Staff Report.Parks Comm Work Plan
PREPARED BY: Nicolle Burnham
Director, Parks and Public Works
Reviewed by: Town Manager, Assistant Town Manager, Town Attorney, and Finance Director
110 E. Main Street Los Gatos, CA 95030 ● (408) 354-6832
www.losgatosca.gov
TOWN OF LOS GATOS
COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
MEETING DATE: 08/01/2023 ITEM NO: 13
DATE: July 10, 2023
TO: Mayor and Town Council
FROM: Laurel Prevetti, Town Manager
SUBJECT: Receive the Fiscal Year 2022/23 Parks Commission Accomplishments and
Provide Direction on the Fiscal Year 2023/24 Work Plan
RECOMMENDATION:
Receive the Fiscal Year 2022/23 Parks Commission accomplishments and provide direction on
the Fiscal Year 2023/24 Work Plan.
BACKGROUND:
The Town of Los Gatos Parks Commission (Commission) consists of six adult members and one
Youth Commission representative. The Commission is advisory to Town Council, receiving
public input, evaluating options, and making recommendations on policy issues pertaining to
public parks, off-street trails, open space, grounds, and street trees. The Commission meets six
times per year on even-numbered months.
In Fiscal Year (FY) 2022/23, the Commission heard reports and provided guidance on the
following items:
• Lyndon Bandstand Improvements
• Open Space Vegetation Management
• Volunteer Events
• Park Operations
• Holiday Events in Parks
• Pickleball at La Rinconada Park and Blossom Hill Park
• Capital Improvement Needs for Parks
• Parks Related Use Agreements
• Parks Related Portions of the Senior Services Road Map
PAGE 2 OF 3 SUBJECT: Receive the Fiscal Year 2022/23 Parks Commission Accomplishments and Provide Direction of the Fiscal Year 2023/24 Work Plan. DATE: July 10, 2023
DISCUSSION:
At its meetings in April and June 2023, the Parks Commission discussed potential work plan
items. Among the items discussed were:
1. Inventory of Park Assets – Evaluate existing amenities and potential future needs.
2. Trail Connectivity – Consider ways to connect trails between open space areas.
3. Street Tree Program – Develop an understanding of how this program functions,
including the list of approved trees.
4. Meeting Schedule – Consider converting to a monthly meeting cycle to improve
communication and outcomes.
5. Park Use Fees and Agreements – Reviewing use agreement terms and associated fees.
6. Pickleball and Tennis Court Usage and Requirements for Play – Evaluate options for
reducing the impact on adjacent residents of pickleball play at La Rinconada Park. This
may include changing the mode of play, limiting hours of play or identifying potential
new court locations.
7. Art in Parks – Connecting with the Arts and Culture Commission to consider the addition
of art in public parks to enhance the user experience.
In its discussion on June 5, 2023, the Parks Commission identified the priorities shown in Table
1 and proposes these as work plan items. The Commission did not recommend the “Inventory
of Park Assets” and “Meeting Schedule” items for inclusion in the FY 2023/24 Work Plan.
Table 1. Parks Commission Work Plan for Fiscal Year 2023/24
Work Item Proposed Commission Approach Required Staff Support
Trail Connectivity Formed Ad Hoc Committee for
evaluation and research with reporting
in June 2024
Periodic guidance / available
mapping
Street Tree Program Receive a staff report on the program Prepare a staff report and
presentation for Commission
consideration
Park Use Fees and
Agreements
Receive a staff report and determine
next steps
Prepare a staff report and
presentation for Commission
consideration
Pickleball and Tennis
Court Usage
Formed Ad Hoc Committee for
evaluation and research with reporting
in June 2024
Guide evaluation and
discussions with pickleball
players and Los Gatos Saratoga
Recreation
Art in Parks Coordinate with Arts and Culture
Commission staff liaison
Coordinate / collaborate with
staff liaison for Arts and Culture
Commission
PAGE 3 OF 3 SUBJECT: Receive the Fiscal Year 2022/23 Parks Commission Accomplishments and Provide Direction of the Fiscal Year 2023/24 Work Plan. DATE: July 10, 2023
CONCLUSION:
The Parks Commission looks forward to Council direction on its recommended work items in
Table 1 as their FY 2023/24 Work Plan. Two, two-person Ad Hoc Committees were established
to address the most pressing items, trail connectivity and pickleball/tennis court usage. If
Council agrees, street trees, park use fees, and art would be brought to the Commission after
staff prepares the necessary analysis and coordination with other Town staff.
COORDINATION:
This report was coordinated with the Parks Commission.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no fiscal impact associated with this work plan.
ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT:
This is not a project defined under CEQA, and no further action is required.