The Recreation and Parks Department's mission is to enrich the lives of the residents of Santa Maria through quality recreation programs and services; and to provide safe and well-maintained facilities and parks, while anticipating the changing needs of the community. The department operates 234 acres of developed parkland in 31 neighborhood and community parks, part of the 1,774-acre Los Flores Ranch Park property, the Abel Maldonado Community Youth Center, the Hagerman Softball Complex, Paul Nelson Aquatics Center, Elwin Mussell Senior Center, Veterans' Memorial Center and other community centers. The department provides programs in aquatics, youth and adult sports, therapeutics and senior services, Special Olympics, community classes and events, youth and teen programs, and the Mayor's Task Force on Youth Safety. It also runs the City's Urban Forest Program. 

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 Interim Director of Recreation and Parks

Angela Oslund
(805) 925-0951 extension 2156 (Administration)

 

 DESCRIPTION OF RESPONSIBILITIES:

Responsible for the daily operations and management of the Recreation and Parks Department. Provide staff support to the City Manager's Office, City Council and Recreation and Parks Commission. Supervise a staff of 30 full-time and 32 permanent part-time, assigned to 5 major divisions: Parks, Landscape Districts, Urban Forest, Recreation, and Administration. Services are provided in the following areas: city parks (225+ acres), part of Los Flores Ranch Park, publicly managed trees (30,000+), street medians, storm basins and rights-of-way (45+ acres), Santa Maria Town Center landscaping and parking structures, 7 major recreation facilities offering specialty recreation classes and programs and support to community based recreation programs i.e., youth basketball, youth soccer, etc.   

Mission Statement

To enrich the lives of the residents of Santa Maria and surrounding areas through the provision of quality recreation and park facilities, programs and services, while being intuitive and responsive to the leisure needs of our customers.

2023-24 Goals and Objectives

1. Complete the comprehensive plan for the creation of a Citywide Landscape Maintenance District in the effort to find a supplemental funding source for the Park system and bring the feasibility report to the City Council. Present to the City Council a plan for feasibility and methodology for the creation of such a district.

2. Hire a consulting firm to generate the 2023-24 Community Leisure Needs Assessment and bring the study and recommendations to the Recreation and Parks Commission in Spring 2024.

3. Complete the conveyance of property for the proposed sports complex project and bring a final design before the Recreation and Parks Commission in the winter of 2023. Continue to seek additional funding sources.

4. Expand and create new meaningful outdoor programs and services for families to fulfill a City Council goal and in alignment with the Smart City, Safe City vision. Using a $500,000 grant from the State of California to engage more families in recreation programs in the out of doors, including excursions and camping experiences.

5. Maintain and grow the partnerships with those community-based organizations whose services focus on the pillars of “Intervention” and “Prevention” as stated in the Mayor’s Task Force on Youth Safety report. Organize a biannual summit of these groups.

6. Make progress on capital projects including, relandscaping the Civic Center facing Broadway; phase one and two of the Veterans’ Memorial Park project; phase one of the Smith/Enos House and Japanese Community Center projects; Battles Road Multi-purpose trail beautification project and Jones Street Intermodal Trail Project.

7. Bring to the Recreation and Parks Commission a proposed City Urban Forest Master Plan and present to the City Council for consideration.

8. Use the City Council’s $250,000 allocation for public art to increase public art downtown. Advocate for a more livable downtown experience by coordinating with the Community Development Department an integration of the goals of the Public Arts Master Plan, to help create dynamic public open spaces into the City’s Downtown Specific Plan and General Plan,

9. Complete an Organizational Assessment for the Department’s future needs in management, supervision, staffing and facilities, develop a multi-year implementation plan, and include professional development and training.

10. To fulfill the City Council’s priorities for public safety, utilize the City Ranger program to promote continued safety in and around public spaces, update policy and procedure manual using the Lexipol system, encourage environmental sustainability, create opportunities for social engagement, and instill the value of the Arts and the benefits of technology in the programs and services offered by the Recreation and Parks Department.

1. Youth Sports: My child will meet the proper age limit in a couple of months. Can they still sign up for the program?

Participants will be allowed to participate only if they meet the age requirement at any time while the program/class/league is in session.

2. Youth Sports: Are scholarships available for individuals seeking financial assistance for recreational programs?

Individuals seeking financial assistance must complete a "Recreation Grant Application" form available at the Recreation and Parks Department administrative office. To determine eligibility, the parent/guardian must provide a hardship explanation and ability to pay 50 percent of program fees. Only four (4) grants are allowed per family in one calendar year.

Does the Recreation and Parks Department offer financial assistance?
No, however, aid is provided by its non-profit partner PLAY, Inc. Read the Financial Assistance Application.

3. Youth Sports: My child will meet the proper age limit in a couple of months. Can they still sign up for the program?

Youth Sports: What type of equipment do participants need to bring to a program?

The department provides all the necessary equipment for youth sports participation. If participants decide to bring their own equipment to class, items should be labeled with the owner’s name.

 

• Adult Sports: What are the age requirements for participation in Adult Sports programs? 

