Parks and Recreation Commission

Commission Keeps Nine Priorities, Plans to Tackle One Per Meeting

Commissioners agreed to keep all nine priorities on the list and discuss one per meeting, acknowledging severe city staff bandwidth constraints due to vacancies.

Why it matters: With only three recreation staff and multiple vacancies, the commission must rely on community partners and creative scheduling to advance any priorities beyond Carter Park.

Coastside Rallies Behind Two-Pool Aquatic Center After 30-Year Wait

School district superintendent Dr. Miramantes presented plans for a two-pool aquatic center funded by a $153M bond, drawing impassioned public support and a commitment to seek county and state funding.

Why it matters: The coastside has waited three decades for a community pool; the two-pool design would serve high school athletics, provide inclusive community swim access, and address drowning prevention in an ocean community.

Commission Makes Carter Park Activation Top Priority, Eyes World Cup Screenings

The commission designated Carter Park activation—including World Cup viewing, concerts, movie nights, and a fee structure—as its umbrella top priority for 2026.

Why it matters: Carter Park is the city's premier gathering space, but lacks a fee schedule, adequate AV equipment, and formal programming; the World Cup creates an urgent deadline to invest.

150-Person Apple Film Crew Boosts Winter Economy; City Plans Film Recruitment Push

A major Apple film production wrapped in Half Moon Bay, prompting the city to develop a press kit to recruit future productions as economic drivers.

Why it matters: The production brought 150 workers and high-profile actors to spend in local restaurants and hotels during the low tourist season, with tourism tax revenue expected to spike.

City Formalizes Main Street Banner Program With Chamber Support

The city plans to formalize its Main Street banner program with updated hardware, a fee structure, and consistent design guidelines, backed by the chamber and Downtown Association.

Why it matters: The program would create a sustainable funding mechanism for downtown beautification while standardizing signage from Highway 92 to the south end of Main Street.

Frenchman's Creek Heads to Bid; Smith Field Pipeline Starts July

Phase one plans for Frenchman's Creek are going out to bid, and a pipeline from Highway 1 to Smith Field will begin in early July with a three-month timeline.

Why it matters: The Smith Field pipeline is prerequisite infrastructure for all future park improvements including field cleaning, parking, and the broader master plan.

2026 Recreation Commission Priorities

The commission reviewed its 2025 priorities and discussed adjustments for 2026. Top continuing priorities include the Carter Park memorial plaque/fundraising program, Carter Park movie nights (exploring library licensing and community group partnerships), permanent fire pits, and the expanded MOU with the Cabrillo Unified School District (CUSD). The Ritz Carlton golf tournament fundraiser was postponed indefinitely due to staff capacity constraints and sensitive negotiations over the Ocean Course non-resident fee ($650,000/year expiring September 2026, owned by NorCal Plumbers Union pension fund). New priorities discussed include Magnolia Park permitting (community garden and pump track), Smithfield playground (dependent on phase one completion), Johnson House passive recreation potential (horseshoe pits, dog park, bocce), volleyball court improvements, and identifying partner organizations for events and fundraising. Staff committed to formalizing the priority list with costs and resource needs for a future meeting. Commissioners emphasized the importance of identifying community partners for each priority.

Commission Leadership Reorganization

Annual reorganization of commission leadership. Hilary Stamper was unanimously elected Chair, replacing Paulette Eisen. Tito Hernandez was unanimously elected Vice Chair. Outgoing Chair Paulette Eisen was thanked for her service. The commission also introduced Karen Decker as the new interim deputy city manager effective February 1, who will be overseeing recreation alongside other duties.