City of Santa Clara
Meeting Minutes
Parks & Recreation Commission
Draft
7:00 PM Hybrid Meeting
Sparacino Conference Room - City Hall East Wing
1500 Warburton Avenue
Santa Clara, CA 95050
06/08/2026
The City of Santa Clara is conducting the Parks & Recreation Commission meeting in a hybrid manner (in-person and a method for the public to participate remotely).
Via Zoom: https://santaclaraca.zoom.us/j/84105673039
Webinar ID: 841 0567 3039
CALL TO ORDER AND ROLL CALL
Chair Chu called the meeting to order at 7:00 PM.
Commissioner Dana Caldwell, Chair Maureen Chu, Commissioner Derek DeMarco, Commissioner Eversley Forte, Vice Chair Vikas Gupta, and Commissioner Edward A. Souza
Present 6 -
CONSENT CALENDAR
1.A. 26-658 Approval of the Parks & Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes of May 11, 2026
Recommendation: Approve the Parks & Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes of May 11, 2026
Commissioner Forte made a motion, seconded by Commissioner DeMarco, to recommend approval of the May 11, 2026, Parks & Recreation Commission Minutes. The motion carried by the following vote:
Aye: Commissioner Caldwell, Chair Chu, Commissioner DeMarco, Commissioner Forte, Vice Chair Gupta, and Commissioner Souza 6 -
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PUBLIC PRESENTATIONS
Mike Walke presented on behalf of the Santa Clara Police Activities League in support of obtaining the Commission’s approval for the non-profit to provide parking services at the upcoming Art & Wine Festival.
Kimberly Williams presented on behalf of Santa Clara Schools Foundation in support of obtaining the Commission’s approval for the non-profit to provide parking services at the upcoming Art & Wine Festival.
Andrew Batermann presented on behalf of Santa Clara Parade of Champions in support of obtaining the Commission’s approval for the non-profit to provide parking services at the upcoming Art & Wine Festival.
Flaoiana Chelliah and Abigail Andrade presented on behalf of Santa Clara High School PTSA in support of obtaining the Commission’s approval for the non-profit to provide parking services at the upcoming Art & Wine Festival.
Nathan Pavlov addressed the Commission and shared personal background related to growing up in Santa Clara and recent medical and financial hardships. He expressed appreciation for the City and referenced a project he is developing titled Climate to Change.
GENERAL BUSINESS
2. 26-650 Action on Applications from Non-Profit Organizations Serving Youth or Seniors in Santa Clara to Provide Volunteer Support at the 2026 Art & Wine Festival
Recommendation: It is recommended that the Commission receive the presentations, consider the proposals, and provide a recommendation to staff on the eligibility of the applicants to provide the required services.
Commissioner Forte made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Caldwell, to approve four non-profit organizations to provide parking services at the Art & Wine Festival.
Aye: Commissioner Caldwell, Chair Chu, Commissioner DeMarco, Commissioner Forte, Vice Chair Gupta, and Commissioner Souza 6 -
3. 26-647 Discuss and Update the Parks & Recreation Commission’s FY 2025/26 Work Plan Goals and Activities
Recommendation: Discuss and update Parks & Recreation Commission Work Plan Goals and Activities for FY 2025/26.
The Commission discussed the item. No action was taken.
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4. 26-648 Discuss and Develop Parks & Recreation Commission Work Plan Goals and Activities for FY 2026/27
Recommendation: Discuss and develop Parks & Recreation Commission Work Plan Goals and Activities for FY 2026/27.
The Commission discussed the item. No action was taken.
5. 26-649 Elect a Chair and Vice Chair of the Parks & Recreation Commission for FY 2026/27
Recommendation: Nominate and elect a Chair and Vice Chair for the Parks & Recreation Commission for the FY 2026/27 term.
Commissioner Forte made a motion, seconded by Commissioner Caldwell, to nominate Commissioner Gupta for Chair and to nominate Commissioner DeMarco for Vice Chair.
