Corrections: The $100,000 donation was for an aquatic center and the approval by LAFCO took place on Monday. and the next board meeting is March 19. 2/6/2025
Added: Cost of swim lessons 2/7/2024 9:33 p.m.
The Mendocino Coast Recreation and Park District (MCRPD) has been ramping up its efforts to expand recreational opportunities on the South Coast while simultaneously seeking a long-overdue municipal service review. That review, which will be performed by the Local Agency Formation Commission, was approved on Monday.
Kylie Felicich, the district’s general manager, and Dave Shpak, chair of the MCRPD Board of Directors, discussed ongoing and upcoming initiatives in a recent interview.
South Coast Recreation Expands
Felicich highlighted the district’s progress in strengthening recreation programs in South Coast communities such as Point Arena and Gualala. With the hiring of Monica Cabral Oropeza, a south coast recreation coordinator, the district has successfully launched activities including youth flag football, swim lessons, and skate nights.
“Monica called me about starting flag football, and within five minutes of speaking with her, I asked if she was interested in a job,” said Felicich. “She was exactly the kind of person we needed—embedded in the community and ready to build these programs.”
Flag football, which will soon become an Olympic sport, has been a major focus. Last year’s short introductory season is set to expand into a full Junior NFL-sponsored program this summer, with teams in both Fort Bragg and Point Arena. Registration is expected to go live by the end of February on the district’s website.
Another major win for the community has been the Ohlson Pool swim program at Sea Ranch, which offers two weeks of swimming lessons to local children. Given the region’s limited access to swimming facilities, Felicich emphasized the importance of ensuring children develop water safety skills. Registration for the swim program opens at 7 a.m. on May 2, with high demand expected.
Swim classes cost $100, with scholarships available, Felicich said.
The district is also reviving its horseshoe tournament and has received a grant from the Community Foundation of Mendocino to support skate nights in Point Arena.
Municipal Service Review Underway
MCRPD will also undergo a long-overdue Municipal Service Review (MSR), a process conducted by the Local Agency Formation Commission (LAFCO) to assess the effectiveness, efficiency, and financial stability of local government agencies. The last review took place in 2008—prior to the construction of the CV Starr Center and the acquisition (and later sale) of a large property on Highway 20.
Shpak explained that the review will help the district make strategic decisions about resource allocation and service delivery across its 77-mile coastal jurisdiction.
“We want to ensure our limited resources are deployed equitably and sustainably,” he said. “This review will provide the data we need to make informed decisions.”
MCRPD has entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with LAFCO to expedite the review. The agreement outlines the district’s cooperation in providing necessary data and sharing costs associated with the study. MCRPD has allocated $21,000 to $25,000 to help pay for the study.
Highway 20 Property Sale and Financial Management
The district also addressed lingering questions about its former Highway 20 property. Originally purchased with the idea of developing a golf course or off-highway vehicle park, the land was later determined to be a fragile pygmy forest ecosystem, unsuitable for development. The property was sold to the City of Fort Bragg in May 2023.
Felicich emphasized the importance of responsible financial management under her leadership, noting that funds from a prior donation—earmarked for an aquatic center—had been improperly commingled in a general fund under previous management. The district recently voted to transfer those funds, totaling $100,000, to the City of Fort Bragg. A formal check presentation will take place at an upcoming city council meeting.
What’s Next?
- Flag football registration opens by the end of February.
- Sea Ranch swim lesson registration begins May 2.
- MCRPD Board will meet March 19, 2025 in Point Arena.
For more information on programs and registration, visit mendocoastrec.org.