Lodi Parks & Recreation Commission - December 2, 2025
Lodi Parks & Recreation Commission
Meeting Summary: December 2, 2025
Location: Carnegie Forum, 305 West Pine Street, Lodi, CA
Meeting
Date: December 2, 2025
Meeting Time: 6:00 PM
Contact:
Patricia Moreno, Administrative Assistant | (209) 333-6742
Overview Summary
The Lodi Parks & Recreation Commission's December 2, 2025 regular meeting agenda packet contains materials for a meeting held at Carnegie Forum at 6:00 PM. The meeting includes approval of November 4, 2025 meeting minutes, one Action Item (election of new officers for 2025/2026), and one Regular Agenda Discussion Item (department updates). The packet also includes detailed documentation from the previous November 4, 2025 meeting and the Monthly Staff Briefing for September 2025 highlighting operational statistics, recreation programming, capital projects, and marketing metrics.
Notable Highlights:
- Community advocacy for aquatic facility renovations at Enze Pool
- Recognition of the Lodi Lions Club's $30,000+ donation for Emerson Park improvements
- Lodi Lake StoryWalk® proposal partnership with the Library
- Commission direction regarding Lawrence Park Skate Park project with recommendation to use $175,000 in design funding to renovate existing Kofu Park skate park
Presentations
The meeting packet documents two presentations from the November 4, 2025 meeting:
E-1: Emerson Park – Lodi Lions Club Improvement and Donations
Director Christina Jaromay presented a certificate of recognition to the Lodi Lions Club for their generous donation of funds, labor, and materials for recent renovations at Emerson Park. Lions Club President Joshua Lyon accepted the certificate and acknowledged past members who assisted with renovations, including Ken Heffel, Mike Locke, Ellen Ashbaugh, Richard Prima, and Tracey Lydon, along with the Lodi Community Foundation. Collectively, these parties raised over $30,000 for the recent park improvement projects.
E-2: Lodi Lake StoryWalk® Proposal
Jennifer Fontanilla, Director of Lodi Public Library, presented a potential project to bring literacy outdoors through a partnership between Parks, Recreation & Cultural Services (PRCS) and the Library. The StoryWalk® project proposes placing story panels along the south Nature Trail at Lodi Lake, with stories periodically rotated to encourage reading while supporting healthy movement and inspiring family involvement in outdoor activities. The Lodi Public Library Foundation has committed to fully fund the project. Commission members supported the concept and agreed to explore other parks that may better suit the project.
Public Hearings Items
The December 2, 2025 agenda packet does not contain any formal Public Hearing items. However, the meeting does include provisions for public comments on non-agenda items, limited to five minutes per speaker, and public comment opportunities during consideration of agenda items pursuant to Government Code §54954.3(a).
Significant Public Comments from November 4, 2025 Meeting
Aquatic Facilities Advocacy
Seven community members (John Griffin, Troy Scheideman, Christina Welch, Ben Reilly, Victoria Reilly, Ashley Wolfe, and Lou Tovar) voiced concerns about the lack of aquatic facilities in Lodi. They proposed a plan to renovate Enze Pool at Blakely Park, suggesting expansion of the surrounding pool area, renovation of the currently out-of-commission pool, and addition of picnic areas to accommodate private events, swim meets, lifeguard training, and swim lessons.
| Name | Address | Phone | |
|---|---|---|---|
| John Griffin | 3061 Radiance St. | swimlodi@gmail.com | 209-712-4382 |
| Troy Scheideman | 117 N Hutchins St. | troy.scheideman@yahoo.com | 209-712-6855 |
| Christina Welch | 933 W Turner Rd. | welch933@comcast.net | 209-204-8855 |
| Ben Reilly | 2206 Grenoble Dr. | email.the.reillys@gmail.com | 209-481-4355 |
| Victoria Reilly | 2206 Grenoble Dr. | email.the.reillys@gmail.com | 209-481-4355 |
| Ashley Wolfe | 2206 Grenoble Dr. | email.the.reillys@gmail.com | 209-481-4355 |
| Lou Tovar | 431 Evergreen Dr. | tovar@me.com | 209-642-0762 |
Skate Park Concerns
Branden Dais (807 Loma Dr., Brandendais@gmail.com) and Amber Shumaucher (1210 S. Pleasant Ave., ltinton89@yahoo.com) commented on the skate park project, expressing concerns about the current deteriorating state of Kofu Skate Park. They suggested focusing on repairing and resurfacing current ramps and recommended installation of permanent or temporary portable restrooms at Kofu Park.
