The Community Services Commission approved the third revised version of its 2025 work plan Sept. 8, finalized park assignments under the Adopt-a-Park program, established a quarterly schedule for recurring updates, and approved field-use permits for youth organizations AYSO and Holy Family.
Staff presented the revised work plan as a compromise between an earlier draft and city leadership priorities. Commissioners discussed the difference between making recommendations to staff and directing action; Melissa Snyder said many items will be recommendations for staff to consider and that some tasks (for example, “adopt a park”) ask commissioners to serve as community liaisons, visit assigned parks periodically and report maintenance or safety issues to staff.
A motion to adopt the revised work plan passed unanimously. Commissioners then reviewed adopt-a-park assignments. Several parks — including Garfield Park and Arroyo Park — were assigned to multiple commissioners to provide broader coverage. Commissioners were encouraged to send photos and immediate maintenance reports to staff rather than wait for meeting discussion.
Field use requests from AYSO and Holy Family for fall (Sept.–Nov.) and winter (Dec.–Feb.) seasons were presented. The AYSO request proposed weekday evening and weekend use of Arroyo North, Arroyo South and Orange Grove fields with a later weekday start (5 p.m.) at Orange Grove to accommodate a Holy Family scheduling need; staff noted Orange Grove would be closed for a city event on Friday, Oct. 24 and that a tentative Arroyo Park closure is planned for a January date. Staff also noted the city council has approved fee waivers for these organizations in recognition of their youth recreation services. The commission voted to approve the permits as presented.
Quarterly updates: The commission approved a framework to receive periodic (quarterly) updates on topics such as parks, youth and senior services, permitting and other regular items; staff will prepare a proposed quarterly schedule for commission review.
Why it matters: The adopted work plan and adopt-a-park assignments set commissioners’ priorities for the year and clarify how commissioners will assist staff with community outreach and oversight. Approval of field permits and fee waivers preserves youth recreational programming while staff coordinates scheduling and maintenance windows.
Next steps: Staff will return with a proposed quarterly schedule, confirm adopt-a-park logistics, and publish permit schedules. Commissioners were asked to report park issues to staff directly with photos for faster maintenance responses.