HomeMy WebLinkAboutPark & Rec Commission 2025-01-16 Agenda Packet1
PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION
JANUARY 16, 2025 AT 6:00PM
In-Person:
SAN RAFAEL COMMUNITY CENTER LOUNGE
618 B STREET, SAN RAFAEL, CALIFORNIA
Participate Virtually:
Watch on Zoom Webinar: https://tinyurl.com/PRC-01-16-2025
Listen by phone: (669) 444-9171
ID: 846 2351 0390#
REVISED AGENDA
CALL TO ORDER
MINUTES
1.Approve regular meeting minutes of November 21, 2024
Recommended Action – Approve as submitted
OPEN TIME FOR PUBLIC EXPRESSION
The public is welcome to address the Commission at this time on matters not on the agenda that are
within its jurisdiction. Comments may be no longer than three minutes and should be respectful to
the community.
SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS
2.None
AGENDA ITEMS
3.Agenda items:
a.Recreation and Childcare Division 2024 Annual Program Report
•Recommended Action – Receive and comment
b.Review of Draft 2025 Park and Recreation Commission Workplan
•Recommended Action – Receive and approve as submitted
STAFF LIAISON REPORT
4.Schedule of Upcoming Events and Staff Liaison Report
COMMISSIONER REPORTS
5.Other brief reports on any meetings, conferences, and/or seminars attended by the Commission
members.
ADJOURNMENT
Any records relating to an agenda item, received by a majority or more of the Commission less than 72 hours before the meeting,
shall be available for inspection online and in the San Rafael Community Center, 618 B St., San Rafael, CA 94901 placed with other
agenda-related materials on the table in front of the San Rafael Community Center prior to the meeting. Sign Language interpreters
may be requested by calling (415) 485-3066 (voice), emailing city.clerk@cityofsanrafael.org or using the California
Telecommunications Relay Service by dialing “711”, at least 72 hours in advance of the meeting. Copies of documents are avail able in
accessible formats upon request. To request Spanish language interpretation, please submit an online form at
https://www.cityofsanrafael.org/request-for-interpretation/.
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PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION
November 21, 2024 – 6:00 p.m.
DRAFT MINUTES
__________________________________________________________________
Watch on Zoom:
https://tinyurl.com/PRC-10-17-2024
Telephone: (669) 900-9128
Meeting ID: 841 0672 5048
CALL TO ORDER
Chair Cabrales called the meeting to order at 6:01 p.m.
ROLL CALL
Present: Chair Cabrales
Commissioner Gutierrez
Commissioner Sandoval
Absent: Commissioner Emerson
Commissioner Pasternak
Also Present: Catherine Quffa, Library and Recreation Director
Craig Veramay, Assistant Library & Recreation Director
Becky Ordin, Senior Administrative Assistant
AGENDA AMENDMENTS
None.
MINUTES
1. Approve regular meeting minutes of August 8, 2024
Commissioner Pasternak moved, and Commissioner Emerson seconded, to approve
the meetings minutes of August 8, 2024.
AYES: Commissioners: Emerson, Gutierrez, Pasternak
NOES: Commissioners: None
ABSENT: Commissioners: Cabrales, Sandoval
ABSTAINED: Commissioners: None
Minutes approved as submitted.
2
MEETING OPEN FOR PUBLIC EXPRESSION
Public Comment from the audience regarding items not listed on the agenda
Katie Fleet, Gerstle Park Neighborhood Association member, addressed the
commission.
SPECIAL PRESENTATIONS
2. NA
Public Comment: NA
OTHER AGENDA ITEMS
If necessary, to ensure completion of the following items, the Chairperson may establish time limits for
the presentations by individual speakers.
3. Other Agenda Items
a. Annual Update on the Citywide Parks & Recreation Master Plan Implementation
Ms. Quffa presented the update on the Citywide Parks & Recreation Master Plan
Implementation.
Staff responded to questions from the Commission.
Public Comment: Members of the public commented. One was regarding Gerstle Park
improvements, one was regarding the trees in the parks and around the City, and the
last was regarding artificial turf and plastics.
Staff responded to public comments.
Commissioner Sandoval moved, and Commissioner Gutierrez seconded to accept the
Citywide Parks & Recreation Master Plan Implementation update.
AYES: Commissioners: Cabrales, Gutierrez, Sandoval
NOES: Commissioners: None
ABSENT: Commissioners: Emerson, Pasternak
ABSTAINED: Commissioners: None
Motion passes.
b. California Parks & Recreation Society Community Service Award Nomination
Mr. Veramay nominated the Marin Bocce Federation for the California Parks & Recreation
Society Community Service (CPRS) Award. This is their 30th anniversary and Mr.
Veramay shared how they have served our community over the years.
3
Staff responded to questions from the Commission.
Public Comment: None
Commissioner Gutierrez moved, and Chair Ccabrales seconded to accept nomination for
the Marin Bocce Federation to receive the CPRS Community Service Award .
.
AYES: Commissioners: Cabrales, Gutierrez, Sandoval
NOES: Commissioners: None
ABSENT: Commissioners: Emerson, Pasternak
ABSTAINED: Commissioners: None
Motion passes.
c. Selection of Commission Chair and Vice Chair for 2025
Mr. Veramay and Ms. Quffa briefly discussed the Chair and Vice Chair roles.
Commissioner Gutierrez nominated Commissioner Sandoval to be the Chair.
Staff responded to questions from the Commission.
