HomeMy WebLinkAbout10/15/24 Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Packet
October 15, 2024 | 6:00 PM Page 1 of 3 Parks and Recreation Commission
Regular Meeting Agenda
CITY OF GILROY
PARKS AND RECREATION
COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING
AGENDA
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 15, 2024 | 6:00 PM
CITY COUNCIL CHAMBERS, CITY HALL
7351 ROSANNA STREET, GILROY, CA 95020
Chair: Patricia Bentson Vice Chair: Theresa Graham
Commissioners: Luis Ramirez, Doc Davis, Sam Bozzo
Staff: Recreation Manager Adam Henig
Mission Statement
The Parks and Recreation Commission of the City of Gilroy is committed to enhancing the quality of life for
its citizens by promoting planning, acquisition, development, and sustainability of parks, trails, cultural,
historical and other recreational areas. The commission embraces wellness and recreation, park safety, and
inclusiveness for all ages and abilities because Parks Make Life Better.
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the City will make reasonable arrangements to ensure accessibility to this meeting. If you need special assistance to participate in this meeting, please contact the City Clerk’s Office at least 72 hours prior to the meeting at (408) 846-0204 or cityclerk@cityofgilroy.org to help ensure that reasonable arrangements can be made.
Materials related to an item on this agenda submitted to the City of Gilroy Parks and Recreation Commission
after distribution of the agenda packet are available with the agenda packet on the City website at
www.cityofgilroy.org subject to Staff’s ability to post the documents before the meeting.
KNOW YOUR RIGHTS UNDER THE GILROY OPEN GOVERNMENT ORDINANCE Government's duty is to serve the public, reaching its decisions in full view of the public.
Commissions, task forces, councils and other agencies of the City exist to conduct the people's business. This ordinance assures that deliberations are conducted before the people and that City operations are open to the people's review. FOR MORE INFORMATION ON YOUR RIGHTS UNDER THE OPEN GOVERNMENT ORDINANCE, TO
RECEIVE A FREE COPY OF THE ORDINANCE OR TO REPORT A VIOLATION OF THE ORDINANCE,
CONTACT THE OPEN GOVERNMENT COMMISSION STAFF AT (408) 846-0204
Parks and Recreation Commission
Regular Meeting Agenda Page 2 of 3 October 15, 2024 | 6:00 PM
PUBLIC COMMENT GUIDELINES:
During the PUBLIC COMMENT ON ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA portion of the meeting, each
person wishing to speak should prepare a presentation of not more than three (3) minutes. Persons
wishing to address the Commission are requested, but not required, to complete a Speaker’s Card
located at the entrances. Completion of this speaker’s card is voluntary. All persons may attend this
meeting and speak, regardless if a card is completed or not. Speaker’s slips should be submitted to
the Secretary BEFORE this portion of the meeting begins. Anyone wishing to address the
Commission on any other item on this AGENDA is requested, but not required, to fill out a
speaker’s slip as well and submit it to the Secretary BEFORE the Commission takes action on the
item.
The agenda for this regular meeting is as follows: 1. CALL TO ORDER 2. ROLL CALL 3. FLAG SALUTE 4. SECRETARY'S REPORT 5. APPROVAL OF MINUTES 5.1. August 20, 2024 and September 17, 2024 6. APPROVAL OF AGENDA 7. INTRODUCTIONS 8. PUBLIC COMMENT ON ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA 9. NEW BUSINESS 9.1. Proposed 2016 VTA Measure B Encouragement and Education for Fiscal Year 2024 1. Staff Report: Adam Henig, Recreation Manager
2. Public Comment
3. Motion to approve 2016 VTA Measure B Encouragement and Education projects for fiscal year 2025.
10. OLD BUSINESS 10.1. Ranking of Parks for Potential Pickleball Courts 1. Staff Report: Bryce Atkins, Assistant to the City Administrator r 2. Public Comment
3. Possible Action: Commission to either vote to provide comment, direction,
and/or adopt a recommended priority of City parks for future, potential pickleball courts.
