Fresno parks commission backs Measure P budget recommendations including dog‑park, arts and youth program funding

The Fresno Parks, Recreation and Arts Commission on Nov. 17 concluded its Measure P budget presentations and approved a series of budget recommendation motions to send to the mayor's office and City Council for the FY27 budget cycle.

Tu Zhong, business manager for the parks department, opened the presentation with an overview of the FY26 Measure P adopted budget, walking commissioners through revenue (including a line item Tu described as "other revenue," which is predominantly interest) and appropriation categories. He reviewed the FY27 timeline, saying the department will prepare midyear documents in December, submit recommendations to the mayor in January–February and expects the mayor to present a budget to City Council in May with adoption anticipated by June.

Commissioners moved and approved several recommendations tied to Measure P priorities. Commissioner Dolan moved — and the commission approved — a recommendation that funding be provided not to exceed $350,000 for improvements to Roding Park's small dog park, with design capped at $75,000 and construction and soft costs capped at $275,000.

Commissioner Collier proposed allocating funds to expand youth and senior…