Parks and Community Enrichment Commission Regular Meeting – May 1, 2025

The Parks and Community Enrichment Commission met on Thursday, May 1, 2025, at 5:34 PM in the City Hall Council Chamber. The meeting was called to order by Chair Gaines and adjourned at 7:28 PM. Eight commissioners were present (Flores, Ford, King, Laver, Riley, Robbins, Vasquez, and Gaines); three were absent (Boone, Kangas, and Uribe). The agenda included approval of consent items, a presentation on the Equity Dashboard and SEED Tool, a discussion on the Egret Park site plan amendment, updates on 916 Day, the Director’s Report, and public comments.

Consent Calendar

• Approval of April 3, 2025 Meeting Minutes (File ID: 2025-00164) – Passed unanimously.
• Approval of Follow-Up Log (File ID: 2025-00290) – Passed unanimously.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Egret Park Site Plan Amendment (Item 4): Two residents spoke in opposition. The first speaker, Jan, representing herself and Westlake neighbors, argued the proposed soccer field, parking lot, and portable toilets would transform a quiet neighborhood park into a community park, contrary to what residents expected. She noted that the city had not included a soccer field in the initial survey and that the meeting was not well advertised. The second speaker, Matt, declined to speak.
• Matters Not on the Agenda: Joanne Sprogas, a member of the Sacramento Garden and Arts Center, raised concerns about the removal of library books and ceramic vases from the Shepard Center office by a city representative, stating the action undermined the center’s mission. MJ, also representing the Garden and Arts Center, opposed proposed rent increases and urged the commission to preserve cultural programming for older adults.

Discussion Items

• Update on Equity Dashboard and SEED Tool: Staff presented the Sacramento Equity Explorer Design (SEED) Tool, an asset-based GIS tool replacing the older Community Vulnerability Index. The tool uses a social equity index based on indicators from the American Community Survey, CalEnviroScreen, and other sources. Commissioners asked about integrating SMUD’s vulnerability data, the cost of adding new data layers, and the future of the Parks Equity Dashboard. Staff clarified the equity dashboard will not be further developed; the SEED Tool will serve as the primary equity resource. The commission reviewed and commented on the tool.
• Egret Park Site Plan Amendment: Staff proposed expanding the 9.64‑acre neighborhood park with an additional nine acres, including a 12‑foot‑wide asphalt trail, a parking lot, a playground, shade structure, and a youth soccer field. Public comments opposed the plan. Commissioners noted concerns about the timing of the adjacent Airport South industrial project (which lacks final approvals), the lack of funding commitment from the developer, and the inappropriateness of a soccer field and parking lot for a neighborhood park. Commissioner Ford moved to recommend the City Council table the updated site plan, direct staff to conduct additional community outreach, and bring the plan back to the commission at a later time. The motion was seconded by Commissioner Vasquez and passed unanimously (8‑0, with three absent).
• 916 Day Updates: Staff provided information on volunteer events scheduled for September 13, 20, and a date to be determined in September, with locations at Del Paso, Miller, and Granite Regional Parks. Commissioners were asked to participate in video shoots (May 12–16) to promote the events. Commissioner Ford noted that a sponsorship list has been developed with a fundraising goal of $3,000. The commission reviewed, commented, and provided feedback.

Director’s Report

Jackie Beecham, Director of Youth, Parks, and Community Enrichment, provided updates:

• Budget: The city faces a structural budget deficit of $62.2 million for FY 2025‑26. The city manager’s proposed budget (released April 30) includes elimination of 70.5 vacant and 12.8 filled positions citywide, but YPC services (parks, pools, community centers) are not significantly impacted. No pools or core programs are being closed, but service expansion is not possible. Deferred maintenance in YPC exceeds $130 million. Commissioners were encouraged to attend budget hearings starting May 13.
• Park Maintenance: Completed weed abatement, irrigation repairs, new shade canopy at Robert Brookens Park, spray parks ready to open by Memorial Day, and soccer field renovations in District 7.
• Youth Scholarship Fund: In May, 717 scholarships were issued, totaling $92,082 used, with $53,003 for community center programs and $35,369 for aquatics.
• Community Centers: Various events were held (e.g., spring fling, yard sales, teen laser tag). Camp Sacramento cabins are available for summer reservation.
• Aquatics: The Tealer Pro Series swim meet was successful. Water safety event will be held May 18.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Calendar approved by unanimous vote.
• Egret Park Site Plan Amendment – Commission voted 8‑0 to recommend City Council table the plan and direct staff to conduct additional outreach before returning to the commission.
• 916 Day Updates – Reviewed and commented; no formal vote.
• Equity Dashboard/SEED Tool – Reviewed and commented; no formal vote.
• Director’s Report – Received and discussed.
• Commissioner Requests: Commissioner Vasquez asked for a future discussion on private contractors in public spaces. Commissioner Robbins requested correction of the online speaker time limit (currently showing 8 minutes instead of 2 minutes).
• Meeting Adjourned at 7:28 PM.