The Recreation and Human Services Department is responsible for providing a broad array of recreation, social and community services to a diverse community of individuals, families, and organizations.
Department Administration
Administration is responsible for the efficient management of daily operations, including personnel and programming and addressing the immediate and long range recreational and human services needs of the community.
Department Commissions
Department Commissions include: Senior Citizens, Human Services, Recreation and Parks and Youth Commissions. All are comprised of one appointee by each Councilmember and the Mayor; additionally, the Youth Commission has five members appointed at large by the appointed members. All Commissioners serve in an advisory capacity to the department.
The Recreation Division is responsible for the creation, development, implementation and administration of recreational, social and community service programs and activities. These are categorized into distinct service areas: adult sports, aquatics, children’s day care, City-wide special events, contract classes, developmentally disabled programs, facility reservations, Nakaoka Community Center programming, park and after school programs, youth sports, individual and group counseling services, and at-risk programs.
Aquatics
The Community Aquatics & Senior Center is under construction. Click here to view the project.
Recreation Activities
Recreation activities include youth and adult sports, special events, instructional classes, developmentally disabled programming, golf tournaments, excursions, the Saturday program, extended day care and after school programs. These programs are designed to be relatively self-supporting through participant fees.
Leisure Services
Leisure services includes operations support in the programming of recreational facilities, including after-school care, seasonal programs, and general recreational activities.
The Human Services Division includes the Youth and Family Services Bureau, Family Child Care, and the Senior Citizens Bureau – (See Special Funds Section).
PUBLIC SERVICE GOAL
To provide high quality, low cost recreation, leisure, and human services programs that meet the changing needs and interest of a diverse and growing community.
Stephany Santin
Director of Recreation and Human Services
Stephany Santin has been with the City of Gardena since February 2010, and in her current position as Recreation and Human Services Director since October of 2019. Her experience working in the city spans across multiple departments including Elected and Administrative Offices, Community Development, Transportation, and Police.
In her current position, Stephany oversees the Recreation, Human Services, Senior, and Custodial divisions. She administers programs and operations for the city parks, recreation, community centers, recreation programming (including youth and adult sports), and community services in a diverse and multicultural community. Her department is responsible for hosting over 100 community activities a year including events, workshops, ceremonies and larger projects, and implementing The City of Gardena’s first Homeless Strategic Plan, and Parks and Recreation Master Plan.
During her tenure, the City of Gardena was nominated for The All-America City Award in 2023.
To accomplish ongoing goals, Stephany has partnered with several organizations in the city to enhance services to our community that focus on leadership and character development for our youth. It’s the community impact that Stephany enjoys most about her position. “Our After-School program assists parents with their kids so they can go to work and not worry about childcare. Enjoying a meal can make our seniors’ day and prevent isolation. We help individuals during their worst times when facing possible homelessness or food insecurities. The list goes on. Our department is here to help in any way possible, and our employees are really invested in being that resource to our community.”
Just a few of the strengths enjoyed by Gardena residents, facilitated by the Recreation & Human Services Department include:
- Providing access: Ensuring that everyone has access to parks and recreational programs.
- Building healthy communities: Promoting health and wellness and providing opportunities for social interaction.
- Supporting youth development: Offering programs for youth of all ages and abilities.
- Providing quality programs: Offering a variety of programs and services that are well-maintained and reflect the needs of the community.
- Human Services: Working together to offer support, emergency services, and resources for improved well-being.
Stephany is a South Bay resident, actively engaged in her community and a member of the Gardena Kiwanis and Gardena Elks Lodge 1919. She received her Bachelor of Arts in International Development Studies from the University of California, Los Angeles and her Master’s in Business Administration from Western Governors University.
Her favorite quote: “There is no limit to the amount of good you can do if you don’t care who gets the credit”- Ronald Reagan