Sunnyvale parks staff mark Parks and Recreation Month, preview multi‑million dollar capital projects

Sunnyvale Parks and Recreation staff used the commission’s meeting to mark Parks and Recreation Month and to update commissioners on ongoing capital projects and summer programming.

Jesus Raygoza, recreation services superintendent, told the commission the department employs “117 regular staff members and 422 part time staff members” who run camps, pools and events across the city. Raygoza said the department served more than 3,600 camp participants and almost 1,300 swim‑lesson registrations in 2024 and that a new installment‑billing option introduced in 2025 has increased enrollment this summer.

The presentation highlighted recent and planned park investments. Raygoza said Corn Palace Park’s ribbon‑cutting on June 27 attracted about 120 people and that the city plans to install three backless benches and one seating wall by spring 2026, with a final recommendation scheduled for City Council on July 29. He described Lakewood Park as moving into the construction‑plan phase with anticipated 2026 ground‑breaking and noted the nearby Lakewood Library is expected to be finished in spring 2026.

Jim Stark, park superintendent, described the city’s capital portfolio as “about 13 or 14 active projects,” ranging from small playground replacements to larger work such as the community center grounds renovation. “This is probably one of the most significant projects we will do in 20 years,” Stark said, and he gave the project budget as “about a $13,000,000 budget overall.” Stark said the renovation will reduce the size of the pond, add filtration, create an amphitheater, a restroom and a new playground, and is targeted for completion near the end of next year.

Stark also reviewed a multi‑park playground equipment program that he said totals about $3,000,000 and uses resilient surfacing to improve accessibility. He said resilient surfacing can wear faster in sandy locations and that the city is tracking lifecycle costs and maintenance needs.

Staff highlighted special events and public art: Raygoza said the city’s July 4 drone show drew an estimated 8,000 attendees in 2024 and a separate summer festival drew about 5,000, and he described a temporary public art installation that has been well received. The department also reported that its recreation scholarship program awarded funds to 503 children, with individual awards up to $500; Raygoza said those funds were exhausted around mid‑June and that scholarship families may access pools for $1 per person for recreational swim this summer.

Commissioners praised staff work. Vice Chair Mason said, “People love the shade, just everything you all are doing,” referencing recent park renovations, and commissioners asked staff for follow‑ups on several items, including the status of a Corn Palace sign and the possible addition of batting cages at Lakewood or other parks.

Stark and Raygoza said the city follows a planning document called the Parks of the Future plan, which guides what amenities (such as restrooms and parking) are appropriate for different park sizes, and that the parks dedication fund — money collected from developers when projects add housing — largely pays for park capital projects.

The commission closed the item after asking staff to report back on outstanding questions about signage, trees and the possible location and funding model for shared‑use batting cages.

Ending: Staff reminded commissioners of upcoming sunset movie nights in August and encouraged residents to attend.