Alameda Recreation and Park Commission Meeting - May 8, 2025

The Recreation and Park Commission of Alameda met on Thursday, May 8, 2025, at 7:00 p.m. in City Hall Council Chambers. The meeting covered non-agenda public comments, staff communications, commissioner updates, approval of minutes, and a detailed update on aquatic programs. The Commission unanimously approved the March 13, 2025 meeting minutes and adjourned.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes (Item 5-A): The Commission unanimously approved the minutes from the March 13, 2025 regular meeting. (Motion by Commissioner Schwartz, second by Commissioner Robbins; roll call: all yes)

Public Comments & Testimony

• Savannah (in-person): Representing Mario Gonzalez's family support group, she requested the Commission initiate the process to designate a small plot of city land (where Mario Gonzalez was killed by police in 2021) as a park, so a memorial bench or larger memorial can be placed through the city's program. She detailed the family's difficult interactions with the city and expressed that a memorial bench is a small gesture for a great loss.
• Jay Garfinkel (via Zoom): Raised safety concerns at Lincoln Park baseball field, stating that the fence is not high enough to protect spectators in the bleachers and that there is inadequate protection from foul balls toward the parking lot. He asked the Commission to initiate a review and recommend improvements to the City Council.

Staff Communications

Director Long provided an update on upcoming events and programs:

• Community events: Alameda Walks (May 17, 24), 11th annual Play for the Parks Golf Tournament (May 19), Rhythmix Rising Seas event (May 31), Starlight Movies in the Park (May 16), National Kids to Parks Day (May 17), Sand Castle & Sculpture Contest (June 21), 48th annual Fourth of July Parade.
• Summer programs: Over 1,400 programs offered; over 12,000 individuals already registered; 300+ summer job applicants; 70+ youth volunteers. Free drop-in parks program at Lincoln, Sweeney, Tillman, and Washington Parks (June 16–August 8, 12–5 p.m.). Teen summer day trips, LGBTQ teen center, adult sports leagues.
• Parks updates: Scoreboards installed at Estuary Park (thanks to Friends of Alameda Parks). High-risk tree removals at Lincoln Park Playground and Chochenyo Park. 50 new trees planted at Main Street Linear Park (with 100 volunteers and PG&E grant). Surf pool public meeting scheduled May 17 at Enterprise Park. LED lights installed at Leydecker softball fields. Renovation at Leydecker Recreation Center and Library.
• Budget update: Department received support for one new park technician position. Capital budget workshop on May 13.

Commissioner Communications

• Commissioner Alexander: Thanked teachers for Teacher Appreciation Week. Noted new scoreboards at Estuary Park, updated Whale Park sign, visited skate park, praised Spring Shindig event, and commended staff creativity in the summer guide.
• Commissioner Bernie: Had no comments.
• Commissioner Robbins: Encouraged student input for the surf pool survey. Visited Alameda Museum, played tennis at Washington Park (complimented signage), and noted different vibes at pickleball courts at Lincoln Park and Leydecker. Encouraged teens to apply for summer jobs with ARPD.
• Commissioner Schwartz: Seconded Robbins' comments; shared personal experience as a teenage lifeguard. Enjoyed Spring Shindig but suggested better signage for swim lesson sign-ups. Noted confusing dates on park signage for tree removal. Excited for summer swimming programs.
• Chair ADD: Acknowledged extraordinary times with federal actions impacting local conservation and climate efforts. Mentioned attending Bay Nature and Together Bay Area events. Shared that his son is a junior counselor-in-training. Encouraged commissioners to participate in upcoming budget workshops.

Discussion Items

6-A Update on Aquatic Programs Stacey Thomas, Aquatic Supervisor, presented a detailed update:

• Mission: "Aquatics for All" – ensuring everyone has the right to learn to swim.
• Current facilities: Only Encinal Swim Center (9-lane pool + small baby pool) in operation. Emma Hood Aquatic Center under construction (expected open early 2026). City Aquatic Center in design (construction documents ~19 weeks; construction early 2026, opening 2027).
• Staffing: Thomas is the only full-time employee; 175 part-time staff in summer. Switched lifeguard training to Star Guard (from Red Cross), providing more hands-on training and support.
• Programs: Family swim restored (Fri 1–6 p.m., Sat & Sun 4–6:30 p.m.). Swim lessons: ~10,000–11,000 individual participants per year; adapted swim lessons for special needs started January 2025. New curriculum (Starfish Alliance) emphasizing water safety.
• Aquatic camps: Mermaid vs. Pirate camps, Percy Jackson, Aqua Eco, intro to triathlon (with kayaking/paddleboarding). Partnership with Joe Stack and with nonprofit Aka Non Verba.
• Events: Dive-in movie (Sky High), Water Safety Month event (500+ sign-ups for free lessons, CPR, first aid), Pumpkin Patch Pool Party (480 attendees), Thanksgiving Swim, first North Pole Swim (Santa in pool). Upcoming: Snowman Family Pool Party (returning) and Fourth of July Swim.
• Pool rentals: Used by US Masters swim teams, water polo, high schools, Laney College, Dora Marine (scuba).
• Lifeguard competition: ARPD team has medaled in recent years.
• Scholarships: Fee assistance available but underutilized (only two requests so far this year). Commissioners discussed better outreach through schools.
• Questions: Commissioners asked about completion schedules (answered), differences between Star Guard and Red Cross (more personalized), open water swim lessons (not offered, but intro triathlon provides foundation).

Key Outcomes

• Minutes approved unanimously.
• Aquatic update received; no action required.
• Next meeting scheduled for June 12, 2025. Possible agenda items: invitation to Friends of the Parks, youth sports update, budget results. The meeting adjourned unanimously.