City of Foster City
Parks & Recreation Citizens Advisory Committee
2023 Year End Report
The Parks and Recreation Committee’s 2023 Year End Report is outlined here by recapping our overall Mission with our 2023 Goals and Objectives and highlighting our achievements over the past year associated with each of these goals.
Mission Statement: The Parks and Recreation Committee of the City of Foster City shall serve as an advisory committee to City Council and as an advisory forum between citizens and the Department of Parks and Recreation. The Parks and Recreation Committee shall act in the spi rit of City Council priorities and Parks and Recreation Department goals and objectives in order to provide for a parks and recreation program that is responsive to the interests of Foster City citizens and strives for comprehensive community engagement:
1. Vision for Parks, Facilities, and Programs: Study and evaluate City operated parks, facilities, programs, and operations to ensure they meet the current and future needs of the changing community and structure programs and facilities accordingly.
The Parks & Recreation Committee actively participated in the Recreation Center Rebuild Project
o Appointed 2 committee members to serve on the Recreation Center Project Task Force (6 Task Force meetings)
o Joint Meetings with Planning Commission and Parks & Recreation Committee (3 meetings)
o Worked with Group 4 consultants on conceptual design theme , design refinement, and schematic design
Site options
Design values and goals
Floor plan options
Exterior materials & color palette
Exterior conceptual elevation renderings
o Recommended an update to the Waterfront /Boardwalk Master Plan as part of the Recreation Center Rebuild conceptual design phase; CIP was approved. o The focus of the Committee’s involvement had emphasis on exterior design and color palette and practical functionality in the floor plan and facility design.
The committee formed a subcommittee to assist efforts in the City’s first Community Garden
Ongoing discussions regarding the Parks Master Plan
2. Safe and Well-Maintained Facilities and Parks : Study and evaluate City operated recreation facilities and parks to ensure current community needs are being met, while also participating in the development of the Parks System Improvement Plan that will provide guidance in long range planning to ensure land and resources are being used most effectively for the greatest community benefit.
Took a tour of the Lagoon Pump Room Facility at Foster City’s Corporation Yard o Opportunity to study and evaluate a key component of Foster City’s safety
Participated in presentation discussions on various city and community functions o Community member presentation regarding 55+ Club
o City Parks Maintenance presentation regarding CPRS School/Parks Maintenance o City personnel presentation regarding Calsense/Efficient Watering o Police Department presentation regarding Utility Box Art Program (CPTED: Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design)
o City personnel presentation regarding Playground Safety o Community business owner presentation regarding the City’s Boat Rental Concession
o City personnel presentation regarding soil health in Foster City o Parks Manager presentation regarding Placer.ai on Summer Days attendance intel/info
o City personnel presentation regarding Sports Fields and Facility Reservations o City personnel presentation regarding Tree Risk Assessment in Foster City o City personnel presentation regarding IDEC (Interdepartmental Evaluation Committee) Events, Classes, and The Guide
o Parks Manager presentation regarding Cartegraph asset tracking and application to Parks
CAGO/California Goose Population Management: o ngoing updates with Parks Manager and ongoing discussions
3. Community Engagement: Engage with the greater Foster City community to receive input regarding open space, facilities, recreation programs and activities; with the goal of increasing community participation in parks, programs, and public spaces, and ensuring we meet the current needs of the community. Various engagement tools and strategies will be employed while reporting back to the Committee and City staff on findings.
Recreation Center Rebuild Project community outreach events o Community open house events
o Outreach at Senior Meals
o Outreach at Farmer’s Market
o Outreach at Holi Festival
o Online surveys
o Social media posts
o News outlets/publications
Volunteered at Parks & Recreation Events
o July 4th activities
o Summer Concert Series
o Summer Days events
o Classic Car Show
o Rubber Ducky Race
o Halloween “Spooktakular” Festival
o Spring & Fall Movie Nights
o Community Bike Ride
o Senior Showcase
o San Mateo Consolidated Fire Department Open House
o City tree Lighting
The committee appointed a 2-member subcommittee to provide input towards the 2024 Summer Concert Series Band selection process
The committee participated in other community engagement opportunities with varying focuses via various social media platforms
4. Sustainability: Research and evaluate opportunities for local community partnerships with Foster City school districts, service clubs, youth sports, non-profit, and business organizations to enhance and sustain program offerings through shared efforts. Identify areas of interest for each organization to best meet common needs. The Committee should report back on areas of opportunity and feasibility.
The committee has had ongoing discussions with staff to evaluate opportunities with YAC (Youth Advisory Committee).
Ongoing discussions with t he committee for support for the city’s Age Friendly City Initiative and their goals.