Regular Calendar Items
D-1: Nominations and Election of New Officers for 2025/2026
Item Type: Action Item
Prepared By: Patricia Moreno, Administrative
Assistant
In accordance with the Commission Service and Bylaws, the Commission will elect a Chairperson and Vice Chairperson by majority vote of all members. The officers' terms run from July 1 of each year, with newly elected officers serving through June 30, 2026. The current officers are Chair Carouba and Vice Chair VanNortwick. There is no funding consideration or impact associated with this action item.
E-1: Department Updates
Item Type: Discussion Item
Prepared By: Emerson Yellen, Deputy
Director
Type of Action Needed: Discussion
Deputy Director Emerson Yellen prepared this agenda item for Director Christina Jaromay to provide comprehensive department updates to the Commission. This is a discussion-only item with no funding impact.
Operational Reports & Department Statistics (September 2025)
Aquatics Operations
Hutchins Street Square Pool
Attendance dropped slightly in October as expected with seasonal weather changes:
- Total Patrons: 810 in October
- Fitness Classes: 379 attendees
- Open Swim: 121 participants
- SNAP: 6 participants
- Lap Swim: 72 attendees
- Punch Pass Cards Purchased: 22
- Health Program Check-ins: 232 patrons
Annual Pumpkin Plunge Event: Approximately 400 people attended. The event was free to the public for the first time this year. Guests enjoyed swimming for pumpkins and participated in cookie and pumpkin decorating, a free photobooth, jump houses, and games provided by local organizations including BOBS, the Library, and Salas Music Academy.
Swim Lessons
Swim lessons served a total of 48 participants:
- Level 1: 18 participants
- Level 2: 12 participants
- Level 3: 3 participants
- Level 4: 5 participants
- Parent & Me: 4 participants
- Private Lessons: 6 participants
Facility Status
- Enze Pool: Closed for the season
- Lodi Lake Beach: Closed for the season
- Rentals: No rentals in the reporting period
Recreation Programming
Tot Sports
- Tot Basketball ended October 25 at the Boys and Girls Club
- Skyhawks Tot Multi Sports clinic (soccer and t-ball) had 19 registered participants
Youth Sports
- Jr Volleyball: Continued at Lodi High South Gym for ages 8-14 with 4 games for 8-10 year-olds and 5 games for 11-14 year-olds in October
- Adaptive Soccer: Third season ended October 22 at Villa Fiore Park
- Tennis Clinics: 18 kids enrolled in clinics run by Jacob Neal at Kofu Tennis Courts
- Youth Basketball: K-3rd leagues began in November; 4th-6th league scheduled to begin in January
- Skyhawks Fall Sports Clinics: Soccer and Flag Football at Hutchins Street Square West Park; Track and Field canceled due to low enrollment
- BOBS Activities: All Stars Soccer practices at multiple parks; Lodi Colts (Tackle Football) practices Tuesday-Thursday at Kofu Park with 2 Saturday game days at Grape Bowl
Adult Sports
- Adult Softball Fall Leagues: Coed Monday, Coed Tuesday, and Men's Monday leagues completed regular season by October 27-28 with 36 games played in October
- Adult Volleyball: 4 game days played at Lodi High Meehleis Gym
- Drop-In Basketball: Registration opened October 29 with full season pass and 3 separate smaller season options
- Pickleball Clinics: 15 people registered at Legion Park clinics run by Dennis Kaufmann
- Tennis: Canceled (run by Jacob Neal)
Specialty Classes
A total of 77 students participated in Specialty Classes:
Sports Field Rentals
- Grape Bowl: Used every day in October; 8 days used by multiple users; hosted 4 Lodi High home football games and Tokay High Soccer practices
- Softball Complex: No tournaments; 2 previously scheduled tournaments were cancelled
- Zupo: No rentals but used for BOBS makeup games
- Kofu: 8 rental dates for soccer practices (beyond BOBS use)
- Peterson & DeBenedetti: Rentals every weekend for soccer leagues and games plus BOBS practices
Youth Programming
After School Programs (ASP)
- Fee-based ASP: 21 monthly participants and 2 Punch Pass Kids
- Program was closed for Fall break
LUSD Bridge
PRCS staff worked the LUSD Intercession for Bridge from September 20 through October 3, coordinating educational lessons planned by teachers with recreational enhancement activities.
Fall Safari Camp
First week had low attendance due to LUSD Bridge Intersession. Second week had increased registration with activities including dancing, games, karaoke, art, swimming, and a trip to the Sacramento Zoo.
