Parks, Recreation & Neighborhood ServicesCity of San José

Accomp l i shme n t s , R e s u l t s & Performance on Cost Recovery Goals

2012 ANNUAL REPORT

Table of ContentsMessage from the Acting Director

PRNS Inspires

Active Living in Open Space

Empowerment Through Enrichment

Efficient Economics with Intention

Power in Partnerships

Path to National Leadership

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3-4

5-6

7-8

9

10

Director’s Message

The Department of Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Services (PRNS) has continued to make strides in achieving our vision of be-coming the national leader in cultivating healthy communities through quality programs and dynamic public places. We are committed to pro-viding desired services while strengthening our financial sustainability to support these services. Through our array of outdoor play opportu-nities, enriching programs, and productive partnerships, we continue to strive to enhance the quality of life for residents of all ages.

Serving the 3rd largest city in California and 10th largest city in the U.S., PRNS is honored to provide programs/services to a multitude of culturally, economically and generationally diverse communities. PRNS boasts many nationally recognized programs/services such as the Mayor’s Gang Prevention Task Force, Happy Hollow Park & Zoo, Lake Cunningham Regional Skate Park and our citywide trail system. In addition, residents have opportunities to get active in 193 parks and 54 community centers, as well as unique facilities such as pools, dog parks, golf courses and sports fields. Our commitment to providing affordable access to programs, engaging the community and advanc-ing financial stewardship still remain our highest priorities. This year’s annual report will highlight the department’s success in our financial sustainability efforts and spotlight our high-quality program achieve-ments.

I am incredibly proud of the PRNS staff as they continue to provide in-novative solutions and quality programs. We would also like to thank our community, foundation partners, corporate partners, collaborative agencies, and network of volunteers. PRNS appreciates the generosity and commitment you have bestowed upon us. Your commitment and enthusiasm to San José communities are invaluable and create a vital asset to achieving our successes. We look forward to another year full of accomplishments that will continue our efforts to cultivate healthy communities and enhance the quality of life for residents of the City of San José.

Photo Cover: Japanese Friendship GardenThis Page: Mayfair Community Center

Julie Edmonds-MaresActing Director

With over 70 years of experience, the Department of Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Services continues its commitment to providing resi-dents with ample opportunities to connect with their community and have safe places to play. From our humble beginnings in 1942, with just a handful of parks and community centers serving 200,000 residents, PRNS have grown to accommodate our City of almost one million people. Our programs and parks are designed to promote physical and mental health through recreational activities. In doing this, PRNS continues to provide access for all residents and strives to enhance the quality of life throughout the City of San José.

3 • Director’s Messagesanjoseca.gov/prns • 2

Parks provide intrinsic environmental, aesthetic, and recreation benefits to our cities.(American Planning Association, planning.org)

Parks and recreation programs provide places for health and well-being that are accessible by persons of all ages and abili-ties, especially to those with disabilities.(National Recreation and Park Association, nrpa.org)

To be a national leader of Parks and Recreation in cul-tivating healthy communities through quality programs and dynamic public spaces

To build healthy communities through people, parks and programs

Fowler Creek Park

PRNS Inspires

Recreation and park facilities help promote social bonds by uniting families, encouraging cultural sensitivity, and sup-porting seniors and individuals with disabilities.(California State Parks, parks.ca.gov)

Social Bonds

Berryessa Volunteers

Our Vision

Our Mission

Economic Benefits

Health & Well Being

Lake Almaden

Family Camp at Yosemite

Happy Hollow Park & Zoo

With 193 parks located throughout San José, it has never been easier for residents to enjoy our city’s open space. A great way to enjoy our beautiful outdoors is to picnic in our parks with friends and family. Residents now have the ease of reserving 56 sites, including 13 brand new picnic sites in our most popular neighbor-hood parks. Group pic-nic areas are also avail-

able in our regional parks such as Alum Rock, Lake Cunningham and Emma Prusch Farm Park. Take the opportunity to create a memory-filled day of hiking, playing games and spending time with the ones you love.