10.2. Review of FY24 and FY25 Parks and Recreation Commission Work Plan 1. Staff Report: Adam Henig, Recreation Manager
2. Public Comment
3. Possible Action: Receive and comment on the FY24 and FY25 Parks and Recreation Commission Work Plan.
Parks and Recreation Commission
Regular Meeting Agenda Page 3 of 3 October 15, 2024 | 6:00 PM
11. DEPARTMENT UPDATES 11.1. Recreation Division Updates 11.2. Status of City Parks 12. COMMISSIONER PARK REPORTS & COMMENTS 13. STAFF COMMENTS 14. FUTURE COMMISSIONER INITIATED ITEMS 15. ADJOURNMENT
Page 1 of 4
City of Gilroy
Parks and Recreation Commission Regular Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, August 20, 2024 | 6:00 PM
1.CALL TO ORDER
Meeting called to order by Chair Bentson at 6:01 p.m.
2.ROLL CALL
Attendance Attendee Name
Present Patricia Bentson, Chair
Theresa Graham, Vice Chair
Luis Ramirez, Commissioner
Doc Davis, Commissioner
Salvatore Bozzo, Commissioner
Absent None
3.FLAG SALUTE
4.SECRETARY'S REPORT
The agenda was posted on August 16, 2024.
5.APPROVAL OF MINUTES
5.1.May 21, 2024
RESULT: Pass
MOVED BY: Salvatore (Sam) Bozzo, Commissioner
SECONDED By: Doc Davis, Commissioner
AYES: Chair Bentson, Vice Chair Graham, Commissioner Ramirez, Commissioner Davis,
and Commissioner Bozzo
6.APPROVAL OF AGENDA
RESULT: Pass
MOVED BY: Patricia Bentson, Chair
SECONDED By: Sam Bozzo, Commissioner
AYES: Chair Bentson, Vice Chair Graham, Commissioner Ramirez, Commissioner Davis,
and Commissioner Bozzo
7.INTRODUCTIONS
8.PUBLIC COMMENT ON ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA - none
9.NEW BUSINESS
9.1.Golf Course Park Naming Request
Assistant to the City Administrator Bryce Atkins presented his staff report to the
Commission. Commissioner Bozzo requested that, if the name change is
approved by City Council, there should be a sign to indicate its reinstated
Ousley Park. Ousley descendent Barbara Armenta explained to the
Commission that her family has been practicing agriculture for generations in
Gilroy.
August 20, 2024 6:00 PM
Page 2 of 4
Parks and Recreation
Commission
Regular Meeting Minutes
During public comment, Gilroy Historical Society President Connie Rogers
mentioned that the park has always been known as Ousley Park. She supported
the renaming of the golf course to the Ousley name. She also mentioned that
the Museum has records of the Ousley family in its archives. The Commission
voted unanimously to approve the request to rename the Gilroy Golf Course
area as Ousley Park.
RESULT: Pass
MOVED BY: Sam Bozzo, Commissioner
SECONDED By: Patricia Bentson, Chair
AYES: Chair Bentson, Vice Chair Graham, Commissioner Ramirez,
Commissioner Davis, and Commissioner Bozzo
9.2.Potential Lease of Las Animas Recreation Building
Economic Development Manager Victoria Valencia presented her staff report to
the Commission. There were two representatives of the Gilroy Fellowship of
Alcoholics Anonymous present to answer questions. Vice Chair Graham
inquired about the building occupancy level and the on-site parking supply to
park users. Ms. Valencia explained that the organization’s meetings are held
early in the morning and in the evening, non-peak times for park usage.
Commissioner Ramirez inquired about who would be responsible for building
repairs and what is the condition of the building. Ms. Valencia said that as the
landlord, the City would be. Commissioner Davis inquired about the
organization’s insurance, which they already have and shared with the City.
In a unanimous vote, the Commission motioned to approve a recommendation
to the City Council to lease the Las Animas Veterans Park Recreation Room to
Gilroy Fellowship of Alcoholics Anonymous.
RESULT: Pass
MOVED BY: Luis Ramirez, Commissioner
SECONDED BY: Patricia Bentson, Chair
AYES: Chair Bentson, Vice Chair Graham, Commissioner Ramirez,
Commissioner Davis, and Commissioner Bozzo
10.OLD BUSINESS
10.1.Potential Pickleball Court Site Evaluation Project - Scoring Collection
Mr. Atkins presented his staff report and informed the Commission that he would
be accepting their worksheets. Three Commission members submitted their
worksheets, and Commissioner Bozzo and Commissioner Davis indicated that
they would submit their worksheets to Mr. Atkins at a later date. During public
comment, Ms. Rogers said that the Commission should consider South Valley
Middle School, where there are 12 pickleball courts. It was explained that the
project was focused only on city parks. At the next meeting, Mr. Atkins will share
input and findings of the selection process.
