Title
Parks, a division of the Chief Administrative Office, recommending the Commission discuss ideas and research on the potential for the establishment of a parks foundation to help fund capital projects, amenities, maintenance projects, and build long-term sustainability for County-owned parks and trail facilities.
Body
DISCUSSION / BACKGROUND
On September 15, 2026 (Legistar item #26-1343), Parks and Recreation Commission (PRC) presented their annual report to the Board, which included a slide on challenges as identified by the Commission and staff. An ongoing challenge faced by the Parks Division is funding issues due to a lack of a dedicated revenue stream or funding mechanism for general fund park and trail facilities. To help address this issue, staff recommended a FY 2026-27 annual goal for the PRC to support staff with fundraising efforts and grant applications.
The PRC proposes to discuss their ideas and research into the potential and possibility of establishing a parks foundation to help build a sustainable funding source for County-owned general fund parks and trails facilities that do not have their own existing special revenue fund.
Encouraging and promoting donations is one of the PRC’s Annual Goals in alignment with Parks and Trails Master Plan Initiative 2.4.5 to continue to accept, encourage, and promote donations to fund capital projects, amenities, and maintenance projects.
CONTACT
Zachary Perras, Parks Manager