Pleasanton Parks and Recreation Master Plan

3-6 Pleasanton Parks and Recreation Master Plan Section Three – Recreation Programming Recommendations 2014 The Sporting Goods Association of America publishes statistics in growth or decrease in youth sports activities (ages 7‐17), most recently showing increases in the following: skateboarding (75%), snowboarding (30%), tackle football (23.5%), tennis (9.5%), bowling (8.5%) and soccer (4.6%). The following sports activities have decreased in the past year: in‐line skating (‐60.4%), softball (‐36%), fresh water fishing (‐20.2%), skiing (‐28.5%), basketball (‐17.9%), golf (‐17.3%), bicycle riding (‐14.1%) and baseball (‐12%). 3.4 Recreational Programming Evaluation and Recommendations The following program recommendations address the top program needs based on the assessment process. These may address needs of a specific age group or the community in general. There may be some overlap or interdependency among the recommended actions. There is also a relationship between program needs and park and facility needs discussed in other sections of the Master Plan. 3.4.1 Youth Programs/Teen Programs Expanding recreation programs for youth, particularly for the 12‐17 year age group, will be increasingly challenging without a home location for teens. Since the year 2000, the under 18 years of age population in Pleasanton has decreased, although still slightly above average compared to California. Population numbers in the 15 to 17 age group did show strong growth over that same timeframe. Other areas needing attention include the development of programs for before and after‐school care including middle schools, active sports and fitness and the development of programs that are based on time for non‐structured play for younger children. The City currently operates an exceptional preschool program for 2‐6 year olds at the Gingerbread Preschool, located at the Amador Valley Community Park. The preschool has been in operation for 45 years and is supported by the City’s General Fund and its costs are offset by revenues generated through program fees. In addition, a non‐profit organization, the Friends of Gingerbread (FOG), also supports the program through a variety of efforts, including fundraising, parent education and social events. A Youth Commission is in place within the Community Services Department and includes representatives from each high school and middle school in addition to at–large members. The Youth Commission acts as a liaison between Pleasanton's youth community and the City Council. The Youth Commission advises the Council on youth‐related issues, and promotes an understanding and appreciation of community affairs among the youth of Pleasanton. Recently, the City is looking at modifications to the ordinance with changes to the membership of the City’s Youth Commission. The proposal changes membership of the eleven (11) regular commissioners to include: three (3) students from Middle School, three (3) students from High School; four (4) at‐large student representatives from grades sixth through twelfth; and one (1) adult representative from the community‐at‐large.