Alameda Recreation and Park Commission Meeting - December 11, 2025

The Alameda Recreation and Park Commission met on Thursday, December 11, 2025, at 9:15 AM (although the meeting began in the evening). The agenda included non-agenda public comment, staff communication from Director Justin Long, commissioner communications, approval of minutes from the November 13 meeting, and a workshop on updates to the banner policy, a new memorial amenity donation policy, and a new park storage unit policy. No formal votes were taken on the workshop items.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Laurel Orduña (public high school teacher) spoke during non-agenda public comment, requesting an indoor roller skating venue in Alameda. She cited inclement weather, high rink costs ($15–$20 for two hours), and a large Bay Area skating community. She asked that the issue be placed on a future agenda and noted she had been in communication with Joey Carroll at Alameda Point Gym but had not received a definitive answer.

Discussion Items

• Staff Communication – Recreation Parks Director Justin Long: Provided updates on upcoming events (e.g., Coastal Cleanup Dec 13, Winter Light Celebration, Breakfast with Santa, holiday concerts, youth sports programs), park projects (Estuary Park Phase 2 construction began, sports field renovation ongoing, Main Street Linear Park tree planting with 22 donated trees), and operational highlights (Massic Senior Center served over 1,000 lunches with 119 volunteers logging 1,700 hours; recognition of retiree Enrique Balanos with 30 years of service). In response to commissioner questions, Director Long clarified the developer fee process for park improvements, the volunteer-run holiday boutique (donated $6,700 to the Leisure Club), and that pool maintenance at swim centers is a 50/50 split with Alameda Unified School District (AUSD).
• Commissioner Communications: Commissioners reported on attending the Turkey Dip Swim (boiler issue limited lap swimming but families enjoyed the event), tree planting at Linear Park with Alameda High School Leadership Club (50–60 students), the tree lighting ceremony, and observed flag football traditions at various parks on Thanksgiving. Vice Chair Schwartz noted the pool heater issue but appreciated coordination with AUSD. Chair Radies reflected on the commission’s recommendation for the 2026 fee schedule, which was partially adopted by City Council (pool fees returned for further study), and urged the commission to strive for more effective policy recommendations.
• Workshop: Policy Updates
  • Banner Policy: Proposed changes include reducing display duration from 60 to 30 days and adding two new allowed locations (Light Ecker along tennis court fence, Longfellow along Lincoln Avenue). Commissioners supported the shorter duration to reduce visual clutter.
  • Memorial Amenity Donation Policy: Proposed a new comprehensive policy covering benches, picnic tables, and other amenities (renamed from “memorial bench donation”). Key elements: 10-year term with renewal option (approx. $1,000–$1,500 for renewal), grandfathering existing benches, staff review of inscriptions and locations, an 8–16 week installation timeline, and a provision for removal if the donor cannot be contacted at end of term. Commissioners debated pricing structure (whether to charge full cost including maintenance, with Chair Radies favoring a upfront annuity model) and expressed concern about the financial burden on future donors. Commissioner Robbins noted that previously donors were told no maintenance would be provided, but staff confirmed volunteer maintenance is allowed. Commissioners requested a breakdown of annual donation numbers and past maintenance costs, and suggested tying the policy to the fee schedule for regular cost adjustments.
  • Park Storage Unit Policy: Draft policy sets terms for small to large storage units (fees range from $50–$150/year, as approved in the fee schedule). The policy clarifies location, condition, duration, removal responsibilities, and a late-renewal period of 10 days. Commissioners discussed standardizing aesthetics (e.g., color, condition), late fee amounts, and key management (staff to retain a copy of keys/codes for abandoned units). Some commissioners suggested storage fees are too low compared to market rates.
• Follow-up on Public Comment: Chair Radies and Director Long agreed that the indoor roller skating request could likely be addressed under existing policies. Director Long will coordinate with the athletics staff member and report back at the January meeting.

Key Outcomes

• Approval of Minutes: The commission unanimously approved the minutes from the November 13, 2025 meeting (4–0).
• Workshop Next Steps: Staff will incorporate commissioner feedback on the three policies and return in spring 2026 with finalized versions for adoption. Specifically, staff will review past maintenance costs for memorial amenities, consider tying donation costs to the fee schedule for periodic updates, and explore options for affordable sponsor-a-bench programs.
• Next Meeting: The next regular meeting is scheduled for January 8, 2026.