Brea Olinda Unified School District Representative Amber Gonzales Duong reported on the near completion of the Brea Olinda High School Performing Arts Center and upcoming bond projects.
Minutes for the Parks, Recreation and Human Services Commission
1 Civic Center Circle
Brea, California 92821
February 25, 2026
Roll Call: (The following members were in attendance)
1. General Session
1.A. Call to Order
Chair Rifilato called the meeting to order at 5:30 pm.
1.B. Pledge of Allegiance
Chair Rifilato led the Pledge of Allegiance.
1.C. Invocation
Chair Rifilato called for a moment of silence and reflection centered on gratitude.
1.D. Student Advisory Board
The Student Advisory Board provided an update on recent activities, highlighting the successful sixth-grade dance and ongoing volunteer efforts at the Senior Center. Members also discussed the success of the co-ed volleyball and flag football teams, the annual spelling bee, and recent cultural events, including the Lunar New Year performance and Black History Month celebrations.
The High School representative reported on the winter rally, the 100th Day of School celebrations, and the annual Mr. Brea award show.
1.E. School Board Representative
Brea Olinda Unified School District Representative Amber Gonzales Duong reported on the near completion of the Brea Olinda High School Performing Arts Center and upcoming bond projects.
1.F. Matters from the Audience
Former Community Services Director Ron Moleydyk (1971 to 1981) addressed the Commission to share some history of the Community Services Department and asked to meet with staff in the near future to share things that happened during his tenure with Brea.
2. Action
2.A. Commission Reorganization
Chair Rifilato made a motion to nominate Eric Mason as Chair and Janet Son as Vice Chair, seconded by Commissioner Higgins.
Motion passed 5-0.
Ayes: Mason, Son, Higgins, Realon, Rifilato
2.B. Approval of Minutes
Commissioner Higgins made a motion to approve the minutes. Prior to a second being made, Commissioner Realon requested that approval of the meeting minutes be postponed to allow for the inclusion of his comments.
Commissioner Realon stated his comments regarding the need for staff to improve communication were completely omitted from the document. He requested that Deputy Director Sean Matlock review the meeting recording to determine where those remarks should be properly inserted into the minutes.
He requested that the summary minutes reflect his additional comments concerning the two items he raised: the Home Depot discussion and the decision not to disclose the rejection of the $10,000 grant awarded by the City of Brea to the Friends of the Tracks at Brea.
After brief discussion, Commissioner Realon made a motion to continue the item to the next meeting. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Rifilato.
Motion passed 5-0.
Ayes: Mason, Son, Higgins, Realon, Rifilato
Nays: None
3. Discussion
3.A. Committee and Park Ambassador Appointments
After a brief discussion the Commission decided to keep all Committee and Park Ambassador appointments as is.
3.B. Brea Fitness Center
Community Services Specialists Ashley Cruz and Aidet Ulloa provided an update on the Fitness Center’s continued growth, highlighting increased membership and higher participation in group fitness classes. They also discussed the expansion of Pilates programming, including the addition of a new Pilates studio, as well as the introduction of new specialty workshops such as Acro Yoga.
3.C. FY 2026/2027 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Application for Public Facilities & Improvements
Senior Management Analyst Anthony Godoy updated the Commission on the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Application status for Public Facilities & Improvements outlining the proposed acquisition of a backup power generator for the Brea Community Center and the resurfacing of the parking lot at the Brea Senior Center.
3.D. Parks and Trails
Commissioner Higgins asked about the status of tree planting and irrigation at The Tracks at Brea. Deputy Director Sean Matlock responded that the last report indicated the project was about 80% complete. He added that it is his understanding that the work is now finished, but he will confirm.
Commissioner Realon stated that he distributed an email he received so the Commission would be aware of the information. He explained that Friends of the Brea Tracks was formed to help support maintenance efforts after concerns were raised about limited resources to maintain the area. He noted recent tree loss, past vandalism affecting the irrigation system, and that some trees may not have been well suited for the location. He also referenced a memo regarding a visit from an arborist and noted that he attended and listened to the arborist’s insights.
Community Services Manager Jenn Colacion provided an update on the Arovista Park project, including the engagement of the bonding company to help ensure timely completion. She shared staff is evaluating the possibility of opening the skate park prior to full project completion and shared progress photos highlighting the concrete work for the pickleball courts and the amphitheater.
Commissioner Higgins asked if graffiti had been a problem. Community Services Manager Jenn Colacion responded that there had been a couple of minor instances noted, but the contractor has been asked to stay on top of it to prevent the construction site from becoming a target.
4. Reports
4.A. Park Ambassadors
Commissioner Realon mentioned the upcoming visit to the Olinda Ranch/Olinda Oil Museum and Trail and the importance of community involvement in park maintenance.
