Alameda parks commission approves FY26‑27 priority list, pledges up to $400,000 toward Jean Sweeney community garden

The Alameda Recreation and Park Commission voted unanimously Feb. 12 to approve its fiscal‑year 2026–27 park prioritization list, with Recreation and Parks Director Justin Long saying the department will dedicate up to $400,000 from unassigned park funds to complete the first phase of a community garden at Jean Sweeney Open Space Park.

The decision followed a staff presentation that outlined program schedules, capital projects and funding pressures, and a lengthy public‑comment period in which residents and advocacy groups pressed commissioners to make the Jean Sweeney community garden a higher priority. "We are going to dedicate up to $400,000 to the community garden to get at least the first phase done," Long said during the meeting.

Why it matters: the vote advances planning and commits seed funding for a garden community members have pushed for since the park was designed more than a decade ago. The garden is tied operationally to other work at Gene Sweeney Park — notably the trail‑connector project — and staff said progress depends on construction timing, regulatory approvals and available staff capacity.

Key details from the meeting

- City sta…