Erin Stroud, Calistoga’s recreation manager, presented a comprehensive update on the city’s Parks & Recreation programs, staffing and events. She described the department mission and priorities (youth, families and older adults), introduced staff, and outlined ongoing programs and partnerships.

Key figures Stroud provided: 565 swim‑lesson signups this year, which staff said equates to roughly 4,500 units of service because each signed participant attends multiple lessons; 308 distinct children participated in swim lessons (about 80% Calistoga residents and 20% non‑residents); the CES school program taught 267 students across 15 classrooms this spring; the department employed more than 45 Calistoga youth in seasonal jobs; and the trunk‑or‑treat was estimated by Chamber counting tools at about 1,400 attendees. Stroud noted many programs are free to Calistoga residents and school district students and stressed partnerships with organizations including the Calistoga Art Center, Calistoga Fit, the Boys & Girls Club, Up Valley Family Centers and the Chamber of Commerce.

Stroud described new and continuing programming — youth sports (soccer, futsal, basketball, volleyball, tennis), camps (PlayWell Technologies STEM camp), junior lifeguard and junior staff development, adult leagues (softball, bocce), senior programs, community trips and a growing slate of special events (holiday dinner, safety day, egg hunt, toy tractor hunt). The department has increased in‑house production of the recreation guide and has shifted to quarterly guides.

Council members praised the department’s outreach, partnerships and event work. Stroud asked for ongoing council support and said staff will provide more detailed metrics as the department enhances tracking systems.