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Commission kicks off 2026 parks work plan: outreach, Los Animas improvements, pickleball and master plan
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Summary
At its March 4 meeting the commission discussed a work program focused on community outreach (including an $18,000 Measure B allocation for bike/ped safety), improvements at Los Animas Park, permanent pickleball facilities, a parks master plan and pursuing joint-use talks with the school district.
The Gilroy Parks and Recreation Commission used its March 4, 2026 meeting to review and refine its work plan for fiscal years 2026–27, centering on community engagement, park maintenance and capital projects.
Staff (transcript label S7) summarized the work program and said council had provided funding to advance a parks and recreation master plan. On pedestrian and bicycle outreach, staff said Measure B funds from the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority will be available and estimated “about $18,000 available for fiscal '27” to support pedestrian and bicycle safety education; staff encouraged the commission to consider its role as a sounding board for outreach materials and suggested the commission seek budget support for giveaways and pop-up canopies.
Commissioners discussed multiple outreach strategies — tabling at downtown summer events, Coffee in the Park, an online community survey and coordinating with school-based efforts — and agreed staff should inventory current outreach supplies and include a request for outreach materials in an amended work plan to be submitted to the city administrator before the May midterm budget review.
On facilities, staff provided updates on Los Animas Park improvements: a restroom unit delivery and installation scheduled for the following week, basketball goals newly installed, court resurfacing and resealing plans, cleanup of the dog park and field improvements funded by Gilroy Little League ballpark funds (dugout covers and other field work). Staff also reported the city has been contacted by KaBOOM to pursue low-cost or partner-assisted replacement of playground equipment; staff said a comprehensive asset inventory and replacement schedule are needed and that the council allocated funds for playground equipment replacements across multiple parks for FY26 and FY27.
Commissioners raised accessibility concerns and staff confirmed ADA upgrades (accessible routes, parking, spectator viewing and restrooms) will be part of planning and will require funding. The commission also discussed a community suggestion for disc golf at Christmas Hill Park; staff recommended adding the idea to the parks master plan discussion and potentially piloting it on underused green space if appropriate.
On active-recreation facilities, staff said the permanent pickleball project is on track: design and bid packaging are underway and staff anticipated a relatively quick construction schedule if no long-lead items are required. Commissioners discussed handball-court repairs, murals and prioritizing play-equipment replacement where need and funding align.
Finally, commissioners discussed joint-use issues with Gilroy Unified School District (fees for facility use and public access). Commissioners suggested the commission could develop an official recommendation for council about joint-use arrangements once the recreation needs assessment and master plan clarify programming and facility needs.
Next steps identified in the meeting: staff will inventory outreach materials, prepare an amended work plan including an outreach-supplies budget request for council consideration before the midterm budget review, and continue to advance the master plan procurement and community engagement schedule.
