REPORT TO PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION
SUBJECT
Title
Discuss and Develop Parks & Recreation Commission Work Plan Goals and Activities for FY 2025/26
Report
COUNCIL PILLAR
Enhance Community Engagement and Transparency
Enhance Community Sports, Recreational and Arts Assets
Deliver and Enhance High-Quality Efficient Services and Infrastructure
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 respond to City Council priorities within the existing budget direction and resource limitations.
The City now aims to align the Boards, Commission, and Committee (BCC’s) workplan goals to the City Council goals on an annual cycle. The new process aims to provide:
Clear Prioritization
Each board and commission will have a defined set of objectives, making it easier for 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 BCC’s, 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 updated timeline for this work is to start to develop the goals and objectives at the March meeting, continue to review the workplan in April, then finalize and develop a presentation for Council in May and present to the Council in June. It is expected that the new workplan goals and objectives will be implemented in July 2025.
DISCUSSION
At the April 14, 2025, Regular Meeting, commissioners will continue to brainstorm possible goals and activities for the FY 2025/26 Work Plan. This discussion may include alternative goals and activities, requesting and making commissioner work assignments for the subcommittees working on each of the goals, and support activities.
The Parks & Recreation Commission may choose to use these goals to guide their activities or may develop new goals and activities for FY 2025/26:
• Goal 1: Review park site and facility condition assessments and recommend priorities given existing and anticipated service levels and available resources.
• Goal 2: Review and solicit community input on the existing City park rehabilitation projects based on the current Capital Improvement Program (CIP) budget and schedule, as well as review residential developer proposed schematic designs for new neighborhood parks that serve new residential development.
• Goal 3: Host and develop recommendations for the annual Santa Clara Art & Wine Festival 2025 and participate in Citywide special events.
• Goal 4: Partner with one other City commission to build/expand on at least one existing Parks & Recreation event by adding an extra element for patrons to interact with during the event.
• Goal 5: Participate in the Parks & Recreation Master Plan process.
• Goal 6: Consider the annual budget of the Parks & Recreation Department during the budget preparation process and make recommendations with respect thereto 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 2025/26.
Staff
Prepared by: Dale Seale, Deputy Parks & Recreation Manager
Approved by: Damon Sparacino, Director of Parks & Recreation
ATTACHMENT
1. Draft - Parks & Recreation Commission Work Plan FY 2025/26