Parks and Recreation Commission
Draft FY2027 Workplan
Staff Liaison: Sarah Robustelli, Division Manager
Lead Department: Community Services
About the Commission
The purpose of the Parks and Recreation Commission is to advise the City Council on matters pertaining to the activities of the Open Space & Parks, Golf, and Recreation divisions of the Community Services Department, excluding daily administrative operatio ns.
Timeframe covered by Work Plan isFY27 July 1, 2026- June 30, 2027. The Commission is composed of seven members. See Palo Alto Municipal Code (PAMC) 2.25 Sections 2.25.010, 2.25.030, 2.25.040, 2.25.050, and
2.25.060. Residency is required. Further requirements are that members shall not be Council Members, officers, or employees of the City of Palo Alto. Each member of the Commission shall have a demonstrated interest in parks, open space, and recreation matters.
For more information about the Parks and Recreation Commission please visit our webpage.
Current Commissioners
• Nellis Freeman (Chair)
• Bing Wei (Vice Chair)
• Vadim Axelrod
• Amanda Brown
• Yudy Deng
• Shani Kleinhaus
• Roger Smith
Mission Statement
The purpose of the Parks and Recreation Commission is to advise the City Council on policy matters pertaining to the activities of the Open Space, Parks and Golf Division, and the Recreation Division of the Community Services Department.
Prior Year
Accomplishments
CIP Review
• Based on feedback during the December 18, 2024 Special Meeting, the CIP plan was brought back for review and discussion again during January 28, 2025 and feedback was provided on the proposed plan for FY 2026- 2030.
Park Dedication FY26
• On June 18, 2025, a ribbon-cutting event was held for Fred Eyerly Tower Well Park.
Baylands Comprehensive Conservation Plan (BCCP) Update
• Reviewed the draft 2022 BCCP including scope, and next steps • Highlighted gaps, grammatical and technical errors and the need for strengthening conversation actions including monitoring
• Evaluated opportunities to strengthen wildlife conversation • Recommended focusing on the action plan
Nature Preserve Access Policy
• Reviewed whether to restrict or expand access within parks and open space preserves, balancing environmental protection, safety, and recreational use as part of the Nature Preserve Access Policy follow -up. • Evaluated trail conditions and habitat impacts at Pearson-Arastradero Preserve, supported a seasonal, data- informed management approach, and reviewed public input gathered through a 30- day on-site outreach and comment period.
• Provided final recommendations on trail management and habitat protection priorities and formally concluded the Ad Hoc Committee’s work following completion of Council-directed actions and provided this update at the October 28, 2025, meeting.
Recreation Wellness Center
• Collaborated with City staff on stakeholder and community outreach initiatives. • Co-hosted a community meeting with City staff in January 2025 to discuss the proposed center and explore potential locations.
• Continued collaboration with the Friends of Palo Alto Recreation Wellness Center Board of Directors, providing updates to the PRC based on relevant input received.
• Transitioned to the liaison role as the work is ongoing.
Playing Fields
• Collaborated with staff on the Citywide Turf Study by participating in the focus groups, supplying prior research and informing evaluation criteria.
• Advanced a formal recommendation to City Council through the Parks and Recreation Commission at its October 28, 2025, meeting.
Racquet Courts Policy Update
• Staff and the PRC ad hoc committee completed a comprehensive review racquet sports policies, including field reservations, tennis, and pickleball.
• The work included a best-practices policy review of tennis court reservation practices to support resident access, and implementation of pickleball improvements such as striping at Fletcher School/Terman Park and evaluation of multi-use court opportunities.
• The tennis and pickleball study have been completed and is scheduled for presentation to the PRC on February or March 2026 following a twelve-month effort that included two PRC presentations and extensive engagement with tennis and pickleball stakeholders.
Middle School Athletics
• Looked into the Middle School Athletics Program and investigated alternative operational models and determined if alternative models would create better programing for the community. • Evaluated contracting out both individual sports and the entire athletics program • Recommended keeping current program as is in order to optimize cost to user, cost to the City, and retain flexibility in programming to meet the needs of the community.
Cubberley Project
• Worked with staff on community engagement and activation to increase community awareness and involvement.
PROJECT/GOAL 1:
CIP Review
Review the Capital Improvement Program (CIP) planning and prioritization process to ensure consistency with the Parks, Trails, Natural Open Space, and Recreation Master Plan. Collaborate with staff to evaluate current project alignment, enhance transparency in project selection, and implement best practices for long-term capital planning and inter-departmental coordination.
