REPORT TO PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION
SUBJECT
Title
Update on the Progress of the FY 2025/26 Parks & Recreation Commission Work Plan Goals and Activities
Report
BACKGROUND
Annually, the Parks & Recreation Commission identifies 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 align with City Council priorities, while remaining within existing budget direction and resource limitations.
The City now aims to align the Boards, Commission, and Committee (BCC) work plan goals with City Council priorities on an annual cycle. The new 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
Work plans 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, the work plan 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.
At the April 14, 2025, regular meeting, the Commission adopted of the following work plan goals 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 serving new residential development.
Goal 3: Host and develop recommendations for the 2025 Santa Clara Art & Wine Festival, participate in citywide special events, and plan additional citywide events.
Goal 4: Participate in the Parks & Recreation Master Plan process.
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.
DISCUSSION
At the April 2026 meeting, the Commission will review the Work Plan Goals matrix (Attachment 1) and receive updates on progress made toward meeting the measurable objectives for FY 2025/26.
Staff will provide a demonstration of the City’s updated website for Parks Projects and Parks Amenities and hold a discussion on planning efforts for the 2026 Art & Wine Festival. The discussion is intended to be educational and advisory in nature.
In addition to reviewing the Work Plan Goals matrix, this item provides an opportunity for the subcommittees to report on their progress. Each subcommittee will provide a verbal update on its planned efforts and activities. Items requiring action by the full Commission will be placed on a future agenda for discussion.
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 or at the public information desk at any City of Santa Clara public library.
RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
Staff to discuss and provide updates on the Parks & Recreation Commission Work Plan Goals and Activities for FY 2025/26.
Staff
Prepared by: Kimberly Castro, Recreation Manager
Approved by: Damon Sparacino, Director, Parks & Recreation Department
ATTACHMENTS
1. Parks & Recreation Commission Work Plan FY 2025-2026 - April