Picnic in our Parks

Outdoor EngagementBikers, hikers, runners, and even commuters agree: San José is ahead of the curve when it comes to trail development. The City’s ad-opted Green Vision has set a goal of 100 miles of inter-connected trails by 2022 and PRNS is working hard to achieve this goal.

Reservable Picnic Sites56

Active Living in Open Space

San José’s warm climate embraces endless outdoor adventures with over 3,000 acres of parks, trails, golf courses and community gardens, providing more opportunities to be outside than any other neighbor-ing city. Whether you’re looking to get fit, take in the landscape of the “Valley of Hearts Delight,” cultivate a garden with plentiful fruits and vegetables, or get up close and personal with a pygmy goat, San José’s Department of Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Services is at the forefront of providing outdoor activities, services and opportunities for a healthy lifestyle to our residents.

55 Miles of Trails

27 Trails Goal: 35

Goal: 100

Number & Miles of Trails Compared to Program Goals

3 • Director’s Message3 • Annual Report 2012

152%

152% increase of trail usage on

Guadalupe River – Coleman Crossing

Miles of trails completed throughout

San José

Our Community Gardens are more than just pieces of land that cultivate fresh produce. They are places that build a sense of community, improve neighborhoods by preventing blight, and connect gardeners to the environment. The program is full of dedicated community members who manage the gardens as volunteers and meticulously tend to the crops on a regular basis. Incorporating innovation, the Community Garden located at Guadalupe River Park is one of the first in California to utilize recycled water, saving significant amounts of of water annually. This hidden gem shares the overabundance of produce with non-profit programs in the area and benefits all of our communities.

For more information on park activities, visit www.sanjoseca.gov/prns and click on “Outdoor Fun”

Enriching Communities through Gardening

12% Increase OverallTrail Usage!

19 Community Gardens throughout San José

1,090 Community Gardeners

89%of San José residents

reported having visiteda park at least once

in the past year.

Coyote Creek Cleanup

Berryessa Community Garden

Source: 2012 City Park Facts,

Trust for Public Land

Lake Cunningham Regional Skate Park (LCRSP) has revitalized San José’s skateboard scene, pro-viding a local, national and global lens on Northern California’s biggest and best skate park. Skate pioneer Tony Hawk has carved its bowl and local skate legend Steve Caballero has kickflipped and ollied through the skate park’s hardened terrain. A very driven grass roots community organization and the exuberance of skateboard enthusiasts from all over the Bay Area have rejuvenated the skate park as 40,041 visitors attended the park in 2012. LCRSP continues to surpass expectations of revenue and attendance growth with new special events and fundraising efforts.

Serving over 430,000 guests annually, Hap-py Hollow Park & Zoo (HHPZ) is consistently seen as a top destination by families across the Bay Area by leading the way for customer experiences, innovations, and efficiencies. The iconic Danny the Dragon welcomes visi-tors with open arms to enjoy the park’s ride attractions, zoo and special programs. Along with offering guests a memorable visit, HHPZ is a key player in connecting park attendees

with global movements, including the preservation of Mountain Goril-las and Orangutan conservation by collecting unwanted cell phones. Behind the scenes, HHPZ streamlined the business process of inspect-ing rides by partnering with the City’s Department of Public Works Mechanics Team to provide comprehensive daily inspections of the park attractions. This innovative collaboration to ensure guest safety has seen an annual cost savings of over $100,000. With these note-worthy efforts, HHPZ continues their dedication to the mission of providing an affordable, sustainable, conservation-centered outdoor adventure for families with children.

sanjoseca.gov/prns • 4

A Place to Shred

Happy Hollow Park & Zoo App

Find Your Wild Side!

Total Annual Special Event Attendance

1526

5607

2011 2012

2012 Best Zoo and Nature Center in Bay Area Parent

LCRSP continues to surpass expectations of revenue and attendance

• GPS enabled map• Daily attraction schedule• Upcoming events• Special discounts • Animal videos

267% Increase!

