REPORT TO PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION
SUBJECT
Title
Discuss and Make Sub-Committees for Parks & Recreation Commission Work Plan Goals and Activities for FY 2026/27
Report
BACKGROUND
Annually, the Parks & Recreation Commission considers three to six specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and time-bound workplan goals and/or activities 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 limitations.
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 Commission began brainstorming and developing work plan goals and activities at its May meeting and continued those discussions at the June meeting. Implementation of the FY 2026/27 workplan goals and activities is anticipated to begin in August 2026.
DISCUSSION
At the August 18, 2026 City Council meeting, the Commission Goals were approved for FY 2026/27. At the September 14, 2026, Regular Commission meeting, commissioners will review and discuss the goals and activities for the FY 2026/27 Work Plan. This discussion may include alternative goals and activities, commissioner assignments to subcommittees supporting each goal, and other related activities.
The Parks & Recreation Commission Goals and Activities including the following:
Goal 1: Attend and visit city-wide special events, activities, parks, and facilities to inform Parks & Recreation Commission recommendations to City Council.
A. Create a draft park visitor and event survey tool (traditional and electronic) to be administered by Staff.
B. Commission will review park visitor and event survey responses annually to inform potential recommendations for City Council.
C. Commissioners will visit one park and/or facility each month, with the goal of visiting all parks and facilities over the course of their four-year term.
D. Record Commissioner park visits via online form provided by staff. Receive monthly summary report regarding Commissioner online form activity.
E. Attend at least two events per year, one of those events being the annual Art & Wine Festival
F. Identify Honorary Tree Lighter
Goal 2: Conduct an annual review of the Parks & Recreation Master Plan implementation.
A. Create a subcommittee whose purpose will be to identify partnerships with school districts, community groups, institutions of higher education and local businesses to facilitate collaborations and partnerships to advance Master Plan goals and objectives.
B. As required, seek community input, review park rehabilitation designs, and park development project designs for compliance with Master Plan goals and objectives, as well as City Park and Play standards.
Goal 3: Review the annual Parks & Recreation budget, programs and services outcomes, and where applicable, provide recommendations to the City Council.
A. Receive annual budget updates from Staff
B. Review annual program and service delivery outcomes
C. Review annual Wade Brummal Grant/Scholarship requests in accordance with established policy.
Goal 4: Collaborate on Park & Recreation Commission By-Laws, with a goal of adoption by June 2027.
A. Receive annual budget updates from Staff
B. Review annual program and service delivery outcomes
C. Review annual Wade Brummal Grant/Scholarship requests in accordance with established policy.
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
Discuss and Make Sub-Committee for Parks & Recreation Commission Work Plan Goals and Activities for FY 2026/27.
Staff
Prepared by: Kimberly Castro, Recreation Manager
Approved by: Damon Sparacino, Director of Parks & Recreation
ATTACHMENT
1. Parks & Recreation Commission Work Plan FY 2026_27