 Free Tax Prep from AARP from February thru April — 56 appointments Senior Excursions March 16, 2011 — Little Italy — Another sold out trip to a new venue in San Diego. The cost was $49 for a guided tour, a cooking demonstration by an Italian chef and lunch. March 24, 2011 — Fantasy Springs — This is a sold out trip to a favorite casino. This is also one of the few casinos that offer Bingo. The players get $15 back in free play and $5 coupon toward lunch. The ticket price is $22. Senior Extended Excursions -- Israel 3.23.11 2 attendees Senior Groups and Clubs Four senior clubs regularly meet and hold events at the Diamond Bar Center and Heritage Park Community Center. I have reported on the Diamond Bar Senior Club, The Evergreen Club and Diamond Age. The last club is: Sunshine Seniors with 189 members currently meets every Saturday and alternate Sundays at the Diamond Bar Center. This is an Indian club where many dialects are spoken as well as English. The Saturday classes are for Yoga and the alternate Sundays are meetings with dinner served. Senior Special Events March 30, 2011 - Senior Mardi Gras Dinner Dance -- There are currently 120 seniors signed up for this popular event. Keith Johnson will provide the music for dancing and BC Continental is catering jambalaya, red beans and rice and salad for the meal. The cost is $15 per person. Special Events 22"d City Birthday Party -- The City will celebrate 22 years of incorporation on Saturday, April 16, 2011 from 11 am-5pm (carnival rides and teen action zone games until 6pm) at Pantera Park. Food, game and ride vendors meetings were held on Wednesday, March 16 at the Diamond Bar Center to gear up for this year's annual celebration. Non-profit organizations who are operating a food booth gained useful information on event procedures and health department requirements. The highlight of the meeting was a discussion about all the delicious food everyone would be selling. The game and ride vendors meeting also proved to be very helpful for the participating organizations. The meeting covered event logistics, ticketing information and revenue sharing. Every organization that attended the meeting received an opportunity to pick their game or ride to operate. Overall both meetings were successful for the participating organizations and the City. In addition, nominations for Diamond Bar Outstanding Volunteer's are still being returned. 6 applications for nomination have currently been received. The deadline is Friday, March 18, 2011. The categories are Youth (Age 17 and under) and Adult (Age 18 and over). Arbor Day -- Friday, April 22 at Pantera Elementary School - 9:30am In honor of the City of Diamond Bar's designation as a Tree City U.S.A., children from Pantera Elementary School will celebrate Arbor Day with special presentations and participation in an exciting tree planting ceremony. The ceremony will also include recognition of the 2011 Pantera Elementary School Poster Contest winner. Everyone is invited to join us for this special event. Easter Egg Hunt -- Saturday, April 23 - Pantera Park 11,000 candy filled eggs were delivered to City Hall the week of 3.01.11 for the annual event on Saturday, April 23, 2011. The City of Diamond Bar and the Diamond Bar Breakfast Lions Club are teaming up once again to offer the Diamond Bar community a fun -filled day! The event starts at 8:30am with a pancake breakfast provided by Fire Explores Post 19. At 10am the hunting will start. Separate egg hunting areas will be set up for children based upon their age. Children should remember to be on the lookout for a special appearance by the Easter Bunny and his friends the peeps! Facility Rentals Diamond Bar Center -- The Diamond Bar Center was the location for a total of 33 private, business and non-profit rentals during the month of February. There were 14 church rentals, 2 yoga sessions and 2 Toastmasters meeting. There were also 5 weddings, 5 birthday parties and 2 banquets. There were also, a high school fundraiser, a college graduation and a cultural event. A total of $47,857.66 in rental fees was collected during the month of February for Diamond Bar Center rentals. In 2010 $37,181 was collected; Heritage -- There have been 11 rentals of Heritage Park Community Center for the month of March. Rentals include a church, an ongoing meditation class, a senior group, and 2 birthday parties. Total revenue for these rentals is $1,415. The revenue for March 2010 was $2,102.50. Pantera -- There have been 5 rentals of the Pantera Park Activity Room for the month of February. Three of the events were birthday parties and two were Toastmasters meetings. Total revenue for these rentals is $578. The revenue for March 2010 was $200. The Pantera Park Activity Room is located inside Pantera Park. During the week the facility is occupied by budding preschoolers who attend the Tiny Tots program. Several times throughout the month recreation activities and Toastmasters meetings are held at this venue as well. The Activity Room is open to renters on Saturdays and Sundays. The facility is