Parks and Recreation Commission Regular Meeting - May 7, 2025

The Belmont Parks and Recreation Commission held a regular meeting on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, at 7:00 PM in City Council Chambers. The meeting covered updates on the Creek Bank Restoration Project, adult and senior services programming, the Belmont Centennial Celebration, a sense of belonging initiative, and the summer meeting schedule. Public comments were received, and the commission approved the consent calendar and voted on the summer meeting schedule.

Consent Calendar

• Approved the April 2, 2025 draft minutes (motion carried 5-0).

Public Comments & Testimony

• Lizal, president of the Belmont Community Foundation, announced the "Imagine Together" event on August 9, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM at the Barrett Community Center, aimed at envisioning the future of the center. She encouraged community participation and volunteer support.
• Annabel, a student from Nuneva, expressed appreciation for the parks department's work and emphasized the importance of parks as green spaces for social connection and environmental benefits (air quality, stormwater runoff reduction). She urged continued investment in accessible parks.

Discussion Items

• Creek Bank Restoration Project Update (Public Works): Sean Rose presented the project update. The project covers 500 linear feet of Belmont Creek in Twin Pines Park, using natural stabilization methods (grading banks, raising channel invert with riffles, logs, root wads, boulders). Tree removal was completed early to avoid nesting bird season. The contractor, Hanford ARC, will begin construction on June 15, 2025, with in-creek work required by October 31, 2025. The playground and creek access will be maintained; a temporary construction access road from Ralston Avenue will minimize park disruption. The project aims to reduce sediment transport downstream, lessening flooding and dredging needs. Monitoring and replanting (48 native trees, thousands of plants) will follow. Commissioners praised the project's design and public outreach signage.
• Adult and Senior Services Programming Update: Recreation Supervisor Corey Furman reported a weekly attendance increase of about 100 people at the senior center, which is now open Monday–Friday. Programs include drop-in activities (table games, arts, language groups, movies, fitness classes like pickleball and music/movement), educational seminars, social events, day trips, and a volunteer-led lunch program averaging 33–37 meals daily. The van service provided 161 rides in April. The city is developing an Age-Friendly Action Plan (via the Center for Age-Friendly Excellence), with a survey receiving over 200 responses and a town hall. Commissioners discussed outreach strategies, including engaging faith communities and leveraging the library partnership. Two centenarians (Emily and Norma) were celebrated.
• Belmont Centennial Celebration Update: Staff presented plans for Belmont's 100th anniversary in 2026. A steering committee and branding (logo featuring 100 years with local imagery) have been developed. A signature event is planned for fall 2026 (possibly indoor gala). The city will incorporate centennial branding into existing events (Earth Day, egg hunt, movie nights, etc.) and host community-led events through a grant application process. Partnership opportunities and sponsorship tiers (Emmett, Cipriani, Ralston, Centennial levels) were outlined. Next steps include launching sponsorship efforts and the community-led event grant process. Commissioners suggested adding a parade and engaging Carlmont High School youth.
• Creating a Sense of Belonging in Belmont's Parks Update: Staff provided a brief update on the chatty bench concept, noting that budget constraints may require grant funding or using leftover logs from the creek restoration project. The commission acknowledged ongoing efforts (e.g., senior center activities) and discussed outreach to communities of faith and volunteer opportunities.
• Parks and Recreation Commission Summer Meeting Schedule: Staff proposed postponing the July meeting to July 16, 23, or 30, and canceling the August meeting. After discussion, the commission voted to set the summer meeting on July 16, 2025 (motion carried 5-0).

Key Outcomes

• Approved the April 2, 2025 minutes (5-0).
• Set the summer meeting for July 16, 2025 (5-0), effectively combining July and August meetings.
• No formal action taken on other items; presentations and updates were received.
• The commission expressed support for the centennial celebration, including a parade, and encouraged community involvement.
• Staff will continue seeking funding for the belonging initiative and explore grant opportunities.

Other Business/Updates

• Department updates included installation of new AEDs at Barrett and the sports complex, successful events (wedding fair, youth police forum, adaptive egg hunt, egg adventure hunt with 18,000 eggs, 3-on-3 basketball tournament, garden workshop, Arbor Day tree planting, lodge maintenance). The "Your Voice, Your Belmont" survey is ongoing, with a focus on community priorities and the need for a new community center. Upcoming events: community hikes (May 14), Belmont Blooms (May 31), and pickleball tournament (June 2).