Public Comment: None
Commissioner Gutierrez moved, and Chair Cabrales seconded to accept the nomination
of Commissioner Sandoval as Chair.
.
AYES: Commissioners: Cabrales, Gutierrez, Sandoval
NOES: Commissioners: None
ABSENT: Commissioners: Emerson, Pasternak
ABSTAINED: Commissioners: None
Motion passes.
Commissioner Gutierrez nominated Commissioner Pasternak to be the Vice Chair.
Staff responded to questions from the Commission.
Public Comment: None
Commissioner Gutierrez moved, and Chair Cabrales seconded to accept the nomination
of Commissioner Pasternak as Vice Chair.
.
AYES: Commissioners: Cabrales, Gutierrez, Sandoval
NOES: Commissioners: None
ABSENT: Commissioners: Emerson, Pasternak
4
ABSTAINED: Commissioners: None
Motion passes.
d. Review of 2025 Commission Meeting Schedule
Mr. Veramay reviewed the 2025 Commission meeting schedule.
Staff responded to questions from the Commission.
Public Comment: None
Commissioner Gutierrez moved to accept the 2025 Commission meeting schedule, and
Commissioner Sandoval seconded the nomination.
.
AYES: Commissioners: Cabrales, Gutierrez, Sandoval
NOES: Commissioners: None
ABSENT: Commissioners: Emerson, Pasternak
ABSTAINED: Commissioners: None
Motion passes.
STAFF LIAISON REPORT
4. Staff Liaison Report.
Mr. Veramay shared with the Commission that the website has been updated with the
Terra Linda Park and Community Master Plan.
Other updates included the Department of Public Works hosted an Arbor Day
celebration at the Falkirk Cultural Center on October 20th.
The Albert J. Boro Community Center had their Day of the Dead celebration. Steve
Mason was nominated by staff for the CPRS monthly newsletter for all the work that he
does at the Community Center. The multicultural older adults had their Thanksgiving
potluck. The mural project is almost completed at the Albert J. Boro Community Center.
There was a celebration scheduled but it will need to be postponed to December due to
the rain.
The San Rafael Community Center hosted the Seeds of Hope luncheon earlier in the
week. This is a collaboration between the Marin Health and Human Services and the
City of San Rafael. The first Treat Walk was at the San Rafael Community Center with
about 150 people who attended. It was a huge success.
The Terra Linda Community Pool will close on November 22nd for the season.
Falkirk currently has an exhibit that will go through December 13th. The exhibit is three
different groups in the galleries.
5
Other City events include the Holiday of Lights and Winter Wonderland and Shop Small
Saturday on November 30th. The San Rafael Lighted Boat Parade on December 7th.
The Annual San Rafael BID Holiday Party and Mixer on December 9th. The 2nd Friday
Art Walk on December 12th, and the 3rd Annual Menorah Lighting and Gelt Drop on
December 29th.
Last week staff met with the General Contractor for a walk through the Downtown
Library. It was impressive to see the amount of work that has already taken place and
the improvements that are already visible. The library pop up has been very successful.
Ms. Quffa shared that Measure P passed. She answered questions from the
Commission.
The first strong storm of the season is upon us. Sign up to receive emergency updates
at AlertMarin.org, clear gutters and drains of leaves, update your emergency kits,
assemble a stay-box, have sandbags on hand if you live in low-lying areas, ake an
emergency plan, and lastly stay informed and updated. Sandbag locations are listed on
the website.
Public Comment: None
COMMISSIONER REPORTS
5. Other brief reports on any meetings, conferences, and/or seminars attended by
the Commission members.
None.
Public Comment: None
ADJOURNMENT
Chair Cabrales adjourned the meeting at 7:27 p.m.
___________________________________________
BECKY ORDIN, Senior Administrative Assistant
APPROVED THIS_____DAY OF___________, 2024
___________________________________________
CATHERINE QUFFA, Library & Recreation Director
PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION
AGENDA REPORT
January 16, 2025
Item #3a
TITLE: RECREATION AND CHILDCARE DIVISION 2024 ANNUAL PROGRAM REPORT
RECOMMENDATION:
That the Parks and Recreation Commission receive the Recreation and Childcare Division 2024 annual
program report and comment.
BACKGROUND:
The Recreation Division is essential in creating community in San Rafael through people, parks and
programs. The mission of the Library and Recreation Department is to:
Enrich our community through discovery, learning and play. We build community by creating
experiences that spark curiosity and enable lifelong learning.
Each year, the Recreation Division shares presentations with the Commission to report on how our team is
working to fulfill this mission and the impact our programs, activities, and events have on the community.
