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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2021-10-05 PRC Regular Meeting Agenda Packet CITY OF PALM DESERT "��� '••. PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION is -� :.I� 1121 **- ' 1 AGENDA %.1.1 ``�$ a£so ";:•' TUESDAY, OCTOBER 5, 2021 (VIRTUAL MEETING) 8:30 A.M. CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA I. CALL TO ORDER II. ROLL CALL III. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS In consideration of the current Coronavirus/COVID-19 Pandemic and pursuant to California Governor Newsom's Executive Orders, Parks and Recreation Commission may participate via Teleconference/Virtual Meeting. Any person wishing to discuss any item not appearing on the agenda may address the Parks and Recreation Commission via the Zoom session at this point by giving his/her name and address for the record. Remarks shall be limited to a maximum of three (3) minutes unless the Parks and Recreation Commission authorizes additional time. Because the Brown Act does not allow the Parks and Recreation Commission to take action on items not on the Agenda, members will not enter into discussion with speakers but may briefly respond or instead refer the matter to staff for a report and recommendation at a future Parks and Recreation Commission meeting. THREE OPTIONS FOR PARTICIPATING IN THE MEETING Option 1 — To Participate by Email: • Send your comments by email to jnelson@cityofpalmdesert.org. Emails received from the time the agenda is posted up until one (1) hour prior to the meeting convening (7:30 a.m.) will be made part of the record and will be distributed to Parks and Recreation Commissioners. This method is encouraged because it will give Commissioners the opportunity to reflect on your input. Emails will not be read aloud. AGENDA PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION (VIRTUAL) OCTOBER 5, 2021 Option 2 — To Participate and Provide Verbal Comments Using Your Internet: 1. Click the link: https://palmdesert.zoom.us 2. Meeting ID: 891 5805 3269 Passcode: 398988 Option 3 — To Listen and Provide Verbal Comments Using Your Telephone: 1. Dial one of the following telephone numbers provided: (For higher quality, dial a telephone number based on your current location.) US: +1 669 219 2599 US (San Jose) or +1 213 338 8477 US (Los Angeles) or +1 602 753 0140 US (Phoenix) or +1 971 247 1195 US (Portland) or +1 253 215 8782 US (Tacoma) 2. Enter the Meeting ID: 891 5805 3269 Passcode: 398988 followed by #. 3. Indicate that you are a participant by pressing # to continue. 4. You will hear audio of the meeting in progress. Remain on the line if the meeting has not yet started. 5. During the meeting, press *6 to mute or unmute yourself to speak. Reports and documents relating to each of the following items listed on the agenda are available for public inspection at the Development Services Department, Parks and Recreation Division, and on the City's website at www.cityofpalmdesert.org. IV. CONSENT CALENDAR A. MINUTES of the Virtual Adjourned Parks and Recreation Commission meeting of September 8, 2021. Rec: Approve as presented. Action: V. UNFINISHED BUSINESS None VI. NEW BUSINESS A. REQUEST FOR CONSIDERATION of a recommendation to approve an Amendment to Chapter 11.01.080 of the Palm Desert Municipal Code Relating to the Improper Feeding of Wild or Domestic Birds in City Parks. Rec: By Minute Motion, approve a recommendation to amend Chapter 11.01.080 of the Palm Desert Municipal Code Relating to the Improper Feeding of Wild or Domestic Birds in City Parks. Action: 2 AGENDA PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION (VIRTUAL) OCTOBER 5, 2021 VII. PRESENTATIONS AND UPDATES A. PARK AMBASSADOR UPDATE REPORT • Commissioner Dawson: Civic Center Park and Palm Desert Aquatic Center • Commissioner Akkerman: Cahuilla Park • Commissioner Murphy: Ironwood Park B. PARK USE REPORT C. PALM DESERT AQUATIC CENTER D. FAMILY YMCA OF THE DESERT E. DESERT RECREATION DISTRICT • Program Updates • Facilities Use • First Tee F. FRIENDS OF THE DESERT MOUNTAINS G. PALM DESERT LIBRARY VIII. COMMISSIONER, COUNCIL-LIAISON, AND STAFF COMMENTS IX. ADJOURNMENT I hereby certify under penalty of perjury under the laws of the State of California that the foregoing agenda for the Parks and Recreation Commission was posted on the City Hall bulletin board not less than 72 hours prior to the meeting. Dated this 30th day of September 2021. M ai/vw ai Go-w6' Melinda Gonzalez, Recording Secretary 3 Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting October 5, 2021 Consent Calendar: Item A CITY OF PALM DESERT °'••�'�'�•: ADJOURNED PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION lir ! PRELIMINARY MINUTES ';••..c� 0:• • 4TnEs .• WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 8, 2021 (VIRTUAL MEETING) 8:30 A.M. CITY OF PALM DESERT, CALIFORNIA I. CALL TO ORDER Chair Guyer called the meeting to order at 8:31 a.m. II. ROLL CALL Current Meeting Year to Date Commissioners Present Absent Present Absent Randy Guyer, Chair X 2 0 Van Tanner X 0 2 Gregg Akkerman X 2 0 Gerald Dawson X 2 0 Lori Flint X 1 1 Mike Hardin X 1 1 James Henderson joined meeting at 9:21 a.m. X 2 0 Paul Murphy X 2 0 Ralph Perry X 2 0 Ex-Officio Members: Kevin Kalman, Desert Recreation District Paula Simonds, YMCA of the Desert Susan Duran, Palm Desert Library Also Present: Randy Bowman, Deputy Director of Public Works Andy Ramirez, Deputy Director of Public Works Thomas Soule, Public Affairs Manager Clayton von Helf, Information Systems Manager Vanessa Mager, Management Analyst Jennifer Nelson, Management Analyst Randy Chavez, Landscape Supervisor AGENDA ADJOURNED PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION (VIRTUAL) SEPTEMBER 8, 2021 Chris Gerry, Project Manager Audrey Nickerson, Project Manager Sabby Jonathan, City Council Liaison Melinda Gonzalez, Recording Secretary Mike Beverlin, CALFIRE Division Chief David Keyes, Palm Desert Aquatic Center Brenda Nutcher, Desert Recreation District Tammy Martin, Friends of the Desert Mountains III. ORAL COMMUNICATIONS Management Analyst, Jennifer Nelson, advised the Commission there were no comments or inquiries received prior to the meeting. IV. CONSENT CALENDAR A. MINUTES of the Virtual Parks and Recreation Commission meeting of July 6, 2021. Rec: Approve as presented. Upon a motion by Commissioner Murphy, seconded by Chair Guyer, and a 6-0 vote of the Parks and Recreation Commission, the minutes for July 6, 2021 were approved as presented. (AYES: Guyer, Akkerman, Dawson, Flint, Murphy and Perry; NOES: None; ABSENT: Hardin, Henderson, Tanner). V. UNFINISHED BUSINESS None VI. NEW BUSINESS A. REQUEST FOR CONSIDERATION of a recommendation to approve a lease renewal for the operation of the remote control (RC) racetrack on a City-owned parcel located on Painters Path (APN# 640-091-010). Management Analyst, Jennifer Nelson, acknowledged the staff report before the Commission. She reported the current lease for the remote-control racetrack is set to expire in November 2021, therefore, the current tenant is requesting to renew his lease. Staff is requesting the Commission approve a recommendation for renewal of the annual lease with an option to renew for one additional year. Ms. Nelson invited questions and comments for this report. Discussion ensued on this item with Commissioners providing comments and questions. Upon a motion by Commissioner Dawson, seconded by Commissioner Akkerman, and a 6-0 vote of the Parks and Recreation Commission, the request for a recommendation to approve a lease renewal for the operation of the remote control (RC) racetrack on a City-owned parcel was approved as presented. 2 AGENDA ADJOURNED PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION (VIRTUAL) SEPTEMBER 8, 2021 (AYES: Guyer, Akkerman, Dawson, Flint, Murphy and Perry; NOES: None; ABSENT: Hardin, Henderson, Tanner). VII. PRESENTATIONS AND UPDATES A. Update on San Pablo Phase 2 — Public Works Department Deputy Director of Public Works, Randy Bowman, introduced members of his team, Project Manager's Chris Gerry and Audrey Nickerson. The Public Works team shared a power point presentation on the City's Active Transportation Program. The presentation covered various topics including updates on the San Pablo Phase II completion, CV Link, and Citywide Bike/Golf Cart Lane Improvements. B. Update on CV Link and Bicycle Paths — Public Works Department Public Works Project Manager's Chris Gerry and Audrey Nickerson provided a power point presentation with information and updates on the Citywide bikeway/ golf cart/pedestrian improvements, PD Link, and Haystack Road traffic calming improvements. The Public Works team answered inquiries by Commissioners. C. Presentation by CALFIRE Division Chief, Mike Beverlin: The Dangers of Hiking and Search and Rescue Efforts. CALFIRE Division Chief, Mike Beverlin, provided a presentation on hiker safety and the search and rescue efforts of his department. Chief Beverlin shared the Riverside County Fire Department's YouTube video educating the public on hiking safety. Chief Beverlin answered inquiries provided by Commissioners. D. Presentation by Public Affairs