Commissioner Realon reported that he recently toured Tamarack Park and observed staff performing maintenance on the ballfields. He noted that the drinking fountain near the facility was functioning well, but the fountain near the northwest corner of the park appeared to have low water pressure. He also commented on park maintenance staffing and suggested that volunteer projects, such as weed removal around playground areas, could be considered. Commissioner Realon added that the fields were in excellent condition and thanked staff for their work.
4.B. Golf Course Ambassadors
Deputy Director Sean Matlock provided updates regarding the golf courses. He reported that Birch Hills Golf Course recently installed a new ball machine, similar to the one at Brea Creek Golf Course, allowing patrons to purchase balls directly at the range without entering the clubhouse. He noted that the previous machine had been in poor condition and thanked Western Golf for their partnership.
He also reported that Friends of the Brea Tracks, led by Bill McMillan, is partnering with Home Depot’s volunteer program to improve several decomposed granite cart crossings along the Tracks at Brea by installing brickwork. Western Golf has agreed to partner on the project so the project can be covered under insurance. The work is expected to take place when the course is closed, and staff will provide an update to the Commission once a date is confirmed.
Chair Mason asked about the status of new netting. Deputy Director Sean Matlock responded that staff is currently working on the matter and has a meeting scheduled with the operator the following day to receive an update, which he will share with the Commission. He also noted that the courses are looking very nice following the recent rain.
4.C. Art in Public Places Committee
Commissioner Higgins asked about inspections related to the Art in Public Places Program. Community Services Manager Jenn Colacion clarified that inspections have historically been conducted by City staff because the City is responsible for code enforcement and ensuring compliance with program requirements. She explained that the Brea Museum had been conducting some inspections, but staff discussed the matter with the museum and mutually agreed that this responsibility should remain with the City. She added that the program has since transitioned to the Brea Gallery team, which is developing a volunteer maintenance program where volunteers may assist with inspections under the direction of City staff.
4.D. User Groups
No updates.
4.E. General Plan Steering Committee
Commissioner Rifilato reported on a recent meeting with the General Plan Steering Committee summarizing progress from prior meetings and community input. She noted that the report is available on the City website and highlighted that further community engagement is planned.
Community Services Manager Jenn Colacion added that the City Planning Department prepared a slide to share with the full Commission in support of Commissioner Rifilato’s update. She noted that a community open house is scheduled for Thursday, March 12, open to all residents to provide input on the General Plan discussion. A QR code is also available for attendees to access the materials and submit feedback.
4.F. Pickleball Ad Hoc Committee
Vice Chair Son reported on a field trip to Tustin attended by staff and the Pickleball Committee. She noted that the facility was very busy and that questions arose regarding posted rules, which differ between paid reservation courts during peak hours and open play times. The committee also visited Box Canyon Park in Yorba Linda, where they observed a mobile net system used on the basketball courts.
Deputy Director Sean Matlock provided an update on the ongoing pickleball survey, noting that there have been 323 responses so far. The survey will remain open until March 15. Outreach efforts include time at the Community Center, a pop-up event at The Tracks next week, and a survey conducted at the Senior Center, where approximately 165 seniors are expected at lunch. Raffle incentives will be provided to encourage participation, and overall response has been positive.
4.G. Country Fair Steering Committee
Chair Bernal reported that the Committee held their kickoff meeting last week and she believes the budget allocated is around $31,000.
5. Informational
5.A. Information Memorandum/Staff Updates
Special Events Coordinator Alva Fox provided an update on upcoming special events, including the Spring Craft Boutique, Pet Expo, Go Serve Brea, and the Country Fair.
Vice Chair Son mentioned that last year she felt there were more volunteers than projects. Community Services Manager Jenn Colacion shared plans to increase volunteer engagement at community events by providing information about available volunteer opportunities. She discussed the challenges of balancing project availability with volunteer interest at Go. Serve. Brea. and noted staff will monitor the need for additional project submissions to better align with volunteer capacity. The Commission expressed appreciation for the efforts of staff and volunteers in organizing and executing community events.
Commissioner Realon emphasized the importance of directing volunteers to the QR code to join the general volunteer pool, rather than limiting sign-ups to specific events only.
5.B. Commissioner Requests
Commissioner Rifilato appreciated the update for the Brea Community Fitness Center and requests periodic updates due to increasing user numbers and the facility's importance to the community.
6. Adjournment
Chair Mason adjourned the meeting in memory of Myra, recognizing her 23 years of dedicated service teaching yoga at the Brea Fitness Center and honoring her contributions to the community following her recent passing.
Meeting adjourned at 7:00 pm.