Director outlines budget season priorities, staffing additions, trails master plan and transportation outreach

Director Henry Perez Serrano briefed the Parks and Community Services Commission on department priorities, budget season activities and near‑term projects during the Feb. 11 meeting.

Perez Serrano said staff are aligning the department's budget requests with recently adopted City Council goals — including a communications roadmap, website refresh and the Trails Master Plan (currently in public review). He said the department is recruiting four recreation coordinator positions and completing internal reclassifications to build capacity. "We are in budget season — we are aligning our requests to make sure we have what we need for the coming fiscal year," Perez Serrano said.

He noted upcoming RFPs for swim lesson delivery and an athletic field use analysis intended to inform future CIP and program decisions. Perez Serrano also described partnerships and programming that support workforce development (lifeguarding and instructor certifications) and highlighted an Arts Foundation purchase of approximately $1,300 in new music equipment to support classes and camps.

On transportation, Perez Serrano explained staff will host county representatives to provide information on eligibility for the county's Link paratransit service; staff said the service would charge about $5 per ride for eligible users, with more details to be provided as outreach continues.

Commissioners asked follow‑up questions about potential fee adjustments (the fee resolution will go directly to City Council under a revised budget schedule), athletic field analysis goals, and how staff will use any grant opportunities. Perez Serrano said the analysis will inform commission and council decisions on field needs and provide a resource for CIP planning.