REPORT TO PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION
SUBJECT
Title
Discuss and Develop 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, 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 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.
DISCUSSION
At the June 8, 2026, Regular Meeting, commissioners will brainstorm possible goals and activities for the FY 2026/27 Work Plan. This discussion may include alternative goals and activities, commissioner work assignments for the subcommittees working on each of the goals, and related support activities.
The Parks & Recreation Commission may choose to use previous goals to guide its activities or may develop new goals and activities for FY 2026/27, including the following:
Goal 1: Review park site and facility condition assessments and recommend priorities based on existing and anticipated service levels and available resources.
Goal 2: Review and solicit community input on existing City park rehabilitation projects based on the current Capital Improvement Program (CIP) budget and schedule, as well as review proposed schematic designs for new neighborhood parks that serve new residential development.
Goal 3: Support and develop recommendations for the 2026 Santa Clara Art & Wine Festival, participate in citywide special events, and plan additional citywide special events.
Goal 4: Participate in the Parks & Recreation Master Plan implementation.
Goal 5: Review the annual budget of the Parks & Recreation Department during the budget preparation process and make recommendations to the City Manager and City Council.
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 <mailto:clerk@santaclaraca.gov>.
RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
Discuss and develop 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