Alameda Recreation and Parks Commission Meeting - July 9, 2026

The Recreation and Parks Commission held its regular meeting on July 9, 2026, at 3:00 PM. The meeting included staff updates, public comments, recognition of Commissioner Alexander's service, approval of a consent calendar, and discussion and approval of a recommendation to relocate Alameda Little League's Majors division. All items passed unanimously.

Consent Calendar

• Item 5A: Approval of the May 14, 2026, regular meeting minutes.
• Item 5B: Approval of the Longfellow Park ADA access improvement project.
• Item 5C: Approval of the Alameda Recreation and Parks Department public office hours.
• The consent calendar was approved by a unanimous roll call vote (Commissioners Alexander, Bernie, Schwartz, and Chair Radies all voting yes).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Non-Agenda Public Comment: One in-person speaker (Speaker Klein) addressed the commission, but the content of their comments was not captured in the transcript.
• Item 6A – Little League Relocation: One online speaker, Rick Breslin, spoke in support of the proposal. He noted that Alameda Little League has grown by approximately 10% annually since the pandemic, serving over 800 children, and that the league lost one diamond at Wood Middle School in 2024 with a second to be demolished in the coming years. He praised ARPD staff for balancing needs and urged support for long-term solutions including development at Alameda Point.

Staff Communications

Recreation and Parks Director Justin Long provided a summary of recent and upcoming events, including:

• Volunteer coastal cleanup (second Saturday monthly at Seaplane Lagoon)
• Rhythmics in the Park (July 18, Franklin Park)
• Alameda Walk Series (July 11 and 25)
• Starlight Movies in the Park (July 17: Little Mermaid Dive-In at NCNL Swim Center; July 24: Back to the Future at Alameda Point)
• Summer programs: ARPD employs over 200 youth staff; over 60,000 spectators attended the July 4 parade with 190 entries.
• Sand Castle and Sculpture Contest (June 20) attracted nearly 500 participants and over 2,000 community members.
• Project updates: Godfrey Park shade structure repaired; Lincoln Park netting 95% complete; Leidecker Playground ordered (expected September); Emma Hood pool construction on track for January 2027 operation.
• Recognition of Commissioner Alexander for eight years of service.

Commissioner Communications

Commissioners shared updates on park visits, events, and observations. Commissioner Alexander reported attending the Leisure Club Talent Show, visiting Gene Sweeney Park, and viewing the new ADA entrance at Longfellow Park. Chair Radies encouraged future coordination on community meetings. Vice Chair Schwartz highlighted the aquatic center contract award and praised flexible swim lessons. Commissioner Bernie thanked Commissioner Alexander for her mentorship.

Discussion Item: Relocation of Alameda Little League Majors Division (Item 6A)

Director Long presented staff’s recommendation to move Little League’s Majors division from Little John Park to Lower Washington Park for fall 2026 and to Tillman Park for spring 2027, following the athletic facility allocation policy. The trial at Little John Park had caused neighborhood concerns about parking, crowding, and noise. Little League agreed the park was too small. Staff evaluated field usage and identified underutilized fields. The proposed solution allows Little League to use Lower Washington Park (fall) and Tillman Park (spring). A long-term solution involves adding a baseball diamond at Alameda Point (funded by capital reserves, estimated $50,000) to address broader field capacity issues. Director Long noted that a larger sports complex at Alameda Point is a 15-20 year vision.

Commissioners asked clarifying questions about the allocation policy, the absence of an MOU for this relocation (since no capital improvements are needed), and the long-term capacity gap. All commissioners expressed support for the thorough analysis and collaboration with the neighborhood and Little League.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Calendar: Approved unanimously.
• Item 6A – Little League Relocation: Motion to approve the recommendation passed unanimously (Commissioners Alexander, Bernie, Schwartz, Chair Radies all voting yes).
• Next Meeting: September 10, 2026. Agenda items to include a summer season recap and earlier discussion of the user fee schedule. The commission will welcome two new members appointed by City Council on July 21.
• Recognition: Director Long and commissioners honored Commissioner Alexander for her eight years of service, leadership, and dedication.