perfect for children parties, as there is a playground located just yards away. It is also great for small family gatherings of up to 50 guests. Picnic Reservations -- As of March 15, 2011, there have been 16 picnic reservations made for the month of March. There have been 3 for Ronald Reagan Park, 5 for Sycamore Canyon Park, 3 at Pantera Park, 3 for Heritage Park and 2 at Maple Hill Park. The revenue of these picnic rentals is $450. The revenue for March 2010 was $625. Grants Grants -- Staff attended a workshop for the Urban Greening Project Grant under Prop 84 on Wednesday, March 2, 2011. This grant is administered by the State of California Strategic Growth Council. Staff is exploring ideas and possibilities that fit this grant's criteria. Grant Workshop -- With plans to re -submit the grant application for Washington Street Mini Park, staff attended the Round Two Workshop for the Prop 84 Statewide Park Program. At the workshop staff met with the state project officer who oversees the project area. Staff returned with many ideas to improve the application and make it more competitive. The first round funded 62 projects all over the state. Fifty one of the projects were new parks. One hundred and eighty four million dollars were available in the first round and there were over $1.6 billion in requests from over 475 applicants. Round two offers another $184 million. The state project officer encouraged staff to reapply saying the Washington Street Mini Park application is competitive. MARCH PARKS REPORT TO: HONORABLE CHAIRMAN AND MEMBERS OF THE PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION FROM: ANTHONY JORDAN, PARKS AND MAINTENANCE SUPERINTENDENT SUBJECT: MARCH PARKS REPORT DATE: 3/16/11 MEETING DATE: 3/24/11 During the previous month, the Maintenance Staff has been working on various projects throughout the City. The following is a brief recap of some of the more significant projects. Diamond Bar Center • Adjusted door latches in two (2) motor court exit doors. Serviced the Maple Room entrance door lock mechanism. • Replaced broken snap hook on memorial circle U.S. flag. • Repaired lighting receptacle at south end of GVBR pre -function lobby entrance. • Repaired receptacle and replaced ballast in pre -function column up -light. • Replaced Oak Room patio light. • Repainted DBC monument sign lettering. • Installed CAT 5 cable from copy room to communication room for new copier. • Repaired GVBR P.A. system (contractor). • Drained excess water from water feature pond due to rain. • Replaced additional bird spikes damaged and displaced by high winds. • GVBR partition wall repairs in progress. Heritage Park • Re-lamped main activity room. • Installed hooks on interior storage container walls. • Re-lamped park men's and women's restrooms. Johnson Controls installed a new 20 ton air conditioning unit on the community center roof. Installation replaced the aging, inefficient existing unit. Included in the project were the replacement of five (5) VAV boxes and the installation of web based zone controls. Maple Hill Park • Unplugged men's room sink. • Cleared men's room toilet drain. Pantera Park • Installed storage hooks on the plumbing alley wall. • Extracted spilled water from the Tiny Tot classroom carpet. Placed fans to assist drying. • Assisted with Eagle Scout project to install and paint backstop boards and paint rails along bleachers. Peterson Park • Cleared drain in men's restroom toilet. Ronald Reagan Park Repaired men's room toilet. Paul C. Grow Unplugged drinking fountain adjacent to parking lot. • Repaired gate struck by car or mower. Starshine Park • Re-lamped all park security lights. • Installed new photo cell and relay for park lights. (Future Site) Washington Street Mini -Park Reinstalled "No Trespassing/No Dumping" sign removed by vandals. Sign was removed and replaced twice. Pantera Park WaRthrough June 21, 2010 Visited by: Chairman Dave Grundy, Anthony Jordan, and Martin Avila Sycamore Canyon Park Walkthrough August 24, 2010 Visited by: Commisioner Dave Roberto, Anthony Jordan and Dave Seiler 4. C t hot spots r the 4 n turf kh of the ark office. VG 2. Grade and laser level softball infield. Add 25 tons of infield mix. DB 3. QveFseed and top bare aFeas in turf west of the park office, VG 4. Paint green handrails in playground areas and along stairs and ramps. DB 5. Add woodchips to the 2-5 year old and 5-12 year old tot lots. DB • -- W- W -11 - 61 Maple Hill Park Walkthrough August 27, 2010 Visited by: Commisioner Benny Liang and Anthony Jordan Peterson/Maple Hill Park Walkthrough August 31, 2010 Visited by: Vice -Chairman Ted Owens and Anthony Jordan Peterson Park 1. Repair poured in place rubber surface in the playground. DB (accepting bids) 2. Dry pack concrete spalls in the skate park at the grinding rails. DB Maple Hill Park 1 Remove Gobwebs,4rGm-reG#GGrn4kjhts---VG 2. Repair leaking flush buttons in restrooms. DB Ronald Reagan, Starshine, Lorbeer Park Walkthrough September 24, 2010 Visited by: Commisioner Lew Herndon and Anthony Jordan Ronald Reagan Starshine Lorbeer Middle School