Merced Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting - July 27, 2026

On July 27, 2026, the Merced Parks and Recreation Commission convened at 1:15 PM UTC (evening local time) to elect a chair, receive a quarterly report from the Boys and Girls Club of Merced County, and review a comprehensive draft master plan for parks and recreation. The meeting concluded with the unanimous approval of a special study session for August 20, 2026, to delve deeper into the strategic action plans.

Election of Chair

• The commission elected John Carlos as chair via a unanimous electronic vote (4-0). The motion was made by Commissioner Marissa Kay Lewis and seconded by Commissioner April Holloway.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No members of the public offered non-agendized comments. Jessica Melgoza from the Boys and Girls Club of Merced County spoke during the public comment portion of her agenda item, providing details on the fourth quarter report.

Discussion Items

• Quarterly Report from Boys and Girls Club of Merced County
  • Jessica Melgoza presented the fourth quarter report for the after-school program and summer camps at McCombs Youth Center. Key statistics: 348 total hours of operation (188 after-school, 160 camps), 1,184 total contact hours (serving 142 members, 215 at the youth center). The program served 27 preschool-age (0-5), 178 school-age (6-17), and 8 young adults (18-24). Staffing included 27 paid staff, 15 interns, and 7 volunteers. The club charges a $20 annual membership fee and $75 per week for camps. Transportation was identified as the most significant barrier to participation; enrollment increased during summer due to district-provided transport. Capacity constraints were noted: operational capacity is roughly 100 children, while fire code allows up to 270. The club launched a workforce readiness cohort, with a graduation ceremony scheduled for July 29, 2026 at 6 PM at McCombs Center.
• Parks and Recreation Master Plan Presentation
  • Christopher Jensen, Parks and Community Services Director, presented a draft master plan funded by a $150,000 grant from Central Valley Opportunity Fund. The plan, developed with consulting firms 110% and KTUA, involved over 500 community engagements and 1,392 comments. Four overarching pillars were identified: Infrastructure & Maintenance, Community Connection, Safety & Inclusion, and Resources & Stewardship. A top-ten capital improvement wish list was shared, including replacement of the McNamara Park turf field ($1.4–1.6 million), completion of the Merced Regional Sports Complex ($5 million), development of Bellevue Ranch parks, improvements to Applegate Park (parking, sidewalk, ADA access), relocation of Boys and Girls Club to Alfarada Park, and construction of an indoor facility at the sports complex (estimated $50 million). Jensen noted that a park ranger program and crime prevention through design are being explored. The presentation was informational, with no action taken that evening.

Key Outcomes

• The commission unanimously approved (4-0) a motion to set a special study session for August 20, 2026, at 5:30 PM to review the 35 strategic action plans (15 high priority) in detail. The session will be held at the Sam Pipes room in City Hall and will be open to the public. Commissioners requested confirmation on whether the meeting must comply with SB 707 regarding remote public comment; staff will verify with the city attorney.
• No formal motion to adjourn was required; the meeting adjourned by consensus after a vote.