City of Santa Cruz
Parks & Recreation Commission
Monday, October 12, 2026, 4:00 PM
How to take part
Show up: Monday, October 12, 2026 at 4:00 PM. California's open-meetings law (the Brown Act) gives you the right to speak on agenda items. Remote-participation links, when offered, are on the agenda.
Write in: this agenda doesn't list a comment address we could confirm — see the agenda for instructions.
What's being decided
- Major· Parks, arts & recreation, Jobs & local economy, Environment & climateDirection sought on possible food and rental concessions at Cowell Beach and Main Beach
City Parks and Recreation staff are asking the commission for early policy direction on a possible beach concession program at Cowell Beach and Main Beach. The ideas under consideration are surfboard, bodyboard and wetsuit rentals at Cowell Beach, and beach chair and umbrella rentals in designated areas of Main Beach, plus other services that directly support beach recreation. No program or contract is being approved at this meeting; a yes vote would give staff guidance on objectives, concession types, public access protections, operating standards and how to run a competitive bidding process before a Request for Proposals is written.
- Notable· Parks, arts & recreationCredit union offers artwork "Fruit of Their Labors" on long-term loan to London Nelson Center
The Santa Cruz Community Credit Union wants to lend the City a large 1986 oil painting, "Fruit of Their Labors" by artist Robert Chiarito, measuring about 9 feet by 13 feet, so it can hang for public viewing at the London Nelson Community Center, 301 Center Street. The credit union proposes a seven-year loan beginning December 1, 2026 and ending December 1, 2033, while keeping full ownership of the painting. At this meeting the Parks and Recreation Commission is not approving a loan; a yes vote would simply receive the information, give feedback on the standards staff drafted for judging artwork loans, and send the proposal to the Arts Commission for review. Staff would then work out insurance, liability, installation and interpretation details with the City Attorney and Risk Management before any final decision.
- Minor· Parks, arts & recreationUpdate on the Parks & Recreation 2026-28 Strategic Plan
The commission receives an update on the 2026-28 Strategic Plan for parks and recreation.