PERIOD REPORT
DATE: September 04, 2024 Report No. P&R-24-006
TO: Dan Horan, Chief Administrative Officer
FROM: Steve Knoke, Parks and Recreation Director
SUBJECT:TITLEParks and Recreation Second- 2024 Period Report
Body
The following is a report on the activities pertaining to the Parks and Recreation Department from May 1, 2024 to August 31, 2024.
I. DIVISION ACHIEVEMENTS AND ACTIVITIES
1. Parks Services
Parks Highlights
• 31 tree cutting applications were processed with 28 trees removed and 94 trees pruned. 6 applications for tree cutting were denied.
• Pond renovation in Japanese Garden including repair to the pond, pump maintenance, new plantings and replacement of old plant material.
• Installed picnic table at Captain Jacobsons Park.
• Infrastructure team refinished 14 benches in Saxe Point and Westbay Walkway.
• Installed 2 new walking paths adjacent to Japanese Gardens in Esquimalt Gorge Park (EGP).
• Repairs to the path at Westbay including filling trip hazards with infield mix for compaction and ease for human and animal feet.
• Installation of Japanese Lantern, Hiroshima Gingko and Japanese blood grass bed at the front of the Esquimalt Gorge Park Pavilion.
• The water park was opened on May 17 and included repairs to valves, assessment of actuators, repairs to the system and replacement of the computer system that controls the water.
• A flail mower contractor was hired to clear invasives at Macaulay Point Park, and the Wurtele boulevard.
• Installed 1 new plot and replaced 1 existing plot in Anderson Park Community Garden.
• Ongoing repairs were made to the rubber play surface at the Esquimalt Adventure Park.
• Split rail fencing installed at Saxe Point Park.
• Work in Ken Hill Park included improvements to the existing landscape - removal of invasive grass, relocation of plants and seeding of the area for easier/more sufficient maintenance.
• Painted newly installed pipe fence at Macaulay Look Out.
• Parks team supported major events in parks including the Esquimalt Farmers Market, Movies in the Park, and Petapalooza.
• Planted a kinnikinnick bed on the west side of the Pavilion.
• A Branch Out invasive removal event was held on May 25th at Esquimalt Gorge Park, with the Greater Victoria Green Team, to address a section of invasive species that threatens the native biodiversity of the park. 580sq metres of land was cleared of invasives.
• Perennial border extended at Saxe Point Park.
• 70 ft of split rail fencing installed at Westbay Walkway to fortify the bank.
• EV Truck added to the Parks Fleet, additional EV cart acquired for Saxe Point Park.
• Two Centennial Pavers were ordered and installed in Memorial Park.
• Signage installed at Greenshores Site in EGP indicating construction timeline.
• Behind the scenes coordination of the Greenshores Demonstration Site project has been ongoing (Project breaks ground on September 12th).
• Reconfigured office space at Parks nursery to accommodate Parks Admin Support position.
• RFP issued for Anderson Park received 10 submissions (currently under review).
• RFP awarded for Multi Use Dock Options and Analysis Report.
• Parks participated in regional forum for the creation of a UNESCO Urban Biosphere in Greater Victoria.
Urban Forestry:
Publicly Owned Trees
• Trees pruned - 94
• Trees removed - 28
• Trees planted - Blvd trees - 0, Natural area trees - 1
• Total trees planted - 1 (No planting in summer, generally)
Invasive Removal
• Total cubic meters of invasive plants removed during the 2nd period - 45m3
• Total square meters of land cleared during the 2nd period - 806m2
Privately Owned Trees (tree permit/developments)
• Trees approved for removal - 12
• Trees denied for removal - 6
• Trees approved for pruning - 10
• No permit required (not protected tree) - 7
• Total number of tree cutting permits waiting for more information or cancelled - 4
• Total tree cutting permits applied for - 31
Parks Washrooms
• Increases to calls for service and damage reported to parks bathrooms.
• The washrooms in the nature house had pump replacement, ongoing issues with capacity and patrons flushing things that should not be flushed.
• Saxe Point bathrooms have had issues with vandalism and wire theft. Requested that VicPD attend more frequently.
• Washroom at the anglers building experienced some issues with the pump, pump was replaced in July 2024.
Park Bookings
• Saxe Point: We hosted a variety of events at Saxe Point, including Branch Out, Stories in the Park, Summer Camps, Preschool Programs, and Pop-Up Opera. In total, we accommodated 63 bookings. In the same reporting period last year, we had 26 bookings.
