Palo Alto staff lay out FY26–30 capital plan; residents urge adding Eleanor Party Park restroom to FY26 budget

Palo Alto Parks and Recreation staff presented an expanded five-year capital improvement program (CIP) plan and answered commissioner questions about individual projects, timelines and funding. The presentation covered roughly two dozen proposed projects for fiscal 2026 and additional projects through 2030, including play-area replacements, park restrooms, open-space improvements and planned eucalyptus removals.

"This presentation is a follow-up to last month's CIP discussion with additional information on each CIP as requested by the Commission," said Lam Do, senior parks staff, as he reviewed the project list and the city's CIP timeline. Do explained that only the first-year funding (fiscal 2026) would be adopted by council in the coming budget process while later years remain planning estimates.

During public comment and the presentation, multiple speakers urged that the city prioritize installing a restroom at Eleanor Party Park. "There's an urgent need ... for a restroom at this location," said Sharon Erickson, a resident and volunteer at the park, asking the…