Manager, Thomas Soule, on Palm Desert In Touch App. Information Systems Manager, Clayton von Helf, provided a presentation on the Palm Desert In Touch App. Mr. von Helf walked Commissioners through the steps on how to download the app and submit a request to report a problem. Mr. von Helf and Public Affairs Manager, Thomas Soule, answered questions provided by Commissioners. E. Update on Fourth of July Celebration - Management Analyst, Vanessa Mager Management Analyst, Vanessa Mager, provided an update on the Fourth of July event. Ms. Mager reported there was an estimated 4,000 people in attendance. The event was conducted without incident and was modified to allow the most safety possible. Overall, the event was successful. F. PARK AMBASSADOR UPDATE REPORT Chair Guyer provided an update on University Park and Fox Hiking Trail. Chair Guyer noted he felt there could be confusion when referring to Fox Hiking Trail as a park as it appears to be more of a trail head connector. He also mentioned 3 AGENDA ADJOURNED PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION (VIRTUAL) SEPTEMBER 8, 2021 seeing vehicle tracks and inquired about their origin. Landscape Supervisor, Randy Chavez, advised the adjacent wash is maintained by the Coachella Valley Water District and stated there have been issues with children riding their ATV's or other vehicles through the area at night. This issue has been ongoing, and efforts are being made to try to identify and issue citations to violators. Chair Guyer reported University Park is in very nice condition and is well kept. He believes this park will be used more often once the area is more development. Chair Guyer also stated he visited the dog park and there are still issues with insufficient parking. Commissioner Murphy inquired about the timeframe for development in this area. Chair Guyer inquired about the potential conversion and use of the community gardens in University Park for Palm Desert residents. Vice Chair Tanner was absent from the commission meeting and therefore was unable to provide an update on Hovley Soccer Park and Homme Adams Park. Commissioner Perry provided a presentation on Joe Mann Park. Staff shared pictures of the park provided by Commissioner Perry. He reported overall the park was in great condition and very clean. He observed the public utilizing the park and its amenities, even in the hot weather. Commissioner Perry did note one item of concern, the Arbor of Remembrance memorial, which appeared weather worn and had plaques which had fallen and recommended it be attended to. Management Analyst, Jennifer Nelson, advised the Commission, she and Landscape Supervisor, Randy Chavez, have contacted a vendor to obtain quotes for minor repair and/or restoration services for the Arbor of Remembrance. Commissioner Flint provided an update on Freedom Park. She noted a concern regarding trash around the park due to high winds in the area. Commissioner Flint noted a few items that needed attending, which she will report on the PD In Touch app. During her visits to the park, she observed the basketball and pickleball courts were heavily used, although other amenities in the park appeared sparsely used. Commissioner Flint commented she observed several dog walkers and recommended providing doggie bags on posts. She also recommended the installation of additional sculptures in the park. Mr. Chavez advised his staff is working diligently to clean up the park due to a recent wind event. Mr. Chavez also reported two of the baseball fields were re-lamped which resulted in the tracks Commissioner Flint reported seeing in the fields. G. PARK USE REPORT Management Analyst, Jennifer Nelson, reported parks have been very busy and are receiving numerous requests for reservations. She further reported the new slide has been installed at the Civic Center Park. Additionally, the dog parks will be closed for most of October for reseeding. Civic Center Park and Freedom Park will be closed intermittently for reseeding as well. Landscape Supervisor, Randy Chavez, reported they are performing maintenance at Civic Center Park including the replacement of the current lights 4 AGENDA ADJOURNED PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION (VIRTUAL) SEPTEMBER 8, 2021 with LED lights. Additionally, playgrounds will receive their annual top off of engineered wood fiber. Mr. Chavez shared he has been working with surrounding cities for some time to establish a schedule to coordinate and stagger dog park closures for reseeding so that a dog park will be available to Valley residents during the reseeding