10.2.Review of FY24 and FY25 Parks and Recreation Commission Work Plan
August 20, 2024 6:00 PM
Page 3 of 4
Parks and Recreation
Commission
Regular Meeting Minutes
Mr. Henig, Recreation Division Manager, reviewed the Work Plan and the
following topics were mentioned:
•Arbor Day – Will be held on Thursday October, 24 at Rainbow Park.
Time still to be confirmed.
•Pickleball – Commissioners submitted their results to staff and will await
the findings.
•Storywalk – Mr. Henig recommended that the Commission either select
Christmas Hill Park or Las Animas Park as the site for implementing the
Storywalk, which will be funded by the Gilroy Library. Commissioner
Bozzo asked if the story will be bilingual, to which Gilroy librarian
Cassandra Wong, who was present, said that she would look into it.
Commissioner Graham asked about the number of panels that would be
installed. Ms. Wong said about 15. There were concerns about graffiti,
which Ms. Wong also addressed. Ms. Wong shared that the stories will be
rotated about every 3-4 months. All Commission members supported
having the Storywalk at Christmas Hill Park. Staff will return with more
updates at a future meeting.
11.DEPARTMENT UPDATES
11.1.Recreation Division Updates
Mr. Henig provided the updates for the Recreation Division as described in his
staff report.
11.2.Status of City Parks
Mr. Sousa, Parks Supervisor, provided the following updates:
•Christmas Hill Park – Three new restrooms opened by the Mulberry
picnic area.
•Prieto Park – The inclusive panels were installed as well as the plaque, in
time for the Park naming ceremony.
•There were pump failures at Christmas Hill, Carriage Hills, and Sunrise
parks. Staff is working on fixing them.
•Scoreboard is fixed at Gilroy Sports Park.
•There will be new roofs installed at the bathrooms and recreation building
at Las Animas Veterans Park.
12.COMMISSIONER PARK REPORTS & COMMENTS
The following comments were made during the Commissioner Park Reports:
•Bentson – Casper Park looks good. Sports Park turf looked like it needed more
watering, but it could be because of the summer heat.
•Graham – Christmas Hill Park looks good.
•Bozzo – Went to Carriage Hills Park. It was fine.
•Davis – Sunrise Park looks good. Forest looked clean but the grass was dry.
Concerned about the overwatering of the trees at Third Street Dog Park.
•Ramirez – Noticed graffiti at Las Animas Park by the shared wall with residents.
Saw a busted pipe at Miller Park, on the southside.
August 20, 2024 6:00 PM
Page 4 of 4
Parks and Recreation
Commission
Regular Meeting Minutes
13.STAFF COMMENTS
13.1.Annual Parks/Recreation Staff Appreciation Breakfast – Fall 2024
The Commission members selected Wednesday, September 25 at 9:00 a.m. for
the annual staff appreciation breakfast at the Gilroy Senior Center. Mr. Henig will
get back to Commissioners on a headcount.
14.FUTURE COMMISSIONER INITIATED ITEMS
None.
15.ADJOURNMENT
Chair Bentson adjourned the meeting at 7:53 p.m.
___________________AH__________________
Adam Henig, Recreation Division
Recording Secretary
Page 1 of 3
City of Gilroy
Parks and Recreation Commission Special Meeting Minutes
Tuesday, September 17, 2024 | 6:15 PM
1.CALL TO ORDER
Meeting was called to order by Chair Bentson at 6:15 p.m.
2.ROLL CALL
Attendance Attendee Name
Present Patricia Bentson, Chair
Theresa Graham, Vice Chair
Luis Ramirez, Commissioner
Doc Davis, Commissioner
Salvatore Bozzo, Commissioner
Absent None
3.FLAG SALUTE
4.SECRETARY'S REPORT
The Parks and Recreation Commission agenda was posted on Friday, September 13,
2024.
5.APPROVAL OF AGENDA
RESULT: Pass
MOVER: Salvatore (Sam) Bozzo, Commissioner
SECONDER Dale Davis, Commissioner
AYES: Commissioner Bentson, Commissioner Graham, Chair Ramirez, Commissioner
Davis, Commissioner Bozzo
6.PUBLIC COMMENT ON ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA
None.
