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 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 July 13, 2026, Regular Meeting, commissioners will review and discuss the proposed 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 may choose to continue pursuing goals from prior years or develop new goals and activities for FY 2026/27, 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.
• Create a draft park visitor and event survey tool (traditional and electronic) to be administered by Staff.
• Commission will review park visitor and event survey responses annually to inform potential recommendations for City Council.
Goal 2: Conduct an annual review of the Parks & Recreation Master Plan implementation.
• Identify and participate in collaboration efforts to strengthen partnerships with school districts, community groups, institutions of higher education, and local businesses to advance Master Plan goals and objectives.
• 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.
• Receive biannual budget updates from staff, including:
o Operating budget
§ Staffing
§ Revenue and expenses
o Capital budget
§ Active project updates
§ 3-5 year CIP project plan
o Measure I General Obligation Bond expenditure update
• Review annual program and service delivery outcomes
o Customer satisfaction reports
o Total annual program, event, participant, and membership reports Total annual facility usage and rental reports
o Total annual MySantaClara service requests
o Total annual park maintenance and capital improvements performed, including trees planted and maintained, as well as pathways, sport courts, fixtures, irrigation, facilities, and playgrounds added or rehabilitated
• 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.
• Review relevant provisions of the adopted City Charter
• Review City Clerk-issued Commissioner Roles & Responsibilities materials
• Develop operational bylaws
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. Draft Parks & Recreation Commission Work Plan FY 2026_27