The City Council created the Board of Park Commissioners in 1902.  For many years the Board supervised the planning and construction of public park facilities.

In May 1929 the Recreation Commission was established by City Council on the recommendation of the Board of Park Commissioners, who felt that City parks would be more frequently used if recreational facilities were included in the parks.  Recreation facilities and programs are now administered by the Recreation Department, and include adult sports, youth sports and social activities, aquatics, cultural arts, senior citizen activities, and special activities for the disabled, as well as community-wide special events on a year round basis.

Because the functions of the Board of Park Commissioners and the Recreation Commission are overlapping and the City Parks, Recreation, and Community Services are combined into one Department, the City Council adopted Resolution No. 03-006 on January 14, 2003.  The resolution also provided that 5 individuals shall serve concurrently as members of the Park Commission and the Recreation Commission.

General Functions

• Advise City Council in all matters pertaining to parks, beaches, plazas, parkways and street trees and, in all matters pertaining to recreation and recreation programming.
• Consider annual budget for the above and make recommendation to the City Council and City Administrator.
• Assist in planning the above.
• Promote and stimulate public interest and solicit interest and cooperation of school authorities, and other public and private agencies.
• Work on establishment, monitoring and updating of a Parks and Recreation Master Plan.
• Establish technical advisory committees to advise them on park and tree maintenance, and recreation activities and other areas within their jurisdiction, etc.

Membership
5 Members (serving concurrently on the Board of Park Commissioners and Recreation Commission)

Qualifications
Must be qualified electors of the City.

Length of Term
Four years and until successors are appointed. Staggered terms expire on December 31 of the appropriate year.

Meeting Schedule
The Commission meets on the fourth Wednesday of each month at 4:00 p.m. in the Council Chamber, City Hall, 735 Anacapa Street.  During the months of November and December, the Commission meets on the third Wednesday of the month except during the year 2007.

Time Involved
Approximately 10 - 20 hours per month for meetings and related activities.

Financial Disclosure Requirement
Members must file a Statement of Economic Interests upon appointment, annually and when leaving the advisory group.

Compensation
None.

Staff
Parks and Recreation Department, (805) 564-5431.

Reference
City Charter Sections 800 - 805 and 809; Municipal Code Section 2.08.020.F; Resolution Nos. 03-006, 95-158 and 79-113.