season. H. PALM DESERT AQUATIC CENTER (PDAC) Palm Desert Aquatic Center Manger, David Keyes, provided an update on PDAC services, staffing, and programs. Mr. Keyes reported PDAC had a successful summer, noting admission numbers were great, despite limited hours and swim lessons experienced its largest summer session. City Council approved a permanent shade structure which should be installed sometime in the fall or winter. In response to inquiry by Commissioner Dawson, Mr. Keyes reported PDAC continues to have difficulty securing lifeguards even with the additional incentives offered. Discussion ensued on ways to help recruit additional staff. I. FAMILY YMCA OF THE DESERT CEO of Family YMCA of the Desert, Paula Simonds, reiterated the current hardship with hiring staff. She reported the YMCA has successfully implemented their afterschool childcare programs at Carter and Reagan Elementary School, both of which are almost at full capacity. The YMCA has hired Early Childhood Education Program Director, Cheryl Hughes, for the Jean Benson Childhood Development Center. Ms. Hughes is currently working on a collaboration with College of the Desert on an internship/apprentice program for Early Childhood which has seven enrollees. J. DESERT RECREATION DISTRICT Community Services Coordinator, Brenda Nutcher, provided an update on DRD services, programs, and recreation. She shared all of their programs are near capacity. Ms. Nutcher provided an update on upcoming events including a drive through pumpkin patch, Halloween Scavenger Hunt and Chase the Ace Motorcycle Poker Run Fundraiser. General Manager, Kevin Kalman, thanked the Palm Desert City Council for supporting the DRD's foundation which provides subsidies to Palm Desert residents in adaptive sports and recreation programs. Mr. Kalman also provided information regarding the Halloween event for First Tee participants held at the PGA Golf Superstore and their upcoming event in December, Golf-A-Thon. Brief discussion ensued regarding the Senior Games which is scheduled for February 2022. K. FRIENDS OF THE DESERT MOUNTAINS Executive Director, Tammy Martin, stated the Visitor Center is still closed at this time due to staffing issues. A second gate is currently on order to be installed at the Visitor Center parking lot and once in place, will allow residents to utilize the upper parking lot area. Ms. Martin advised Carrizo Canyon and Dead Indian 5 AGENDA ADJOURNED PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION (VIRTUAL) SEPTEMBER 8, 2021 Canyon will be reopened from October 1, 2021 to December 31, 2021. Ms. Martin inquired about the City's assistance with updating a City installed brick kiosk. L. PALM DESERT LIBRARY Riverside County Libraries Zone Manager, Susan Duran, provided an update on the Palm Desert Library. She reported library usage is up this month and library volunteers have returned on site. They will be conducting interviews for two positions, Young Adult Services and Library Branch Manager. Ms. Duran shared they conducted ten programs for the month of August with a total of 718 views. Ms. Duran further reported the library served approximately 160 patrons for the cooling center. The library had a book sale for two weekends and proceeds will be used to fund library programs. Ms. Duran shared that September is "Library Card Sign Up Month" and encouraged everyone to stop by and get a free library card. Commissioner Murphy requested a tour of the library to help acquaint the Commission with the library's amenities. VIII. COMMISSIONER, COUNCIL-LIAISON, AND STAFF COMMENTS Upon inquiry by Commissioner Murphy, Councilmember Jonathan provided an update on the DSRT Surf project. Management Analyst, Jennifer Nelson, advised she would contact the appropriate staff member and provide an update on DSRT Surf at a future meeting. Councilmember Jonathan invited the Commission to attend the San Pablo and CV Link Grand Opening scheduled for October 23, 2021, at 5pm. IX. ADJOURNMENT With the Parks and Recreation Commission concurrence, Chair Guyer adjourned the meeting at 10:25 a.m. Melivwi,wGO-vii,ctlE,3, Melinda Gonzalez, Recording Secretary 6 Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting October 5, 2021 New Business: Item A .