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Park & Rec reports: public art RFP, mural testing, preschool enrollment drop and Festival of Lights plans
Summary
The commission received multiple updates: an RFP for art benches with installation targeted for 2026, ongoing Midtown mural restoration testing, concerns about declining pre‑K enrollment tied to state TK expansion, and details for Festival of Lights on Dec. 7 and a winter pool maintenance closure in February.
Staff and subcommittees provided routine reports and event updates at the Nov. 12 meeting, covering public art, preschool enrollment, and upcoming holiday events.
Public art: The Public Art Advisory Committee published an RFP this week for artful benches; applications will remain open into early next year and installation is anticipated in 2026. The committee also reported ongoing consultant testing to address deterioration of the Midtown mural; test zones and treatments will be evaluated over the coming months.
Trails and benches: Staff said they are exploring relocating some existing benches to Quarry Road and that an assistant city manager is pursuing grant opportunities for Quarry Road improvements. Commissioners also discussed clearer signage and occasional enforcement to reduce motorized vehicle (E-bike/motorbike) use on trails.
Recreation and childcare: A recreation-subcommittee update flagged a steady enrollment decline in the city preschool program tied to California’s expansion of transitional kindergarten for four-year-olds. Staff said the city’s part-day pre-K is niche and cannot easily convert to a full licensed childcare model because of facility constraints; staff will explore options and report back.
Events and operations: Staff outlined seasonal and special events: BDW craft fair Dec. 6 at Mission Blue, Festival of Lights Dec. 7 from 6 to 8 p.m. at Community Park (new features this year include a stage on San Francisco Avenue, an ice igloo, and limited sing-along selections), and a planned two-week February pool maintenance closure. Staff also said they have the green light to proceed with a dog-swim fundraiser tied to pool maintenance timing.
No formal votes were held on these reports; staff will follow up on bench relocations, mural test results and preschool options in future reports.