• Esquimalt Gorge Park: Esquimalt Gorge Park was the venue for several events, such as World Migratory Bird Day, Oceans Day, the Esquimalt Farmers Market, Kaleidoscope Theatre Productions, TCAC’s Sculpture Splash, Parks and Recreation’s annual Outdoor Movie Nights, and the Japanese Cultural Fair. We hosted 83 bookings in total. In the same reporting period last year, we had 59 bookings.
• Memorial Park: Memorial Park hosted numerous events, including the Esquimalt Farmers Market, TCAC’s Music in the Park, Pacific Opera Victoria, the Esquimalt Community Arts Hub Art Tour, and various school picnics. We held 10 bookings in total. In the same reporting period last year, we had 33 bookings.
• Macaulay Point Park: At Macaulay Point Park, we hosted events such as the Fort Macaulay History Tour, Biological Environmental Services, Stories in the Park, Society of Unexpected Spectacles, and school picnics. We managed 34 bookings overall. In the same reporting period last year, we had 8 bookings.
• Bullen Park: Bullen Park saw a diverse range of events, including Buccaneer Days, Jazz Fest, Pet-A-Palooza, Esquimalt’s Neighbourhood Party, Outdoor Movie Nights, various business social parties, slo-pitch leagues, urban recreation volleyball, and sports tournaments. In total, we organized 94 bookings. In the same reporting period last year, we had 14 bookings.
• Brodeur Field: Victoria Brodeur Field was utilized for various activities, including adult soccer, Gorge soccer, and youth training sessions. We had 78 field bookings in total.
• Lampson Baseball Diamonds - Lampson Park was utilized by Little League Baseball. We had a total of 111 bookings.
• Captain Jacobson - We hosted events such as the TCAC’s Mad Hatter’s and Huntington Hero’s Vancouver Island Walk for Huntington’s Disease. In total we had 3 bookings take place, this is up from 0 from 2023.
• Highrock Park - We had one park booking from Victor Brodeur School.
2. Recreation Services
Facility Rentals
Gorge Park Pavilion
• Gorge Park Pavilion Bookings: The Pavilion hosted 239 bookings during this reporting period. These included a diverse range of events such as staff retreats, birthday parties, class reunions, and gatherings for organizations including BC Transit, BC Pension Corporation, the University of Victoria Faculty of Social Sciences, Island Health, the Vancouver Island Book Club, and Camosun College's School of Business & Centre for Sports and Education.
• Sculpture Splash - Sandcastle Edition 2024: Sculptor Fred Dobbs and his team crafted a captivating sand sculpture titled “Second Star to the Right and Straight On ‘Til Morning - Peter Pan,” depicting a scene from the beloved story.
• 24th Annual Japanese Cultural Fair: On August 24, the Pavilion hosted the 24th annual Japanese Cultural Fair, attracting over 600 attendees. The event featured a variety of demonstrations, performances, and presentations. Due to the event's popularity, the Victoria Nikkei Cultural Society expanded the festivities outdoors, incorporating a performance area, community showcase space, garden tours, a bike valet, and an outdoor “Things Japanese” exhibit.
• Wedding Season Rentals: The Pavilion saw steady bookings for the 2024 wedding season, with 21 weddings scheduled. Looking ahead, bookings for the 2025 wedding season are strong, with the Pavilion already fully booked on Saturdays from June through September.
• Esquimalt Farmers Market Partnership: The Pavilion continued its successful partnership with the Esquimalt Farmers Market for its third consecutive year, operating on Mondays from June to September 2024.
• New Pavilion Supervisor: In early August, we welcomed Jodi Appleton as the new Pavilion Supervisor.
• Gorge SeaCan Art Mural: A new art piece was installed on the SeaCan at Gorge Park. The art piece is in response to the site's historical significance, themes of healing and community, incorporation of garden elements, and the artist has a personal connection to the history of Japanese internment in Canada. The art is currently being finalized during this reporting period.
Facility Rentals:
• 284 contracts were issued for rentals at the Esquimalt Recreation Centre (75 of which were lane/pool rentals) compared to 223 and 69 for the same period last year.
• 145 contracts were issued for rentals at the Archie Browning Sports Centre compared to 145 last year. This number does not include curling arena use due to pickleball programming.
Fitness and Sports:
• Fitness Program Registrations: Registration for fitness programs remained strong with 545 participants, an increase from 478 registrants in the second period of 2023.
• Drop-In Fitness Participation: Participation in drop-in fitness classes rose from 4,590 to 6,471.
• Drop-In Sports Participation: Participation in drop-in sports increased from 2,486 to 3,033.