In past years, staff have reported on specific programs and events throughout the year. This year, for
efficiency, and to offer a more comprehensive view of programs offered in 2024, st aff have prepared a
single program report focusing on programs and activities offered at the City’s community cente rs, cultural
center, and childcare centers. This report covers programs and activities offered in Fiscal year 2023 -24
(July 1, 2023-June 30, 2024). This report will primarily focus on programs offered by the Recreation and
Childcare Division at the facilities and locations below:
• Childcare Centers:
o Glenwood Childcare Center
o Lucas Valley Childcare Center
o Mary Silviera Childcare Center
o Parkside Childcare Center (school-age and preschool)
o Pickleweed Preschool
o Vallecito Childcare Center
o Youth Enrichment programs on school campuses
• Community Centers
o Albert J. Boro Community Center
o San Rafael Community Center
o Terra Linda Community Center and Pool
• Community Gardens
o Canal Community Garden
o Terra Linda Community Garden
• Cultural Center:
o Falkirk Cultural Center
• Sports Fields:
o Albert Park Field
o Pickleweed Park Field
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In addition to these locations, the City has established partnership agreements with several organizations
to manage City-owned recreation facilities. The programs and activities that occur as part of these
partnership agreements is reported on separately, and isn’t the focus of this report, however, these
partnerships remain an integral part of our comprehensive program delivery :
• Facility Management Partnership Agreements:
o Bernard Hoffman Field (San Rafael Girls Softball)
o Marin Bocce Facility (Marin Bocce Federation)
o San Rafael Yacht Club
o Goldenaires Older Adult Programs
DISCUSSION:
Below is an overview of each Community Center and Recreation Facility:
Overview
Albert J. Boro Community Center
The Albert J. Boro Community Center and Pickleweed Park have been referred to as the center of the
Canal community as they serve as a gathering place for the neighborhood. The Center and Park contain
an art room, meeting rooms, gymnasium, large multipurpose room, a public library branch, two athletic
fields (primarily for soccer), picnic area, playground, and a walkway along the canal that connects to the
two-mile Jean and John Starkweather Shoreline Park. In addition to City run programs, the Center partners
with local organizations to provide programs as well as space for non-profits, private businesses, and
individuals to rent and hold activities for the community or their families.
The Albert J. Boro Community Center and Pickleweed Park not only host special events for private renters
and organizations, but community events such as the popular Movies in the Park series (with a community
outreach event prior to showtime conducted by various City departments and local non-profit organizations),
the San Rafael Police Department’s Touch A Truck event, and San Rafael’s annual Dia de los Muertos
event which is a collaboration between City staff, the Multicultural Center of Marin and many individuals.
The Pickleweed Advisory Committee continues to be an essential part of the operation of the Albert J. Boro
Community Center. Through the Committee, the Center is able to co-sponsor vital programs being offered
by providing the facility at a reduced rate, which also saves the City staffing expense had the City implement
the proposed program itself. The Pickleweed Advisory Committee has the authority to accept or reject
rental fee reduction/waiver requests for the Center and Park, not exceeding a combined total of $144,200
annually, through the co-sponsorship program. This ability, combined with the City Council setting the Boro
Community Center’s nonprofit and resident rental rates at half the cost of the City’s other community
centers, has proven successful in allowing multiple agencies to also provide a variety of programs to the
community, as well as making access more reasonable for residents themselves to use the Center for
family events.
The Advisory Committee also makes sure a balance of programs is being offered to all ages, toddlers to
older adults, and interests, as well as discussing community issues relating to the Center, Park, and Canal
neighborhood. During the fiscal year of 2023/2024, the Pickleweed Advisory Committee waived fees for
the following programs:
Program Organization Granted Co-Sponsorship Amount
Youth Day Camp Program (Summer
2023) YMCA/SRCS $22,400.00
Weekly Expressive Art Groups DrawBridge $1,320.00
English As A Second Language Class TAM Adult School/BV Elementary $2,835.00
Canal FC at Marin FC Marin FC/Canal Alliance $9,500.00
Aprendiendo Juntos Parent Services Project $10,260.00
Troop 2000 Scouts BSA $3,960.00
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Afterschool Program Marin YMCA $55,095.00
Zumba Vivalon $2,010.00
Totals $107,380.00
Falkirk Cultural Center
The City of San Rafael operates the Falkirk Cultural Center located at 1408 Mission Avenue at E Street.
Falkirk serves as a site of historical heritage (listed on the National Historic Register) and for many, the
Center plays a unique role within the community of San Rafael. It is a desirable venue for weddings,
celebrations of life, and other events, as well as art exhibitions, programs, classes, activities , and contract
classes. Falkirk also houses the Mulryan UC Marin Master Gardener Greenhouse. The Cultural Center is
an 11.2-acre property, comprised of an elegant three-story California Victorian historic home, park
grounds, and gardens maintained by the Marin Master Gardeners.
Falkirk is an excellent example of a Queen Anne home, capturing the spirit of early California with its
complex, picturesque roof line of gables and chimneys, variously shaped bays and decorative details.
The mansion was originally built in 1888 in San Rafael by Ella Nichols Park, a wealthy and reclusive
young widow.
After Ella’s death in 1905, Captain Robert Dollar purchased the estate in 1906. Captain Dollar was born in
1844 in Falkirk, Scotland and became very wealthy, first through the timber industry and later in the
shipping business. An active member of civic life in San Rafael and one of the drafters of the City Charter,
Dollar donated much of the city’s adjacent open space on San Rafael Hill. He also gave lavishly to his
hometown of Falkirk, Scotland, where he is fondly remembered today , and in October 1988 San Rafael
and Falkirk became sister cities.
In February 1972, an attempt was made to secure the property from the Dollar family for development.
The plans included the destruction of the mansion and all outbuildings. In December of that year, the
estate was placed on the National Register of Historic Places and a grassroots citizen’s group, Marin
Heritage, began a three-year struggle to save the estate for the people of the City of San Rafael. In
November 1974, voters approved a four-cent tax to allow for the purchase and maintenance of the estate.
Shortly after the mortgage was paid, California State Proposition 13 disallowed the tax, leaving the City to
maintain Falkirk Cultural Center from the General Operating Fund. Falkirk now operates as a historic site
offering tours, rentals, classes and art exhibits.
