Workshop planned for community to help shape future of Rec Department
Committee and consultants begin work on strategic plan
'All' Los Gatans represented
By Sandy Sims
For the first time since its formation in 1955, the Los Gatos-Saratoga Department of Community Education and Recreation is working on a strategic long-range plan. A committee of some 30 people has participated in its first meeting, but the public will have its say June 23 at a community workshop from 7 to 9 p.m. in the Neighborhood Center.
For those who reside in Los Gatos, but are not in the Los Gatos-Saratoga Joint Union High School or Los Gatos Union school districts, the "rec department" affiliation with the school districts has long been a bone of contention because these Los Gatans are not eligible for board membership. According to Bob Best, the agency's director, these residents are, however, represented on the planning committee.
The department was formed 44 years ago as a joint powers agency (JPA) for the three Los Gatos/Saratoga school districts (the third is Saratoga Union), for the purpose of providing educational and recreational programs for students in the three school districts.
Although the agency has expanded beyond its original mandate, it continues to administer before-school and after-school day-care programs at seven elementary schools in Los Gatos and Saratoga. It also provides summer day camps and administers all summer school programs for the schools. In fact, the bulk of its $3 million budget comes from and goes out to these three programs. As a JPA for the schools, Best receives calls from the schools asking if the agency can provide a new service. He is now working with Fisher Middle School to set up an after-school program.
Although the agency, housed at 123 E. Main St. in Los Gatos, does not offer a community program for the city of Saratoga--Saratoga has its own recreation department--it does offer an extensive community education and recreation program in Los Gatos.
This has been possible because the JPA does not restrict residents from participating in the agency's programs. Likewise, the agency is not restricted in its education and recreation offerings to the community. What this means for the town of Los Gatos--since the agency is completely self supporting--is basically a free recreation department under the authorization of the school districts.
Of the look to the future, Best says, "Until now we have been using 'feedback according to success' [as an indicator of what we should offer]." That means the department continues to serve up only programs that are well attended. "There are areas we serve poorly if at all--for example the disabled, preschoolers and teens."
He would also like to see the seniors program grow. "However," Best explains, "this is not our plan for the community, but the community needs to say what is important to them."
Best, at the direction of his board of directors, has hired the consulting firm of Moore, Iacofano Goltsman Inc. at a cost of $38,000 to facilitate the process.
The current recreation offerings in Los Gatos include a wide array of classes for youths, adults and seniors--including baby and toddler programs and for older youths, subjects like modern art, piano, etiquette, baby sitting skills, scuba diving, tennis and soccer.
Although the senior program is small relative to the others, it is growing and includes classes in exercise, line dancing, watercolor painting, yoga, meditation and day trips to such locations as Filoli Gardens and the Tech Museum. Anyone in the Los Gatos, Saratoga, and Monte Sereno area can participate. Those outside the area pay a nonresident fee of $5.
Although the planning committee includes representation outside the three school districts, Best says the subject of extending board representation beyond the school districts is not debatable because it's based on the Education Code. He says he sought and has a written legal opinion on the subject. He speculates that perhaps the name of the agency should be changed.
Best says he's hoping for a big community turnout at the June 23 workshop.
The Los Gatos-Saratoga Department of Community Education and Recreation invites the community to participate in a workshop to help develop a long-range plan for the department. The meeting takes place Wednesday, June 23, from 7 to 9 p.m. in the Neighborhood Center, 108 E. Main St.
Los Gatos, California Since 1881