• Drop-In Wellness Centre Visits: Visits to the Drop-In Wellness Centre grew from 26,939 to 27,197.
• New Small Group Training Program: A new Small Group Training program launched in Summer 2024 saw a promising start with 19 participants in July and August.
• RunSport Run Clinics Partnership: Esquimalt Recreation partnered with RunSport Run Clinics, which attracted 29 registrants for the first session.
• Youth Weight Room Orientation: A total of 43 youths completed the Regional Youth Weight Room Orientation, up from 34 in the same period last year. Additionally, 18 adult orientations were conducted, slightly down from 19 in the previous period.
• Wellness Centre Deep Cleaning: In August, fitness and maintenance staff collaborated to perform 12 hours of deep cleaning at the Wellness Centre, ensuring a clean and sanitary environment for all participants.
Pickleball:
• Four Pickleball courts were installed during the week of May 14th, with court rentals and programs officially beginning on May 18th. The installation process went smoothly, thanks to the guidance and support of the Total Sport Solutions staff.
• Our staff collaborated closely with the Victoria Pickleball Association, offering a total of 32 registered pickleball programs in the spring and 41 programs in the summer. Altogether, there were 543 registrations across both seasons.
• The Pickleball courts experienced a daily range of 35 to 80 participants, who engaged in various activities including court rentals, lessons, tournaments, drop-in programs, and clinics.
• During the spring and summer season we moved the Drop-in Pickleball program from the Jubilee Hall at the Recreation Centre to the new courts at the Sports Centre. This allowed the addition of Fitness and Child programs. A new drop-in Pickleball time was also added in July and August.
Aquatics
• The pool continued to run at normal hours of operation (119hrs/week). The completion of the 2nd period of 2024 marks the anniversary of the pool returning to normal hours of operation after the COVID shutdown (returned to normal hours at the start of the 3rd period in 2023).
• 5 new aquatics staff were hired, bringing our staff total to 78 Lifeguards and Swim Instructors.
• We ran 92 community swimming lessons (July and August) with a total of 414 participants compared to 74 lessons with 327 participants in 2023.
• We ran 27 Registered Private Lessons (RPL) with a total of 42 participants compared to 49 RPL with 71 participants in 2023.
• We ran 14 advanced aquatics courses with 148 participants compared to 15 courses with 145 candidates during this period in 2023.
• We ran 20 water fit classes per week with an average of 25 participants, compared to an average of 22.5 participants during this period in 2023.
Registration
• There were 28,318 single admission drop-ins as compared to 23,287 in 2023
• There were 58,024 membership scans as compared to 53,591 in 2023
• 2094 memberships were sold compared to 2,053 in 2023 this includes:
• 728 - 10 Punch Passes compared to 600
• 287 - 25 Punch Passes compared to 261
• 239 - 1-month Passes compared to 218
• 254 - 3 Month Passes compared to 183
• 75 - 6 Month Passes compared to 91
• 323 - 1 Year Passes compared to 296
• 24 - Annual Regional Passes compared to 17
• Summer Access Pass - 164 compared to 387
• 683 products were sold through the Recreation Centre shop (googles, swim caps, swim diapers, and water bottles, Nose plugs) compared to 711
• There were 4,796 registrations completed compared to 3,423
• There were 14,936 registrations completed compared to 12,174 (including single bookings)
Marketing
• Esquimalt Parks & Recreation social media platforms continue to have a strong following; 4,260 followers on X (formerly Twitter) (up from 4,241 last period), 7,304 on Facebook (up from 6,794 last period) and 2,529 on Instagram (up from 2,343 last period).
• The parks/recreation section of the municipal website continues to be the most predominantly viewed content on the website with six of the top ten pages being parks and recreation related content.
• Parks & Recreation continues to work with Roger’s media to promote programs and events via radio on both Ocean (98.5) and Jack (103.1).
• Parks & Recreation has branched out in our marketing through Roger’s media and are now using targeted advertising integrated into demographic-based podcasts.
Child, Youth and Family
Licensed Out of School Care
• OSC completed the school year running at capacity of 78/78 in after care, the same as 2023 and at 54/78 kids in before care compared to 45/78 kids in 2023.
Preschool
• Licensed Preschool Mon/Wed/Fri class: 10/16 participants as compared to 13/16 in the M/W class in 2023. With a lack of ECE instructors our Centre was unable to add any new registrations for this period due to our licensed child/staff ratios.
• Tues/Thurs Nature preschool class: 5/14 participants which was the same as 2023.
