Parks, Recreation and Trees Advisory Commission Special Meeting - March 26, 2025

The Parks, Recreation and Trees Advisory Commission (PRTAC) held a special meeting on March 26, 2025, at 6:00 PM at Fuller Park in Napa, California. Commissioners Brian Bordona, Rex Stults, Simone Katz-O'Neill, Jeffrey Richard, Joe Streng, Mike Wallace, and Darren Graffuis were present; Amy Dick was absent. The meeting began with roll call, followed by public comment (none offered), approval of prior meeting minutes, and then proceeded to a presentation from Napa Little League, discussion and approval of the 2025 PRTAC goals and workplan, an input session on the Urban Forestry Management Plan, updates from the Parks and Recreation divisions, and a report from the Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Commission (BPAC) representative.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of Minutes: The minutes from the regular meeting of February 19, 2025, were approved unanimously by voice vote.
• 2025 PRTAC Goals / Workplan: Following a presentation and brief discussion, the commission unanimously approved the revised annual goals and workplan (as modified from the February draft, with revised goals #3 and #4 and reorganized work plan items).

Presentations

• Napa Little League Annual Update: Nasir (co-president) presented an update on the league. Key points: Napa Little League was founded in 1984, field completed in 1987; served nearly 800 children in 2024 across 59 teams; operates a Challenger program for special needs players; uses Garfield Park (city-owned), Napa Valley Unified School District fields, and Kennedy Park; reported 1,879 hours of use at Garfield, 3,200 at school district fields, and 130 at Kennedy Park in 2024; has a waiting list of about 41 children; faces competition from travel baseball and other sports; recently completed capital improvements (restroom remodel, parking lot restriping, turf batting cages, converting a field to a 50-70 configuration); relies on self-funding and volunteer efforts; addressed issues with erosion at Salvador Creek, trespassing, and unhoused individuals. Commissioners thanked the league for its dedication.

Administrative Reports

• Urban Forestry Management Plan Input: Staff presented data and software tools to guide priority planting areas under city jurisdiction and to develop strategies for engaging private property owners (since 76% of the city's 21.5% tree canopy is on private land). Current planting is driven largely by replacing removed trees (100–150 removals per year, ~200 plantings). Discussion included opportunities to prioritize heat islands, disadvantaged communities, energy savings, and vulnerable populations. Suggestions from commissioners included: door-to-door outreach, coordinating with the school district, updating the master street tree list, offering tree giveaways with inspections, providing incentives for private tree planting, and considering species preferences (evergreen vs. deciduous). Staff took notes for use in drafting the management plan.
• Parks and Recreation Division Updates: Staff reported that the recent playground rehabilitation projects (including Springwood and Century Oaks) are nearly complete; the Century Oaks ribbon cutting occurred the previous week; additional tree plantings are underway in South Minahan and Stonehouse; part-time staffing has been fully filled; the temporary homeless camp at Kennedy Park will be closed starting March 31, with cleanup ongoing and about five individuals remaining; summer swim lessons and sports fields open April 1 (weather-dependent); the Main Street boat dock will open April 1 with a new operator (Chinchin LLC) offering gondola, paddle board, kayak, and one motorized boat.

Comments by Commissioners and Staff

• Report by Bicycle and Pedestrian Advisory Commission Representative (Commissioner Hoenicke): Reported on the BPAC's special meeting regarding the Lincoln Avenue corridor redesign, which will reduce traffic lanes from four to two, add protected bike lanes, and a median turn lane. He recommended adding more trees in the median and exploring the use of white (cool) pavement to reduce heat island effects, aligning with the city's climate resolution. He encouraged parks staff to coordinate with public works on these climate-friendly elements.

Key Outcomes

• Approvals: Unanimous approval of the February 19, 2025 meeting minutes and the revised 2025 PRTAC goals and workplan.
• Input Provided: Commissioners provided guidance on priorities and engagement strategies for the Urban Forestry Management Plan.
• Next Meeting: The next regularly scheduled meeting of the PRTAC is April 16, 2025, at 6:00 PM at the Senior Center, 1500 Jefferson Street.