San Rafael Community Center
The San Rafael Community Center, Albert Park, and Albert Stadium are amenities enjoyed by thousands
of participants each year. The Community Center features an Auditorium with a performance stage, four
rentable community rooms, a courtyard garden, a lounge for meetings, and hosts office space for the
Goldenaires, the City’s longstanding partner in older adult programming. Activities at the San Rafael
Community Center includes rentals; classes for youth, adults and older adults; Goldenaires events; and
community meetings.
Recreational opportunities in the surrounding Albert Park includes a playground, four tennis courts and
Albert Field and Stadium, a unique facility in Marin County with a covered grandstand and lighted
baseball/softball field. The Albert Park Tennis Courts are one of two City -owned lighted tennis facilities. In
addition, the Marin Bocce Federation operates the Marin Bocce Complex, which is a City owned facility
adjacent to the park.
The San Rafael Community Center is extensively utilized by the Community for a diverse array of events,
including City sponsored events; one-time private rentals such as quinceañeras, weddings, birthday
parties, receptions, or celebrations of life; and ongoing recurring rentals. The Auditorium is routinely
booked for private events on Saturdays throughout the year with additional private rentals on weekday
evenings and Sunday afternoons. Ongoing rentals include: American Red Cross Blood Drives, Open-
Door Church, Alcoholic Anonymous, Golden Gate National Parks Conservancy, Le Tusa, Age Song,
Friends of the Library Book Sales, Amalgamated Transit Union, Northwestern Pacific Railroad Historical
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Society, and Foodture Cooking Classes.
The natural turf athletic fields at Albert Park accommodate baseball and softball and are generally open
for reservation only use from March through October. The fields are rentable and are available for sports
practices, games, and tournaments. Albert Field was utilized by 14 different user groups in the reporting
period. The Albert Park Tennis Courts are available free of charge on a first come first serve basis. The
San Rafael Community Center manages picnic area reservations for Gerstle Park, Sun Valley Park,
Santa Margarita Park, and Victor Jones Park. Additionally, the Center manages field space at Victor
Jones Park and Bernard Hoffman Field. San Rafael Girls Softball has a longstanding use agreement with
the City of San Rafael to utilize Bernard Hoffman Field.
Terra Linda Community Center, Pool and Park
The Terra Linda Community Center and Pool are located in Terra Linda Park, and includes a playground,
basketball court, picnic areas and lawn area. The Terra Linda Community Center is the oldest and smallest
of the community centers. There are 3 classrooms that can be adapted to make one big room to
accommodate larger classes or rentals. There is also one designated art classroom, which primarily serves
the Terra Linda Ceramics program, which has received Best of Marin Awards for the past four years. The
Terra Linda Pool is the only community pool operated by the City of San Rafael. The Terra Linda Park is
heavily utilized by the neighborhood, especially during the summer months. Staff host an annual Movie
Night in early Fall, Montessori de Terra Linda school uses the park for P.E and recess on a school year
basis. The basketball court is well loved by kids and adults of all ages, for shooting hoops , pick-up games
of baseball or basketball, bike riding, skateboarding, skating and much more. The Community Center, Pool
and Park primarily serve residents of North San Rafael but due to course offerings, proximity to the pool
and park, it attracts residents from all over San Rafael.
Childcare Unit
The childcare Division has been providing preschool and school aged childcare since 1963. It originated as
a single preschool program housed in the San Rafael Community Center. It grew to be housed at the Laurel
Dell Annex, later expanded to the Short School Campus, and subsequently onto various school campuses
in both the San Rafael and Miller Creek School Districts where programs are still held to this day. The
continued community need for childcare led to the construction of Parkside Children’s Center in Albert Park
in 2001.
In 1998 the Pickleweed Children’s Center in the Canal expanded to include a half-day program for children
three to five years of age. This program is funded by the Department of Education along with a Community
Development Block Grant. This is a free program for the community that is licensed to serve 68 children
daily, and all families must qualify to participate.
In the 61 years of operation, the Childcare Division has served over 40,000 children and families.
Currently, the City of San Rafael’s Childcare programs include the following:
• Five (5) School-Age Programs – Glenwood Elementary, Lucas Valley Elementary, Mary Silveira
Elementary, Vallecito Elementary, and Parkside Children’s Center in Albert Park, serving
approximately 400 children.
• Two (2) Preschool Programs – Pickleweed Preschool at the Albert J. Boro Community Center in
the Canal Neighborhood and Parkside Preschool, serving 108 preschool children (68 children at
Pickleweed and 40 at Parkside)
• Kid’s Camp summer program which supported 1,453 registrations the summer of 2024
• Childcare currently employees 22 permanent full-time staff and 59 temp/seasonal staff
In 2023 the decision was made to move to a license-exempt program model. This allowed for flexibility in
hiring and has been helpful in slowly increasing our enrollment. While still facing staff retention challenges,
Childcare can brag about having the longest serving employee who has been with the City of San Rafael
for 42 years!
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Funding from First 5 of Marin that was supporting our Pickleweed Preschool is no longer available. As a
result, the Division is actively searching for other grant opportunities to pursue to keep the program thriving.
Childcare programs continue to adapt to meet the ever-evolving needs of our San Rafael residents.
Through various partnerships and continued assessments of the needs of our families and children, the
City of San Rafael Childcare Division will continue to provide families a safe environment and meet the
social emotional needs of children in a fun and play based setting, surrounded by supportive staff.
