[{"_1":2,"_111":-5,"_112":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87,99],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6709523,"mediaKeyId","5418881-871ab6137782d327400952a5d32e46a2","parentId",5418881,"title","Belmont to switch tennis and pickleball reservations to Rec platform; Sept. 1 launch set","audioSeconds",2324,"startMs",321000,"endMs",2645000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=5418881-871ab6137782d327400952a5d32e46a2&start=321&end=2645","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5418881-871ab6137782d327400952a5d32e46a2/thumbnail_321000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6709523/Belmont-City/San-Mateo-County/California/Belmont-to-switch-tennis-and-pickleball-reservations-to-Rec-platform-Sept-1-launch-set","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6709523-09814b427c34a887de6e05d2c938a0d0/orig.mp4?Expires=1771172016&Signature=VBVnqQquM9yCwIH6-JmvPMv9C2eFpDybqhvcSILzP50np2lgfipBAOL6DfsdcsZuT2JBrOz1csa4MdCKszfNI2QESEPCnN~bw-dDmmxwiUL~5aXNbeVM1Z1v~UGgkrsQfsWd4-ieND6MIbKeZNr3ay5qUjIaDDAErQPhsFi6NK75N2UdG3VegE9IEy~CaJWpDgp7sRGgvTkq3KT0dzgAxPErvpWRlzpHSdCLrLLa5S-ogSuRwBrniYVcddtNq~T45JHP1CilJEDhGjxMNOmuPCpbg5TEvt9Noa3As5PsTbmIWw-YxjFY1g-RoXjAM4ycw-dsRtGFHB6uFq0Oe-Vx0Q__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Belmont City","date","2025-07-16T00:00:00Z","article","Belmont Parks and Recreation staff and representatives from Rec Technologies told the Parks and Recreation Commission on July 16 that the city will replace its existing court-reservation system with Rec, a web-based reservations platform, and plans to launch the new system on Sept. 1.

The department cited repeated bot reservations, limited reporting and a poor user experience with the current vendor. Cody (Parks and Recreation staff) said staff chose Rec after evaluating those limits and seeking stronger customer authentication and reporting tools.

Rec representative Lindsay, speaking remotely, described features the company will enable for Belmont: QR codes posted at courts that link to a live calendar, mobile verification by SMS to limit bot accounts, adjustable booking limits and live support for residents and administrators. “We’re providing you all with custom signage,” Lindsay said. “We’re also gonna be implementing mobile verification.”

Why it matters: The change aims to reduce no-shows and quota abuses that have frustrated players and staff and to give on-site users a single, visible source of truth at courts via QR codes. The system’s features also let staff protect reserved times for community programming while enabling private reservations.

Key parameters and pilot details: Parks staff and Rec said Belmont’s current configuration will limit users to two bookings per day and six per week, and allow bookings up to seven days in advance. The department configured a same‑day “buffer” so last-minute reservations cannot bump people already using courts; Rec said a two‑hour buffer was proposed. Lindsay said Rec can enforce the booking limits and SMS verification once those switches are enabled. She said: “You can book same day appointments, but … we can configure … a buffer. So this would basically say, you know, if it’s noon, you can only book a reservation that same day for 2 p.m. and later.”

Operations and enforcement: The platform includes an admin calendar for staff to block community programming and to create drop‑in hours or instructor blocks. Rec offers check‑in functionality and a staff-initiated check‑in for memberships and classes; the company is exploring QR-code check‑in for courts but noted privacy and geolocation concerns. Lindsay said Rec administrators can see a user’s activity across organizations; Belmont administrators will see Belmont-specific data only. Rec also supports payment add‑ons, picnic and field rentals, leagues and punch‑pass memberships in other cities.

No‑shows and verification: Commissioners asked how no‑shows will be deterred. Rec said mobile verification by SMS and booking limits are the primary technical tools; some cities also add small fees to deter repeat no‑shows. Cody said staff will continue to refine enforcement policies. “Theoretically” accounts with repeated no‑shows could be suspended, staff said, but added that enforcement is difficult in practice.

