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Parks commission reviews 2026–27 work plan; EQC member urges city to ban artificial turf
Summary
At its June 24 meeting the commission reviewed a draft 2026–27 work plan and heard public comment from an Environmental Quality Commission member urging the city to adopt a policy banning artificial turf; commissioners asked staff to present field‑management options before taking policy action.
The Menlo Park Parks and Recreation Commission reviewed a draft 2026–27 work plan on June 24 and heard public comment urging policy action on artificial turf. John McKenna, who identified himself as a member of the Environmental Quality Commission, asked the commission to consider a city ban on artificial turf installations so future school and city decisions would favor natural playing fields.
"The EQC made a recommendation that the city should, consider banning artificial turf installations in the city of Menlo Park," McKenna said during public comment, urging the commission to prioritize the issue in its work plan.
Commissioners expressed interest in hearing a staff presentation about field maintenance and the tradeoffs between natural and artificial surfaces. Staff agreed to return with information on how fields are currently managed, maintenance implications and examples from other jurisdictions before the commission considers a formal policy recommendation.
Separately, commissioners discussed their 2026–27 work plan draft (staff report PRCV202601). The plan groups priorities around community engagement, facility oversight (including continuing attention to the Belhaven Community Campus), program review, and use of the 2019 Parks and Recreation Master Plan as a baseline for strategic decisions. Commissioners asked staff to refine the draft, gather photos and prepare a short report to present to City Council in August or September.
The commission also received public suggestions about reducing single‑use plastics at park events: a commenter described a reusable “party pack” program that community members can check out for picnics and asked staff to promote it on the picnic‑rental page or receipts. Staff said they would follow up with reservation software (Explore) options and event outreach.
Procedural note: the commission moved to approve the May 27, 2026 meeting minutes; the moderator recorded assent and the motion was recorded as approved by the voting members listed during the roll call.