7.PRESENTATION
7.1.A presentation by Heba El-Guindy, Public Works Director, on the City’s
applications for Active Transportation Program (ATP) grant funds for the
following projects:
1.Development of the City’s Bicycle and Pedestrian Action Plan, and
2.Multi-modal Improvements on Monterey Road within the City Limits.
The presentation highlighted the two ATP grant applications submitted to the California
Department of Transportation in June of this year. The grant program aims to meet
increased active transportation, increased safety and decreased greenhouse gasses
objectives. Public Works Director thanked the Commission Chair for the letters of support
accompanied the ATP grant applications.
El-Guindy noted that Monterey Road within the city limits was identified as a priority safety
corridor based on the collisions data and a major regional thoroughfare that runs parallel to
September 17, 2024 | 6:15 PM Page 2 of 3 Parks and Recreation Commission
Special Meeting Minutes
US 101. The majority of Monterey Road is proposed to have Class II buffered bike lanes
except within the Downtown area where Class III is provided. Other proposed improvements
include new sidewalks where missing, accessible curb ramps, new streetlights, new
crossing controlled by a HAWK signal across Monterey Road at 9th Street, and
enhancements to signage and pavement markings.
The second grant application aims to fund the development of a City of Gilroy Bicycle and
Pedestrian Action Plan, covering infrastructure improvements including ADA considerations
and non-infrastructure needs, including traffic safety education. The Bicycle and Pedestrian
Action Plan will help in planning for complete streets that serve all road users equitably
regardless of socio-economic status or physical abilities.
Recommended ATP grant funding awards are anticipated to be announced in November of
2024 for statewide awards, and in January of 2025 for additional Bay Area/regional
awards.
There were questions taken by Public Works Director El-Guindy from Commissioners
related to the background of the grant program and clarifications of the bike lane
improvements. The Commission members shared their support for the grant applications
offering the following recommendations:
•Commissioner Ramirez shared that Monterey Road is dangerous with increasing
traffic and noted his strong support of the associated grant application.
•Vice Chair Graham expressed her strong favor to the grant opportunity. She
noted how this grant could fund safety improvements for seniors using Monterey
Road and VTA bus stop on the corridor.
•Commissioner Bozzo shared that Monterey Oaks, a senior housing, had no
sidewalks or safe crossing of Monterey Road. He is in favor of both grant
applications.
•Chair Bentson confirmed her approval and support of the grant applications,
including an appreciation to the Public Works staff for their diligence and desire
to establish a safe multi-modal transportation network.
Chair Bentson called for a motion to support the two grant applications.
RESULT: Pass
MOVER: Salvatore (Sam) Bozzo, Commissioner
SECONDER Luis Ramirez, Chair
AYES: Commissioner Bentson, Commissioner Graham, Chair Ramirez, Commissioner
Davis, Commissioner Bozzo
8.ADJOURNMENT
Chair Bentson adjourned the meeting at 6:51 p.m.
I HEREBY CERTIFY that the foregoing minutes were duly and regularly adopted at a regular
meeting of the Parks and Recreation Commission of the City of Gilroy.
September 17, 2024 | 6:15 PM Page 3 of 3 Parks and Recreation Commission
Special Meeting Minutes
AH
/s/Adam Henig
Recreation Manager
City of Gilroy
Parks and Recreation
Commission
STAFF REPORT
Agenda Item Title:Proposed 2016 VTA Measure B Encouragement and
Education for Fiscal Year 2024
Meeting Date:October 15, 2024
From:Adam Henig, Recreation Manager
RECOMMENDATION
Motion to approve 2016 VTA Measure B Encouragement and Education projects for fiscal
year 2025.
BACKGROUND
As part of the funding requirements for the 2016 VTA Measure B Education and
Encouragement Fund, the Commission needs to approve a list of proposed bicycle and
pedestrian projects for the upcoming fiscal year (FY24). Last year, the Commission
adopted the following projects: Bike to Wherever Day 2024 and GIS Bike and Pedestrian
Route Map. Staff is recommending adopting these projects.
The City plans to continue to promote sponsor the Bike to Wherever Day annual event
and is currently working with a GIS consultant to complete the bicycle and pedestrian
mapping of Gilroy.
Staff recommends the Commission approve the proposed projects.