•N'" T` �•.. CITY OF PALM DESERT r�, �1 = DEPARTMENT OF DEVELOPMENT SERVICES s,b -� I4j Parks and Recreation Commission Report TO: Parks and Recreation Commissioners FROM: Jennifer Nelson, Management Analyst DATE: October 5, 2021 REQUEST: Consideration for a Recommendation of Approval of an Amendment to Chapter 11.01.080 (Parks, Prohibited Conduct Generally) Letter U of the Palm Desert Municipal Code Relating to the Improper Feeding of Wild or Domestic Birds Recommendation By Minute Motion: 1. Direct staff to amend Ordinance No. 1254, Chapter 11.01.080, Letter U of the Municipal Code, to prohibit feeding of wild or domestic birds in City parks and post signage educating the public on why feeding wild birds in public parks is unhealthy for the wildlife; or 2. Direct staff to amend Ordinance No. 1254, Chapter 11.01.080, Letter U of the Municipal Code, to prohibit feeding of wild or domestic birds in City parks; with no educational signage installed; or 3. Direct staff to keep Ordinance No. 1254, Chapter 11.01.080m Letter U of the Municipal Code as written and continue to maintain the duck feeders in Civic Center Park. Background Analysis The lagoon at Civic Center Park naturally attracts wild birds as a stopover point during their annual migration. If left unattended, these birds will naturally fend for themselves by foraging for natural food such as grass, seeds and insects and will, overtime, continue their normal migration. Unfortunately, well-meaning residents of the Coachella Valley bring bread, crackers, and other types of food to the park to specifically feed these birds. This regular overfeeding has resulted in the wild birds remaining in the park due to a plentiful food supply and has increased the number of birds drawn to the area. This ever-increasing flock of ducks, ravens, pigeons, and turtles has resulted in unhealthy and unsightly conditions at the lagoon and throughout the park. There is constant excrement along the walking paths and grass areas adjoining the lagoon causing slippery conditions, an offensive odor, the need for additional maintenance, and complaints from the public. The filters in the lagoon and sprinkler system require constant, costly maintenance due to clogging caused by feathers, turtle shells, and excrement. Not only does this cause challenges for park maintenance staff, it is also detrimental to the health of the birds. Feeding these birds crackers and bread causes them to become overweight and unable to fly. This in turn prohibits the flock from following their natural Amendment to Municipal Code Chapter 11.01.080 October 5, 2021 Page 2 migration period and makes them unable to flee from predators that enter the park. They begin to rely on the daily feedings and when park goers do not frequent the park for several days or weeks due to inclement weather, the birds go hungry. In March of 2013, City Council approved Ordinance No. 1254 (Chapter 11.01.080 of the Municipal Code)which prohibited feeding birds anything except City provided food. At that time staff purchased appropriate wild bird food and installed several food dispensers and signage to educate the public on the municipal code. Over time, these dispensers have been vandalized on a monthly basis; destroying the dispenser and stealing the money inside. Staff attempted to continue to replace the dispensers, however, they are no longer being manufactured. In addition, staff reported that although proper food was provided, the public continued to feed the wildlife inappropriate, unhealthy snacks and the population continues to grow. After careful evaluation, it was determined that replacing the dispensers is costly and the maintenance time consuming, particularly once vandalized. Staff recommends amending the ordinance to prohibit any type of feeding of the wildlife population and the installation of educational signage which explains the negative impacts of feeding wild birds in public parks. Fiscal Analysis If the Commission recommends leaving the Ordinance as is, staff estimates a cost of$3,000.00 to replace the food dispensers, in addition to ongoing expenses needed for repairs and future replacements, as well as $1,000.00 annually for duck food. However, a small portion of these expenses would be offset by the amount of money obtained from the dispensers. Attachment: Ordinance No. 1254 Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting October 5, 2021 Presentations and Updates: Item A Civic Center Park Review — Sept 2021 (By Jerry Dawson) The entire park looks well-manicured and ready for Fall. I visited the park at different times of day and on different days. As we know, the visitors come for different reasons and at different times depending on the activity and the season. Uniformly, I encountered dozens of happy, interactive early-morning dog walkers (all dogs on leash); picnics mostly on weekends (they did a good job of 'cleaning- up'); various sporting and swimming activities daily. Thanks to the staff: 1. For eliminating the duck feeding stations 2. For refinishing the bridge hand rails — good job! 3. I did not see any Coots in the ponds! Turtles diminished significantly. Recommendations to consider: 1. The Monarch Butterfly Garden installation was well-done by the Landscaping Division of the Civic Center Park! It seems appropriate to include a sign that recognizes Palm Desert Mayor Kelly's 'Monarch Pledge' in coordination with The Living Desert, to help restore the Monarch Butterfly population in the Desert. 