• Japanese Immersion Play for Parent/Infant/Toddler at the Gorge Pavilion had 8/15 families registered compared to 18/25 families registered in 2023.
Youth and Leadership Programs
• We ran 5 weekly Teen drop-in programs for May and June and dropped down to 3 for July and August.
• The average number of participants for Teen Nights was between 20-60 each night. There was an increase in Gym drop-ins on Friday and Saturday nights with an average of 20-40 participants. This was an increase over last year which averaged 15-20 participants.
• We ran 9 youth camps, as compared to 8 camps in 2023. All youth camps ran near or at capacity (camp capacities ranged from 12-16 kids), which is consistent with 2023 registration.
• The Youth Leadership Training Program successfully ran again. Youth completed the required 40 hours of volunteer experience in many different departments throughout the Recreation Centre. This course ran full of 12/12 participants which was consistent with 2023 numbers.
• Youth volunteers from previous training programs returned this summer to volunteer in several weeks of camps.
• Junior Dungeons and Dragon program was full for two classes with 5/5 participants.
• Home Alone class ran on June 22 with 16 participants, as compared to 15 participants in 2023.
Martial Arts and Sports (Child, Youth, Adult)
• Rock Water Aikido ran 5 programs for children, youth and adults at Brodeur including two new child classes on Wednesdays.
o Child: 31 participants
o Youth 29 participants
o Adults 9 participants
• MIJO Taekwondo ran 5 programs for preschool, children, youth and adults at the Rec Centre.
o Tuesdays with 60 participants as compared to 47 participants in 2023.
o Saturdays with 46 participants as compared to 56 participants in 2023.
• Western Martial Arts Longsword class ran with 13 participants compared to 18 participants in 2023.
• Badi-Star Badminton expanded program offerings, filling 16/20 spots in both the Teen/Adult class and the Junior class which was an increase from 2023.
• We added 3 new Badminton classes in July-August including a new family class which filled 17/20 spaces.
• Kids Soccer ran three classes compared to only two classes in 2023.
o 3-5 years: 9/12 participants.
o 6-8 years: full 12/12 participants and 10 people on the waitlist, this is consistent with 2023 numbers.
o 9-12 years: 10/12 as compared to 6/12 in 2023.
• KATS Tennis ran 4 programs with us:
o 5-8yrs class and 9-12yrs class, both ran full with a waitlist which was the same as 2023.
- 5-8 years: 15/15
- 9-12 years: 10/10
• Urban Rec ran four Volleyball programs including 2 new summer programs which was an increase of two programs compared to 2023.
• Urban Rec also added a new Pickleball program on Tuesday nights.
• Spring Monday Volleyball program 12/12 teams.
• Spring Thursday Volleyball program 12/12 teams.
• Summer Thursday Volleyball program 12/12 teams.
• Spring Tuesday Pickleball program 7/7 teams.
• Vic City Basketball ran 3 programs including a new Inclusive Skills Academy for female, non-binary or gender diverse individuals.
o New Inclusive Skills Academy 13-65yrs: 17/24 participants.
o Girls Skills Academy 8-15yrs: 10/15 compared to 18/20 in 2023.
o Boys Skills Academy 8-15yrs: 27/27 spots filled compared to 16/20 in 2023.
Summer Camps
• All Summer Camps ran at or near capacity with 20/20 participants with many camps having waitlists for most of the summer. The last 2 weeks of August we saw a decrease in registration numbers with no active waitlists, which was unusual compared to previous summers.
Arts, Culture, Social & Special Interest Programs
• 50+ Weekly Drop-In Programs have been seeing 6-40 people attending depending on the program. Music Jam, Ukulele Club and Bridge are the most popular; mah jong, writers group, and euchre have maintained steady numbers and the knit and crochet group has been selling twice as many dish clothes as this time last year.
• This spring saw high registration in many programs, such as:
o Music Together for 0-5yrs - all classes full for a total of 60 families.
o Soap-Making 101 with Wychbury Ave for adults - full at 20 participants.
o Guitar for ages spanning preschool to adult age and had 29 registered.
o Stitch-lab was a continued success with many returning students advancing their skills on new projects and had full classes with a combined 24 kids.
• This summer we ran a successful paint night with 16 participants and a NEW air plant art class with 7 participants.
Community Development and Events:
• Buccaneer Day BBQ: The annual Buccaneer Day BBQ launched the vibrant Buccaneer weekend with a festive pirate-themed lunch. The event honored the dedicated planning committee and featured burgers, a live performance by Macaulay Elementary School, and support from volunteers from the Fire Department and VicPD. The BBQ was attended by 46 guests.
