Belmont Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting – April 1, 2026
Belmont Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting – April 1, 2026
The Belmont Parks and Recreation Commission held a regular meeting on April 1, 2026. Key highlights included the retirement announcement of Director Bridget Sheer and the introduction of her replacement, Kevin Kobayashi. The commission discussed renaming the Belmont Community Learning Center to include 'preschool,' reviewed community feedback on a potential improvements at Oak Knoll cul-de-sac, received updates on the city's Centennial Celebration, and heard department updates. No substantive votes were taken on major agenda items; the consent calendar was approved unanimously.
Consent Calendar
- The minutes of the previous meeting were approved by a 7-0 vote on a single motion.
Public Comments & Testimony
- A member of the public (Juliano) attempted to make unagendized comments but reported difficulties with Zoom instructions. He later successfully spoke, offering positive feedback on proposed bike lanes for Ralston Avenue (a Public Works project), noting that protected bike lanes can improve safety for pedestrians and children walking to school. Commissioners thanked him for his positive input.
- Five residents spoke in opposition to the Oak Knoll improvement project during the dedicated public comment period:
- Demetrius (1917 Oak Knoll): Cited emergency vehicle access issues, narrow streets, and potential traffic safety problems. He also inquired whether the city has responded to an email from neighbor Gary Mercury regarding right-of-way.
- Gail: Highlighted parking shortages due to construction and parties in the area, and suggested leaving the site as is but cleaning it up.
- Michelle Likani (resident for 56 years): Argued this is not the right location for a park due to lack of parking, safety, and crime concerns, contrasting it with other city parks (e.g., Davy Glenn, Patricia Wharton) that have parking and visibility. She urged the commission to consider cleanup only.
- A male speaker (did not give name): Mentioned potential city access issues to the property and deferred further comment.
- Paul (30-year fire department veteran): Emphasized traffic safety issues for emergency vehicles, specifically noting difficulty for delivery trucks and children’s safety near the street.
Discussion Items
1. Belmont Community Learning Center (BCLC) Rebranding
- Ingrid Oriana (Rec Supervisor for Preschool Programs) presented a proposal to rename BCLC to "Belmont Community Preschool" with a new, simplified logo. The change aims to boost enrollment as free TK (Transitional Kindergarten) for four-year-olds has reduced demand. The current name causes confusion about age range. The new logo may use muted rainbow colors and a simple design. Commissioners unanimously supported the concept, noting it could improve visibility. Next steps: staff will workshop options and return in May with a final design for approval.
2. Oak Knoll Improvement Project – Community Input Recap
- Staff (Bridget Sheer) presented a recap of a community meeting held the prior week (March 26) at the site (end of Oak Knoll Drive, a cul-de-sac with a grass center circle). The project originated from the city’s PROS Plan (2020-2024) to address equity gaps in neighborhood park access. The intent is to create a small, nature-based resting spot for local walkers—not a destination requiring parking. The community meeting had about 30 attendees, roughly split, but residents immediately adjacent to the circle were heavily opposed. Concerns included parking, noise, traffic, and safety (no sidewalks, narrow streets). Favorable voices wanted a place to rest at the turnaround point. Staff noted that landscape architects determined any play structure is infeasible due to fall zones, so improvements would be minimal (e.g., benches, native plants). Next steps: Staff will examine legal right-of-way ownership, develop high-level concepts, and seek further neighborhood input before any decision. Commissioners acknowledged the concerns and emphasized safety is a priority.
- Commissioner questions and comments:
- Several commissioners asked about right-of-way status; staff confirmed it is being investigated.
- Questions about parking, garbage truck access, and existing nearby parks (College View Park, Patricia Wharton Park) were raised. Patricia Wharton is a small landscaped area with a bench.
- A commissioner noted that the PROS Plan identified this site for equity—five-minute walk access.
- One commissioner suggested exploring a smaller design (benches, native plants, possibly gravel to prevent car parking) that wouldn’t attract visitors from outside the neighborhood.
- Commissioners unanimously thanked the public for their input and stressed that no action was being taken that night. The chair confirmed that the project would not proceed without community consensus.
3. Centennial Celebration Updates
- Staff provided a report on the city's Centennial Celebration events:
- Happy Hydrant program: applications ongoing; several hydrants painted.
- Utility box art: still seeking artists.
- Centennial Stories podcast: new episodes uploaded on Spotify; working on YouTube format.
- Swag: t-shirts ($25) and hats ($15) available at Parks & Rec office and city events; online swag shop available via QR code.
- A model of the Belmont School for Boys is on display at City Hall.
- Centennial Fest: Saturday, October 24, 2026, including a parade (no large animals), afternoon event with food trucks, vendors, music, and potentially a drone show (pending sponsorship).
- 100 Gatherings program: residents can host celebrations and receive free Centennial-themed napkins, cups, stickers. History talk on May 7 at senior center; history walking tour later in year.
- Commissioners offered suggestions (e.g., community cookbook, historical ghost tour) and requested broader podcast distribution and stickers. Staff will bring ideas to the next planning meeting.
- The Celebrate the Music festival will be held on April 26 at Ralston Middle School (free).
4. Department Updates & Upcoming Events
- Staff reported on recent events: Child Care Fair (good turnout), Trail maintenance collaboration with Trail Center at Water Dog Lake (fixed a section of Rambler Trail; used volunteer and staff labor; hopes for future events), BCLC Spring Fling (bubble guy popular), Teen Wellness Retreat (over 100 youth, 30 adults attended).
- Summer registration opens Friday, April 3; new activity guide mailed and online.
- Upcoming events: Adaptive Egg Adventure Hunt (April 3, sold out), Traditional Egg Hunt (April 4, 10 a.m. sharp, 20,000 eggs), Wedding Fair in the Park (April 12), Barrett Open House (April 18), Youth Spelling Bee (April 25).
- Commissioners expressed enthusiasm and reminded parents to let children collect eggs themselves (not parents).
Key Outcomes
- Consent Calendar approved (7-0).
- BCLC rebranding: No formal vote; staff to return in May with final logo for approval.
- Oak Knoll project: No action taken. Staff will investigate right-of-way, develop conceptual plans, and conduct further community outreach. Commissioners emphasized safety and consensus before proceeding.
- Centennial updates: Noted and appreciated; no formal action.
- Department updates: Received as information.
- Public comment on bike lanes: Not an agenda item; discussion was brief and no action taken.
- Retirement of Director Bridget Sheer was acknowledged; Kevin Kobayashi was introduced as the new Parks and Recreation Director. Commissioners expressed gratitude for her service.
Meeting Transcript
Welcome to the Belmont Parks and Recreation Commission meeting for Wednesday, April 1st, 2026. The meeting will be broadcast live to Belmont residents on Comcast Cable Channel 27, streamed live via the city's website at www.belmont.gov and streamed live on Zoom. The public may also attend the meeting in the city council chambers and address the commission from the chambers. Members of the public may provide comments by joining the meeting via Zoom. Visit BelmontGov.zoom.us, select join and enter meeting ID 9248 3193757. Use the hand raise feature to request to speak for a particular agenda item. You may rename your profile if you wish to remain remain anonymous. For dial-in comments, call star 67169-900-6833. Your phone number will appear on the live broadcast if star 67 is not dialed prior to the phone number. Enter meeting ID 9248-3193757 and press star nine to request to speak for a particular agenda item. All public comments are subject to a three-minute time limit unless otherwise determined by the commission chair. If you wish to submit a written public comment, you may send an email to PRCOMM at Belmont.gov before the Commission considers the item. Please indicate the agenda item topic or agenda item number you wish to comment on in your email subject line. Any public comment regarding agenda items that are received from the publication of the agenda through the meeting date will be made part of the meeting record, but will not be read during the commission meeting. The chair also has the authority to order any person who willfully interrupts the meeting to be removed. All persons are expected to conduct themselves with civility and courtesy at all times. All persons giving comments shall speak directly to the commission and address issues, not individuals. Personal attacks, cursing, and outbursts from the audience in support or opposition to a speaker are not tolerated in order to foster an environment where everyone feels welcome to speak. First agenda item, roll call. Commissioner Lee. Here. Commissioner Emkin. Here. Commissioner Hill. Here. Commissioner Lightford. Here. Commissioner Busavida. Here. Commissioner Kugel. Here. Chair Whitmore. Here. Youth Commissioner Hallan. Here. Youth Commissioner Satya Narayanan. Here. I do. Thank you. Um Commissioners, as was announced recently in the Daily Journal. Uh I am retiring, and so I'm very excited to uh and introduce my replacement, Kevin Kobayashi, who is joining us from the city of Samateo. Kevin, why don't you step up and say a few words? Thank you. Good evening, Commissioners, members of the public. Uh my name is Kevin Kobayashi. I sorry I didn't fill out a speak form. But uh I'm very excited to be here, excited to meet you all and work with you. Um I grew up in the Bay Area, grew up in Fremont, and have most recently been working in San Mateo for the last eight years. Uh 25 years in both um public golf operations and parks and rec experience. And so I'm really excited to kind of continue some of the things that that Bridget's uh led over here in uh in the city of Belmont, and then of course to lean on all of you for guidance and uh move uh move forward.
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