2. Regarding the sculpture that is across the sidewalk from the Rose Garden. It is the work by Michael Anderson — 1921. There is a story here that the public might enjoy knowing: When and why was it installed? Who/what are the handprints in the winding path all about? Who is/was Michael Anderson? What is the story about the 'time- capsule' buried with the sculpture? Also, it would be nice to keep the sand off the winding concrete walk-way that has imprints of children's hands with initials. Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting October 5, 2021 Presentations and Updates: Item A Cahuilla Hills Park Observations by Commissioner Gregg Akkerman Time of Park Visit: 11:00 am, 9/23/2021 d �r t 4 I Y ,ac ! y 15 Q;, 1 R , k,',S1�cr'c,.,. r ...11 ti 1�';t. 1 :Ah '_,, NIL PARK CH';jr PALM Sfpi w{. _ r 1111 u a 1 F ye x+4: I live nearby and have visited Cahuilla Hills Park many times but this is the first time as a Park Commissioner. This park features natural landscaping and is mostly undeveloped land which is appropriate to the location nestled up to the nearby mountains and hiking trails. Cahuilla Hills Park serves as an access point to the trailheads for Herb Jeffries, Gabby Hayes, and the Loop to the Cross trails and I suspect this is a common use although I have seen people using the two tennis courts on multiple occasions. •' • F - ` *It. -- r _ ^^ .. � l•tiFiiiv: .e.... This visit to the park was on a hot, weekday afternoon so I didn't see many people, but there were several cars in the small parking lot and plenty of fresh tracks from both shoes and mountain bike tires. General Observations: • All the facilities were in good condition including two drinking fountains that are dog friendly. This is important with a nearby dog park. • Trash bins and dog-waste bins were clean and had fresh bags. • I noticed several layers of coals in the "Hot Coals Only" receptacle so it seems the grill is used on occasion. • The bike rack is broken and has an exposed jagged metal bar so I reported it through the city app which worked smoothly. • One of the cement picnic tables (pictured) is in a position not likely to get shade at any time of the day. There are only 4 tables so it would be useful to see it moved about 15-20 feet east next to a tree. • The dirt lot across the street appears recently graded with city trash cans available, but it is not clear if this is parking for the adjacent church or park patrons. • * 111'41 wow 4a Or044 I have had discussions with a local disk-golf club who thinks Cahuilla Hills Park would make an excellent area for a course. I read in the minutes from previous Parks and Rec meetings that they have been given clearance to try a test event. This is an intriguing idea that might increase community engagement for our gem in the Palm Desert park system. Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting October 5, 2021 Presentations and Updates: Item A Park Ambassador Report Commissioner Murphy Ironwood Park I talked to well over 100 visitors to Ironwood Park in the month of September. Had absolutely no complaints, accept in one area. That being the bathrooms and the complaints came from three people. The bathrooms for the most part are in excellent shape, but it would be impossible to keep them spotless unless we had a permanent attendant there on a daily basis. Ironwood Park's bathrooms are the bathrooms of choice for almost every plumber, electrician, pool man, garbage man, UPS drivers and seemingly everyone else who is working up in the Haystack area. You see more use by those people of the bathroom facility than the people visiting the park. That being considered the bathrooms are in good condition. There were three birthday parties, that I'm aware of, at the park in the month of September. Two were for kids from Indio and one was for a child in Palm Desert. It's amazing to me how many people from other cities in the valley use our parks, particularly folks from Indio. The company maintaining the park is doing an excellent job in my opinion. I asked all the people I talked to if they had