Volleyball participants must be at least 16 years of age during the season in order to be eligible. Basketball, Dodgeball and Softball participants must be at least 18 years of age during the season in order to be eligible. The age difference in adult sports programs is due to the potential level of physical contact during league play. 

• Adult Sports: Why are the fees set at this level for the adult leagues? 

League fees are used to pay for scorekeepers, staffing, facility maintenance and equipment. Awards are also given to the top two teams in each division. Compared to other communities, our fees are still considerably affordable. 

• Aquatics: What are the age requirements for swim programs? 

Age limits are based on the American Red Cross Standards and Recommendations. To enroll in SuperTot, the child must be 3 years old prior to the first class! Children cannot advance to Level 1 prior to their fifth birthday, unless they successfully pass Super Tot Level 3. 

• Aquatics: Is there a maximum age for swim programs? 

Any person age 15 years or older wishing to take swimming lessons would be best served in the adult swim classes.. 

• Can I sign up for classes online? 

Yes. On the City website homepage www.cityofsantamaria.org go to the “I want to” tab and select Register For Recreation Classes. Or go to this webpage: www.cityofsantamaria.org/register

• What is "ActiveNet"? 

ActiveNet is the registration system. You can access it online at this webpage. 

You may use ActiveNet to register to programs or reserve facilities.  

 

• Is there a discount for reservations and registrations if I live in Santa Maria? 

Yes, City resident fees are lower than standard activity or facility fees. 

• Where can I register for programs and reserve facilities? 

The Recreation and Parks administrative office, located at 615 South McClelland Street, is open weekdays from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. After-hours registration is also available online at https://anc.apm.activecommunities.com/santamaria/reservation/landing 

• Is there a fee if I cancel a reservation or a program? 

Yes, there is a 25 percent fee if you choose to cancel a class or reservation. 

• How much does it cost for youth to use the Abel Maldonado Community Youth Center? 

The application and membership are absolutely FREE! 

• What are the requirements to become a member of the Youth Center? 

The Youth Center is for teens in grades 7th – 12th who are between the ages of 13 and 17.  To become a member, a teen must come with a parent and have a valid school ID or Aries account.  

How far in advance do I have to book (reserve) a facility? 

The City maintains a three-week policy for facilities that require staff. 

• Can adults come into the Abel Maldonado Community Youth Center during teen hours? 

No adults are allowed in the Youth Center during teen hours. Those hours are Monday through Thursday from 2:30 to 8:30 p.m., Fridays and Saturdays 2:30 to 10:00 p.m., and the center is closed on Sundays. 

• What hours can adults use the Fitness Center? How much does it cost for adults? 

Fitness Center hours for adults are Monday through Friday, 5:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., and Saturdays 8:00 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. The Fitness Center is closed on Sundays. The cost is $2.75 per visit. You can purchase a 30-day pass for $33. For seniors 55-64 years of age, the cost is $1.40. For seniors over 65 access is free. 

• Is there Tutoring at the Youth Center? What hours are the tutors available? 

The tutors are available Monday through Thursday from 3:30 to 7:30 p.m., and Fridays from 3:00 to 6:30 p.m. Tutoring is done in the Tech Lab at the Abel Maldonado Community Youth Center. 

• How do I find out about ongoing programs at the Youth Center? 

For more information contact the Santa Maria Recreation and Parks Department at 925-0951 extension 2260. You can also follow The City of Santa Maria Recreation and Parks Department on social media. 

Instagram : https://www.instagram.com/santamaria_recandparks/ 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/smrecandparks 

• When is Los Flores Ranch Park open? 

The park's hours change with the seasons:  

Spring/Summer: Thursday to Sunday 8:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.; 
Fall/Winter: Thursday to Sunday 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; 
Last entry is one hour before closing. 

Visit the park's webpage here. 

• Is there an entry fee to Los Flores Ranch Park? 

Entry is free for Santa Maria residents, business owners, and City employees 

Fees for non-City residents are as follows: 
Youth (15 yrs. & under): Free 
Adults (16-61 yrs.): $3.50/day 
Seniors (62 yrs. & up): $1.50/day 
Annual Pass (up to 6 guests/day): $49 

• Are dogs allowed at Los Flores Ranch Park? 

Yes, dogs are allowed at the park, but must be on a leash at all times. Also, pick up after your dog. 

• How do I find information on the park, events, and programs at Los Flores Ranch Park? 

Visit the Los Flores Ranch Webpage

• What are some programs and events sponsored by PLAY, Inc.? 

There are many programs and events sponsored by PLAY, Inc. including: the free Concerts and Movies In the Park series, free swim days at the Paul Nelson Aquatic Center, the Safe and Strong after-school and summer drop-off program at 11city parks, the Day of the Dead Festival, and the Community Tree Lighting Ceremony at the start of the winter holidays. 

• What is the "Tree of Life"? 

The Tree of Life program is a gift of a living tree to remember a loved one, celebrate a birth, wedding, or anniversary, while helping to improve the environment. For more information or to purchase a tree, visit www.SantaMariaatPlay.org or call (805) 925-0951 ext. 2260