Childcare Center
# of Monthly
Participants Location
Parkside Children's Center 72 Parkside
Glenwood Children's Center 95 Glenwood Elementary
Vallecito Children's Center 88 Vallecito Elementary
Lucas Valley Children's Center 83 Lucas Valley Elementary
Mary Silveira Children's Center 69 Mary Silviera Elementary
Youth Enrichment
The City of San Rafael Youth Enrichment Program has offered after-school enrichment programs in San
Rafael since the mid 1990’s. The first after-school program began at Lucas Valley Elementary School,
which provided a single after-school sports class to st udents three days a week during the school year. In
1998, staff expanded the program to Glenwood Elementary School and offered more classes in arts and
science. In 2000, staff saw the potential to continue the growth of the program by offering classes at t he
other schools within the San Rafael City School and Miller Creek School Districts. In 2003, the Youth
Enrichment Program assumed the operations and supervision of the existing after -school program at the
Sun Valley Elementary School. City staff partnered with the school to continue to offer the existing classes
while the City and school district agreed to share the program revenue derived from class registration fees.
Once class programing was proven successful at Sun Valley, Glenwood, and Lucas Valley E lementary
Schools, it was then extended to the Coleman, Mary Silveira, and Vallecito Elementary School(s) as well
as Davidson Middle School.
In 2008, staff initiated an athletics program at Davison Middle School which included: Basketball, Wrestling,
Flag Football, Volleyball, and Tennis. The combined athletic programs were a huge success with hundreds
of students participating each season. Bas ed on equity, seven years later the Davison Middle School PTO
and Davison Administration wanted to eliminate program fees and decided to discontinue the partnership
with the City and assumed supervision over the athletic programs at Davison Middle School. The Youth
Enrichment Program continued to offer a few athletic classes during the transition such as tennis and flag
football at Albert Park.
With the hiring of additional department staff from 2010 - 2016, the Youth Enrichment Program expanded
exponentially offering 200+ courses across the seven (7) school sites each school year as well as
expanding the Summer Camp offerings to include 30+ camps each summer. The Youth Enrichment
Program also assumed the operations and supervision of an existing Theater Program offering three (3)
theatrical productions at the San Rafael Community Center.
From 2017-2022, the Youth Enrichment Program experienced several unique challenges and program
iterations in response to changing program needs, COVID-19, staffing challenges, and changes in the
partnership requirements of contract instructors. Despite these challenges, staff has continued to find ways
to expand the program, reduce expenditures and ensure the continuation of offering enriching opportunities
for students to learn, explore, and have rewarding experiences while participating in the City of San Rafael’s
After-school Enrichment Classes, Summer Camps, and Theater Arts programs.
School Year 2023/2024 - The City’s Youth Enrichment Program includes the following:
• Operates Afterschool Enrichment classes at six (6) elementary schools in the San Rafael City
Schools and Miller Creek School Districts at Coleman, Glenwood, Lucas Valley, Mary Silveira, Sun
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Valley, and Vallecito. Each school year, we provide opportunities for students to expand their
knowledge while participating in extracurricular subject matter such as arts & crafts, dance,
drama/performing arts, language, music, science, and sports.
• Offering a total of 153 after-school classes spanning the Fall of 2023 through Winter/Spring 2024
school year (September 202 – May 2024).
• Served 1,297 registered school age children between September 2023 – May 2024.
• Continued changes to the use of facility space at Coleman Elementary School plus construction
projects occurring on campus had limited the ability to further expand class offerings to students
but staff worked with the Coleman Tiger Club Childcare Program who utilize majority of all
classrooms on campus for their childcare programing to offer at least a few afterschool enrichment
classes each season.
• 2023/2024 fiscal year revenue totals $461,467.66 and expenditures total $487,552.14. The shortfall
of $26,084.48 can be attributed to the lack of facility use space available at Coleman Elementary
and continued lack of participation at Mary Silveira Elementary school similar to the previous fiscal
year. Staff will continue to build relationships with school administrators and PTA/PTO groups at
Coleman and Mary Silveira in the hope to continue to provide enrichment class opportunities on
campus to families in each of their communities.
Community Gardens
The City of San Rafael owns and operates two community gardens - the Canal Community Garden, and
the Terra Linda Community Garden. These facilities provide gardeners with space to grow vegetables,
fruits, herbs, or flowers, and build community with other gardeners. The City of San Rafael manages the
garden program, administers the garden according to the adopted community garden guidelines, and
provides some basic amenities at each garden for community gardener use.
Canal Community Garden
The Canal Community Garden is an important resource to the Canal neighborhood, which has a significant
portion of the low-income housing in one of the most affluent counties in the United States. Though the
neighborhood is diverse, many residents share a c ommon tie to a strong food culture. Vietnamese and
Latinx residents in the Canal neighborhood have expressed a desire to be able to grow and produce foods
important to their heritage in a community setting. Additionally, many Canal residents live in high -density
apartments and lack yards to grow their own produce.
The community garden includes: 92 raised beds including 48 half plots, 32 full plots and 12 ADA -raised
plots; a greenhouse; a shed for storage and user lockers; potting tables; wheelbarrows; secured hose bibs
and composting bins; concrete paths from the entrance to and around the common area; drip irrigation
system equipped with a solar-powered controller in the common area; perimeter landscaping with native
plants; a trellised outdoor classroom; vegetated rainwater treatment and educational signage; and
community fruit trees.
