City of Bell outlines major expansion of community services programs

Interim Deputy Director Alvin Tomala told the Community Services Commission on Sept. 16 that the department is accelerating program growth across ages and abilities, describing the effort as "Bell is in the game." Tomala said the expansion aims to increase access, participation and inclusion across city facilities.

Tomala provided participation metrics to illustrate the change: "We've had more than 8,600 registrations, and participants have reached approximately more than 16,100 residents," he said, adding that more than 1,200 youth participated in organized sports and staff distributed more than 275 laptops. The department has launched 15 new programs and run more than 40 community events in partnership with about 16 community organizations.

Tomala said the department is building a year‑round calendar of offerings — from senior and adaptive recreation to youth sports and enrichment — and emphasized affordability and accessibility as priorities. The department will continue to expand partnerships with outside providers to broaden programming and manage staff workload.