REPORT TO PARKS & RECREATION COMMISSION
SUBJECT
Title
Parks & Recreation Commission Work Plan Goals for FY2018-19 Update
Report
BACKGROUND
At the regular Commission Meeting on July 17, 2018, the Commission discussed current issues, trends, and local needs related to city parks operations and maintenance, recreation programs and community services, cemeteries, and special events. Annually, the Parks & Recreation Commission considers three to five specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and time-bound goals and/or activities for the year. These are intended to focus Commission efforts and respond to community and City Council priorities within existing budget direction, resource limitations, and the purview of the Commission as set forth in the City Charter and City Code.
DISCUSSION
At the August 21, 2018 regular meeting, the Parks & Recreation Commission reviewed and refined the proposed goals for FY2018-19. The Commission discusses the Work Plan Goals at each meeting during the year. Sub-committee assignments are made as needed and sub-committee members provide updates at the regular Commission meetings. The Parks & Recreation Commission FY2018-19 Work Plan Goals are to:
(a) inform the community about parks and recreation infrastructure conditions, future funding needs and potential new funding sources;
(b) review existing park rehabilitation needs and new residential development park project plans;
(c) hold a joint meeting of the Parks & Recreation and Cultural Commission;
(d) host the 38th annual Santa Clara Art & Wine Festival; and,
(e) begin discussion of a community input process for a new 30+ acre community park in the north of the City.
The Commission met with City Council on January 15, 2019 to report on the goals and progress. The Council inquired about including a future goal related to future funding for the International Swim Center (ISC). The ISC was considered as part of a potential City infrastructure bond project in 2018, which according to a public opinion poll at the time did not indicate sufficient 2/3rds voter support. It is currently an “unfunded project;” the ISC will be included as a future unfunded project within the Central Park Master Plan.
At the March 19, 2019 meeting, the Commission will discuss and provide an update on the goals to-date:
a) Commission efforts to inform the community about Parks & Recreation needs and new residential development park project plans;
b) 1. A sub-committee of Commissioners Martinez, Walke, and LaCoursiere are assigned to discuss park rehabilitation needs and develop a top ten list of next park sites to address based on the most “critical” and “poor” facilities and are using the Facility Condition Assessments included in the Kitchell Report 2018 (see City website) to assist in prioritizing the infrastructure needs to be developed into fundable projects for the next Capital Improvement Program cycle based on age, condition, use and other information.
2. Several new residential projects are under construction and will be providing new public parkland. As schematic designs for the public parks are proposed, the Commission will review the overall program and provide feedback.
c) Hold a joint meeting of the Parks & Recreation and Cultural Commission - Completed. A Concert in the Park is planned for June 14, 2019.
d) Host the 38th Annual Santa Clara Art & Wine Festival - Completed. Commission glass/token/beer/wine booths raised over $70,000 for local non-profit organizations and programs serving youth and seniors on September 15 and 16, 2018.
e) Begin discussion of a community input process for a new 30+ acre community park in the north of the City. The Commission will review background information related to community parks, the overall community demographics and needs for health, wellness, sports, and recreation sustainability, inclusion, and age-friendly design, and natural habitats. An overall strategy for community input will be developed over the coming year.
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’s 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, e-mail clerk@santaclaraca.gov <mailto:clerk@santaclaraca.gov> or at the public information desk at any City of Santa Clara public library.
Staff
Reviewed by: Dale Seale, Deputy Parks & Recreation Director
Approved by: James Teixeira, Director of Parks & Recreation