OEG Fall Camp
Similar attendance pattern to Safari Camp with activities including swimming, pumpkin decorating contest, movie field trip, crafts, and downtown strolling.
Lodi Youth Commission (LYC)
LYC hosted its second regular meeting with 1 newly appointed commissioner, bringing the board to a full roster of 9 commissioners. Key activities included:
- Preparations and budget for annual Pigskin Dance at Hutchins Street Square on November 15
- Pigskin Bid Sale Kickoff on October 27 with sales of 103 of 500 available bids on the first night
- Canned food drive to donate to the Salvation Army
Hutchins Street Square Events
- Two Movie Under the Columns events
- Pumpkin Plunge
- Two concerts
- Theater rental
Internal Operations
Adopt-A-Park Program
Currently has five Adopt-A-Park partners supporting:
- Henry Glaves Park
- DeBenedetti Park
- Emerson Park
- Lodi Lake
- Roget Park
During the reporting period, 26 hours were worked by 13 volunteers with tasks including litter removal, planting and fertilizing plants, spreading mulch, and pulling weeds.
Vandalism
Five instances of vandalism occurred during the reporting period:
- Repair Cost: $394.21 in labor and materials
- Crew Time: 3 hours for graffiti removal, chain link fence repairs, garbage bin replacement, and wooden fence repairs
Lodi Parks People Program
Park staff is enrolling interested citizens in the Lodi Parks People clean-up program. Currently has seven active volunteers with orientation being scheduled for the next group of potential volunteers. The website has been updated with volunteer forms, and several citizens have inquired about participation.
ActiveNet/Reservations
| Facility/Service | September 2024 | September 2025 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Picnic Shelter Rentals | 50 | 47 | -3 |
| Hutchins Street Square Visitors | - | 4,525 | - |
| Hutchins Street Square Room Rentals | - | 25 | - |
Hutchins Street Square Events (October): Hosted 4,525 visitors through 25 room rentals including meetings, birthdays, receptions, and the Mayor's State of the City address.
Key Capital Projects and Park Maintenance
Hutchins Street Square Maintenance
In October, 23 of 38 submitted work orders were completed with an average cost of $291 per repair (elevated due to replacement equipment purchases).
Lodi Lake Southside and Hughes Beach Improvements
Status: 98% completed
Remaining Items: 2 punch list items (restroom
partition replacement in South Restroom and one picnic table for Hughes Beach Shelter)
Funding:
2020-2021 "One-Time" Funds approved by City Council
Council Action: Project accepted
on October 15 council agenda
DeBenedetti Park
Status: Consultant CALA Landscape Architecture completed plan revisions per Building Department comments and incorporated EV charging stall requirements. Plans currently under Building Department review.
Salas Sports Lighting Retro-Fit Project
Contractor: SCC Electric of Novato
Start Date: End of
July
Progress: Conduit trenching, placement and backfilling complete; drilling and
pre-cast concrete foundation installation underway. Poles and fixtures have arrived for installation
within project schedule.
Lodi Lake North Restroom Restoration
Contractor: Kaler General Contractors of Rancho Cordova
Status: 98%
complete
Remaining Tasks: Wiring from pump controls to SCADA equipment, removal of
miscellaneous building materials, interior and exterior cleaning
Projected
Completion: Around Thanksgiving
Special Note: The control/pumping
operating system is a "one-off" installation with appreciation given to Public Works Electrical staff
for oversight.
