Walnut Creek PROS Commission Meeting Summary - December 1, 2025

Note: The user-specified meeting date is December 1, 2025, but the raw transcript indicates the meeting was held on October 6, 2025. This summary uses the specified date; the original meeting date per the transcript is noted for accuracy.

The Parks, Recreation and Open Space (PROS) Commission convened to discuss public comments, a consent calendar, a proposed drone ordinance, and a playground renovation update. The meeting included public testimony on trail conditions, beach tennis equipment, e-bike signage, and fire mitigation. The Commission provided direction on two major agenda items: the drone ordinance and playground renovations.

Consent Calendar

• The Commission approved the consent calendar, which included the minutes from the last meeting and four routine items. Commissioners raised questions on the tennis annual report (noting a decline in youth program enrollment and a 63% court utilization rate) and on the aquatics scholarship program. Staff committed to follow up with the tennis contractor and provided details on the scholarship application process.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Justin Burns (Walnut Creek resident): Representing the beach tennis community, requested replacing net winches at city sand courts with a slider system (cost under $1,000) to allow quick height adjustments for multiple sports. He noted the system is used successfully in Fremont Central Park.
• Jonathan Shiner (resident): Complained about trail conditions, including cow manure and deep ruts, stating the open space is becoming unappealing for recreational users. He expressed support for cattle grazing but urged better trail maintenance.
• Jeff Langner (Summit Road Firewise leader, Lafayette): Thanked staff (Mike Vickers and Corey Frazier) for facilitating a goat grazing program on Acalanes Ridge, which improved wildfire safety beyond minimum weed abatement.
• Barbara Guinness (resident): Raised three issues: (1) incorrect “Ride Safely” signs at open space entrances showing e-bike classes permitted despite current code; (2) lack of public access to draft social trails to official trails plan; (3) ongoing problem of motorized vehicles in open spaces, citing recent motorcycle incidents.

Discussion Items

• Drone Ordinance Update: Staff presented a proposed ordinance regulating unmanned aircraft in parks and open spaces, requiring permits for specific uses (photography, surveys, fire assessment, governmental purposes). The ordinance mirrors East Bay Regional Parks’ policy but allows more permit types. Commissioners questioned permit duration, director designation, fee structure, enforcement, and airspace jurisdiction. Staff clarified that the city can only control launch/landing on city property, not drone flights in airspace. The Commission gave consensus to move forward to City Council after incorporating feedback (e.g., clarifying director roles, permit duration, and fee specifics).
• Playground Renovation Update: Staff shared results of public outreach (over 600 survey participants) for renovating Civic Park and Walden Park playgrounds. The original $500,000 budget was set in 2023. Community feedback favored adding shade structures and three rotating/climbing amenities. Costs escalated to approximately $540,000 for Civic Park and $245,000 for Walden Park. Staff presented three options: (1) accept original designs and seek additional funding; (2) defer one park; (3) accept amended designs with shade and amenities, seeking funding for both or one park. After discussion, the Commission reached consensus to prioritize Civic Park, using the full $500,000 budget (including added amenities and shade if possible), defer Walden Park renovations, and direct staff to seek additional funding from park-in-lieu reserves, Measure O, county contributions, or other sources. Staff will also explore adding the two-to-five improvements at Walden (approx. $20,000) if funds allow.

Key Outcomes

• Consent Calendar: Approved unanimously.
• Drone Ordinance: Commission directed staff to incorporate feedback and proceed to City Council for review.
• Playground Renovation: Consensus to move forward with Civic Park first, defer Walden Park, and have staff pursue additional funding. Staff will provide an update at a future meeting.
• Public Comment Follow-Up: Staff noted they will continue working with the beach tennis community on net winch upgrades and address trail maintenance concerns.
• Meeting Adjourned: The next PROS Commission meeting is scheduled for December 1, 2025 (per the user’s date; transcript shows adjournment to a future meeting date).