Attachments:
1. FY2025 Program of Projects
2. FY2024 Annual Report for progress update (forthcoming)
1
2016 Measure B Bicycle & Pedestrian Education & Encouragement Program of Projects
City of Gilroy
Fiscal Year: July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2025
Project Title Project Activities
Description
Project
Locations
Frequency Project Goals*Proposed Evaluation
Metrics*
Support Bicycle
& Pedestrian
Community
Education &
Engagement
Activities
This project will allow the
City to support more than
just the Bike to Wherever
Day annual event, and
instead can support or
create multiple events to
encourage bicycle and
pedestrian activities, as well
as educational opportunities.
Citywide Variable, no
less than
annually
Support or create two additional
events in addition to the Bike to
Wherever Day in Fiscal Year 2024.
Number of bicycle and
pedestrian community
events or activities
supported.
GIS Bike and
Pedestrian Route
Map
Create a GIS interactive city
map showing trails, parks,
amenities, fix it stations,
etc. This GIS Map is for
residents and is part of
encouraging them to
walk/ride and educating
them on the benefits and
features of our bike/ped
system
Online Ongoing •Hire a consultant.
•Assess current GIS
progress
•Develop a plan of what
needs to be completed
and a timeline for project
completion
•Publish GIS
Map to the
internet
•Number of
visits to the
Route Map
website
City of Gilroy
Parks and Recreation
Commission
STAFF REPORT
Agenda Item Title:Ranking of Parks for Potential Pickleball Courts
Meeting Date:October 15, 2024
From:Bryce Atkins, Assistant to the City Administrator
RECOMMENDATION
Commission to either vote to provide comment, direction, and/or adopt a recommended
priority of City parks for future, potential pickleball courts.
BACKGROUND
There have been calls for the development of pickleball courts within the City of Gilroy.
The Parks and Recreation Commission (PRC) has held discussions regarding three
possible locations, which culminated in the meeting and input provided at its September
19, 2023 regular meeting. In November of 2023, City staff came before the PRC and
advised that, although the PRC provided comments about some of the locations, a more
detailed and firm recommendation was going to be required. The work conducted on this
project so far includes the below:
• At the meeting of November 21, 2023, staff advised the PRC that it would be
returning in the new calendar year with a plan for carrying out this assessment and
developing firm recommendations.
• At the February 20, 2024 meeting of the PRC, staff presented a project calendar.
• At the March 19, 2024 meeting, the Commission received a presentation and held
discussion regarding the ideal pickleball courts.
• At the April 16, 2024 PRC meeting, the template for the individual weighed scoring
structure was presented and discussed.
• At the May 21, 2024 meeting, the Commission submitted their weighted scoring
percentages, and discussed and identified those parks for consideration in the
evaluation, a total of 15 parks.
• At the June 18, 2024 meeting, the compiled categories identified by the
commissioners were provided as scoring sheets to each commissioner, with a
Potential Pickleball Court Site Evaluation Project - Scoring Collection sheet for
each park. The commissioners were to spend the next approximately two months
Ranking of Parks for Potential Pickleball Courts
City of Gilroy
Parks and Recreation Commission Page 2 of 3 October 15, 2024
assessing the parks and documenting their scores to be submitted at the next
Parks and Recreation Commission meeting in August.
• At the August 20, 2024 meeting, three of the commissioners returned their scoring,
and briefly discussed their thoughts and findings on certain parks.
After the August meeting, City staff received another commissioner’s scoring, bringing up
the total to four sets of scores being turned in.
ANALYSIS
City staff received the scoring from four commissioners. One commissioner has not yet
submitted scores at the time of this report. Some sets of scores that have been received
have had some parks with no scores, or scattered scoring within a sheet containing some
missing scores in some criteria. Despite this, the results to date have been sufficient to
provide an order of parks for potential pickleball courts. Based on the scores received,
below is a table that shows the current draft preferential order by scores only.