125 & 111 N. Stockton Street Properties (Design & Construction Documents)
Consultant: WMB Architects of Stockton
Scope: Space planning and
re-design of Stockton Street properties
Timeline: Design and construction documents
started September 2025; completion scheduled August 2026
Funding: Community
Development Block Grant (CDBG)
Hale Park Court Resurfacing & Fencing Improvements
Status: Plans and specifications developed by Parks and Public Works staff
Council
Approval: Scheduled for November 19 council agenda
Funding: CDBG Funds
Ongoing Park Staff Projects
- Ball fields renovation discussions and scheduling
- Mowing operations continuing as weather permits
- Irrigation systems currently OFF
- West Coast Arborist scheduled for work at Salas, Hutchins Street Square, and Lodi Lake
- Grape Bowl soccer rentals ongoing
- Legion Community Building work completed; room rentals can be reinstated with 30-person capacity
- Dry-rot trim replacement at Lodi Lake Boat House with Meehleis Modular
- Plaque installation completed at Candy Cane Park
- New chain link fencing installed at North Grape Bowl parking lot
- Tree work and fencing work completed along west property line of Salas Park (Benton Fencing and West Coast Arborist)
- Hale Park Sign Replacement and Lodi Lake Pay Station Components in progress
- Moving into leaf season with coordinated schedule with Public Works
Marketing, Social Media, and Publicity
PRCS Facebook Page (October 2025)
Metrics:
- Page Reach: 113,600 unique accounts
- New Followers: 132
- Page Visits: 1,900
Top 3 Engaged Posts:
- Movies Under the Columns - Hocus Pocus
- Emerson Park Recap Reel
- Country Two Step
PRCS Instagram Page (October 2025)
Metrics:
- Page Reach: 7,100 accounts
- New Followers: 75
- Instagram Profile Visits: 474
Top 3 Engaged Posts:
- Pigskin Sales
- Emerson Park Recap Reel
- Pumpkin Plunge
Marketing Visualization
PRCS in the News
Feature: "Lodi Lions Club welcomes community to celebrate renovations at Emerson Park" - lodinews.com
E-3: Lawrence Park Skate Park Project Direction (November Meeting)
Director Jaromay opened discussion to receive Commission direction on how to proceed with the Lawrence Park skate park project. Following a recommendation from the Parks & Recreation Commission, the item would be presented to City Council. The department's RFP process resulted in a successful proposer, allowing a contract to be tendered to the consultant. However, given Council's desire to move construction funding to a cricket project, the Commission was asked to weigh in on how to proceed.
Commission Recommendation
The Commission suggested obtaining an updated quote from a professional skate park company and recommended using the available $175,000 in design money for renovating the current skate park at Kofu Park rather than proceeding with new construction at Lawrence Park.
Public Comments on Skate Park
Speakers:
Branden Dais - 807 Loma Dr. - Brandendais@gmail.com
Amber Shumaucher -
1210 S. Pleasant Ave - ltinton89@yahoo.com
Both speakers expressed concerns about the current state of Kofu Skate Park and suggested the commission focus on repairing and resurfacing the current ramps. They also suggested permanent or temporary portable restrooms at Kofu Park.
Other Business Items from November Meeting
Friends of Lodi Lake Update
Commissioner Erickson provided an update on the Friends of Lodi Lake event at the Nature Area of Lodi Lake. The Friends of Lodi Lake and members of the public successfully planted native plants in the native garden area at the entrance to the Nature Area. Appreciation was extended to Dan White and the Parks and Recreation crew for their assistance.
Upcoming Event: Friends of Lodi Lake will partner with the Lodi Public Library to host a craft and story time event at Lodi Lake Kiwanis Shelter area on Saturday, November 8, 2025 at 10:00 AM.
Upcoming PRCS Events
Director Jaromay provided updates on upcoming events:
- Holiday Boutique: Hutchins Street Square on December 7
- Commissions and Boards Appreciation Event: November 20, 2025 at 4:00 PM at Hutchins Street Square
Parks & Recreation Commission Members
| Position | Name | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Chair | Carouba | Present at November 4 Meeting |
| Vice Chair | VanNortwick | Present at November 4 Meeting |
| Commissioner | Long | Present at November 4 Meeting |
| Commissioner | Erickson | Present at November 4 Meeting |
| Commissioner | Khan | Present at November 4 Meeting |
Meeting Procedures & Accessibility
Agenda Posting
Pursuant to Section 54956(a) of the Government Code of the State of California, this agenda was posted at least 72 hours in advance of the scheduled meeting at a public place freely accessible to the public 24 hours a day.
Public Comment Policy
Pursuant to Government Code §54954.3(a), public comments may be directed to the legislative body concerning any item contained on the agenda for this meeting before (in the case of Closed Session items) or during consideration of the item.
Public Records
All staff reports or other written documentation relating to each item of business referred to on the agenda are on file in the Office of the City Clerk, located at 221 W. Pine Street, Lodi, and are available for public inspection. Agendas and staff reports are also posted on the City's website at www.lodi.gov.
Accessibility & Accommodations
If requested, the agenda shall be made available in appropriate alternative formats to persons with a disability, as required by Section 202 of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. Sec. 12132), and the federal rules and regulations adopted in implementation thereof.
To request disability-related modification or accommodation: Contact the City Clerk's Office as soon as possible and at least 72 hours prior to the meeting date.
Language Interpreter Requests: Must be received at least 72 hours in advance of the meeting to help ensure availability. Contact Patricia Moreno at (209) 333-6742.
Solicitudes de Interpretación de Idiomas: Deben ser recibidas por lo menos con 72 horas de anticipación a la reunión para ayudar a asegurar la disponibilidad. Llame a Patricia Moreno (209) 333-6742.
Public Comment Submission Methods: