PRC MIN 1997-08-27 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Park & Recreation Commission Minutes of August 27, 1997 Page 2 fund raising for the project. Ms. Stumes announced she is starting a petition drive for support of this project and to encourage membership in the group. Friends of Maddux will be holding a flea market fund raiser on October 4 and they are also considering selling tiles for a tile wall at Maddux Park. Susie Payton announced she has been working with staff regarding the renovation of Stulsaft Park. The Stulsaft and Stafford Park Renovation Project is scheduled for FY97 -98 and FY98-99. She asked the Commission for their help and support regarding organizing fund raising for this project to help supplement project funding. Commissioner Slusser volunteered to chair a sub-committee to work with Mrs. Peyton. Commissioners Morton and Swope also volunteered to work on this sub-committee. ITEM 1 - ADOPT -A-PARK CONCEPTUAL PROGRAM PRESENTED BY CITY OF SAN JOSE'S COORDI NA TOR ELIZABETH NEVES City of San Jose Adopt-A-Park Coordinator Elizabeth Neves spoke about how San Jose's program began in 1992. Currently the program has over 700 volunteers who work in San Jose's 79 parks performing basic maintenance tasks, basic gardening duties, and assist in fundraising efforts to benefit the parks. Ages of the volunteers range from youth to seniors and all are provided with safety training, a volunteer t-shirt, and an 10 badge. In order to recruit volunteers, Ms. Neves speaks at community events, a recruitment brochure was developed, and San Jose Parks staff also carries information on the program which they can give to the public The program has many benefits to the community which include freeing up staff to do more technical tasks in the parks, raise public awareness, educate volunteers on horticultural skills, brings groups and communities together, and the volunteers watch their parks which help deter potential problems such as graffiti and vandalism. An annual BBQ recognition luncheon is held to honor the volunteers~ Last fiscal year, 729 volunteers donated more than 32,000 manhours to the program which also resulted in a $450,000 savings to the City of San Jose. San Jose's program has an budget of $35,000 and is staffed by 1 full time employee and 2 part time employees. San Jose Park and Recreation Commissioner Ann Marquino spoke about her involvement with the program and how her neighborhood raised funds to renovate a park. The renovation also reduced crime, graffiti, and improved the maintenance of the site. Superintendent Hover stated staff is interested in implementing a similar program , in Redwood City and will be putting together information for the next budget cycle for City Council. Commissioners Nordness (chair), Davis and Hughes volunteered to form a sub-committee to work on this project.