BENEFICIAL IMPACTS TIMELINE RESOURCES
NEEDED
MEASURE OF
SUCCESS
STATE MANDATED / LOCAL
LAW / COUNCIL-
APPROVED
Optimize implementation of the Parks Master
Plan
Better Resource Allocation
Increased Public Trust
November 2026-January 2027
Moderate staff time
Alignment with Master Plan Goals
Stakeholder
Engagement/Transparency
Yes: Parks Master
Plan (Policy 2.G, 6.A)
HIGH PRIORITY LOWER
PRIORITY
COUNCIL-DIRECTED
POLICY UPDATE
Review CIP and to ensure alignment with the Master Plan
Establish annual and periodic review best practices
Yes: Parks Master
Plan (Chapter 5:
Progress Reporting)
PROJECT/GOAL 2:
Park Dedication
Pursue and evaluate top priority potential sites and identify potential new sites to recommend dedicating as parkland within our community
BENEFICIAL IMPACTS TIMELINE RESOURCES
NEEDED
MEASURE OF
SUCCESS
STATE MANDATED / LOCAL
LAW / COUNCIL-
APPROVED
Increase dedicated parkland to provide
recreational opportunities, promote the health
and well-being of the community, and
support biodiversity
Advance goals of 4 acres of parkland per
1,000 residents, and within 1/2 mile of homes
June 2027
Moderate staff time (CSD, CAO,
Planning, PWE, Real Estate)
Recommendation of one or more
sites for dedication as parkland
Yes: Parks Master
Plan (Goals and
Policies 1.B, 1.C, 4.D,
5.C) and
Comprehensive Plan
(Policy L-8.1)
HIGH PRIORITY LOWER
PRIORITY
COUNCIL-DIRECTED
POLICY UPDATE
Work with staff to assess the suitability of Ventura Community Center (PACCC) for parkland dedication.
Work with staff to assess the suitability of Rinconada Gardens, San Antonio Avenue at Ponce Drive, Los Altos Treatment Plant Site (wetland area), and Baylands Measure E Site (landfill slope portion).
Pursue dedication of Greer Park sewer easement associated with the 2850 W.
Bayshore Road development project
Review previously identified locations and consider new potential sites for park dedication
Yes
PROJECT/GOAL 3:
Baylands Comprehensive Conservation Plan (BCCP)
Review and support completion of the BCCP.
BENEFICIAL IMPACTS TIMELINE RESOURCES
NEEDED
MEASURE OF
SUCCESS
STATE MANDATED / LOCAL
LAW / COUNCIL-
APPROVED
Work towards releasing the Baylands
Comprehensive Conservation Plan which
was previously developed but not completed
Establish updated standards, guideline, for
stewardship for environmental infrastructure
in the Palo Alto Baylands Nature Preserve
FY2027-FY2028
Moderate to high staff time
Continue review of 2022 BCCP and
consultant deliverables.
PRC recommendation and City
Council adoption of the updated
BCCP.
Yes (Parks Master
Plan Program 4.A.1)
HIGH PRIORITY LOWER
PRIORITY
COUNCIL-DIRECTED
POLICY UPDATE
• Continue review of Draft 2022 BCCP as needed
• Identify work needed to move forward with BCCP updates as possible and appropriate • Review proposed updates related to wildlife conservation and sea level rise, monitoring, implementation.
Identify topics appropriate for future amendments or related planning efforts beyond the current BCCP update.
Provide additional advisory input as requested by staff or PRC.
Yes
PROJECT/GOAL 4:
Natural Grass Pilot
Support staff in pursuing a natural grass pilot project to enhance playability and durability; and continue to explore opportunities to transition from synthetic turf at Cubberley
BENEFICIAL IMPACTS TIMELINE RESOURCES
NEEDED
MEASURE OF
SUCCESS
STATE MANDATED / LOCAL
LAW / COUNCIL-
APPROVED
Optimized access to City playing fields
Proactive field management
FY27
Moderate staff time
Natural Grass Pilot to be forwarded to
City Council for evaluation
Engage with stakeholders for
feedback
Yes: Parks Master
Plan
(Programs 2.A.3;
2.C.3)
HIGH PRIORITY LOWER
PRIORITY
COUNCIL-DIRECTED
POLICY UPDATE
Work with staff to review and recommend and propose a rubric of success measures for the natural grass pilot project to enhance playability and durability.
Continue to explore opportunities to transition from synthetic turf at Cubbereley.