Danny the Dragon

Lake Cunningham Regional Skatepark

Active Living in Open Space

In conjunction with San Jose State University students, this new app features:

Youth Intervention Services, affiliated with the Mayor’s Gang Prevention Task Force, provides an array of services focusing on intervention of gang impacted youth. The purpose of these programs is to positively change the direction of at-risk youth, while also focusing on preventa-tive services for children who are and may be impacted by gangs. Youth Intervention services is comprised of the Safe School Campus Initiative a partnership between City Departments, school districts, and County Probation; Clean Slate Tattoo Removal Program, designed for gang-impacted youth to receive life skills workshops and tattoo removal services; and the Mayor’s Safe Summer Initiative, engaging youth in fun, safe activi-ties to occupy their free-time. These services provide benefits for the entire city as it provides an opportu-nity to prevent crime, educate our youth, and alter the path of individuals who want to change their lives in a positive direction.

5 • What we are doing3 • How are we doing it?

Empowerment Through Enrichment

5 • Annual Report 2012

Fostering Healthy Futures

At the core of our department, PRNS is committed to providing high quality services to every resident of San José. With programs that range from early childhood to older adults, a full spectrum of activi-ties is offered. The services provided are intended to increase each individual’s physical and mental wellness, provide a safe environment for play, focus on prevention, and allow access for all.

A variety of youth and family programs are offered at all hub commu-nity centers throughout the City. These programs offer youth of all ages a safe environment and recreational opportunities which foster play, learning and decision making skills to make positive choices in their lives. The Obesity Prevention Initiative was launched in conjunc-tion with Michelle Obama’s “Lets’ Move!” campaign to complement the youth programs. This organic collaboration aligns existing core services to aid in the national combat of childhood obesity. The Youth Program Nutrition Standards were developed and implemented, plac-ing an emphasis on increasing physical activity and improving access to healthier foods for the youth in our community.

165,185 healthy meals & snacks served to children enrolled in our afterschool programs & summer camps

Access to parks and recre-ation opportunities has been strongly linked to reductions in crime and to reduced juve-nuile delinquency.

87% of children enrolled in our Early Childhood Recreation class-es brought in at least 5 new and different healthy snacks recom-mended by their instructors

Aspiring to a Better Life

Camp San José at Roosevelt

Therapeutic Services

Early Childhood

Enrollment

1,001Program Hours

1,645

Enrollment

4,262Program Hours

13,708

R.O.C.K. Afterschool

Summer Camps

Enrollment

8,011Program Hours

12,067

Enrollment

555Program Hours

7,541

Aquatics

Leisure Classes

Enrollment

14,993Program Hours

11,295

Enrollment

2,150Program Hours

1,674

Total Enrollment: 15,979 Total Program Hours: 36,635

Source: nrpa.org

Clean Slate Tattoo Removal Graduates

3 • How are we doing it?sanjoseca.gov/prns • 6

6,565 Participated in classes in 2012

27% increase in Participation!

Everyone deserves access to available programs throughout the City. A multitude of scholar-ship programs are available with over 98% of available scholarship funds awarded (as shown on the chart), ensuring that opportunities are given to participate in the programs.

98% of available scholarship funds awarded

Affordable Access to Programs

$18,000

$16,695

Santa Clara Family Health Plan

$168,000

$168k

Camp San José

$10,000

$9,149

Awarded

Awarded Awarded

Awarded Awarded

Emma Prusch

$4,500

$4,158

Family Campership

$65,000

$62,400

City Wide

Total Scholarship Available : $265,500

Adding Gold to the Golden YearsA comprehensive program is provided at community centers across San José for active adults aged 50+. With the broad range of today’s active adult population, an array of services is offered to appeal to an age range that spans 50 years. Spend a day at a community center and reap the benefits of dynamic social interactions, meaningful service through volunteerism, increased knowledge, and learning and sense of belonging. Services, offered at little or no cost, include classes, drop-in programs, nutrition meal services, and social services provided by partner programs. These overall services are for senior residents and include an extensive nutrition program that is provided at 14 locations throughout the city. The vibrant selection of activities is designed to stimulate overall health and well-being in an engaging, enriching, and fun atmosphere within our community centers.

