Belmont Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Summary – July 22, 2026
Belmont Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting – July 22, 2026
The Belmont Parks and Recreation Commission met on July 22, 2026, to receive a presentation on the Complete Streets Checklist for the Alameda de las Pulgas Multimodal Safety Project, approve a new Happy Hydrant design, and hear department updates. The meeting was chaired by Chair Whitmore, with Commissioners Emkin, Cunha, Basavata, and Junio present; Commissioners Hill, Lee, and Liefert were absent. No public comments were made during the Community Forum.
Discussion Items
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Complete Streets Checklist for Alameda Safety Project – Josh, Senior Civil Engineer, presented an update on the Alameda de las Pulgas corridor project. The project began in 2014 with a four-corner study group to address traffic congestion and safety near several schools. In 2021, the design phase began, and the project was renamed to emphasize multimodal safety. The project is now split into two phases: Phase 1 focuses on installing a traffic signal at Carlmont Drive, three mini roundabouts at El Verano, Tula Vista, and Cranfield, raised medians, protected bike lanes (Class IV), and a new school entrance for Terra Linda Middle School. Phase 2 will include sidewalk upgrades and ADA improvements from Ralston to El Verano, pending grant funding. The project is applying for Caltrans ATP and other grants. Safety data showed 15 accidents in the past five years, with 29% involving pedestrians and 14% involving cyclists. The project aligns with the MTC Complete Streets policy. Commissioners asked about emergency vehicle access, bike lane merges, potential bottlenecks, construction timeline (estimated two years, with summer work preferred), and the size of the mini roundabouts. Youth commissioners expressed strong support for the safety improvements, noting dangerous conditions for pedestrians and cyclists near Carlmont High School. The commission supported the project and its pursuit of grants.
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Happy Hydrant Design Approval – Staff presented a new Happy Hydrant design submitted by Chloe, titled "Century in Bloom," which incorporates native plants and local history. The committee unanimously approved the design, and the commission voiced no objections, moving it forward to Mid-Pen Water for installation at a location near Ralston and Old County Road.
Department Updates
- Recent events included a well-attended Pride Flag Raising, preschool graduation, and the second annual pickleball tournament at the Senior Center.
- Summer camps (Camp Soar, Aquatics, contractor camps) are winding down; fall registration opens August 3, with the new activity guide mailed to residents.
- Upcoming events: Music & Open Mic Night at the Manor (July 25), Movies in the Parks starting September 18 (Zootopia 2), and the Centennial Fest on October 24 (car parade, time capsule, vendors, live music, drone show). Volunteers are welcome via centennial@belmont.gov.
Key Outcomes
- The commission endorsed the Alameda Safety Project and its grant applications; no formal vote was taken, but consensus was expressed.
- The Happy Hydrant design was approved by consensus, with no objections.
- No formal motions or votes were recorded on other items.
Meeting Transcript
I never know. I'm just gonna go. Yeah, thank you. Welcome to the Belmont Parks and Recreation Commission meeting for Wednesday, July 22nd, 2026. The meeting will be broadcast live to Belmont residents on Comcast Cable Channel 27, streamed live via the city's website at WW 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 dot US. Select join and enter meeting ID nine two four eight three one nine three seven five seven. Use the hand raised 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 six seven one six six six six six six six nine nine zero zero six eight three three. Your phone number will appear on the live broadcast if SAR 67 is not dialed prior to the phone number. Enter meeting ID nine two four eight three one nine three seven five seven and press star nine to request to speak for a particular agenda item. All pop 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 emails 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 agenda 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. 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. Commissioner Emkin. Here. Commissioner Cunha. Here, Commissioner Basavata. Here. Chair Whitmore. Here. Commissioners Hill, Lee, and Liefert are absent. Okay, let's do the Pledge of Allegiance. Community Forum. This portion of the meeting is reserved for persons wishing to address the Commission on any city matter within the purview of the Commission, which is not on the agenda. The period for public comment on this point in the agenda is limited to a maximum of three minutes per speaker. Do we have any speaker slips? We do not. Yes. Commissioner Junio? Yes. Commissioner Busavita? Yes. Chair Whitmore? Yes. Motion passes for no. Great. All right. Our first item of business is the complete streets checklist for the Alameda Safety Project. Good evening, Commission. Do I need to uh control? Okay. Good evening, Commissioners.
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