City Council/Public Finance and Economic Development Authority/Parking Authority
July 20, 2026

tructure & Maintenance
Recommended Actions Intended Outcomes Prioritization
Financial
Resource
Requirement
Staff Resource
Requirement Staff Lead/Team Timeline Complete? Notes
Conduct a comprehensive Park Asset Inventory Report. high high medium Enhance the existing aging park amenities with modern amenities. medium high high Develop a comprehensive Maintenance Management Plan. high medium medium Establish a trail maintenance program. low high high
Design walkable and bike-friendly streets throughout the City for safe and equitable access to parks and facilities. medium medium high Incorporate the most needed park amenities into future parks. low high high Evaluate the feasibility of an indoor multi- generational recreational facility at Merced Regional Sports Complex. medium high high Position Merced Regional Sports Complex as a revenue-generating regional asset. high low medium Evaluate and create implementation plans for current recreation facilities. high medium medium munity Connection
Recommended Actions Intended Outcomes Prioritization
Financial
Resource
Requirement
Staff Resource
Requirement Staff Lead/Team Timeline Complete? Notes
Enhance internal and external communication about Department activities, events, and services. medium low medium Consider public-private partnerships to assist in the identification of new indoor recreation facility opportunities, relocations, and parkland acquisition opportunities. high low high Evaluate existing partner agreements. low low medium
Explore public-private partnerships to advance indoor recreation facility development, strategic relocations, and parkland acquisition. low low low Strengthen and clarify the long-term operational model for youth center facilities to ensure consistent, high-quality service delivery. low medium low Strengthen relationships, partnerships, coordinated recreation service planning with community-based organizations. high low high Develop Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for recreation program operations. high low medium Strengthen coordination with Merced County to address impacts related to unhoused individuals and behavioral health transitions within the City. medium low high Implement an Adopt-a-Park / Friends-of-the-Park/ Adopt -an - Activity program. high low medium Focus service provision efforts on enhancing current program offerings and addressing high-need gaps. medium low medium Maintain an understanding of local public health indicators. low low high y & Inclusivity
Recommended Actions Intended Outcomes Prioritization
Financial
Resource
Requirement
Staff Resource
Requirement Staff Lead/Team Timeline Complete? Notes
Enhance current and future parks and facilities with sustainable design that encourages safety and creates accessibility for users of all ages and abilities. low high high Increase security measures in parks. medium high high
Improve safety and perceptions of safety in parks, trails, and open spaces through increased visible presence and coordinated community-based safety efforts. high low medium Strengthen coordinated efforts that help individuals experiencing homelessness transition to stable housing. medium medium high Reduce cultural and language barriers to ensure equitable access to parks and recreation services. high low low urce Stewardship
Recommended Actions Intended Outcomes Prioritization
Financial
Resource
Requirement
Staff Resource
Requirement Staff Lead/Team Timeline Complete? Notes
Update the Financial Sustainability Strategy. low medium low Conduct annual cost-of-service analysis updates. low low low Evaluate long-term partnership and governance options to ensure the future feasibility of Applegate Park Zoo. high low high Establish a long-term Financial Sustainability Strategy for Applegate Park Zoo as a pseudo-enterprise operation. medium low medium Evaluate and update Developer Impact Fee (DIF) practices and policies to ensure adequate, equitable, and financially responsible funding for future parks and recreation facilities. high low medium Pursue and secure funding to advance the design, construction and maintenance of previously identified by currently unfunded park projects. medium high high Establish clear standards for the type, quality, and functional characteristics of parkland to be dedicated and accepted by the City of Merced. high low medium Create position-specific and parks and recreation-centric professional development plans. medium low medium Expand training and enhance the use of the Recreation Management Software System (RMSS). high low low Strengthen interdepartmental collaboration to improve operational efficiency and enhance service quality for Merced residents. high low medium Merced Parks & Community Services
Strategic Action Plan Worksheet
Engaged community
Enhanced understanding
Increased participation
Strategic and effective partnerships and relationships
Perceived safety
Inclusive access and engagement
Belonging and cultural celebration
Sustainable and scalable service delivery
Strong organizational infrastructure
Equitable and responsible resource allocation
Strategic funding and partnerships
Quality places and spaces
Staff and community pride
High levels of service
Future needs