Chair: Kelly Anne
Brown, PhD
Vice Chair: Shayanne
Wright
Commissioners: Elizabeth Dorn Parker • Jason Komala •
Brandice Leger • Jake Husen • Cristian Garcia-Arcos
2025/26
Year in Review
1 ATTACHMENT 1
Our Focus This Year
• Create more meaningful opportunities for
Commissioners to contribute to policy and
decision-making.
• Improve Commissioner education so
recommendations are informed, thoughtful,
and data-driven.
• Shift discussions earlier in the process—
especially around Capital Improvement
Projects (CIP)—to maximize our impact.
2 Convened PACS’ first subcommittee to develop the
Values Assessment Framework; Unanimously adopted
the PACS Values Assessment to guide future
recommendations.
Strengthening the Commission
Piloted an improved CIP review and budget education
process; Provided recommendations on Senior
Transportation, Parks Assessment, Tree Canopy
Assessment, and more.
Key Initiatives
Community Engagement • Commissioner
Education • Meaningful Participation
Key Themes
Provided recommendations on major
community initiatives including:
• Senior Transportation
• Parks Assessment
• Tree Canopy Assessment
• Fairview Developmental Center
• Harper Park
• Brentwood Park
• Skate Park Expansion Project
• Fairview Park Master Plan Draft
3 • Established a PACS subcommittee
• Conduct community focus groups
• Benchmark successful programs
• Evaluate financial sustainability
• Develop long-term recommendations
Community Gardens
• Begin CIP discussions earlier
• Improve Commissioner
preparedness before budget season
Capital Improvement
4 • Earlier annual CIP review
• Review park-related
ordinances
• Evaluate opportunities for a
second dog park
• Review memorial donation and tree
removal policies
• Review recreation fees and cost
recovery
• Evaluating community gardens
program with attention to expansion
Recommended Areas of Focus
5 Making the most of our Plans:
• Parks Assessment
• Tree Canopy Assessment
• Pedestrian Master Plan
• Climate Action & Adaptation Plan
• Open Space Master Plan DRAFT
Our goal is to better connect the City’s
planning efforts.
• Understand how major City plans work
together
• Use data to support long-term
investment decisions
Long-Term Investment
6 • Continue building Commissioner knowledge through:
• Joint Use Agreement with NMUSD
• Review of BrightView & Priority LLC maintenance
responsibilities
• Six-month review of Senior Transportation program
• Professional development and educational opportunities for Commissioners
Commissioner Education
Events
• Picnic Day at Lion’s Park
• Concerts in the Park
⚬ Consider a change of location
if possible
• Emphasis on quality of
community outreach at events
7 "To serve as an informed, engaged, and forward-thinking advisory body that enhances Costa Mesa's parks, recreation programs, and community spaces through thoughtful planning, public engagement, and data-driven recommendations."
Grounded in the Commission's purpose as established by City ordinance:
Advise the City Council on parks and recreation matters Promote high-quality recreational opportunities
Support stewardship of community assets
Foster public participation in shaping Costa Mesa's future 8 Chair: Kelly Anne
Brown, PhD
Vice Chair: Shayanne
Wright
Commissioners: Elizabeth Dorn Parker • Jason Komala •
Brandice Leger • Jake Husen • Cristian Garcia-Arcos
2025/26
Year in Review
9