Parks Recreation and Cultural Arts Commission

THURSDAY, MAY 28, 2026 701 Carson St. Carson Event Center- East Wing Activity Room 6:30 PM PARKS, RECREATION AND CULTURAL ARTS COMMISSION AMENDED AGENDA Commissioners Chair Shannon Lawrence | Vice-Chair Jesus-Alex Cainglet | Secretary Kisa Hilliard | Kim Cortado | Cesar Dahilig | Walter Gonzalez | Edwina Hunter | DeAnthony Langston | Jo Jacqueline Johnson Alternates Kelvin Brown (Alternate 1) | Vacant (Alternate 2) | Rudolfo Brillantes (Alternate 3) Staff Michael Whittiker, Jr. Director | Tim Grierson, Recreation Superintendent | Bobby Grove, Community Services Superintendent | Modesto Bolanos, Park Maintenance Superintendent | Kimberly Madrigal, Administrative Secretary PUBLIC INFORMATION “In accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, if you require a disability related modification or accommodation to attend or participate in this meeting, including auxiliary aids or services, please call the City Clerk’s office at 310-952-1720 at least 48 hours prior to the meeting.” (Government Code Section 54954.2) Any members of the public wishing to provide public comment for the items on the agenda may do so as follows: 1. Email: You can email comments to p&rcommission@carsonca.gov no later than 3:00 p.m. before the meeting. Please identify the Agenda item you wish to address in your comments. Your comments will be read into the record. 2. Telephone: You can record your comments at (310) 847-3581 no later than 3:00 p.m. before the meeting. Please identify the Agenda item you wish to address in your comments. Your comments will be read into the record. 1 CALL TO ORDER The meeting was called to order at 6:32 PM by Chair Lawrence. ROLL CALL Present: Chair Shannon Lawrence, Secretary Kisa Hilliard, Commissioners Kim Cortado (entered 6:36 PM), Cesar Dahilig, Walter Gonzalez, Edwina Hunter (entered 6:39 PM), DeAnthony Langston, Jo Jacqueline Johnson, Kelvin Brown, Rudolfo Brillantes Excused : Vice-Chair Jesus-Alex Cainglet Action: It was moved to excuse the absence of Commissioner Cainglet on a motion of Commissioner Gonzalez, seconded by Commissioner Brown, and carried by a unanimous vote of 7-0. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE PRESENTATIONS 1. PARKS/CONSTRUCTION PROJECTS UPDATES Attachments: Parks/Construction Projects Update_PPT Community Services/Recreation/Park Maintenance Director Michael Whittiker read the staff report aloud to the Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Arts Commissioners, then introduced Recreation Superintendent Tim Grierson to present construction updates through a PowerPoint. In the absence of Park Maintenance Superintendent Modesto Bolanos, Grierson provided the commission with updates regarding Stevenson Park and the tennis-to- pickleball court conversion at Dolphin Park. PRCAC Chair Shannon Lawrence asked the other commissioners if they had any questions. Chair Lawrence then proceeded to ask how many parking spaces will be available at the park. Director Whittiker responded that there would be approximately 60 spaces total. Chair Lawrence asked if the City of Carson would consider providing parking permits for the homes that neighbor the parks. Director Whittiker replied that since they do provide permits for homes around Anderson Park, this may be a possibility. Commissioner Hilliard inquired about the type of new material around the sandboxes. Director Whittiker clarified that in other parks, they have wood chips, pour-in-place, and sand. However, they are now moving forward with tiles. These tiles are small and can easily be replaced when worn out. Superintendent Grierson showed the commission the new, updated polos. Commissioner Hunter asked if the commissioners would be receiving any new gear, including jackets. Director Whittiker confirmed that Administrative Secretary Kimberly Madrigal will attempt to procure the polos before the end of the fiscal year. The jackets will be purchased in the next fiscal year and arrive before the fall season. 2 PUBLIC ORAL COMMUNICATIONS ON AGENDA ITEMS The public may address the Commission on any matters within the jurisdiction of the Carson Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts Commission or on any items on the agenda of the Carson Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts Commission, prior to any action taken on the agenda. Speakers are limited to no more than three minutes, speaking once. Oral communications will be limited to one (1) hour unless extended by order of the Chair with the approval of the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts Commission. CONSENT CALENDAR 2. APRIL 30, 2026, PARKS, RECREATION, AND CULTURAL ARTS COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES