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Commission recommends water‑filling stations and pickleball storage among SSB tax proposals
Summary
Staff proposed a short list of projects for FY26 sugar‑sweetened beverage (SSB) tax revenue — new water bottle filling stations, partial funding for a sand volleyball court, portable pickleball net storage, and recreation supplies — and commissioners prioritized the water‑filling stations for council consideration.
City recreation staff presented recommended uses of estimated FY26 Sugar‑Sweetened Beverage (SSB) tax revenue to the Park, Recreation & Open Space Commission and solicited the commission’s preferences for projects to forward to city council.
Jomaira (recreation staff) told commissioners the city expects about $220,000 in SSB revenue for FY26 and reviewed potential projects: partial funding ($10,000–$20,000) toward a sand volleyball court at Ocean View Park (the project total was described as approximately $125,000), a new water bottle filling station on the Ohlone Greenway (estimated $15,000) and at Ocean View Park (estimated $15,000), portable pickleball net storage (about $5,000), and $5,000 for general recreation sports supplies (bases, crash pads, equipment).
Staff noted prior SSB recommendations submitted by the commission in the prior year were not selected by council; some items were advanced through other funding or direct work (for example, inclusive swings installed at Ocean View Park and Memorial Park were completed). The current proposal was intentionally concise so council would have a focused list to consider before FY26 appropriations.
Commissioners discussed priorities. Several commissioners recommended prioritizing water bottle filling stations as a high priority because they align closely with the health promotion purpose of the SSB tax and provide a public hydration resource for heavily used facilities such as pickleball courts and sports fields. Commissioners also supported providing city‑owned portable pickleball nets and secure storage to increase public access to the courts where nets are not permanent; staff said a locked storage cabinet with a combination issued to renters was proposed to reduce loss and allow nets to be available to all users. Staff said recreation leagues already pay fees but noted some supplies and safety equipment requests had been raised by user groups.
No formal vote was taken on the commission’s recommendation; commissioners suggested forwarding a short priority list to council that emphasized: (1) water bottle filling stations (highest priority), (2) portable pickleball net storage, and (3) partial funding for the sand volleyball court (if additional CIP funds can be matched). Commissioners also suggested staff supply the council with a brief benchmarking table showing how other Bay Area cities have used SSB funds and high‑level cost examples for proactive maintenance vs. capital items.
Ending: Staff will prepare a submittal to city council that reflects the commission’s priorities (water filling stations first, then pickleball storage and sand court cost‑share) and will provide cost details and benchmarking information for the council packet.