Meet with stakeholders periodically for feedback
Yes
PROJECT/GOAL 5:
Courts Policy Update
Review and recommend updates to Racquet Sports policies, including tennis and pickleball
BENEFICIAL IMPACTS TIMELINE RESOURCES
NEEDED
MEASURE OF
SUCCESS
STATE MANDATED / LOCAL
LAW / COUNCIL-
APPROVED
Proactive Pickleball and Tennis court
management
Work with staff to develop fair and equity
tennis court reservation system that
promotes wellness for residents.
Understand current utilization, demand
patterns, and user feedback for Pickleball
FY 27
Moderate staff time
Court reservation policy update
recommendation to City Council
Yes: Parks Master
Plan
(Programs 1.F.1;
2.A.3;
2.C.3)
and tennis courts.
HIGH PRIORITY LOWER
PRIORITY
COUNCIL-DIRECTED
POLICY UPDATE
Meet with stakeholders periodically/monthly if necessary for feedback
Work with staff to review current USTA resident requirements as it relates to reserving court space in Palo Alto for non-residents
Investigate the feasibility of expanding Pickleball courts
Completion of a 30-day utilization report with hourly breakdowns (tennis and pickleball)
Survey response rate of at least 60% from current users Identification of at least 3 top pain points (e.g., peak congestion, reservation hoarding, low off- peak use)
Work with staff to convene and support the joint taskforce for racquet sports
Meet with stakeholders for feedback and review court reservation systems and use policy and recommend an update as appropriate
Yes
PROJECT/GOAL 6:
Cubberley Project
Work with staff to facilitate progress on the Palo Alto Cubberley Project.
BENEFICIAL IMPACTS TIMELINE RESOURCES
NEEDED
MEASURE OF
SUCCESS
STATE MANDATED / LOCAL
LAW / COUNCIL-
APPROVED
Cultural, recreation and Park facilities for the
health and welfare of current and future
generations
Community engagement
FY27
High level of staff time
CSD, ASD, CMO
Clear PRC input on space use
and site activation policies.
Effective collaboration with staff on
community engagement.
Increased community
awareness and involvement.
Strong foundation for a successful
2026 ballot measure.
Master Plan recommendation
forwarded to City Council for approval
Council Approved
(Parks Master Plan
Goal 1; Policy 4.A)
Identified priority
major project
HIGH PRIORITY LOWER
PRIORITY
COUNCIL-DIRECTED
POLICY UPDATE
• Provide input on policy questions related to future use of space. • Advise on near-term site activation strategies.
• Support completion of the Cubberley Community Center Master Plan. • Support ongoing community engagement efforts
• Work with community stakeholder, like friends of palo alto parks, recreation wellness center, etc.
• Support staff in preparation for a 2026 ballot measure to support redevelopment.
Yes
PROJECT/GOAL 7:
Nature Connectivity
To strengthen biodiversity and pollinator connectivity across the park system, consistent with the Palo Alto Comprehensive Plan and Parks & Recreation Strategic Plan and informed by regional best practices.
BENEFICIAL IMPACTS TIMELINE RESOURCES
NEEDED
MEASURE OF
SUCCESS
STATE MANDATED / LOCAL
LAW / COUNCIL-
APPROVED
● City Policy analysis and synthesis
● Summary of policy gaps and
opportunities
● Best-practice reference summary
● Set of PRC policy
recommendations
FY27
Low staff time
Draft of policy recommendations to
guide integration of biodiversity and
pollinator connectivity into park
planning and capital projects.
Yes: Parks Master
Plan
(Programs 4.C
Connect Natural
Areas)
HIGH PRIORITY LOWER
PRIORITY
COUNCIL-DIRECTED
POLICY UPDATE
● Review existing City policies and plans (Comprehensive Plan, Parks & Recreation Strategic Plan, Urban Forest Master Plan, Sustainability and Climate Action Plan (S/CAP), and stormwater / green infrastructure guidance and other relevant plans) to assess how biodiversity and pollinator connectivity are addressed.
● Evaluate regional best practices, including Mountain View’s Biodiversity and Urban Forest Plan and San Francisco Recreation and Parks Department biodiversity frameworks, to identify applicable policy approaches and available resources for Palo Alto.
● Develop program-level policy recommendations for integration into park planning and capital projects, with emphasis on:
○ Locally native and pollinator-supportive plant standards ○ Habitat continuity across parks, trails, and civic landscapes ○ Reducing ecological barriers within park projects and renovations • Identify opportunities for alignment with related City efforts (e.g., climate, sustainability, urban forestry) to reinforce consistent implementation.
Yes