Belmont Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting - September 2, 2026

The Belmont Parks and Recreation Commission met on Wednesday, September 2, 2026, to hear a detailed summer program recap, receive department updates on facility flooding and new EV chargers, and discuss upcoming events. The meeting was held in the city council chambers and broadcast live.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes: The commission unanimously approved the minutes from the previous meeting by a vote of 7-0.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No members of the public addressed the commission during the community forum or on any agenda items.

Discussion Items

• Youth and Teen Summer Program Recap: Recreation Supervisor Michael Moran presented a comprehensive update on the ninth summer of programming. Key highlights included:
  • Aquatics: Six weeks of lap swim, rec swim, and group swim lessons at Carlmont High School. Swim lessons increased by about 600 lessons due to a second group of first-step lessons. Private swim lessons were introduced and sold out within 10 hours. Swimmer aid program continued with 13 participants. Rec swim and lap swim visits reached over 2,800 (up from 1,400 last year) due to better weather. For 2027, lap swim will add an extra hour Monday–Thursday starting at 11 a.m. Two new swim platforms were purchased.
  • Camp SOAR (Summer Outdoor Adventure Recreation): Served 903 enrollments (up from 825), with 33 part-time staff (22 returning, 22 Belmont residents). 96% of enrollments were residents. Quotes from parents were overwhelmingly positive; the only “negative” review noted the camp fills up quickly. The earlier aftercare was eliminated with no issues.
  • Counselor-in-Training (CIT) Program: 56 youth applied, 37 accepted, providing nearly 1,900 volunteer hours. Six staff members came from the CIT program.
  • Adaptive Camp: Served 24 campers across five weeks, increased from 5 to 6 children per week; may expand to 7. Serves children with ADHD, Down syndrome, and other diverse needs. A parent expressed gratitude for the program.
  • Contractor Camps: 14 unique contractors offered 173 camps, with 2,186 enrollments (a slight decline due to school district construction limiting some providers). New contractor Wonderworks offered strawberry DNA extraction. Muggleby Theater revived a production of High School Musical.
  • Financial Aid: $9,000 total allocated ($8,000 dry land, $1,000 aquatics). Camp SOAR used none; aquatics used all $1,000; contractor camps used about $3,000–$4,000. Staff noted barriers to accessing aid and will work on better promotion.
  • Future Plans: Planning for 2027 is underway; exploring new contractors (e.g., San Carlos Children’s Theater) and trends like roller skating, theater, and bedazzling. Capacity at the lodge is nearly maxed; a new community center would allow expansion.
• Department Updates: Given by staff (noting that Anne Marie has moved to North Carolina).
  • Twin Pines Senior Center Flood: An overflowing toilet on August 6 caused water damage to the lobby, restrooms, multi-use room, offices, and drywall. Remediation is pending contract approval. Senior lunches moved to the lodge; most programs relocated. The restroom remodel and floor replacement will be accelerated.
  • EV Charger Program: Four chargers (one dual port, two single ports) now live at the Belmont Sports Complex, plus six make-ready ports. Rates will be set at cost recovery; item goes to council on September 22. Two additional locations (City Hall angled parking and across from the manor) will begin installation November 2 to avoid conflicts with the Centennial Fest and Boo Bash.
  • Chatty Bench & Time Capsule Project: Benches and two time capsules (50-year and 100-year) installed near City Hall, combining efforts to combat senior loneliness and commemorate the centennial.
  • Imagine Together Festival: Held August 29 at Barrett, with over 35 vendors and community booths, strong volunteer turnout, and attendance by Mayor Mates and Vice Mayor Jordan. Donations were received by the Belmont Community Foundation.
  • Upcoming Events: Preschool Open House (Sept 12), Movies in the Park (Sept 18, 25, Oct 2), Belmont Water Dog Run (Sept 26), and Centennial Fest (Oct 24) featuring a drone show.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Calendar: Approved unanimously (7-0).
• No Formal Votes: The commission took no votes on the summer program recap or department updates; they were discussion items only.
• Next Steps: Staff will continue remediation at the senior center, finalize EV charger rates for council consideration, and plan for summer 2027 programming, including potential new contractors and expanded adaptive camp capacity.