Title
Discussion on Role of Commissioners and Outreach to the Community
Body
To: Honorable Chair and Members of the Recreation and Park Commission
From: Amy Wooldridge, Recreation and Parks Director
Re: Discussion on Role of Commissioners and Outreach to the Community
BACKGROUND
In the past, the Recreation and Parks Commissioners have assisted with outreach to the community through park and program site visits as well as attending community events.
Previously, the Commission agreed upon the following ways to be engaged and serve the community:
• Attend events, Council meetings, Planning Board, and other key city meetings where parks interests are involved.
• Make sure parks are represented and communicate the message that parks and this Commission are relevant in the community.
• Better understand infrastructure of parks system and programs.
• Truly represent the people who use the parks and programs. Be stronger representatives of those users.
• Be involved with parks, projects and recreation programs.
DISCUSSION
The Commission can be valuable advocates for Alameda parks and programs including how they positively impact residents and businesses. There is a time in each monthly agenda for Commissioners to report on activities they have attended plus questions and comments they have received from residents. In the past, Commissioners signed up for site visits to specific Alameda parks, facilities and programs and would spend time there, observe, talk to people and report their feedback to the Commission.
Below is the list of specific parks, programs and facilities available for Commissioners to visit:
Parks and Facilities
• Lincoln Park (including Harrison Center)
• Washington Park
• Little John Park
• Franklin Park
• Woodstock Park
• Krusi Park
• Leydecker Park
• Encinal Boat Launch Facility
• Bill Osborne Model Airplane Field
• Cityview Skate Park
Programs
• Veteran’s Building
o Underground Teen Center
o Wee Play
• Mastick Senior Center
• RAP (Recreational After School Program)
• Tiny Tots
• League or drop-in play at Alameda Point Gymnasium
• WOW (World of Wonder) summer program
• Day Camp summer program
• Summer Aquatics Programs at Encinal and Alameda High Schools
• “Secret Shopper” idea - pull 5 people at random from the database to contact them and get their feedback on programs, parks and service.
• Special Events
o Father Daughter Dance
o Egg Scramble
o Earth Day
o Summer Expo
o Sand Sculpture and Sand Castle Contest
o Annual C-Bone Skate Tournament
o Annual City Tennis Tournament
o Annual Swim Championships
o Alameda Walks
o Mastick Senior Center Fashion Show
o Starlight Movies in the Park (4)
o Teen Haunted House
o Mayor’s Tree Lighting
o Breakfast with Santa
Other Opportunities
• Girls in Sports Committee Liaison
• Alameda Point Parks Liaison
• Alameda Friends of the Parks Liaison
RECOMMENDATION
Discuss the role of Commissioners and ideas for outreach to the community.
Respectfully submitted,
Amy Wooldridge, Recreation and Parks Director