Staff report progress on West Preserve Park, pickleball covers, splash pad plans and recreation programming

Christine Garcia, senior director of operational services and projects, told the board that West Preserve Park construction is advancing and remains on track for substantial completion in November, subject to the summer storm season. "We are still anticipated on substantial completion by November," Garcia said, and she showed drone progress pictures of framing, pickleball covers and field fencing.

Garcia gave a series of project updates: Cover Bridge Park is complete and closed out with CPSI certification, Tamar Park parking construction has a commission-approved award and staff are finalizing the contract and permits, Pine Trails Park spectator-canopy and bleacher improvements are out to bid (bid period closes March 12), and Liberty Park’s splash pad project is in early design-quote solicitation. On timing for a smaller playground replacement at Terramar Park staff estimated installation would be mid-April and take about six to eight weeks to complete.

Staff and board members also discussed enforcement of the trainer-certification program for private coaches using city fields. Felicia Trainor, assistant director of parks and recreation, described the badge-and-insurance requirement: "They should have a badge, and it's yearly dated... we've had their background check, that they're cleared, and we have an insurance on file," and she urged residents to notify the park ranger line if they see an unauthorized trainer. Board members noted there is a recurring enforcement challenge when residents or club-affiliated coaches run paid lessons on city fields.

Athletics Manager Ryan Mariano reported participation trends across leagues, including travel soccer growth from 655 to 731 participants and rec lacrosse increasing from 122 to 177, and announced free AED informational sessions at the PREC on March 24 (English) and March 25 (Spanish). Recreation staff previewed spring and summer registration dates and new specialty half-day camps launching in April.

Board members asked about preserve boundaries and whether certain open areas could be repurposed; staff said the area east of Liberty Park is preserve land and would be considered only as part of future strategic planning. Garcia said staff will return with design options and construction timing as projects advance.