TITLE:
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PARKS AND COMMUNITY SERVICES COMMISSION ANNUAL REPORT
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DEPARTMENT: PARKS AND COMMUNITY SERVICES
PRESENTED BY: BRIAN GRUNER, PARKS AND COMMUNITY SERVICES
CONTACT INFORMATION: BRIAN GRUNER, PARKS AND COMMUNITY SERVICES DIRECTOR, (714) 754-5009
RECOMMENDATION:
recommendation
Staff recommends the City Council receive and file the Parks and Community Services Commission annual report, Attachment 1.
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BACKGROUND:
On August 20, 1990, the City Council approved the creation of the Parks, Recreation Facilities and Parkways Commission, a seven-member body. On May 20, 2002, the City Council renamed the commission to the Parks and Recreation Commission and reduced its membership to five members.
In 2019, the commission was renamed the Parks, Arts and Community Services Commission and expanded to seven members. In 2022, following the establishment of the Arts Commission, the commission was renamed the Parks and Community Services Commission, maintaining a seven-member structure. The role of the commission is defined in Municipal Code 12-71, Attachment 2.
The Commission and Committee Member Handbook, p. 23, defines the reporting out of Commission and Committee activities, recommendations, forthcoming work and funding requests through an “Annual Report”. At the April 23, 2026, PACS Special Meeting, the Commission was introduced to the annual City Council presentation process and discussed the key topics and accomplishments to be included in the presentation. Chair Brown and Vice Chair Wright compiled the Commission’s presentation input and drafted a presentation outline.
At the May 21, 2026, PACS Special Meeting, the draft presentation outline was presented and discussed. Commissioners were invited to submit final comments at the June 11, 2026, regular meeting, and the presentation outline was revised to incorporate the Commission's feedback. With the final feedback received, Chair Brown and Vice Chair formulated the PACS Annual Report presentation.
ANALYSIS:
Each year, the Parks and Community Services Commission meets monthly to discuss and make decisions on a variety of items related to Parks and Community Services, which includes but is not limited to recreational programming, recreation fees, special events, park and parkway-related tree appeals and capital improvement projects pertaining to parks.
The Commission’s focus this year was to create more meaningful opportunities for Commissioners to contribute to policy and decision making and to improve Commissioners’ education, so recommendations are informed, thoughtful, and data driven.
Highlighted accomplishments for FY 2025-26:
1) Developed a commission evaluation, CIP Values and Goals, to help provide formal commission recommendations to City Council for future Capital Improvement Park Projects.
2) Reviewed and approved seven (7) memorial donations
• Four (4) at TeWinkle Park
• One (1) at Brentwood Park
• One (1) at Estancia Park
• One (1) at Tanager Park
• One (1) at Canyon Park
• One (1) at Fairview Park
3) Provided recommendations for the Skate Park conceptual designs.
4) Approved the conceptual design improvements for Brentwood Park.
5) Provided recommendations for the Fairview Park Master Plan Update and the Fairview Development Center for the City Council.
6) Reviewed the City’s Urban Canopy and Park Assessment.
7) Provided CIP budget recommendations for City Council Review for FY 2026-27 and five-year CIP budget for FY 2030-31.
8) Presented to City Council FY 2026-27 CIP recommendations on March 31, 2026.
9) Provided recommendations for Senior Transportation Program
Areas of focus for FY 2026-27 for the Parks and Community Services Commission:
1. Present an Annual Working Plan to Council.
2. Assess and review the Community Garden program to enhance community opportunity.
3. Assess and review an additional dog park location.
4. Evaluate recreational fees and cost recovery.
5. Review park-related ordinances.
6. Review park memorial donations and policy.
7. Review Category 3 parkway tree removal and replacement requests.
8. Attend community events throughout the calendar year.
9. Conduct an earlier and timelier CIP review and recommendation to Council.
The Commission is to serve as an informed, engaged, and forward-thinking advisory body that enhances Costa Mesa's parks, recreation programs, and community spaces through thoughtful planning, public engagement, and data-driven recommendations.
The Commission will advance the 2026 areas of focus by working collaboratively with the City Council, staff, and community partners to ensure that programs and services, recreational facilities, and parks effectively meet the evolving community needs.
ALTERNATIVES:
City Council may provide feedback and direction to this fiscal year’s goals, objectives, and budget priorities and recommendations.
FISCAL REVIEW:
There is no fiscal impact associated with the recommended action.
LEGAL REVIEW:
There is no legal review required for this report.
CITY COUNCIL GOALS AND PRIORITIES:
This item supports the following City Council Goal:
• Strengthen the public safety and improve the quality of life.
• Maintain and enhance the City’s facilities, equipment, and technology.
CONCLUSION:
Staff recommends the City Council receive and file the Parks and Community Services Commission annual report.