The Canal Community Garden maintains a first-come, first-serve waitlist process for interested gardeners.
There are currently about 5 interested gardeners waiting for a plot in the garden. As plots become open, a
plot is offered to the next person on the waitlist. On average, residents are on the waitlist for 2 -3 years
before receiving a plot.
Terra Linda Community Garden
The Terra Linda Community Garden is situated at 380 Nova Albion Way, on the site of the Miller Creek
School District Administration Offices. The garden was created in the late 1970’s and contains 70 plots. 63
of the plots are 450 square feet and 7 plots are 225 square feet. Two of the plots provide a concrete path
of travel around the plots, located next to the entrance that has a ADA parking space. These plots were
created in 2010 to provide more accessibility for gardeners with limited mobility.
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The Terra Linda Community Garden has always been a very popular program for the community. Currently,
the garden has a waitlist of over 75 residents waiting for a plot. As plots become available, they are offered
to the next person on the waitlist. On average, residents are now on a waitlist for 3-4 years before receiving
a plot.
Fiscal Analysis
The Recreation and Childcare Division programs and activities are primarily operated out of three
different Funds, which are summarized below.
Recreation Fund 222 – Revenue and
Expenditures
FY2024
Budget
FY2024 -
Actual
Difference % of
budget
TOTAL REVENUES* 4,348,345.00* 4,317,305.57* 31,039.43 99.29
TOTAL EXPENDITURES 4,523,001.34 4,504,595.04 12,572.35 99.72
Net Revenue (174,656.34) (187,289.47) 18,467.08 107.23
Fund 222 Program Areas
• Recreation Administration
• Al Boro Community Center
• Falkirk Cultural Center
• San Rafael Community Center
• Terra Linda Community Center
• Terra Linda Pool
• Youth Enrichment
• Community Gardens
The Recreation Division is expected to recover some, but not all costs through the collection of fees.
Revenue in the table above includes a $2.2 million General Fund transfer, which supports the overall
operations of the Recreation Division. Excluding that transfer, the Recreation Division recovered 47%
of operating expenses in FY2024.
Childcare Fund 208 – Revenue and
Expenditures
FY2024
Budget
FY2024 -
Actual
Difference % of
budget
TOTAL REVENUES 3,261,400.00 3,467,265.13 (205,865.13) 106.31
TOTAL EXPENDITURES 3,254,963.09 3,043,671.11 211,291.98 93.51
Net Revenue 6,436.91 423,594.02 (417,157.11) 110.57
Fund 208 Program Areas
• Childcare Administration
• Parkside Preschool
• Parkside School Age
• Glenwood Childcare Center
• Vallecito Childcare Center
• Mary Silveira Childcare Center
• Lucas Valley Childcare Center
The Childcare Fund 208 is expected to be 100% cost-recovery, and self-supported by the fees charged
for program participation. The Program area is continuing to rebound from the impacts of the pandemic,
as well as challenges with sustainable staffing, however, the program area is demonstrating good fiscal
performance in recent years.
Pickleweed Preschool Fund 260 – Revenue
and Expenditures
FY2024
Budget
FY2024 -
Actual
Difference % of
budget
Page 8 of 8
TOTAL REVENUES 598,207.00 892,990.94 (294,783.94) 149.28
TOTAL EXPENDITURES 674,492.50 688,788.76 (14,296.26) 102.12
Net Revenue (76,285.50) 204,202.18 (280,487.68) 267.68
The Pickleweed Preschool program is 100% subsidized. FY2024 Revenues were generated primarily
from a California State Preschool Program (CSPP) grant, as well as other grants and funding sources
including First 5 Marin and Community Development Block Grant Funding. In FY2024, the program
received higher revenue than expected. This is the result of several unexpected one-time cost of service
disbursements from the State of CA which are not expected in future cycles.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There are no costs associated with accepting this report.
ALTERNATIVE ACTION:
Any other action as determined by the Commission.