Rank Park Average Total
1 Las Animas Park 90 360
2 Christmas Hill Park 85 339
3 Gilroy Sports Park 85 339
4 Christmas Hill Park - Ranch 75 298
5 Miller Park 63 253
6 El Roble Park 62 249
7 Sunrise Park 61 243
8 Farrell Avenue Park 55 221
9 San Ysidro Park 55 221
10 Carriage Hills Park 44 175
11 Los Arroyos Park 43 170
12 Forest Street Park 38 151
13 Del Rey Park 35 140
14 Hecker Pass Park 35 140
15 Cydney Casper Park 16 64
The table is ranked by order of points for both the average and total points received. The
average score is taking the average of each criteria scored, and then summing the total
for the park, with a maximum of 100 possible points. The top four parks had scores
demonstrably greater, 75 to 90 points, than the core grouping of parks in the mid-40s to
lower-60s in average scores. To get the complete picture of the ranking, the total points
were also included on the table. With four commissioner scores, the maximum possible
total points are 400. Again, the top four parks are well above the others, 360-298,
compared to the mid-200s and upper-100s of the other parks.
The Commission has the following two options that it may choose to follow going forward:
Ranking of Parks for Potential Pickleball Courts
City of Gilroy
Parks and Recreation Commission Page 3 of 3 October 15, 2024
a) The commission may accept the scores as submitted and determine if the above
order is the preferred order, or if there are changes to the order as listed above.
This would allow the Commission to adopt its recommended order at tonight’s
meeting, concluding this project. The order by scores was intended to provide a
means to establish a rough order, which may be the final preferred order, or the
Commission may desire to refine the list further by adjusting the order.
b) Alternatively, the Commission may provide more time for the fifth commissioner to
submit scores to see if there are any major changes and determine the
recommended order at the November meeting.
Staff, based on the scores received so far, believes the list is likely ready for final
adjustments, if any, and adoption of the recommendation at this meeting. The disparity of
scores from the fifth commissioner would have to be very great to disrupt the order of the
top four parks. The parks with less points may have their order change but likely only by
a few positions. The fifth commissioner could break the tie through their scores of
Christmas Hill Park and the Gilroy Sports Park, but the Commission may do so directly
as part of discussion at tonight’s meeting.
Staff feels that the purpose of the scoring exercise has resulted in an ordered list that is
useful as an initial priority order, and the Commission can make any final adjustments
and adopt its recommended list.
PUBLIC OUTREACH
This item has been discussed at each regular meeting since its meeting of November
2023. It has been included on the publicly posted agenda for this meeting.
City of Gilroy
Parks and Recreation
Commission
STAFF REPORT
Agenda Item Title:Review of FY24 and FY25 Parks and Recreation
Commission Work Plan
Meeting Date:October 15, 2024
From:Adam Henig, Recreation Manager
RECOMMENDATION
Receive and comment on the FY24 and FY25 Parks and Recreation Commission Work
Plan.
BACKGROUND
On February 20, 2024, the Parks and Recreation Commission adopted a new Work Plan
for the remainder of FY24 and for FY25. At each monthly meeting, the Commission
review the Work Plan to ensure the assignments are completed or in the process of being
completed.
•The Commission agreed to adopt the following items on their Work Plan:
•Hosting Arbor Day (suggestion was to have it in the Fall);
•Training opportunities for Commission members (i.e., webinars, conferences,
etc.);
•Participate in citywide events (i.e., Breakfast with Santa and Bike to Wherever
Day);
•Monitor city parks;
•Establish guidance for a future pickleball court at a city park;
•Study opportunities for parks and recreation services to have dedicated funding
sources; and,
•Work with Gilroy Library to bring about a Storywalk to a park or a trail.
The Commission Work Plan is attached and offers the most recent updates.
PUBLIC OUTREACH
This item is a continuing discussion. It has been included on the publicly posted agenda
for this meeting.
Review of FY24 and FY25 Parks and Recreation Commission Work Plan
City of Gilroy
Parks and Recreation Commission Page 2 of 2 October 15, 2024
Attachments:
1. FY24 & FY25 Parks and Recreation Commission Work Plan
FY24 and FY25 PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION WORK PLAN
Project Name Work
Lead
Commissioner/
Staff Deliverable in June 2025
City Council
Priority Status
Host Arbor Day
Develop a community event around Arbor Day to retain Tree City USA designation Sam Working with staff to Identify park to host and celebrate Arbor Day event.