Youth Advisory Council

Empowerment Through Enrichment

“San José Ranked Healthiest City in America”

-Centrum

5,161 Participated in classes in 2011

Berryessa Senior Program

For more information on programs, visit www.sanjoseca.gov/prns and click on “Programs & Activities”

The Department of Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Services supports quality programs with a mindful effort to build and maintain a strong financial foundation. The department is funded with general tax dollars, dedicated tax dollars, grants, and fees and charges. We are committed to utilizing those resources in the most effective and efficient manner in order to meet the needs of the community.

3 • Director’s Message

Efficiency in Motion

7 • Annual Report 2012

Fiscal year 2011-12 was full of accomplishments in which PRNS demonstrated an outstanding performance in its cost recovery effort. Our success was driven by improved results in our ser-vice delivery models and business efficiencies. It is also a result of our long-term strategy and pricing guiding principles implemented over the last several years to ensure the preservation of services through creative financial sustainability approaches. Over the past four years, PRNS has implemented the Pricing and Revenue Policy (Council Policy 1-21) and advanced an effi-cient financial model that has increased the department’s revenues while lowering expenses. As a result, PRNS has steadily decreased its reliance on the City’s General Fund.

*Note: Some funds under management totals are distributed across multi-year department projects (i.e. Capital Improvement Program and Gift Trust funds)

Funds Under Management*Operating Budget

Capital Budget

$54,540,564PRNS Operations

Bringing Everyone’s Strength Together

Citywide Programs

Muni Golf

Gift Trust

Community Facilities District #14

$4,155,380

$3,477,155

$2,709,231

$2,337,193

$674,813

$162,301,843

Total:$67,894,336

Cost Recovery Rate Performance

40%

35%

30%

25%

20%

15%

10%

08-09

09-10

10-11

11-12

22%

28%

33%

38%

Jr. Olympic Games

Family Camp

Efficient Economics with Intention

$70M

$60M

$50M

$40M

$30M

$20M

$10M

General Fund Subsidy

$65,

968,

141

$53,

765,

775

$69,

388,

066

$69,

271,

262

$21,

536,

012

$20,

572,

838

$19,

357,

542

$15,

199,

917

08-09 09-10 10-11 11-12

Actual/Earned RevenueYear-end Total Committed Expenses

For detailed information on the budget, visit www.sanjoseca.gov/budget

2012 Capital Improvement Program

Parks Maintenance and Operations

Recreation and Community Services

Strategic Support

Dollars byCore ServiceTotal: $54,540,564

$30,018,001

18,037,351

6,485,212

The PRNS General Fund operating budget subsidizes core services and programs.

Authorized Positions

by Core Service

264.20

44.73

171.26

Parks Maintenance and Operations

Recreation and Community Services

Strategic Support

Total: 480.19

San José employs one of the smallest ratios of parks and recreation employees per 10,000 residents compared to other large California cities while continuing to deliver diverse, high-quality services to our city of almost 1,000,000 residents.

Our residents merit the essential elements that positively impact their quality of life. The Department of Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Services is proud to continue offering opportunities such as clean, safe parks and community centers; open space for play; and enriching recreational activities/programs.

Operating Funds

Staffing Ratios

Efficient Economics with Intention

sanjoseca.gov/prns • 8

Oakland | 11.3

San Francisco | 9.2

Anaheim | 8.1

Sacramento | 5.8

San Diego | 5.6

Long Beach | 4.7

Bakersfield | 4.2

Los Angeles | 3.9

San Jose | 3.9 *

Fresno | 1.1

Parks & Recreation Employees per 10,000 Residents

Source: 2012-13 Adopted Budget

Source 2012-13 Adopted Budget

Jr. Olympic Games

Early Childhood Recreation

Source: The 2012 City Park Facts, Trust for Public Land

3 • How are we doing it?3 • How are we doing it?

Park Volunteer Programs

Programs Still Going StrongPartnering agencies allow the continuation of services at community centers and neighbor-hood pools as an alternative to facility closures. The sharing of resources has been a real win for the community, community based agencies, and the City. The diversity of services provided by over 30 organizations at 42 Re-use sites throughout the city is astounding. Re-use sites are primarily smaller neighborhood and satellite centers where unique services and offerings are provided by our community partners.

