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Parks commission signs off on summer events, park-visit assignments and July 'Parks Make Life Better' activities
Summary
The Tustin Community Services Commission approved participation in summer events (street fair, chili cook‑off, concerts and movies in the park), assigned park‑visit responsibilities and liaison roles, and endorsed a package of activities for July's 'Parks Make Life Better' month including a City Council proclamation, giveaways, staff appreciation visits and a social media campaign.
The Community Services Commission voted to participate in this summer’s slate of events — including the Tustin Street Fair & Chili Cook‑Off, concerts and movies in the park, and the Fourth of July program — and approved related outreach steps to celebrate July as Parks Make Life Better Month.
At the meeting, Director Chad Clan described the summer calendar and logistics: the Chili Cook‑Off on June 7 (with nonprofit beneficiaries and a planning committee), weekly concerts and a five‑week movies‑in‑the‑park series starting July 10, and a modified Fourth of July program at Tustin High School because the school's turf field is being replaced. Clan told commissioners the city had arranged alternative staging locations and VIP parking and asked commissioners to RSVP for appearances.
On Parks Make Life Better Month, the commission approved a motion directing staff to pursue several coordinated elements: request a proclamation from City Council (tentatively July 7), make an announcement at the July 10 movie in the park, distribute branded giveaways at summer events, run a social media campaign soliciting short stories about how parks have improved residents’ lives, and implement a staff‑appreciation plan (Pro Tem Nakamoto will coordinate visits to multiple park locations and distribute cookies or other giveaways). "We can provide the content, the talking points for your comments," Clan said while outlining how the commission could participate.
Commissioners also approved park‑visit assignments (each commissioner to take three or four parks for regular site visits) and formalized liaison assignments for five outreach areas (community outreach, special events, Tustin Community Foundation, senior advisory board, and the Tustin Chamber of Commerce). The commission approved the draft park picks and liaison roles by motion.
Operational updates in the director’s report included: the Sunset Market will run on El Camino Real with a modified layout for construction; Bark Barracks dog‑park large turf area is closed for replacement with reopening targeted for July 6; splash pads will open over Memorial Day weekend (Frontier Park had a pump/recirculation issue staff are addressing); and Camino Real picnic‑shelter work is pending material shipment with a mid‑July completion target. Clan also briefed commissioners on a major, grant‑funded Heinemann School Park project: a $5,670,000 state grant will fund a phased construction plan spanning summer 2026 through 2027 with a joint‑use agreement with the school district.
What’s next: staff will post event and dedication sign‑up details on the city website, circulate weekly event emails for commissioner participation, and coordinate the social media storytelling campaign in time for July events.
