Summer train stops on Westside

Deepa Bharath

Costa Mesa’s Westside will be the hub of summer activity this year, as

usual.

City officials say the new Downtown Recreation Center has given

recreation programs a shot in the arm, especially activities for children

and teens.

The center has especially helped resuscitate basketball and

volleyball, said Richard Brunette, city recreation supervisor.

“It’s going to be offered on a drop-in basis for people of all ages,”

he said.

The new center focuses on athletics and aquatics, and is well-equipped

with a new pool and gymnasium, Brunette said.

“When something’s new, people want to come and use it as opposed to a

40-year-old facility,” he said.

While the city is keeping most of its tried and tested summer

activities, such as Concerts in the Park at Fairview Park, Camp Costa

Mesa and tennis camps at TeWinkle Park, there will also be several new

programs this summer.

“The summer playground programs will be in the Balearic Community

Center in Lions Park instead of the schools,” Brunette said. “There will

also be a new teen drop-in program and a teen camp at the Downtown

Recreation Center.”

Another new program the city hopes will take off is the Birthday Party

Package.

“We organize the whole party for you in one of our facilities,”

Brunette said. “It’s something that’s going to be year-round, but we’re

starting it this summer.”

In addition, there will be several instructional programs for

residents of all ages at all community centers.

He said the slew of programs -- old and new -- largely have been made

possible by the City Council’s support, new city staffers and inflow of

funds over the last two years.

“We have most of our programs in the Westside because all our

community centers are in the Westside,” Brunette said. “But I think

that’s exceptionally good for this part of town.”

FYI

Summer brochure and calendar of events for city-sponsored programs

will be mailed to all Costa Mesa residents. Additional copies may be

picked at City Hall or at any one of the community centers. For more

information, call the Costa Mesa Recreation Division at (714) 754-5300.