Submitted by:
Debbie Younkin, Senior Recreation Supervisor
Gabriela Farias, Senior Recreation Supervisor
Steve Mason, Senior Recreation Supervisor
Darcie Chellew, Recreation Supervisor
Recreation and Childcare Annual Program Report – 2024 Attachment 1
Summary of Community Centers, Cultural Center & Enrichment Programs Participants and Locations
The following programs offered by the Recreation Division were attended by 39,572 people during the 2023-
2024 fiscal year (ABCC = Albert J. Boro Community Center, FCC = Falkirk Cultural Center, SRCC = San Rafael
Community Center, TLCC = Terra Linda Community Center):
Youth Programs # of Annual Participants Program Location
Afterschool CHEFS with Chef O! 14 Enrichment
Afterschool Games & Sports 29 Enrichment- Glenwood
Afterschool Games & Sports 9 Enrichment- Vallecito
Afterschool Spanish 13 Enrichment- Lucas Valley
Afterschool Spanish 15 Enrichment- Coleman
Afterschool Spanish Classes 31 Enrichment- Glenwood
Afterschool Spanish Classes 30 Enrichment- Sun Valley
Afterschool Spanish Classes 20 Enrichment- Vallecito
Amazing Science 24 Enrichment- Coleman
Amazing Science 45 Enrichment- Glenwood
Amazing Science 72 Enrichment- Lucas Valley
Amazing Science 54 Enrichment- Sun Valley
Amazing Science 64 Enrichment- Vallecito
Art with Nikki 26 SRCC
Babysitter Training 28 TLCC
Before School Spanish Classes 11 Enrichment- Coleman
Before School Spanish Classes 18 Enrichment- Glenwood
Before School Spanish Classes 24 Enrichment- Sun Valley
Camp TL 33 TLCC
Canal Mini Soccer League 266 ABCC
Ceramics 117 TLCC
Champions Soccer Camp 9 ABCC
Chess Class 7 Enrichment- Coleman
Chess Class 18 Enrichment- Glenwood
Chess Class 14 Enrichment- Lucas Valley
Chess Class 27 Enrichment- Sun Valley
Chess Class 33 Enrichment- Vallecito
Color Club with Kristyn 46 Enrichment- Vallecito
Comic Book 10 SRCC
Cooking 32 SRCC
Dance, Music, Theater, Arts & Fitness Summer Camp 55 ABCC
D'Strong Hoop Star Basketball 8 Enrichment- Lucas Valley
Future Stars Presents: Best of Disney 70 Enrichment
Future Stars Presents: Disney's Frozen 57 Enrichment
Glass Fusing with Nikki Contini 13 Enrichment- Coleman
Glass Fusing with Nikki Contini 29 Enrichment- Glenwood
Glass Fusing with Nikki Contini 27 Enrichment- Vallecito
Graffiti ART & MURALS 13 Enrichment- Lucas Valley
Graffiti ART & MURALS 10 Enrichment- Mary Silveira
Happy Lane Drama- James and the Giant Peach Jr. 25 Enrichment
Holiday Art Party with Miss Jessie 10 Enrichment- Sun Valley
Homework Club 20 Enrichment- Glenwood
Introduction to Ballet 60 ABCC
Introduction to Ballroom & Latin Dance 34 ABCC
Introduction to Classical Ballet 11 ABCC
Jewelry Making with Nikki Contini 10 Enrichment- Coleman
Jewelry Making with Nikki Contini 7 Enrichment- Glenwood
Jewelry Making with Nikki Contini 8 Enrichment- Vallecito
Jumping Jacks 4,732 SRCC
Junior Giants 290 ABCC
Kenan Method Guitar 6 Enrichment- Coleman
Kenan Method Guitar 10 Enrichment- Lucas Valley
Kid Dance Brigade 41 Enrichment- Glenwood
Kid Dance Brigade 28 Enrichment- Lucas Valley
Kid Dance Brigade 44 Enrichment- Sun Valley
Kid Dance Brigade 45 Enrichment- Vallecito
Kindergarten Camp 34 Enrichment- Glenwood
Kindergarten Camp 54 Enrichment- Sun Valley
Lego 11 SRCC
Little Angels Circle Time 46 TLCC
Math Facts Mastery Multiplication & Division 5 Enrichment- Lucas Valley
Move, Sing, Read with Ms. Sabrina 10 Enrichment- Mary Silveira
Move, Sing, Read with Ms. Sabrina 12 Enrichment- Vallecito
National Academy of Athletics Basketball Camps 9 ABCC
Oven Baked Clay with Nikki Contini 23 Enrichment- Coleman
Oven Baked Clay with Nikki Contini 27 Enrichment- Glenwood
Oven Baked Clay with Nikki Contini 22 Enrichment- Vallecito
San Rafael Basketball Academy 69 ABCC
Soccer Stars 321 SRCC-
Soccer Stars 36 Enrichment- Lucas Valley
Soccer Stars 21 Enrichment- Mary Silveira
Soccer Stars 12 Enrichment- Vallecito
String Warriors 8 Enrichment- Lucas Valley
String Warriors 6 Enrichment- Vallecito
Super Speller Strategy 4 Enrichment- Lucas Valley
Taekwondo 132 TLCC
Theatre 49 SRCC
Virtual Coding 9 SRCC
Total Youth Program Participants 7,722
Adult Programs # of Annual Participants Location
Adult Ballroom & Latin Dance 22 ABCC
Basic Stretch and Balance 165 TLCC
Bridge 4,413 TLCC
Bridge classes 64 TLCC
Ceramics 757 TLCC
Cooking classes 11 TLCC
Ikebana 53 SRCC
Martial Arts with Scott Jensen 280 SRCC
Multi Media Art class 43 TLCC
Open Gym Basketball/Volleyball 3,380 ABCC
Open Gym Pickleball 254 ABCC
Pastel Plein Air 22 FCC
Pilates 20 TLCC
Ponle Estilo Fitness 13 ABCC
Spanish 60 SRCC
Strength Training - Osteoporosis 2 TLCC
Tai Chi 80 SRCC
Tole Painting 260 TLCC
Virtual Fitness 60 SRCC
Voice Overs... Now is Your Time (In Person) 6 ABCC
Voice Overs... Now is Your Time (Online) 8 ABCC
Watercolor 137 FCC
Yoga 12 ABCC
Yoga 19 TLCC
Zumba 5 SRCC
Total Adult Participants 10,146
All Ages (joint Youth & Adult) Programs # of Annual Participants Location
Canal Karate 364 ABCC
Fencing 47 SRCC
Holiday Family Workshops/Clay 15 TLCC
Total Joint Youth & Adult Participants 426
Older Adult Programs # of Annual Participants Location
Balance, Stretch and Strengthening 54 SRCC
Chair Yoga 16 SRCC
Multicultural Older Adult Program 980 ABCC
Terra Linda Seniors 24 TLCC
Total Older Adult Participants 1,074
