Watsonville Parks and Community Services Annual Report
We strive to leave a legacy of equitable access to parks and recreation for future generations by creating exceptional experiences for those who live, work and play in our community.
We are dedicated to enhancing health and wellbeing through people, outstanding parks and impactful programs, while prioritizing community needs, equity, and responsible use of resources.
OUR TEAMMATES
Full-timeTeammates 33
Part-time Teammates
34,500+
59 Hours worked by part-time teammates
PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION
Araseli Campos - District 1
Paul De Worken - District 2
Fabian Leonor - District 3
Jennifer Schacher - District 4
Celeste DeWald - District 5
Noe Ibarra - District 6
Emiko Stewart - District 7
FRIENDS OF WATSONVILLE
Daryl Wise - President of the Board
Ana Hurtado - Vice President
Maria Orozco - Board Member
Paco Estrada - Board Member
Tony Camargo - Board Member
Alfonso Lobato - Board Member
IMPACTFUL PROGRAMS
7,500 19,000
check-ins at the Youth Center, while the Senior Center had more than check-ins.
651 times the 41 Developmental Assets were implemented in program curriculum
The Youth Center was open for hours and the Senior Center was open for hours 1,400 1,200
18 new programs offered thanks to Measure R
1,206 active memberships at the Youth Center and Senior Center
1,800
hours of facility rentals booked this year
45 permitted community events
178individuals received over in scholarships $15k
WHAT WE’RE HEARING:
"I myself am very thankful we have the Senior Center not only for me, but for all these other people " -Senior Center Participant
5,330 transactions
95K+ total participation in events & activities
24 events were hosted, including annual favorites like the Strawberry Festival, Downtown Candy Crawl, and Music in the Plaza - plus our newest addition, the Surf’s Up Event
“My son truly enjoyed participating in soccer this spring The coaches he had were great thank you!”
-Rec Soccer Parent
“It’s a good place for kids to come to the Youth Center and explore themselves, as well as try new things they haven’t experienced before ” -Youth Center Participant
“I liked the variety of activities, as well as the welcoming, friendly and kind environment.”
-Camp WOW Participant
OUTSTANDING PARKS & FACILITIES
Park&PlaygroundEnhancements
New clear acrylic basketball backboards and hoops installed at Callaghan Park.
Added tennis court benches at various parks and installed new tennis court net posts at Crestview Park.
Tule removal at Pinto Lake.
Irrigation controllers installed at various city parks.
Tree maintenance at all city parks
New city standardized waste and recycling stations installed, including advertising space
Hand Ball Court Lights repair at Emmett Court Park
Repaired playground equipment and swings at Callaghan, Seaview and Marinovich parks
In collaboration with Public Works, we planned and developed two community garden projects.
Stormwater channel cleanup for proper drainage at Seaview Park.
New flail mower purchased for fire prevention.
Sidewalk repair at Franich Park
Increased restroom services and opened Callaghan for public use
100 trees identified as damaging or potentially damaging to sidewalks and infrastructure were replaced with approximately 115 trees of suitable species and planting space This project was largely funded by CalFire through the City’s grant.
Bythenumbers
8 new city standardized waste and recycling stations installed
6k sq feet of turf replacement
115 trees planted
6 new bottle fill stations at parks
On May 10 community members, leaders, and City teammates joined us for the Ramsay Park Renaissance Groundbreaking Ceremony. Construction began in June 2024
FacilityRenovations
Renovations were made to the front lobby and coffee bar, and a semi-commercial kitchen was added
Resurfaced basketball court and installed a new scoreboard
Installed a computer for the new registration desk
Upgraded furniture
Replaced carpet in upstairs offices
Upgraded exterior lighting
BUILDING COMMUNITY & PARTNERSHIPS
This year, we proudly hosted two ribbon-cutting ceremonies: one for the Teen Artes Mural at Callaghan Park and another for the stunning Watsonville Brillante Mosaics at the Civic Plaza Garage
AssetBuildersCollaborative
City Council adopted the Asset Model as the City’s framework for Youth Development. This initiative focuses on providing all youth in the Pajaro Valley with essential "assets" the building blocks they need to feel valued, respected, and recognized Additionally, the Asset Builders Collaborative was formed to coordinate the efforts of all youth-serving organizations in Pajaro Valley to achieve collective impact, utilizing the 41 Developmental Assets Framework
NumbersthroughPartnerships
270swimmers received free swim lessons through a partnership with Quicksilver and PVUSD
16 email campaigns 44K+ emails sent 44% open rate
Collaborations
We collaborated with businesses and non-profit organizations over 300 times to bolster our events and program offerings.
250patients were prescribed ParkRx.
12 events were supported through the Community Events Sponsorship Program
8,500 Lift Line rides brought older adults to the Senior Center
6,530 bags of food were distributed to older adults through Grey Bears and Second Harvest Partnerships
Volunteers
70 volunteers contributed a total of 1,500 hours of service, making a lasting impact in our community!
September 27, the
WHAT WE’RE HEARING:
“For me, the Youth Center means a place to hang out and have fun.”
-Youth Center Participant
“This has been the best experience I have had! I appreciate the OPPORTUNITY ”
-Volunteer Coach
“Thank you for bringing so much joy to the Franich Park/Ann Soldo Elementary School family! It was wonderful seeing Santa and Olaf great job, City of Watsonville!”
-Santa Tour Attendee
“The structure was excellent. The coach was firm but caring, keeping students focused and ensuring their safety during class."
-Gymnastics Parent
“Thank you Watsonville Rec Teammates for all you do!
You are one of the heroes and heroine of our community.”
-Community Member from an Instagram comment
“ParkRx is a very helpful program that helps people stay active ”
-ParkRx Parent
“I love this festival and the civic pride it brings.”
-Strawberry Festival Attendee
“This is so amazing! Thank you for all the cool things you bring to the community!”
-Facebook Comment for July is Parks Make Life Better Month
Youth Development Supervisor Nick Merolla was awarded United Way’s 2024 Youth Champion of the Year Award.
On
Youth Center celebrated the milestone of being open for 30 years
Elizabeth Shea, Impact and Community Engagement Coordinator, received the Rising Professional Award from CPRS District 6
Jesus Madrigal was proudly presented with the Volunteer Citation Award from CPRS District 6