walked the trails on the North end of the park, only two had. Most had noticed the trail beginning by the playground, but paid little, or no attention to it, and had no idea that the area was crisscrossed with trails through the desert landscape. A few folks had concerns about walking in the area as they thought they might run into coyotes. I know that we had run the coyotes out of the park a few years ago, and for the most part they had moved to the East down Haystack to the area adjoining Marrakesh down to Portola. It would be interesting to talk to a supervisor of the maintenance crew and find out if there are any coyotes in that area. There are a lot of dogs being walked in the park. Our Scottish Terriers are thrilled that I got Ironwood Park assigned to me this month. Almost all the dogs you see are on leashes. Possibly it would be nice if we could put something up to promote the walking of the trails. Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting October 5, 2021 • • Presentations and Updates: Item E •• • • • DESERT RECREATION DISTRICT Date: September 28, 2021 To: City of Palm Desert Parks and Recreation Commission From: Brenda Nutcher, Community Services Coordinator PD Gym and Fitness Center Member Scans 2281 Subject: September Activity Numbers, Participation Drop InfDaiiy Pass 327 Numbers through September 28, 2021 Total 2608 Palm Desert Community Center Memberships Sold • 2281 members utilized the gymnasium and fitness Fitness Pass 87 center facilities. • 327 additional gym and fitness center users paid the Desert Willow 183 daily walk-in fee. Skate Park 27 • 455 people registered for classes, camps, and Adaptive 3 special programs. Total 300 • 64 additional people paid to participate in classes Activity Enrollments on a drop-in basis. Adaptive 59 • 183 Desert Willow Resident Cards issued Basketball/Frisbee 26 • 87 Fitness Center Passes issued • 4 Community Center rentals for the months of Dance 69 September Health and Fitness 46 K9 4 Portola Community Center music 21 • Contracts to all former user groups were mailed Tots and after school out. Most of her evening groups have returned. programs 129 Bridge has decided to wait due to COVID volleyball 42 Pickleball clinics 59 Palm Desert Parks Total 455 • 229 park reservations • 861.25 hours of rental use Drop-in Class Participation Fitness 31 Palm Desert Skate Park Pickleball/table tennis 365 • 27 skate park memberships sold. Dance/music 14 • 245 skaters used the park. Sports 19 • 302 bikers used the park. Total 429 Rentals by Location Palm Desert Community Center Civic Center Park 17 • Almost all of our instructors have returned and Freedom Park 76 started teaching their classes again. Olsen Field • Tiny tots returned in person starting in September. PD Soccer Park 136 • After School programs have started at Lincoln, PD Community Center 40 Ronald Regan, and the Washington Charter. Portola Center 45 • We are planning a Halloween Scavenger hunt in Total 314 October due to the large success from last year. • We are starting a few new classes such as fencing, more adult fitness and Chess Classes. Rentals by Facility Type • Our adaptive program will be offering a drive Amphitheater 0 through pumpkin patch on October 30. The number Football Field 13 of guests will be limited and extended invitations. Gymnasium 25 • I am working with Robin from the library on the multipurpose Room 60 planning of the Sunday Sounds concert series. We Pavilion 5 plan to wait to bring back the Chef's Table cooking Softball Field 75 series due to COVID. We are moving the concert Soccer Field 135 series to the amphitheater.This will run on different Total 314 Sundays from November through April. • I am working on starting some meditation classes in Hours Rented by Location the park, painting classes in the park and some afternoon magic classes. Civic Center Park 104 • We are working on our Fall and Winter Camps Freedom Park 291.50 currently as well as Breakfast for Santa. Olsen Field • We are working Stacey Austin and the Sherriff's PD Soccer Park 465.75 Department for National Night Out. We will be PD Community Center 98 offering children's crafts and some giveaways. Portola Center 229.75 • We will be hosting the children's play area for the Total 1189 San Pablo Grand Opening. We will be offering arts and crafts, have contests and different activities. Hours Rented by Facility Type Amphitheater Football Field 32 Gymnasium 63 Multipurpose Room 267.75 Pavilion 80 Softball Field 283.5 Soccer Field 465.75 1189 Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting October 5, 2021 Presentations and