The Sunnyvale Parks and Recreation Commission voted 4–0 (one excused) to ask City Council to pursue a study into methods for collecting park and athletic‑field usage data that could inform future capital investments and policy decisions.

Commissioners debated three leading ideas: commissioning a consultant to perform a full field‑usage study (estimated by staff at roughly $200,000–$250,000), using technology‑based sampling (for example anonymized cell‑data services) as a lower‑cost alternative, and directing operational changes such as selectively extending field lighting hours. Commissioner Kesting said the commission’s priority was getting better data: “The more data we have, the more we’ll be able to say which fields can be used and how we can explore capital improvement projects.”

Staff described tradeoffs among approaches. Jesus Fregosa, deputy director of recreation services, said a consultant‑led, year‑long study would sample all seasons and many sites and thus be costly and time‑consuming, while third‑party technology could provide more current snapshots but would raise legal and privacy questions requiring review by the city attorney and risk manager. Public Works Director Chip Taylor explained that the City’s Capital Improvement Program already includes restriping projects for some courts and that outreach will determine exact sites.

Commissioners tied the data discussion to current policy questions: whether to limit synthetic (field) turf installations to the highest‑use fields, and where or whether to extend evening lighting for athletic fields. Vice Chair Mason urged a focus on methods that would produce actionable information for council, and Commissioner Geary said the commission should prioritize tools that could be implemented without large, immediate capital outlays.

The motion directing staff to draft and forward the recommended study idea passed on a roll‑call vote. The commission’s recommendation does not itself allocate funds but asks Council to consider how the city should gather the baseline evidence needed for decisions about field turf, lighting, and other capital projects. The item will be forwarded to City Council for consideration under the new council study‑issue process.