Source: City Auditor’s Service, Efforts, and Accomplishments Report 2011-2012

Power in Partnerships

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10

20

30

40

50

60

City Operated Reuse sites

`

9 • Annual Report 2012

A colossal collaboration unfolded at Emma Prusch Farm Park/Veggielu-tion with NVIDIA and the City Year program. NVIDIA’s Project Inspire Grant brought out 1,500 employees and more than $300,000 in materi-als, project management and vol-unteer labor. The project enhanced and improved many aspects of the grounds and facilities of the park and popular working farm partly oper-

ated by Veggielution, a non-profit organization cultivating leadership, community, and social justice through sustainable agriculture. The program constructed sheds, an outdoor kitchen, covered picnic area, cooling barn, packing shed and a market stand. To learn more about Veggielution, go to http://veggielution.org/.

Project Inspire

This was the largest Proj-ect Inspire event in their 12-year history of provid-ing community service.

Residents demonstrated their civic pride throughout the year by volunteering in the parks! To view all volunteer opportunities, go to http://www.sanjoseca.gov/volunteer

Events HoursPeople

5,505

24,300

154

Volunteer Totals

Project Inspire

Reuse Program at Paul Moore

Partnerships play a significant role in maintaining and enhancing es-sential services for the community. With the support of established corporations and the generosity of local organizations, PRNS recogniz-es the value of collaboration. These efforts form a collective establish-ment to sustain services and preserve parkland.

Value of Volunteer Time: $587,586

Community Centers

‘07-’08 ‘08-’09 ‘09-’10 ‘10-’11 ‘11-’12

City Pools

Future Bike Park at Lake Cunningham Rendering

sanjoseca.gov/prns • 10

• Oversee an annual one-year Capital Improvement Program budget of $162 million

• Focus on financially and environmen-tally sustainable projects

• Invest in infrastructure improvements, sports fields, trail development, land acquisition and new park development

• Utilize Business Intelligence data to improve efficiencies

• Enhance innovative service delivery models

• Attract residents to PRNS recreational opportunities

• Preserve value-added services

Path to National Leadership

• Strengthen partnerships for sustain-able service opportunities and capital project development

• Establish sponsorships to support dynamic programs and amenities for residents

• Affect lives by establishing meaningful relationships that build healthy com-munities

People

Parks

Programs

PRNS is following a path to further the progress of our vision to be the national leader in the parks and recreation field. Substantial efforts have been made to connect and engage residents by ongoing development of open space and delivery of high quality programs. As the depart-ment moves forward on this path, the foundation for future growth is cultivated through people served, parks maintained, and programs developed. Our primary goals for this foundation include:

River Oaks Park Guadalupe River Trail Development

Coleman Soccer Field Rendering

LCRSP Skate Park

Celebrate Cambrian Event

Community Gardens

Fair Swim Center

Park Volunteer Program

Camp San José

R.O.C.K. Afterschool Program

Lake Cunningham Skate Park

PruschF A R M P A R K F O U N D A T I O N

SAN JOSE

City Council • Mayor Chuck ReedDistrict 1 Pete Constant • District 2 Ash Kalra • District 3 Sam Liccardo District 4 Kansen Chu • District 5 Xavier Campos • District 6 Pierluigi OliverioDistrict 7 Vice Mayor Madison Nguyen • District 8 Rose Herrera District 9 Donald Rocha • District 10 Johnny Khamis

Parks, Recreation & Neighborhood Services Senior StaffActing Director Julie Edmonds-Mares • Acting Assistant Director Angel Rios, Jr. Deputy Director Matt Cano • Deputy Director Steve HammackDeputy Director Suzanne Wolf

Foundations

City of San José Department of Parks, Recreation and Neighborhood Services200 E. Santa Clara St., 9th Floor, San Jose, CA 95113 | P. 408-535-3570 | F. 408-292-6299 | sanjoseca.gov/prns

City Manager • Debra Figone

Camp San José