REPORT TO PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION
SUBJECT
Title
Review and Finalize Parks & Recreation Commission Work Plan Goals and Activities for FY 2026/27
Report
BACKGROUND
Annually, the Parks & Recreation Commission has considered three to six specific measurable workplan goals for the Fiscal Year (FY). These goals are intended to focus the Commission’s efforts and support City Council priorities within existing budget direction and resource allocation.
The City aims to align the Boards, Commissions, and Committees (BCC) workplan goals with the City Council goals on an annual cycle. The process is intended to provide:
Clear Prioritization
Each board and commission will have a defined set of objectives, making it easier for the City Council to assess progress and allocate staff resources efficiently.
Enhanced Transparency
Workplans will provide greater visibility into the activities and goals of advisory bodies, fostering stronger communication and accountability.
Improved Coordination
By aligning the efforts of staff and the BCC, the workplan is intended to effectively promote enhanced collaboration on citywide initiatives.
Informed Decision-Making
With a clear roadmap of each group’s priorities, the City Council will be better equipped to make decisions that support both short-term needs and long-term strategic goals.
The timeline for this initiative includes beginning the development of goals and objectives at the May meeting, with finalization occurring in July or earlier. Implementation of the new workplan goals and objectives is anticipated to begin in July 2026.
At the July 13, 2026, Parks & Recreation Commission meeting, the Commission discussed and brainstormed possible work plan goals for FY 2026/27. Staff agreed to bring the proposed work plan goals back to the Commission for final review approval.
DISCUSSION
At the July 13, 2026, regular meeting, the Parks & Recreation Commission discussed possible goals and activities for the FY 2026/27 Work Plan. Based on that discussion, the following draft goals are being presented for Commission review and finalization. In addition to the goals listed below, some goals include specific action items to support implementation of the Work Plan:
Goal 1: Attend and visit city-wide special events, activities, parks, and facilities to inform Parks & Recreation Commission recommendations to City Council.
Goal 2: Conduct an annual review of the Parks & Recreation Master Plan implementation.
Goal 3: Review the Annual Parks & Recreation budget, programs and services outcomes, and where applicable, provide recommendations to City Council.
Goal 4: Collaborate on Park & Recreation Commission By-Laws, with a goal of adoption by June 2027.
At the August 10, 2026, regular meeting, the Commission may review and finalize the proposed FY 2026/27 Work Plan goals and action items. The discussion may also include refinements to the goals, identification of related activities, consideration of Commission subcommittees, and any support needed from staff to implement the work plan.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The action being considered does not constitute a “project” within the meaning of the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA”) pursuant to CEQA Guidelines section 15378(b)(5) in that it is a governmental organizational or administrative activity that will not result in direct or indirect changes in the environment.
PUBLIC CONTACT
Public contact was made by posting the Parks & Recreation Commission agenda on the City’s official-notice bulletin board outside City Hall Council Chambers. A complete agenda packet is available on the City’s website and in the City Clerk’s Office at least 72 hours prior to a Regular Meeting and 24 hours prior to a Special Meeting. A hard copy of any agenda report may be requested by contacting the City Clerk’s Office at 408-615-2220, email clerk@santaclaraca.gov.
RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
Staff recommends that the Parks & Recreation Commission review and finalize the FY 2026/27 Work Plan goals and activities.
Staff
Prepared by: Priscilla Candel-Ramirez
Reviewed by: Kimberly Castro, Recreation Manager
Approved by: Damon Sparacino, Director of Parks & Recreation
ATTACHMENT
1. Parks & Recreation Commission Work Plan FY 2026_27