Updates: Item E 1 The Golf Center AT PALM DESERT Date: October 5, 2021 To: City of Palm Desert Parks and Recreation Commission From: Teal Guion, Executive Director Subject: Update for The Golf Center and First Tee The Golf Center at Palm Desert July/September 27 (MTD). Driving Range (buckets) 1472 9-Hole Adult 430 9-Hole Child 122 (rounds) Lessons 93 Clinics 21 Total 2138 Daily Sales • Summer Sales: July-Sept 2021 July-Sept 2020 • Golf $ 7,780 $ 6,230 • Range $17,427 $22,690 1 Summer Update The Golf Center at Palm Desert has completed the lake repair project. The lake repair project included the removal of one lake and the relining of the other lake. In addition, the 9th green has been relocated, providing safety from golf balls and allowing the use of the previous 9th green for First Tee Life Skills Classes. Currently the Driving Range is closed for overseeding until Monday, October 18, 2021. On October 18th, the Driving Range will open for winter hours (7 AM - 8 PM) and at that time, the Golf Course will close for overseeding. The entire facility will be open on November 10th We will have more information about our upcoming weekly clinics, golf leagues, private lessons, and golf events in the next few weeks. 2 0 first tee coachella valley First Tee - Coachella Valley Programming Notes: o Fall Registration opened on September 15th and Fall Session will run from October 11-December 18 (No classes Thanksgiving Week). We have close to 400 kids and teens registered for the Fall Session and we hope these numbers continue to rise as we get closer to the week of October 11! o Open Practice: Additional practice days/times for active participants in the First Tee - Coachella Valley Life Skills Program. There will be designated practice spots on the driving range at The Golf Center at Palm Desert and The Lights at Indio for participants at each location offering Open Practice and golf coaches available to assist with instruction. o Champions Club: To continue to grow the Equity and inclusion initiatives from First Tee Headquarters, we will be offering supplemental classes to our First Tee - Coachella Valley Life Skills Classes. Youth participants must be enrolled in a Life Skills Class (I.E. PLAYer, Par, Birdie, Eagle) to be able to participate in these fun LGBTQ+ inclusive classes. This club will meet weekly on Thursdays from 5:15 p.m. - 6:15 p.m. o A Monthly Class has been scheduled beginning Thursday, October 21 from 9:30a.m.-11:30a.m. with Rancho Mirage High School Special Needs FLS (Functional Life Skills) Class of 13 students. 3 New Promotions: o Hailey Hays has been selected from a pool of national candidates to attend the First Tee Innovators Forum October 8-11 in San Jose, Calif. The forum will empower First Tee teens to develop a meaningful service project in their communities focusing on raising awareness on issues surrounding education, health, and sustainability. Interactive workshops and small breakout sessions during the forum will cover a variety of topics including the importance of community service, volunteerism, and environmental sustainability, and will be presented by experts in the respective fields. During the workshops, Hailey will have the opportunity to learn from global industry leaders at the three-day summit. At the end of the forum, a total of $32,000 will be awarded to eight attending participants to further their educational pursuits. We are so proud to have Hailey representing First Tee - Coachella Valley at this amazing opportunity! Events: o Inaugural Golf-A-Thon: The first-ever Golf-A-Thon is coming to First Tee - Coachella Valley, and families and supporters of the organization are encouraged to participate in the Sunday, December 5 event at The Golf Center at Palm Desert. Golfers can join a team or serve as captains, who will play a number of golf holes while challenging others to do the same in a fund-raising campaign. o Halloween Celebration: Members of First Tee - Coachella Valley family can look forward to a spooky good time on Saturday, October 30 as the PGA Tour Superstore in Palm Desert will host a Halloween Party for the organization. Attendees are encouraged to 4 wear costumes and participate in festive golf activities. There also will be pizza, ice cream and candy. o Youth Putting Qualifier: First Tee - Coachella Valley will host Qualifier #9 of the 2021 Youth Putting Championship on Saturday, November 20, at The Golf Center at Palm Desert. The top two finishers (plus ties) will advance to the Youth Putting Championship on Sunday, November 28, at Coto de Caza Golf and Racquet Club in south Orange County.