Aquatic Programs # of Annual Participants Location
Aquatic Aide 10 TL Pool
Floating Pumpkin Patch 30 TL Pool
Group Swim Lessons 671 TL Pool
Junior Lifeguard Camp 30 TL Pool
Lifeguard Training 104 TL Pool
Masters Swim 13 TL Pool
Private lessons 171 TL Pool
Season Pass Holders (2024 Season) 199 TL Pool
Total Drop in Swimmers (2024 Season) 18,488 TL Pool
Watergym 326 TL Pool
Total Aquatic Participants 20,042
Community Gardens # of Annual Plotholders Location
Plot Holders – Annual 70 Terra Linda
Plot Holders - Annual 92 Canal Garden
Community Garden Participants 162
Partnerships
Partnering with other organizations in addition to offering programs ourselves greatly broadens our
ability to meet the needs of the community. The following are examples of partnerships in the
2023/2024 fiscal year:
Partnership Program Estimated Participants Location
Goldenaires
500 members, 10,000 in
attendance annually SRCC
Canal FC
57 league participants
summer/fall ABCC
Canal Youth & Family Council - Canal Arts 235 Annually ABCC
DrawBridge Weekly Expressive Art Group 220 Annually ABCC
Marin Bocce Federation 100,000 Annually SRCC
Parent Services Project Aprendiendo Juntos 5,700 Annually ABCC
Scouts BSA Troop 2000
20 participants meeting
weekly ABCC
TAM Adult School/Bahia Vista Adult ESL
20 participants meeting
twice a week during
school year ABCC
YMCA/SRCS After School Program
70 five days per week
during school year ABCC
YMCA/SRCS Summer Camp
70 participants per week
for six weeks ABCC
Zumba 315 Annually ABCC
Total: Various Measurements
Special Events
Estimated attendance at the following events conducted by the Recreation Division exceeded 3,630.
Event Estimated # of Participants Location
Dia de los Muertos 2,000 ABCC
Movies in the Park 350 ABCC
Movies in the Park 300 TLCC
Movies in the Park 175 Victor Jones
Movies in the Park 200 Sun Valley
Halloween Treat Walk 150 SRCC
Subtotal: 3,175
City Staff Events Estimated # of Participants Location
Kickball 20 ABCC
City Bocce Tournament 60 Marin Bocce
City Employee Recognition Luncheon 180 SRCC
City Staff Holiday Luncheon 195 ABCC
Subtotal: 455
Total: 3,630
PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION
AGENDA REPORT
January 16, 2025
Item #3b
TITLE: REVIEW OF THE PARK AND RECREATION COMMISSION’S ANNUAL
WORK PLAN FOR 2024
RECOMMENDATION
To review and comment on the draft 2025 Park and Recreation Commission work plan.
BACKGROUND
The Park and Recreation Commission has requested the opportunity to receive regular
reports on Park and Recreation programs and activities, so that the Commissioners can
better understand, provide feedback, and advocate for offerings that enhance the
vibrancy of the community. The Commission has also expressed interest in providing
input on the topics that will be brought forward by staff at Park and Recreation
Commission meetings for their consideration.
As a result, staff drafted a one-year work plan designed to inform the community and the
Commission of the City’s Park and Recreation facilities, programs and services, and
policies scheduled to be discussed at future meetings. The Work Plan is subject to
changes at the discretion of staff and at the direction of the Commission and is designed
to help facilitate and generate agenda items that will be scheduled for future Park and
Recreation Commission meetings.
City staff seek the Park and Recreation Commission’s assistance in refining or amending
the draft work plan and will bring a refined work plan to the Park and Recreation
Commission for review and approval at the regularly scheduled January 2025 meeting.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no fiscal impact associated with the review of this item.
ALTERNATIVE ACTION
Any other action as determined by the Commission.
Submitted by:
Craig Veramay
Assistant Library and Recreation Director
Attachment:
1. Park and Recreation Commission Draft Work Plan for 2025
Park and Recreation Commission
Work Plan – 2025
ATTACHMENT 1
Other agenda items may be added based on program need or at the request of the Commission
Meeting Date Agenda Items
January 16 • Recreation & Childcare Annual Programs Report
• Review of Draft Work Plan
February 13
• Terra Linda Park and Community Center Enhancement Plan Update
• Goldenaires Older Adult Program Annual Report
• Marin Bocce Federation Annual Report
March 20
• Pickleweed Preschool Facility Improvements
• Review annual Measure A Work Plan- FY26
• San Rafael Girls Softball Annual Presentation
April 17 • Pickleweed Advisory Committee Annual Report
• Parks Maintenance & Projects Biannual Status Report
May 15 • Trails Existing Conditions Feasibility Study Update
June 19
• On-Site Parks Tours – current & upcoming parks projects
o Pickleweed Park Enhancement Project
o Peacock Gap
July 17 • TBD
August No Meeting - DARK
September 18 • Tennis Courts resurfacing and maintenance
• San Rafael Pacifics Baseball Team Program Report
October 16
• Parks Maintenance & Projects Biannual Status
• Marin Master Gardeners Presentation
• Canal Community Garden FARE Grant Update
November 20
• Annual Citywide Park and Recreation Master Plan Update
• Selection of Chair, Vice Chair and Committee Assignments
• Review of Park and Recreation Commission Meeting Schedule 2025
December No Meeting - DARK