Soledad highlights parks and recreation growth; city eyes ADA, capital upgrades

Jessica Paz, Soledad’s recreation manager, told the City Council on May 1 that the newly formed Parks & Recreation Department has grown rapidly since opening in 2021, citing participant and facility metrics and a list of capital projects.

Paz said the department enrolled 1,273 participants in its first year and recorded 16,313 visits to the fitness and gym program; by the second year those numbers rose to 2,079 participants and 25,183 gym visits. “We see about almost 3,000 people a month just for our general use,” she said, summarizing activities for youth, adults and seniors.

Councilmembers praised the department’s work and outreach. The presentation listed recent accomplishments including Orchard Lane Park — described as South County’s first inclusive playground — field lights at Gallardo and La Saltona parks, a seasonal splash pad and expanded recreation leagues and arts programs. Paz also described workforce development within the department: a core of full-time staff plus part-time youth instructors who often return year to year.

Paz outlined capital and accessibility needs: gym flooring and bleacher repairs, a kitchen remodel that would trigger broader ADA improvements, stage lighting and an equipment lift, and HVAC upgrades. She noted the department has launched a capital campaign and is preparing a master plan.

Council members asked staff to post the master-plan materials online and to return with additional public information so neighbors and stakeholders understand timing and technical constraints on projects.

Mayor Anna Velasquez thanked Paz and said the programs have provided critical services to youth and seniors, calling the growth “a testament” to community support. Paz said grant support, including a T-Mobile grant, will help begin some upgrades.

Next steps: staff will continue public outreach on the master plan and bring a detailed scope and funding plan to a future council meeting.