Welcome to the Parks and Recreation Commission


The purpose of this Commission is to advise the City Council on matters pertaining to the activities of the Open Space, Parks and Golf Division and the Recreation Division (the two Divisions) of the Community Services Department, excluding daily administrative operations. The Commission's responsibilities include:

• Advising on planning and policy matters relating to the goals of and the services provided by the two Divisions;
• Advising on planning and policy matters relating to the construction and renovation of capital facilities;
• Reviewing state legislative proposals that may affect the operation of the two Divisions; and
• Receiving community input concerning parks, open space and recreation activities.

Message from the Commission:
In this year we will focus much of our energies on developing a long-range Master Plan for Parks and Recreation. That planning process will help us understand how we’re doing, where we should be headed, and how to get there. Please join us in this exciting endeavor to plan for the future of Palo Alto’s park and recreation treasures. You can share your insights by visiting our Palo Alto Parks Plan website.

To learn more about our current and recent work, please see the links under Current Policy Topics on the right side of this page or find archived Commission agendas and minutes at the bottom of the page.

The Parks and Recreation Commission is composed of seven members who are not Council Members, officers, or employees of the City, and who are residents of the City of Palo Alto. Terms of Commissioners will be for three years. See Palo Alto Municipal Code (PAMC) Sections 2.16 and 2.25. In order to be notified of vacancies and appointment procedures, you may contact the City Clerk's Office at 650-329-2571.

Staff Liaison:
Kristen O'Kane
Phone: 650-463-4908
Fax: 650-321-5612
Kristen.O'Kane@cityofpaloalto.org
Staff Administration:
Natalie Khwaja
Phone:650-463-4912

Natalie.Khwaja@cityofpaloalto.org

Email the Commission

Subscribe to Receive Commission Agendas

Quick Links

Agenda for July 23rd Parks and Recreation Commission

Video of meetings

Current Policy Topics
Parks, Trails, Open Space and Recreation facilities Master Plan
Dog Parks
Park Capital Improvement Projects

Recommendations to Council from Commission
El Camino Park
Cubberley
Golf Course reconfiguration
Impacts of growth and development
Dog Park Recommendation

General Policy documents
Foothills Fire Master Plan
Baylands Master Plan
Comprehensive Plan - Community
Services and Facilities Element
Comprehensive Plan - Natural
Environment Element
Details of the City's Comprehensive Plan and Process

Resources
Parks Map
What's happening in our Parks
Picnic Reservations
Field and Tennis Reservations
Seasonal Trails Status

Foothills Park Closed Trails

YEAR ROUND RECRUITMENT
The City is recruiting for three,    3-year terms on the Parks and Recreation Commission.

You can apply for the Parks and Recreation Commission on our Boards and Commissions Recruitment page.

Help us learn more about our parks and how we can improve them.

Palo Alto Parks Survey

Revised Agenda and Packet 

Revised Agenda and Packet