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City of Foster City
Parks & Recreation Citizens Advisory Committee
2025 Year-End Report
The Parks and Recreation Committee (PRC) serves as an advisory body to the City Council and as a forum between residents and the Department of Parks and Recreation. The Committee acts in the spirit of City Council priorities and Department goals to help ensure that Foster City’s parks, facilities, programs, and events remain responsive to community needs and support comprehensive community engagement.
This 2025 Year-End Report is modeled after the Committee’s 2024 Year-End Report and summarizes the Committee’s mission, goals, accomplishments, and areas of focus during the year.
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 Committee shall act in the spirit of City Council priorities and Parks and Recreation Department goals and objectives 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 parks, lagoon systems, facilities, programs, and operations to ensure they meet the current and future needs of the changing community. Areas of focus in 2025 included the Community Center Rebuild Project (including temporary facility transitions), the Parks Master Plan, and support for the City’s Age Friendly Cities Initiative and Action Plan. Reviewed, discussed, and approved the 2024 Parks and Recreation Committee Year-End Report, Mission Statement, and 2025 Goals for presentation to City Council (February 4, 2025 meeting). Participated in multiple Parks Master Plan study sessions and input exercises, including prioritization criteria, park type standards, proposed guidelines, and policy recommendations (February, June, August, and September 2025 meetings).
Appointed Committee representatives to support Parks Master Plan engagement and provided structured feedback to staff and consultants following community workshops.
Received regular progress updates and provided advisory input on the Foster City Community Center Rebuild Project, including demolition completion, foundation work, structural steel erection, enclosure planning, and risk management considerations (January–November 2025).
Participated in a Community Center visioning exercise to inform future programming and community use of the rebuilt facility (November 4, 2025 meeting).
Reviewed presentations from the Youth Advisory Committee, Senior Tech Program, and 55+ Club, strengthening alignment between Parks and Recreation programming and evolving community needs (January and March 2025 4 2
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meetings).
2.Safe and Well-Maintained Facilities, Parks, and Lagoon: Provide recommendations and guidance to City Council and City staff to ensure City facilities, parks, and the lagoon system are safe, well maintained, and responsive to community needs. Focus areas included lagoon safety and water quality, the Canada Goose Population Management Plan, and Levee Trail signage and safety. Reviewed and discussed Lagoon Safety and Water Quality with Public Works staff and consultants, including marine operations and water safety considerations (January 7, 2025 meeting).
Monitored and provided input on the Canada Goose Population Management Program, including public education considerations and expansion of affected park areas (February, June, and September 2025 meetings). Continued oversight of Levee Trail safety and signage, including shared-use concerns and follow-up discussions after reopening (February, June, and August 2025 meetings).
Reviewed pesticide safety and reporting practices through a staff-led presentation, reinforcing safe maintenance practices and transparency (September 9, 2025 special meeting).
Reviewed updates on annual sports field renovations and ongoing park maintenance projects to ensure quality and safety of recreational facilities (November 4, 2025 meeting).
3.Community Engagement: Engage with the Foster City community to receive input regarding open space, facilities, recreation programs, and activities, with the goal of increasing participation and ensuring responsiveness to community needs. Committee members served as ambassadors and volunteers for Parks and Recreation events and programs throughout the year.
Served as ambassadors and volunteers for numerous Parks and Recreation programs and community events throughout the year, including youth, adult, and senior-focused activities.
Reviewed and provided feedback on City special events planning and evaluations, including summer events and seasonal programming (March and October 2025 meetings).
Participated in presentations from community and non-profit partners, including BayBasi, Foster City Community Garden Association, and other civic organizations, strengthening collaboration and outreach (May and August 2025 meetings).
Appointed and participated in a Summer Concert Series band selection subcommittee, providing community-oriented input into cultural programming decisions (mid-2025).
Discussed community concerns raised during meetings, including e-bike safety, park accessibility, and communication strategies to improve public awareness of Parks and Recreation offerings.
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4.Sustainability: Research and evaluate opportunities for partnerships with school districts, service clubs, youth sports organizations, non-profits, and businesses to enhance and sustain program offerings through shared efforts. Areas of focus included the Community Garden, collaboration with the Citizens Sustainability Advisory Committee (CSAC), and improving the financial sustainability of community events. Supported the planning and launch of the Foster City Community Garden pilot program, including progress updates and community outreach prior to its scheduled opening in April 2025 (March and August 2025 meetings). Collaborated with and received updates related to the Citizens Sustainability Advisory Committee (CSAC), reinforcing alignment between parks programming and broader environmental sustainability initiatives. Discussed sustainable maintenance practices, equipment efficiency improvements, and environmental considerations tied to parks operations and special events.
Community Input and Advisory Role
The Committee served as a forum for community input on parks and recreation issues throughout 2025. Topics raised during meetings included e-bike safety, lagoon use, park maintenance, and opportunities for improved communication and positive publicity around City programs and amenities. Committee members ensured these perspectives were communicated to staff and City Council as appropriate.
Collaboration with City Council and Staff
The Committee benefited from regular engagement with Parks and Recreation Department leadership and a City Council liaison. This collaboration supported timely information sharing, constructive dialogue on operational and budget considerations, and alignment between advisory recommendations and Council priorities.
Looking Ahead to 2026
As the Committee transitions into 2026, key focus areas include:
Supporting adoption and early implementation of the Parks Master Plan. Continuing oversight of the Community Center Rebuild Project and preparation for reopening and programming.
Monitoring lagoon safety, goose management, and Levee Trail initiatives. Expanding inclusive, intergenerational, and age-friendly recreation programming. Strengthening partnerships that enhance sustainability and the financial viability of community events.
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Acknowledgments
The Committee thanks the Parks and Recreation Department staff, City Council liaison, community partners, and Foster City residents for their collaboration and engagement throughout 2025. Special appreciation is extended to outgoing Committee leadership and members for their service and dedication to the Foster City community.