Attachments: April 30, 2026, PRCAC Minutes 3. APRIL 2026 MONTHLY REPORT Attachments: April 2026 Monthly Report 4. JUNE 2026 PROGRAMS AT-A-GLANCE-THE SPOTLIGHT-PARK ASSIGNMENTS Attachments: June 2026 Programs At-A-Glance-The Spotlight-Park Assignments Action: It was moved to accept items 2 and 4 on the Consent Calendar, on a motion of Commissioner Gonzalez, seconded by Commissioner Hilliard, and carried by a unanimous vote of 9-0. In reference to Consent Calendar item 3, Commissioner Hilliard inquired about the enrichment programs and whether parents could register on ActiveNet. She also asked about the age range for the new golf program at Anderson. Director Whittiker confirmed that parents could in fact register their children via ActiveNet. He deferred the second question to Superintendent Grierson. Superintendent Grierson agreed to provide her with a definitive answer after further research. Action: It was moved to Receive and File item 3 on the Consent Calendar on a motion of Commissioner Gonzalez, seconded by Commissioner Brown, and carried by a unanimous vote of 9-0. DISCUSSION 5. UPDATING CITY OF CARSON MUNICIPAL CODE TO INCLUDE PROHIBITION OF E-BIKES AT THE PARKS Attachments: City of Lakewood Municipal Code (LMC 4220.1) Operation of Vehicles, Motorcycles, Motor Driven Bicycles or Skateboards Prohibited Except Where Designated. 3 Director Whittiker introduced the item by reading the staff report aloud, including critical background information. He explained that many e-bikes can travel at a speed of up to 30 miles per hour. This poses a danger for riders and bystanders if riders are unaware of the rules of the road or do not abide by them. In the days leading up to the Foisia Park grand opening, three teenagers destroyed parts of the grass with their e-bikes by riding recklessly through the field. Staff asked them to leave, and they later returned. Park Maintenance Superintendent Bolanos quickly worked with his team to repair the grass in time for the upcoming celebration. Director Whittiker will attend the next Public Safety Commission meeting to discuss this issue. He invited Chair Lawrence to attend as well. Commissioner Brown asked if the banned devices listed would include skateboards, as he did not see or hear any mention of e-skateboards. Director Whittiker confirmed that there would be general verbiage in the proposed code that encompasses all electric-driven motors and vehicles. Commissioner Gonzalez agreed that the city must establish a code for e-bikes. He stated that if bicycles are not allowed on parks, e-bikes shouldn’t be either. Commissioner Lawrence applauded Huntington Beach for being proactive and offering classes regarding e-bike safety. He believes that this is an opportunity to educate the public rather than solely enforce through citations. With that said, he is also not entirely opposed to citations (even if not monetary at first) and believes we should partner with local sheriffs. Citations can include mandatory classes. With summer around the corner, more children and young adults will be at the parks. Director Whittiker clarified that staff will provide council with a combination of options for them to select. Commissioner Hilliard asked if there is currently a place for these e-bikes to be parked. Director Whittiker confirmed that they may park in the parking lot. Action: It was moved to update the current City of Carson Municipal Code and present it to Public Safety on a motion of Commissioner Gonzalez, seconded by Commissioner Brown, and carried by a unanimous vote of 9-0. PUBLIC ORAL COMMUNICATIONS FOR MATTERS NOT LISTED ON THE AGENDA The public may at this time address the members of the Carson Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts Commission on any matters within the jurisdiction of the Carson Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts Commission. No action may be taken on non-agendized items except as authorized by law. Speakers are requested to limit their comments to no more than three minutes each, speaking once. COMMISSIONER'S ORAL COMMUNICATIONS/PARK REPORT Commissioner Brown/Mills Park: Nothing to report on Mills Park. He participated in the Mental Health Forum and was pleased to see that it was well attended. He also attended the Extended Stay rally and there was a large turnout for it as well. Commissioner Johnson/Anderson Park: Stated that the park is gearing up for Juneteenth. She recalled that there 4 were cabanas last year, and although this year will be a bit different due to spacing, she is sure it will be a great event. Commissioner Hunter/Dominguez Park: Stated that she has not visited her park this month due to recent surgery. She shared that there is a Youth Summit occurring tomorrow, May 29 from 5:00 