Maintain and Improve City infrastructure
Arbor Day will be hosted at
Rainbow Park on Thursday, October 24, 2024. Will plant 7
trees, four were donated by
West Coast Arborist
Training Opportunities for
Commissioners
Participate in parks and recreation related training opportunities Pat Inform commissioners about upcoming opportunities; participate in trainings N/A No update
Participate in Citywide
Events
Meet and greet residents at special events in the City; inform residents about the Commission & parks and recreation All Commissioners
Table or participate in citywide events such as Breakfast with Santa, Bike to Wherever Day and or a Downtown Gilroy event N/A
Participated in Bike to Wherever
Day 2024 on May 16, 2024 at the Christmas Hill Park Levee. Approximately 20 people visited the energizer station; featured in
Gilroy Dispatch.
Monitor City parks
Share observations about parks at monthly meetings; commissioners are responsible for reporting on their park assignments at monthly
meetings; utilize checklist All Commissioners
Commissioners have been assigned two or more
parks to report on at each meeting
Maintain and Improve City
infrastructure
Commissioners will continue to monitor and report their observations of their assigned
parks to staff
Review of establishing a
Pickleball facility
Establish guidance for a future
pickleball court at a city park All Commissioners
Participate and provide input in survey of pickleball
locations and types of amenities
Maintain and
Improve City
infrastructure
Commissioners have
assessed potential pickleball
locations at city parks and
submitted their findings
Study opportunities for
parks and recreation
services to have
dedicated funding sources
Research how a dedicated funding source can be available for funding parks and recreation services and facilities Pat and Luis
Publish memo to identify opportunities to develop dedicated funding source for parks and recreation services.Ensure Neighborhood Equity
Bentson met with Public Works Director Guindy and will share additional information with Commission.
Work with Gilroy Library
to bring about a Storywalk
to a park or a trail.
Identify and recommend a park or trail location that is suitable for a StoryWalk in Gilroy. Support the City to install a Storywalk at a park or on a trail.
Maintain and Improve City infrastructure
Staff is working with the Santa Clara County Library District on
an MOU for the StoryWalk project that will be constructed at
Christmas Hill Park.
Revised October 7, 2024
1
City of Gilroy Recreation Division
7171 Hanna Street | (408) 846-0460
Rec@cityofgilroy.org | www.cityofgilroy.org/recreation
Below are the following updates from the Recreation Division.
I.Volunteers – On
Saturday, September
21, more than 30
volunteers at Christmas
Hill Park picked up and
removed 400 pounds of
garbage from the
ground and waterways.
II.Aquatics – The
aquatics program at the
Christopher High School
Aquatics Center was a
huge hit this summer.
Almost a 5,000 people
attended recreation
swim, a 53% increase from the previous year. There were 1,188 swim
lessons give to youth and adults, which was a 30% increase from last
summer.
III.Youth Soccer - The current Youth Recreation Fall Soccer League at Gilroy
Sports Park has 200 youth participants enrolled, 95% of whom are residents.
The program is offered through Audax Soccer, an independent contractor.
2
IV.Senior Field Trip – On Thursday, September 26, 14 senior center
participants travelled to Gizdich Farms in Watsonville for pie and strolling
about.
V.Halloween
events coming
up:
a. Adaptive
Halloween
Dance on
Friday,
October 25 at
the Gilroy
Senior
Center.
b. Spooky Night
at San Ysidro
Park – Friday,
October 25 at
San Ysidro
Park.
VI.Save the date –
Breakfast with
Santa, Saturday, December 7, 2024 at the Gilroy Senior Center. Be there at
7:30am.
City of Gilroy Parks and Landscape Division
613 Old Gilroy St. | 408.846.0283
Turf Maintenance
•Reseeded approximately 7 acres
•Auxiliary field
•Majors and Minors baseball fields
•Turfs around the Oaks Picnic area
•Turf at the Playground near Oaks
•All fields are now re-open to the public
Service Requests
•81 service requests since last meeting
•10 mainline repairs
•Graffiti abatement throughout parks
•Sewer line blockages cleared
•Restroom plumbing repair.
•Installed parking lot entrances
•Curb and gutters at gourmet alley
•Weed Abatement
Vertical Banners
•Installed the Cultural Arts center local artist banners
•Assisted with the event set up and unveiling
•Banners will be up until October 31
•Hometown Heroes Banners to be hung by Nov 7th
Tree Trimming and Planting
•Parks Team started the annual tree trimming campaign City Parks
•Las Animas Park started this past week
•Christmas Hill Park Next
•Trees for Arbor Day have been secured
•7 trees Total WCA to donate 3 trees