Launch timing and outreach: Rec said the system will be live for use beginning Sept. 1; reservations will open seven days before that date. Staff plan email outreach to past bookers and social media messaging, and will place printed signage and QR codes at courts. Commissioner questions focused on cancellation notifications, resident priority settings and whether Reminders/confirmation emails are sent; Rec said confirmations and reminders are part of the platform and cancellation notifications and additional features are on Rec’s product roadmap.

What’s next: Staff will finish configuration (mobile verification and booking limits) and continue community outreach. Commissioners asked staff to return with updates on performance and on any needed rule changes for enforcement or residency verification.

Ending: The commission expressed general support for the move, noting the system addresses known problems with the current platform and should improve access to courts for Belmont residents.

","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Belmont City - Parks and Recreation Commission - Jul 16, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","Parks staff detailed a planned switch to Rec Technologies for court reservations to curb bots, add mobile verification and QR-code calendars. Launch is set for Sept. 1 with booking limits, same‑day buffers and admin support.","taxTitle","Belmont City, San Mateo County, California","taxId",68612,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6709510,"Commission approves June draft minutes",22,290000,312000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5418881-871ab6137782d327400952a5d32e46a2&start=290&end=312","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5418881-871ab6137782d327400952a5d32e46a2/thumbnail_290000.jpg","/articles/6709510/Belmont-City/San-Mateo-County/California/Commission-approves-June-draft-minutes","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6709510-4672c9b51cbd1a0a71fa666433c8296d/orig.mp4?Expires=1771172016&Signature=esyZKBBaYJltLjcg-QcRZ71Udw8Mf~oTXLRq3oMju5cXq~kzE0SRX6Hly9xE9gVspYX~wYwffKhKtnMyaeeljB8vFEWuqnVmxjyp4alAUqbiD4xFebgZlMpOUNW~LHJUyUon3yIohsYexWWvpm5rYRhRqUNeLf1zfwkbgYRg3UBtstFSNSTX6SIUXWmW1z~uAQuSXeyWp1UI47Urx3Rlo9NYRVrrUFbXKao-Y4P2U2nlQ1L-Q9npiIdDj8BhUy8wxhR4SNJxuba5dixr8D3LelmkyXkW3rcf6rmI9g6FMLRhf80ubpQxmYKnPhU~WnUeoduvl-ZFIa5fR9hSB5TzUw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Belmont Parks and Recreation Commission approved the June 4, 2025 draft minutes as presented during the July 16 meeting. The motion to approve was made and seconded during the consent calendar; recorded votes showed Commissioners Acuna, Lightford, Whitmore, Lee, Hill and Chair Emkin voting yes. The chair announced, “Motion passes 6 and no.”

No speakers raised objections or removed the item for discussion, and no amendments were proposed. The minutes-capture vote was the only formal action taken during the consent portion of the agenda.","The Parks and Recreation Commission approved the June 4, 2025 draft minutes on a 6‑0 vote during the July 16 meeting.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6709514,"Belmont plans centennial public‑art program; murals, installations and an art collaborative proposed",889,9104000,9993000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5418881-871ab6137782d327400952a5d32e46a2&start=9104&end=9993","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5418881-871ab6137782d327400952a5d32e46a2/thumbnail_9104000.jpg","/articles/6709514/Belmont-City/San-Mateo-County/California/Belmont-plans-centennial-publicart-program-murals-installations-and-an-art-collaborative-proposed","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6709514-7274979d898a549afc74d5b72b7193a6/orig.mp4?Expires=1771172016&Signature=BfMjRCo~7gHkSsyfzyNAiLrDgIqDrNpyxiB63~7pxgO~DhsZglGbzyrY2lq0Xg2j6bXEk8QDnALENlsGFEb9aXB5-0OOAPUXwlvm4PRTdNjPOzih6Osefug6xzCI0bWQF8Q~lCMqcEMif2DepqBa0tnu-XGWl2l0kNsW1TXo8-D0k5lazlwc8gfd-jq65clXW9aFt631EOf6eVJOCrMTBShXPZWBrB8tvQg0tZxZsnu4lpVdpYhrPcSihAZrlYZi07xY3BSjJZ6D3kwI32Va1W0A1kLfsB-VpQNFiVFp8jBUFbaEzOBVbJZojNXGiTVzBITuHpKxQL8F5OpPnPCEjw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Belmont Parks and Recreation staff and a summer intern presented a preliminary plan on July 16 for a multi-site public-art program to mark the city’s 2026 centennial, proposing murals, installations and a standing public-art collaborative to oversee artist selection and stewardship.