PM to 9:00 PM at Foisia Park. The Summit will include guest speakers, team-building workshops, games, food, and more. Commissioner Hilliard/Hemingway: Praised the team for maintaining the parks so well, including green, healthy grass and clean courts, playgrounds, and baseball fields. She inquired why there are only air dryers in the restrooms and not paper towels. Commissioner Gonzalez/Veterans Park: Explained that someone sent him photos showing unhoused individuals residing at Carson Park. Commissioner Langston/Del Amo Park: Nothing to report on Del Amo Park. Commissioner Dahilig/Dolphin Park: Nothing to report on Dolphin Park. Commissioner Cortado/Calas Park/Event Center/Enrichment: Recently noticed warning signs along the street for possible damage and injury from baseballs and wondered how long they have been there. She also observed that one of the poles holding the sign is leaning to one side. She will send a photo showing the sign to Superintendent Grierson. She stated that while she did notice that PRCAC meetings are now posted on the city site calendar, she cannot locate the agendas. She asked how the public can access them. Commissioner Lawrence/Stevenson Park: Recalled that in the recent Tuesday Council Meeting, it was discussed that $35 million was awarded toward sports programs. He asked how the funds would be dispersed and if commissioners have a say in how the funds are managed. STAFF ORAL COMMUNICATIONS Recreation Superintendent Tim Grierson: • Upcoming Special Events: Youth Summit, Memorial Day, LA28 Day of Sport, Juneteenth, Samoan Heritage Festival, and the 4th of July drone show at Dignity Health Sports Park. • Paper Towels in Bathrooms: Public Works custodians manage restroom supplies. Visitors have vandalized these areas using soap and paper towels, so this may be the reason for not having them stocked in the restrooms. • Leaning Baseball Signage: He will ensure the sign is repaired. • Dodgers Dream Team: Recreation reapplied this season and the application was accepted. The program offers tons of events and other supplies like free uniforms, gloves, and bats for participants. Community Services Superintendent Bobby Grove: • Human Services Events: The Event Center has been busy with events including the Senior Resource Fair 5  and Mental Health Forum which over 100 people registered. They will host several graduations in the next few weeks and advise everyone to be mindful of parking availability. • Soccer Watch Party: The event will be held on June 12 in the Amphitheater and the halls. General admission will be free, and the VIP area will cost $20. • Early Childhood Education’s graduation will be held on Friday, June 26, 2026. Administrative Secretary Kimberly Madrigal: • Missing Agenda on City Website: She will discuss this issue with IT and ensure all agendas are posted in the appropriate page on the city site monthly. • Congresswoman Baragan: Invited all commissioners to Congresswoman Baragan’s photo-op/check presentation next Monday, June 1 at 1:00 PM at Carriage Crest Park. Community Services Director Michael Whittiker: • Juneteenth at Anderson Park: There will be access to a free skating rink at the event for all attendees. They will provide skates for those who do not own any. EMT services will be on standby. • Youth Summit: The event will take place Friday, May 29, 2026, at Foisia Park and he hopes everyone has an opportunity to support the youth. • Dodgers Dream Team: Recreation is celebrating their second season with the Dream Team; it’s a great program for the youth. • Wood Chips in the Playgrounds: The department is working on replacing the wood chips in the playgrounds. • Dolphin Pickleball Courts: Construction will begin in the next month. The department is working to build a dog park in every district by 2028. • City Donation: In response to Commissioner Lawrence, the city was awarded with a $35K donation, not $35 million. • First Tee Program: The age range for this program is 7-14 years old. ADJOURNMENT This Board/Commission/Committee is subject to the Ralph M. Brown Act. Among other things, the Brown Act requires that the Board/Commission/Committees agenda be posted at least 72 hours in advance of each meeting and that the public be allowed to comment on agenda items before the Board/ Commission/ Committee and items not on the Board/Commission/Committee agenda but are within the subject matter jurisdiction of the Board/ Commission/ Committee. The Board/Commission/Committee may limit public comments to a reasonable amount of time, generally three (3) minutes per person. Action: It was moved to adjourn the meeting at 7:47 PM on a motion of Commissioner Hilliard, seconded by Commissioner Cortado, and was unanimously carried on a vote of 9-0. 6