a. Aquatics - Marcell F: Aquatics were very busy during the month of December. As the high school swim season concludes, the department will host the 5A District Swim Meet on Saturday, January 24, and the 6A District Swim Meet on January 30. Staff will then shift focus to summer preparations, including interviewing seasonal staff and preparing for the opening of the Nessler Park Family Aquatic Center on May 2. Updates were also provided regarding swim lesson time changes and a price adjustment. The private party raffle is scheduled for April 6.
b. Athletics - JuMarcus T: Youth basketball program is underway, with games beginning yesterday and operating successfully. Team photos are scheduled for January 22. At the Carlos Garza Sports Complex, eight organizations reserved fields, generating approximately $7,600 in revenue. Fields will open for practices on February 2, with two tournaments scheduled. The after-school tennis program currently has 11 participants registered.
c. Lowry Fitness Center - Amanda G: Staff reported that Lance was recognized as Member of the Month. For December, the facility recorded 6,003 member visits, 1,160 Silver Sneakers visits, and 222 day passes.
d. Museum - Nicole M: The museum's next exhibit, “The Sound of History: Black Musicians from Texas City,” will open on February 3. She also reported that Celebrate the Season was held on December 14, featuring added food trucks and vendors, and was well attended. Additionally, staff are preparing to host TRAPS (Texas Recreation and Park Society) in Texas City next week, including providing a tour of the city.
e. Parks & Shooting Range - Nicole M: Rust removal and repainting at Rainbow Park and Goddard Park playgrounds began on January 5 and are expected to be completed this week, after which contractors will move to the Carver Park playground module. Baseball field preparations are complete, and Athletics crews are currently at Carlos Garza Sports Complex preparing fields for the upcoming season and February field rentals. Preparations for the Mardi Gras Parade and the Rainbow Trout Kids Fish Event are both scheduled for January 24 at Carver Park. Additional maintenance activities include tree trimming and memorial bench repairs. At the Shooting Range, for December, we had 368 non-residents, 253 residents, and 208 senior citizens who visited. All range staff have completed USCCA Range Safety Officer training and received certification. Improvements to the rifle range include completed rye grass growth, reducing muddy conditions. A safety audit will be conducted to review operations and standard operating procedures. Planning for berm lead removal is ongoing.
f. Recreation Centers - Carver, Sanders, Nessler - Amanda G: For December, Carver Recreation Center recorded 1,099 open gym guests, and Sanders Recreation Center recorded 1,073 guests. Youth art classes will begin on January 20 in the Senior Room at the Nessler Center, and the Adaptive Sports Event will be held on February 7 at the Sanders Center.
g. Reservations - Amanda G: December was a very busy month, with numerous holiday events hosted, including corporate Christmas parties, bingo, classes, a football banquet, and the TRAPS Conference. The month will conclude with the Rotary Mardi Gras Ball on January 31.
h. Senior - Nessler - Leonora M: The Senior Program served 572 meals and provided 713 transportation units. A 36-passenger bus was donated, and a driver was hired to support senior outings. Upcoming activities include a trip on January 16 to Emancipation Park and McGregor Park, and a month-end tour, “What’s New in Texas City.” The SAIL (Stay Active and Independent Longer) program began this month and meets on Tuesdays and Thursdays, while Jerry Fit classes will start at the end of the month (Mondays and Wednesdays).
i. Special Events/Programs - Dasia M: Several upcoming special events. Kids Fish will be held on Saturday, January 24, from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at Carver Pond, followed by the Mardi Gras Parade at 12:00 p.m. Youth art classes will begin on Tuesday, January 20, at the Nessler Center. The annual Father-Daughter Dance, themed “Sneaker Ball,” is scheduled for February 20, with tickets available at the Nessler Center and online. The Adaptive Sports Event will be held on February 7, from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., at the Sanders Center. Dasia thanked the Board members for volunteering to judge the Christmas Parade.