Aye: Commissioner Caldwell, Chair Chu, Commissioner DeMarco, Commissioner Forte, Vice Chair Gupta, and Commissioner Souza 6 -
STAFF REPORT
Parks & Recreation Director Damon Sparacino reported that Parks & Recreation Month will be recognized in July and that the pickleball survey has been launched, with an invitation to be sent to Commissioners. The Director also noted that the Senior Nutrition Agreement with the County is scheduled for 06/09/2026 Council Consent Calendar. Additionally, at the Council meeting, another budget hearing will be held for those interested in broader budget discussions. He also provided an update on the Fourth of July celebration at Mission College. It will include additional children’s activities, expanded food booths and VIP parking for Commissioners. A “know before you go” email will be sent to Commissioners prior to the event. The Director thanked everyone for their support and encouraged attendance at the 06/23/26 Council meeting for the Parks & Recreation Month proclamation.
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COMMISSIONERS REPORT
Commissioner Caldwell attended the International Swim Center groundbreaking and the Downtown Campbell Historic Car Show, which he described as a strong community event.
Chair Chu attended the City of Santa Clara dance recital and continues visiting parks throughout the City, including several in North Santa Clara.
Commissioner DeMarco attended the dance recital, appreciated the updated ticketing system, and noted he will be out of town for the Fourth of July event.
Commissioner Forte shared that the Special Olympics will be held locally in two weeks and noted that, although he is unable to coach this year due to the time commitment, it remains something he would like to do in the future.
Vice Chair Gupta attended the International Swim Center groundbreaking.
He described it as a highlight of his year. Additionally, he expressed appreciation for Magical Bridge Playground and the efforts behind it.
Commissioner Souza attended the Health and Wellness Fair at the Senior Center and the Night Market. He shared observations from visits to Maywood Park, Henry Schmidt Park, and Eddie Souza Park, including maintenance concerns at the Eddie Souza dog park.
ADJOURNMENT
Commissioner DeMarco made a motion, seconded by
Commissioner Caldwell to adjourn the Parks & Recreation Commission Meeting at 9:08 PM until the next regular meeting on July 13, 2026, at 7:00 PM in the Sparacino Conference Room at City Hall.
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MEETING DISCLOSURES
The time limit within which to commence any lawsuit or legal challenge to any quasi-adjudicative decision made by the City is governed by Section 1094.6 of the Code of Civil Procedure, unless a shorter limitation period is specified by any other provision. Under Section 1094.6, any lawsuit or legal challenge to any quasi-adjudicative decision made by the City must be filed no later than the 90th day following the date on which such decision becomes final. Any lawsuit or legal challenge, which is not filed within that 90-day period, will be barred. If a person wishes to challenge the nature of the above section in court, they may be limited to raising only those issues they or someone else raised at the meeting described in this notice, or in written correspondence delivered to the City of Santa Clara, at or prior to the meeting. In addition, judicial challenge may be limited or barred where the interested party has not sought and exhausted all available administrative remedies.
If a member of the public submits a speaker card for any agenda items, their name will appear in the Minutes. If no speaker card is submitted, the Minutes will reflect "Public Speaker." In accordance with the requirements of Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 ("ADA"), the City of Santa Clara will not discriminate against qualified individuals with disabilities on the basis of disability in its services, programs, or activities, and will ensure that all existing facilities will be made accessible to the maximum extent feasible. The City of Santa Clara will generally, upon request, provide appropriate aids and services leading to effective communication for qualified persons with disabilities including those with speech, hearing, or vision impairments so they can participate equally in the City’s programs, services, and activities. The City of Santa Clara will make all reasonable modifications to policies and programs to ensure that people with disabilities have an equal opportunity to enjoy all of its programs, services, and activities.
Agendas and other written materials distributed during a public meeting that are public record will be made available by the City in an appropriate alternative format. Contact the City Clerk’s Office at 1 408-615-2220 with your request for an alternative format copy of the agenda or other written materials.
Individuals who require an auxiliary aid or service for effective communication, or any other disability-related modification of policies or procedures, or other accommodation, in order to participate in a program, service, or activity of the City of Santa Clara, should contact the City’s ADA Coordinator at 408-615-3000 as soon as possible but no later than 48 hours before the scheduled event.
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