• Buccaneer Day Pirate’s Den: During Buccaneer weekend, the curling rink was transformed into a Pirate’s Den, offering a family-friendly Kid Zone. Activities included a bouncy castle, lawn games, a photo booth, pirate hats, a button-making station, and a fruit table generously provided by Country Grocer. The Esquimalt Neighbourhood House also participated by promoting their services and hosting a craft table. In addition, Rec staff, along with youth volunteers from our winter training camp, organized the Little Buc’s Olympics on Bullen Field.
• Neighbourhood Party: This year’s Neighbourhood Party was held at Bullen Field and featured a lively array of local community groups, live performances, a Lion’s Club BBQ, an ice cream truck, Urban Rec Volleyball, and a Kid’s Zone hosted by the OSC team. A new addition was the Kid’s Market, where 12 local youths showcased and sold their handmade goods under a market tent. Performances included rhythmic gymnastics, musical theatre, and music from our in-house ukulele club. The event attracted approximately 600 attendees.
• Esquimalt Summer Movies: We hosted three summer movie nights alternating between Bullen Field and Gorge Park, with each movie drawing 300-550 participants. Unfortunately, the fourth movie was cancelled due to rain. The movies, sponsored by Flying Squirrel, featured food trucks (Country Crepes & The Hot Dog Guys) and a Kid Zone hosted by EF International Language School.
• Park Activation Series: This year, we introduced a Park Activation series with two small, free, family-friendly events in local parks during July and August:
o Teddy Bear Picnic (Captain Jacobson Park): Approximately 60 attendees enjoyed story time, a stuffie show & tell, music, crafts, and lawn games.
o Play Time! (Memorial Park): Families participated in a variety of sports and lawn games. About 30 people attended, including children aged 1-12 and their caregivers.
• Stories in the Park: Now in its second year, Stories in the Park took place at Saxe Point Park and Macaulay Point Park. The series featured stories by BC authors followed by themed activities, with weekly attendance ranging from 10 to 30 participants.
• Special Event Permits: We supported five Community Block Parties between July and August, along with various other community events, including Buccaneer Days, the Fort Macaulay Historical Tour, Esquimalt Farmers Markets, Music in the Park, TD Victoria Jazz Fest, Pet-a-Palooza, the Japanese Cultural Fair, and SNAFU.
• Branch Out Environmental Stewardship: We conducted six Branch Out! Orientations, training community members to remove invasive plant species from Saxe Point Park and High Rock Park.
Arena Programs:
• The arena's ice was removed from April to mid-August to host a variety of activities, including minor and adult ball hockey, lacrosse, special events, roller derby, and summer camps.
• During this period, the Archie Browning Sports Centre hosted both a Minor Box Lacrosse Tournament and Roller Derby games.
• The addition of pickleball courts to the curling arena increased the dry floor usage from 48.5 hours to 55.1 hours per week.
• By August 28th, the ice was ready, and we welcomed back the Cougars for the 2024/2025 ice season.
3. Maintenance Department
• Maintenance staff continue to work on the overall cleanliness of all our facilities, continually aiming for a higher standard.
Sports Centre
• A new puck board was installed on the west side of the arena, there has now been new puck board installed in the entire arena.
• The kick plate was replaced in the entire arena.
• The northwest structural ramp was rebuilt in the arena.
• The hockey side barrel roof was scraped, scrubbed, and cleaned.
• Painting was completed in the changeroom hallway, changerooms, and the player’s benches.
• The maintenance staff office was moved to the hockey lobby, this allows staff to be more visible to our arena users.
• Ammonia alarm calibration was completed.
• The hockey ice was installed in late August.
• Maintenance staff supported Jazzfest and Pet-A-Palooza events
Recreation Centre
• Staff began designing and building a chemical delivery system to get pool chemicals into the basement filter room.
• Two pumps were repaired in the pool filter room.
• Pool filter room was cleaned and repainted.
• The main pool Strantrol was replaced.
• All filters and belts were replaced on all Air Handling Units.
• The outside doors to Jubilee Hall were repaired.
• A new accessible opener/closer was installed on the back door of the recreation centre.
• The weightroom had a 2-day partial “rotating” shutdown to allow for a deep clean of the entire area.
Pavilion
• The pond pump was repaired.
• The Air Handling Unit received a complete servicing.
• A new work bench was built in the maintenance room.
• All exterior door piano hinges were repaired.
II. COMMITTEES
The Environmental, Parks & Recreation Advisory Committee met on May 22, 2024.