Belmont Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting - May 6, 2026

On Wednesday, May 6, 2026, the Belmont Parks and Recreation Commission met in city council chambers, with broadcast on Comcast Channel 27, the city website, and Zoom. The meeting included public comments, consent calendar approval, an update on the Belmont Community Learning Center (BCLC) preschool with a rebranding proposal, approval of new Happy Hydrant and utility box designs, scheduling of the summer meeting for July 22, 2026, and department updates on recent events. Commissioners present: Chair Whitmore, Commissioner Lee, Commissioner Leifer, Commissioner Amkin; absent: Commissioners Vasavada and Cunha, and Youth Commissioner Halan.

Consent Calendar

• The consent calendar was approved unanimously (5-0), adopting the minutes as presented.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Henry (public): Expressed strong support for the Oak Knoll Park project, citing the lack of safe, accessible parks in the area, the need for a community gathering space, and the potential to improve safety and beautify the neighborhood. Hoped for collaboration and compromise.
• Oliver (Oak Knoll resident): Voiced support for Oak Knoll Park, noting his children use the unimproved space for biking and climbing. He opposed the perception that the project would build a "Disneyland," instead advocating for minor improvements such as benches, rocks for climbing, and some perimeter fencing. He described the current condition as "dead grass and dirt" with contractor trucks creating mud holes.
• Nicholas (Oak Knoll resident): Expressed support for Oak Knoll Park, stating surprise at the opposition. He highlighted the need for a safe place for his young children to play and walk, noting the process has been lengthy. He encouraged faster decision-making.
• Steve Stoddard (short walk from Oak Knoll top): Stated support for the Oak Knoll Park project, emphasizing the lack of community open space in the area, the hilly terrain with limited sidewalks, and the need for a place to stop and chat with neighbors. He described the proposed parklet as serving a different purpose—building community—rather than being a traditional playground.
• Weston and Dallas (Nesbitt Middle School students): Raised concerns about dog waste left by owners, citing statistics (77 million dogs in the U.S., producing 3/4 pound of waste per day) and the environmental and health hazards. Requested more dog waste bag stations and signs, specifically suggesting adding a station near the middle of Water Dog Trail.

Discussion Items

• Belmont Community Learning Center (BCLC) Update and Rebranding

  • Ingrid Oriana (Recreation Supervisor) presented updates: BCLC is a state-licensed preschool serving children ages 2–5, with an average daily enrollment of 48 children across two classrooms (max 24 per class with 3 teachers). A third classroom could add 15 spots if needed. Since the 2024 update, the part-day schedule was extended (8 a.m.–12 p.m.) and a five-day part-day option added. Starting September 1, 2026, extended care (7:30 a.m.–6 p.m.) will be included without additional fees for full-time families. Enrollment has declined over three years, largely attributed to California's Transitional Kindergarten (TK) expansion: TK enrollment in the Belmont-Redwood Shores School District increased 43% since 2023, and 34% countywide. About 70% of BCLC families are full-time, 30% part-time; 8% receive tuition assistance; 98% are Belmont residents. The program is play-based and has its own private playground. Staff are researching hot lunch options and updating classrooms (photos shown).
  • Rebranding proposal: Current logo is busy and missing the word "Belmont." Proposed new logo replaces "Learning Center" with "Preschool," features a butterfly symbolizing growth and transformation, uses colors similar to the original, and includes classroom names like "Caterpillars" and "Butterflies." Alternatives (without butterfly, without established date, or different colors) were also presented. Commissioners unanimously praised the new logo and branding, supporting the name change for clarity and the butterfly motif.
  • Commissioners discussed outreach strategies: targeting new families via realtors, apartment complexes, school district newsletters, first responders, local businesses, partnerships with after-school programs (Footsteps, Stepping Stones), and organizations like HIP Housing and Samaritan House. They emphasized promoting the program's extended hours and tuition assistance to working families and those needing subsidized care. Commissioner Leifer noted that while overall child care demand in Belmont is met, there is a need for subsidized care. Commissioners suggested adding a slogan (e.g., "Learn, Play, Grow," or "Rooted in Belmont") but recommended keeping the established date (1985) for credibility. Staff will consider a ribbon-cutting event to celebrate the rebrand and attract alumni.

• Happy Hydrant Program Update

  • Staff reported that the submission period is rolling; no deadlines. Committee recommended approval of two new submissions: one from a youth community member (design shown) and one from a community member who submitted multiple designs—the committee selected the most favored one to ensure equal opportunity. A utility box submission was not approved because the committee preferred designs leaning into historical elements for the centennial year. Commissioners agreed with the committee's selections. There are still 10–15 hydrant locations available for new submissions. Staff will contact prior applicants who were not approved to offer them remaining spots.

• Summer Meeting Schedule

  • The commission voted to cancel the regular July 1 and August 5 meetings and instead hold one meeting on July 22, 2026. Motion carried 5-0.

• Department Updates

  • Staff reported: The third annual Adaptive Adventure Hunt (early April) had about 30 youth participants, 2,000 eggs hidden, and sensory-friendly toys. The traditional Easter Egg Hunt the following day had large crowds; photo booth returned, and a professional bunny was hired. The Wedding Fair in the Park occurred despite rain. Barrett Open House showcased BCLC and community partners. Movies in the Park survey is live for fall programming; bracket-style voting will follow. Summer enrollment is open; Camp Sore is full, but spaces remain in other programs. May is Bike Safety Month; an Energizer Station will be held May 14 with staff handing out goodies. Community hikes return: May 14 at Crystal Springs Cross Country course and June 24 at Hidden Canyon Park (led by Patrick). Doubles Pickleball Tournament is June 8 at the Senior Center ($10 per team). Commissioners praised the events, particularly the Easter Egg Hunt (free, well-attended) and the adaptive hunt. Commissioner Amkin noted that the creek restoration was visible and appreciated. A question about the pickleball court reservation system confirmed it works with occasional glitches; morning weekend slots fill quickly. Commissioner Leifer suggested the possibility of extending the Easter Egg Hunt into a longer community gathering.

Key Outcomes

• Consent calendar approved 5-0.
• BCLC rebranding received commissioner support; staff will finalize logo, consider a slogan, and explore outreach partnerships including realtors, apartment packets, school district newsletters, and social service organizations.
• Two Happy Hydrant designs approved; staff will notify artists. Approximately 10–15 hydrant locations remain available for new submissions.
• Summer meeting scheduled for July 22, 2026 (5-0 vote), replacing the July 1 and August 5 regular meetings.
• Commissioner Amkin will check on landownership issues related to Oak Knoll Park and coordinate with Director Kobe Ash for future updates.
• No timeline provided for the Oak Knoll Park update; staff indicated they are following up.