May 7, 2026 — Parks and Recreation Commission Regular Meeting

Meeting Summary

Present: Taylor, Lear, Bailey

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Staff presented lifeguard wage schedules, entry fees, and proposed program hours for Nordoff High School.
Commission discussed staffing levels, fee structures, and safety protocols during the session.
No formal motion was taken as the item was designated for discussion only.

Commission passed motions to expand planning scope for Libbey Park restroom and access areas.
Members approved prioritizing the Request for Proposal for the Sarazodi Playground design.
Votes were adopted to update project titles and reallocate funds from the Pickleball Sound Wall.
Discussion confirmed the half-court basketball project remains a non-priority for the current year.

Passed 4–0 · unanimous

Staff presented survey data from 436 responses highlighting interest in shade and water elements.
Commission reviewed implications of findings for fencing and lighting considerations in the design build.
No motion was made as the item was for discussion and review only.

The meeting was called to order. Roll call was conducted, and the Pledge of Allegiance was recited. A motion was made and seconded to approve the agenda as posted. The vote passed.

Passed 4–2 · against: Taylor, Inner

One member of the public represented the Ojai Valley Pickleball Group and discussed a permit denial for Lower Libby Park. The speaker noted adherence to zoning ordinances and permit processes prior to a City Council decision to overturn the approval on appeal. The commenter requested that the commission consider this topic for future agenda discussion and provided documentation regarding the permit process. Another comment was submitted requesting that "Commission Reports" and "Future Agenda Items" be included as standing agenda items for future meetings.

The minutes from the December 4, 2025, meeting were reviewed. A correction was requested to update the name of the signing commissioner. A motion was made and seconded to approve the minutes with the noted correction. The vote passed.

Staff presented a report regarding the Community Aquatics Program at Nordoff High School, directed by the City Council. Details included proposed lifeguard wage schedules, entry fees, program hours (9 a.m. to 1 p.m.), and a facilities use agreement with OUSD.
The Commission discussed various operational aspects, including staffing levels for half-day versus full-day shifts, fee structures for different age groups, and safety protocols. Comments were raised regarding the timing of the program to accommodate families versus lap swimmers, the necessity of written agreements with the school district regarding scheduling, and potential staffing recruitment challenges. Public comment was provided regarding the potential for "demand scheduling," extended hours during the summer, and membership passes. The Council Liaison explained the current arrangement was intended to secure immediate summer usage, with future programming to be determined. As this item was agendized for discussion only to inform the City Council, no motion or vote was taken on the commission’s recommendations regarding the aquatics program.

The Commission reviewed current and proposed capital improvement projects related to parks. Four specific motions were made during this segment:
1. Libbey Park Restroom and Access Planning: A motion was made and seconded to request a larger scope of planning for the Libbey Park restroom and facility access area before construction begins, to address flow and functionality issues. The vote passed. 2. Sarazodi Playground RFP: A motion was made and seconded to prioritize issuing a Request for Proposal (RFP) for the design and build of the Sarazodi Playground. The vote passed. 3. CIP Project Title Update: A motion was made and seconded to recommend updating the CIP project title for outdoor workout stations to reflect installation along a walking path as per the master plan. The vote passed. 4. Fund Reallocation: A motion was made and seconded to recommend reallocating funds from the Pickleball Sound Wall project to the playground or walking path projects. The vote passed.
Discussion also took place regarding the half-court basketball project scheduled for Year Four of the CIP, but no action was taken as it was not a current priority.

Passed 4–0 · unanimous

Staff presented the results of the Sarazodi Playground community survey, which received 436 responses. Key findings indicated high interest in shade, water elements, and climbing opportunities. The Commission discussed the implications of the survey data on the upcoming design build, including fencing and lighting considerations. No motion was made as this item was for discussion and review only.

Staff reported on the RFP process for snack bar services behind the softball/baseball fields. Two applicants were received, and vendor selection is underway for summer availability. The meeting was adjourned.