Committee pauses park-code change for more transparency and DPW coordination

The Land Use and Transportation Committee on June 12 took up an ordinance to amend the park code so that the Recreation and Park Commission and department may cause the park code to apply to particular properties and to authorize leasing or operation of those properties for recreational purposes.

Tom Paulino of the mayor’s office and Stacy Bradley, capital and planning director at Rec and Park, told the committee the change was prompted by a 1970 lease with Caltrans for Selby Palou Mini Park and by a need to ensure the park code applies consistently to parks Rec and Park operates and maintains, including some properties owned by Public Works. Bradley listed several community gardens and mini parks that Rec and Park currently operates, including Arkansas Friendship Garden, Clipper Terrace, Connecticut Friendship Garden, Dearborn Community Garden, and Fillmore Mini Park sites.

Remote public commenter David Pilpel urged the department to post a complete list of properties that would become subject to the code change and to publish Commission rules, department regulations and related general‑manager directives online so the public can locate the controlling documents. Pilpel said he had not been able to find a complete list on Rec and Park’s website and suggested the committee could report the item out and ask staff to address transparency before the full Board considers it.

Committee members, including Supervisor Dean Preston and Chair Mirna Melgar, said they wanted better clarity about how the change would affect District 7 and other neighborhoods and asked staff to consult with Public Works. Chair Melgar moved to continue the item to July 10 to allow staff to provide the requested property list and to coordinate with DPW; the motion passed (3 ayes).

The committee’s continuance allows Rec and Park and Public Works to respond to supervisors’ questions about which properties will be affected and about permit‑fee implications for users of those sites. The lease that prompted the review is expected to be considered by the Budget and Finance Committee and to go into effect July 1.