Yu Chen, Parks and Recreation intern, presented three guiding themes for the program — community and collaboration, nature and environment, and education and legacy — and proposed a roster of candidate sites including Twin Pines Park as an anchor installation, the Caltrain‑fronting lot on Old County Road, a Ralston Avenue timeline mural, the train underpass and walls near the Belmont Library. Chen said the proposal is intentionally site‑responsive and community driven: “The final vision will remain flexible in terms of the actual medium … the overarching goal is to create an experience that feels site responsive,” Chen said.

Structure and process: Chen and staff proposed forming a public-art collaborative (a subcommittee modeled on the city’s public-art program) composed of city staff, local artists, students and community members. The committee would run an open call for artists, shortlist finalists and approve site‑specific designs. The schedule presented calls for an open call in fall 2025, fabrication in spring 2026 and a series of unveilings and a centennial celebration in summer 2026.

Funding and maintenance: Parks staff said Belmont maintains a public-art fee collected from private development (typically a small percent of qualifying projects or an in-lieu payment when on-site art is not provided). Staff indicated available funds and CIP allocations could support several mural projects and that the program will include anti‑graffiti coatings and maintenance planning.

Community participation: The plan proposes a mixture of professional commissions and participatory pieces — for example, a youth mural to be created at the Aug. 9 Barrett open‑house that could be preserved or archived for display in the new community center. Commissioners encouraged a broad call that includes local high‑school and college artists and suggested a digital, archive or mosaic component to widen participation beyond large mural canvases.

Next steps: Staff will recruit members for the public-art collaborative, finalize potential sites, issue an open call for artists and bring a costed implementation plan to the commission. Staff asked commissioners and community groups to help publicize the Aug. 9 Barrett open‑house and to identify local artists and school arts programs for outreach.

Ending: Commissioners praised the proposal’s themes and encouraged staff to expand outreach to schools and neighboring jurisdictions where property owners’ permission may be required for site work. A formal project charter and artist selection process will return for commission review.","An intern-led public art proposal outlined a multi-site centennial program focused on murals and installations across Belmont, anchoring at Twin Pines Park and proposing a public-art subcommittee and developer-fee funding.",{"_33":100,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":101,"_41":102,"_43":103,"_45":104,"_47":105,"_49":106,"_51":107,"_53":108,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":109,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":110,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6709518,"Belmont revives Barrett Community Center master-plan refresh; options include pool, gym, resiliency features",4534,2721000,7255000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=5418881-871ab6137782d327400952a5d32e46a2&start=2721&end=7255","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/5418881-871ab6137782d327400952a5d32e46a2/thumbnail_2721000.jpg","/articles/6709518/Belmont-City/San-Mateo-County/California/Belmont-revives-Barrett-Community-Center-master-plan-refresh-options-include-pool-gym-resiliency-features","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6709518-6bea2b281859ee227c07254f40922b30/orig.mp4?Expires=1771172016&Signature=SLZuRR2oXpIgTWTFI-W7iXyZLEWPlut9KMSEGuv~u3afCYv4ddWteHyOF7c-kJXIXvuUIXHSilRvUgY~4j1EuFRbWMACbJep~N5r3CAn0SzP~H-mzlVCKx5QySiSMKKvUJ0woa0X~UVcUfbBLu5CvWBluDX9unJSTWhPUT2MPU-EZKEo7JYFXxZ8bsuo8JvghjCIAC1shth6CkPTi932TdG979tRuk2Em6Az-L~jiclyRs3IY5I~-8D~z-eNsADEjEjWreVzW1q4Qy1IadYcA6HQNMtf3BQXMCqgTschv76K923D8~AEdL4M2EqGfssc9a-9uoQv4Ws3-GDkKjBW8w__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","Group 4 Architects and Belmont Parks and Recreation staff presented an updated master-plan refresh for the Barrett Community Center at the Parks and Recreation Commission meeting on July 16, proposing a range of building options and renewed public engagement ahead of design and cost-estimating work.

