Palo Alto staff propose 2026 capital projects; commissioners press for clearer schedules on park restrooms and Baylands repairs

City staff presented a draft five‑year capital improvement program to the Palo Alto Parks and Recreation Commission on Dec. 18, highlighting proposed projects for fiscal year 2026 and seeking the commission’s input on prioritization.

The presentation, led by Lambda Do, superintendent of Open Space, Parks and Golf, listed recurring maintenance items (trail and lake maintenance, athletic court resurfacing), eight open‑space projects and 14 parks/golf/recreation projects the department wants to advance. Staff said council funds the first year of the plan and years 2–5 remain for planning only.

The draft includes continuing work at the Foothills Nature Preserve, eucalyptus removal, lake/pond and trail maintenance, playground and park restroom installations and several golf‑course items. Staff said about 25 projects are active in the current fiscal year and some — including dock replacements and park renovations — are anticipated to roll over into 2026.

Why it matters: Commissioners said the public needs clearer project pages and status…