Carlsbad Recreation Services highlights summer events, tree plantings and trail volunteerism

Recreation staff told the Parks and Recreation Commission that recent outreach and programs drew solid participation and that staff are preparing seasonal activities and safety outreach.

Ashley Williams, Recreation Services Manager, highlighted Senior Center activities including an orthopedic surgeon clinic and a May 15 senior excursion to the Grand Tea Room in Escondido. She said the Hot Rods and Cool Treats event on May 9 drew an estimated 800 attendees at Pine Avenue Community Park and that Fiesta at the Rancho — an annual fundraiser supporting the California History and Arts program — had about 130 guests (tickets were $125 and rose to $150 before the event).

Williams noted May is Water Safety Month; aquatic staff are hosting outreach tables and CPR/first‑aid demonstrations and engaging children in drowning‑prevention education. She also previewed the Aloha Plunge at Algonorte Aquatic Center on July 18 (5–8 p.m., $15 admission; children ages 3 and younger free) and said registration will be required for capacity controls.

Parks Superintendent Roger Havelock summarized maintenance and volunteer activity: the city was recognized for Arbor Week and its 22nd consecutive Tree City USA designation; staff and volunteers planted 25 trees at Poinsettia Community Park with more than 50 volunteers; and recent trail maintenance events at Hidden Canyon and Hass Grove engaged small volunteer teams and community partners. Havelock said the dog parks at Poinsettia Community Park have reopened after an overseeding transition to warm‑season Bermuda turf.

Director Lancaster added that department staff met virtually with the CAPRA reaccreditation review team and that a three‑person site visit is expected in June–July. He said most evidence requests have been addressed and the department is cautiously optimistic about reaccreditation.

No public commenters spoke during the meeting. The commission held questions about event capacity and attendance; Williams said Fiesta at the Rancho had been capped at 150 and turnout was below that cap.