Jonathan Hartman, principal at Group 4 Architects, told commissioners the firm is updating the 2019 conceptual plan to reflect recent community input, current construction costs and changing recreation trends. “We’re not starting over from 2019,” Hartman said. “We’re building upon that, and working through those design and architectural updates.”

What the refresh covers: Group 4 outlined a “menu” of building permutations: a base community‑center building (roughly a 20,000‑square‑foot small center), a 31,000‑square‑foot plan reflecting the 2019 program, and a larger recreation center that would include a gymnasium and/or aquatics facility (the larger composite options raise square‑foot totals and parking needs). The team described the master plan as a phased effort: programming validation, updated cost estimating, schematic design and then construction documents and bidding.

Core design goals: Hartman summarized six guiding practices for the refresh — community-driven engagement, holistic wellness, accessibility, adaptable/multifunctional spaces, sustainable design and efficient operations. Staff emphasized resiliency planning for the facility: the plan includes a possible “resiliency hub” function (charging, information, short-term sheltering and distribution points) without the full structural and code requirements of a long‑term mass shelter.

Options under consideration: The master plan retains flexibility around an aquatics area, showing two 25‑yard pool concepts and a more recreational zero‑entry “family” pool with splash features. The gym option would add structural and supporting spaces and increase staffing and parking demand. Hartman noted that elements such as a two‑story massing, rooftop photovoltaics and battery storage are being explored for sustainability and resilience, and that site orientation (placing the building nearer Ralston Avenue) was chosen to provide visibility and street frontage.

Programming details and trade‑offs: The proposal shows dedicated childcare/preschool space, seven multigenerational program rooms, a multipurpose banquet/party room with movable partitions, arts and crafts and fitness/dance studios. Staff said preschool counts could change (staff are now considering two preschool classrooms rather than three because of transitional kindergarten changes). Hartman and staff stressed storage and operational details: “You can never have enough storage space,” Hartman said, noting the importance of adjacent, easily accessed storage for tables, props and third‑party providers.

Phasing and site logistics: The 2019 concept allowed phased construction so the new center could be built while the existing center remained in operation; parking and drop‑off were reconfigured to reduce impacts on adjacent homes. Commissioners discussed transit access, bike and e‑bike parking, a bypass lane for quick drop‑off and options for overflow parking that could double as programmable open space.

Community engagement and next steps: Staff announced an Aug. 9 community open‑house at Barrett — including tours, a presentation from Group 4 and family activities — to gather further public feedback. Hartman said the next technical steps are to reconcile program quantities with updated cost estimates and to refine funding strategies in coordination with the city’s polling and finance work.

Unresolved items: No final decisions were made at the July 16 meeting. The commission and attendees raised recurring choices that hinge on funding and staffing: whether to include a full‑time heated pool, whether to build for year‑round aquatics or seasonal operation (seasonal pools reduce annual heating/staff costs but leave the space unused in winter), what level of resiliency engineering to include (which raises construction costs), and how much parking to provide versus encouraging non‑auto access.

Public comments: Two residents praised Barrett as a community gathering place and asked the commission to consider continuing off‑leash dog hours and to preserve popular open‑space uses. Staff said site details, including the dog‑run location and surfacing, remain under review and that some site work will be shared for public comment during the Aug. 9 event.

Bottom line: The refresh keeps multiple options on the table, tying design decisions to funding strategy and community input. Staff and Group 4 will return with refined program totals, cost estimates and recommended phasing to enable Council and community decisions in later steps of the process.","Group 4 Architects and city staff presented a refreshed community center plan for the Barrett site that revisits the 2019 proposal; options range from a base community center to larger builds including a gymnasium and an aquatics facility. Funding and phased construction will determine final scope.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Belmont to switch tennis and pickleball reservations to Rec platform; Sept. 1 launch set

Commission approves June draft minutes

Belmont plans centennial public‑art program; murals, installations and an art collaborative proposed

Belmont revives Barrett Community Center master-plan refresh; options include pool, gym, resiliency features