P&R 10-03-2024
CITY OF CUPERTINO
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
10185 N Stelling Rd, Quinlan Conference Room
Thursday, October 3, 2024
7:00 PM
APPROVED MINUTES
CALL TO ORDER
Vice Chair Buch called the Parks and Recreation Commission meeting to order at 7:00
p.m. in the Quinlan Community Center Conference Room, 10185 N Stelling Rd.
ROLL CALL
Commissioners present: Hemant Buch, Carol Stanek, Claudio Bono
Commissioners absent: Jennifer Shearin, Seema Swamy
Staff present: Jenny Koverman, Jessica Javier, Molly James, Jason Bisely,
D’Miles Salmon
Guest speakers: None
CEREMONIAL MATTERS AND PRESENTATIONS
1. Subject: Parks and Recreation Department Outdoor Recreation Division
Recommended Action: Receive a presentation on the Parks and Recreation Department
Outdoor Recreation Division.
Jenny Koverman, Recreation Manager, introduced Molly James, Recreation Manager, to
present on the item. Introduced Jason Bisely, Recreation Coordinator overseeing
Blackberry Farm, and D’Miles Salmon, Recreation Coordinator overseeing McClellan
Ranch Preserve. Presented on Blackberry Farm Golf Course, Blackberry Farm Park, and
McClellan Ranch Preserve.
Commissioner Stanek requested clarification on the declining numbers at the
Blackberry Farm Golf Course (BBFGC) and whether there were any plans to increase
marketing. Recreation Manager James clarified that they saw a huge increase spike
during COVID, but now post-COVID the numbers are leveling out. Added that there
will be a new Recreation Coordinator overseeing BBFGC starting in November who
will be tasked with bringing in new ways to expand the golf course offerings.
Commissioner Stanek requested clarification on the water irrigation replacement at
BBFGC. Recreation Manager James clarified that the Capital Improvement Programs
Manager informed her that it is currently not a funded project. Added that the golf
course maintenance contractor, Professional Turf Management (PTM), has been great
patching any holes as needed, and they have the ability to bring in a subcontractor if
further issues arise.
Commissioner Stanek requested clarification on the March Pooch Plunge and whether
or not the pools will be heated. Recreation Coordinator Bisely clarified the pools will be
ready as they prepare for the season around that time already.
Commissioner Stanek requested clarification on the expansion of camps and classes due
to high interest. Recreation Manager James clarified that they hope to hire more staff
next year to expand the offerings.
Commissioner Stanek requested clarification on the community gardens and the
percentage of plots that are being utilized by high-density [housing] users, and how
they are working towards opening plots to decrease the waitlist. Recreation
Coordinator Bisely clarified he doesn’t know the exact percentage offhand. Clarified
that as the first three-year term is coming to an end, staff have reached out to all current
gardeners to inform them that their permit is ending and if they are interested in
renewing, they can get back on the waitlist 30 days prior to their expiration. Added that
they have heard back from a handful of gardeners already that they are ready to vacate
their garden plot early, and there are people from the waitlist who no longer wish to
permit a garden plot, so they have been getting through the waitlist faster than
anticipated.
Commissioner Stanek requested clarification on the likelihood that a current gardener
would be able to renew their permit and keep their plot. Recreation Coordinator Bisely
clarified they are hoping to accommodate 100% of those gardeners or close to that.
Vice Chair Buch requested clarification on the camps and classes, and whether or not
they could increase the price to hire more staff as needed. Recreation Manager James
clarified that they increased the price last year, however, they are still restricted to the
capacity numbers allowed in the Environmental Education Center.
Vice Chair Buch requested clarification on the size of the community garden plots, and
whether or not they can be shared. Recreation Coordinator Bisely clarified that the plots
are large, and sharing would be up to the gardener, but often they see family members
(e.g. parents and children) work on the garden plot together.
Vice Chair Buch requested clarification on what happens to gardeners when they do not
take care of their garden plot. Recreation Coordinator Bisely clarified that the Part-Time
Community Coordinator does check, and staff will follow up with the multi-notification
warning process for any violations.
Commissioner Stanek commented that she is appreciative of staff for following up with
gardeners who are not maintaining their garden plots, and thanked staff for the
Augmented Reality (AR) App Tour at McClellan Ranch Preserve.
Commissioner Bono thanked the staff for their presentation and commended the AR
App at McClellan as it will be able to provide more opportunities for the community to
enjoy from their mobile devices.
Vice Chair Buch recommended making the AR App mobile. Recreation Coordinator
Salmon clarified that you have to show up at McClellan first to unlock the AR App, but
if you’re unable to finish or would like to go back you have the ability to take it home,
browse later, and share with others.
Vice Chair Buch requested clarification on whether or not staff considered adding
diving boards to the Blackberry Farm pools. Recreation Manager James clarified that the
pools are not deep enough to meet the California standards.
Commissioner Stanek expressed appreciation for staff incorporating the Labyrinth at
McClellan into their programming.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
2. Subject: September 5, 2024 Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting Minutes
Recommended Action: Review and approve the September 5, 2024 Parks and
Recreation Commission meeting minutes.
Item postponed to the next commission meeting.
POSTPONEMENTS
None
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS
None
WRITTEN COMMUNICATIONS
None
OLD BUSINESS
None
NEW BUSINESS
None
STAFF AND COMMISSION REPORTS
Recreation Manager Koverman presented the Liaison’s update as submitted.
FUTURE AGENDA SETTING
None
ADJOURNMENT
Vice Chair Buch adjourned the meeting at 7:38 p.m. to the November 7, 2024 meeting at
7:00 p.m.
Respectfully Submitted by,
Jessica Javier, Administrative Assistant
Parks and Recreation Department
Minutes approved at the 11.07.24 regular meeting