Monterey Parks Recreation Commission Meeting - June 11, 2026

The Monterey Parks Recreation Commission met on June 11, 2026, to discuss several key items including a potential partnership with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Monterey County, a community garden concept, department operations, and Neighborhood and Community Improvement Program (NCIP) project priorities. The meeting also included approval of minutes, a little free library installation, and election of new officers.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes: The commission unanimously approved the minutes from the previous meeting.
• Little Free Library at Hilltop Park: The commission unanimously approved the installation of a little free library book distribution structure at Hilltop Park, donated through a grant from the author of Dogman.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Boys & Girls Clubs Partnership: Multiple speakers expressed strong support. Esther Malkin (Laguna Grande Neighborhood Association president) and Richard Rosello (Casanova Oak Knoll Neighborhood Association president) voiced enthusiasm. Chelsea Linovska, a parent and resident, highlighted the benefit for working families. Mike, a neighbor, recalled successful past events like movies in the park.
• Community Garden at Laguna Grande Park: Jason Anchu, community garden manager, supported the relocation and offered sweat equity. Esther Malkin raised concerns about the proposed site being on Seaside-owned property, potential homeless attraction, and lack of prior neighborhood outreach.
• Department Operations Update: Esther Malkin praised park staff for improvements at Laguna Grande Park. Nina Beattie expressed alarm over the number of dead birds and sea lions buried on the beach, criticized tree cutting during nesting season, and urged the city to adopt wildlife-protective policies.
• General Public Comments: Esther Malkin requested the commission agendize a discussion on the unique management challenges at Laguna Grande Park due to its shared border with Seaside. Nina Beattie delivered a statement urging the city to protect nature and adopt an indigenous perspective of kinship with all living things.

Discussion Items

• Sports Center Marketing and Branding Update: Laurie Tate, fitness supervisor, presented the updated logo and branding for the Monterey Sports Center. The new design features a refreshed color palette and pictograms representing fitness, aquatics, court sports, and group exercise. No public comment or vote was taken.
• Potential Partnership with Boys & Girls Clubs of Monterey County at Casanova Oak Knoll Park Center: Shannon presented a proposal for a cost-neutral license agreement. The center, built in 1991, has been underutilized due to staffing limitations and neighborhood changes. The Boys & Girls Clubs would provide 5-6 full-time staff and bus children home. The city would retain access for recreation programs. Commissioners expressed unanimous support. No formal vote was taken; the item will proceed to City Council on July 7, 2026, with a target start of August 2026.
• Concept Proposal for Community Garden at Laguna Grande Park: Tice presented a concept plan funded through the Urban Greening Grant to replace an existing garden displaced by affordable housing. The proposed site is an underused area of Laguna Grande Park. Commissioners discussed alternative locations, including Montecito Park, but staff noted space constraints. Public comments raised concerns about property ownership (Seaside-owned) and homeless activity. No vote was taken; the concept will undergo further community engagement and require City Council approval.
• Department Operations Update (February–May 2026): Nicole, Tice, and Shannon provided a comprehensive update. Key points: the FY27 proposed budget shows a 0.2% increase but with staffing reductions (two park maintenance workers, one recreation specialist frozen; management analyst reduced to 0.6 FTE; assistant urban forester replaced with urban forester). Revenues are strong, with summer camp enrollment at 127.8% of projections. The Sports Center reported record membership and daily visitors (2,400 on a recent day). The commission praised staff for their work.
• NCIP Projects Review and Guidance: Shannon presented four proposed projects for FY27: Hilltop Park Center Phase 3 ($1M), citywide fuel reduction ($1.2M), El Estero Park Center improvements (~$1.5M), and El Estero park amenities (~$400K). After debate, the commission voted 5-1 to submit all four projects to the NCIP committee by the July 31 deadline. Commissioner Crampton voted no, preferring to prioritize only the top two.
• Commission Appointment Process: The commission unanimously elected Vice Chair Buaya as Chair and Commissioner Reed as Vice Chair for the 2026-2027 fiscal year.

Key Outcomes

• Little Free Library: Approved unanimously.
• NCIP Project Submissions: Motion to submit all four projects (Hilltop Phase 3, fuel reduction, El Estero Center, El Estero amenities) passed 5-1.
• Officer Elections: Kathy Buaya elected Chair, Commissioner Reed elected Vice Chair.
• Boys & Girls Clubs Partnership: Received strong support; will go to City Council on July 7, 2026, for a license agreement.
• Community Garden: Concept to proceed with community engagement and potential City Council resolution.
• Staff Recognized: The commission thanked staff for their efforts, and a moment was taken to honor the memory of longtime volunteer Ellen Burton.