Lodi Parks & Recreation Commission - May 14, 2026
Lodi Parks & Recreation Commission — Special Meeting
Thursday, May 14, 2026 · 6:00 p.m.
Carnegie Forum, 305 West Pine Street, Lodi, CA 95240
Contact: Patricia Moreno, Administrative Assistant · (209) 333-6742 · PRCScomments@lodi.gov
Summary
The Lodi Parks & Recreation Commission convenes a Special Meeting on May 14, 2026 with a focused agenda built around one action item and two discussion items. The Commission will be asked to adopt a new Sponsorship & Advertisement Opportunities Packet that formalizes how PRCS partners with businesses, nonprofits, and donors — including potential naming-rights and capital-campaign opportunities for Tony Zupo Field and the Lodi Grape Bowl. Discussion items cover a Youth, Family Services, and Camps update from Recreation Manager Rachel Sandoval (ASP, LUSD Bridge, and Safari Camps) and proposed new Lodi Lake Nature Area signage co-developed by Commissioner Bret Erickson and the Friends of Lodi Lake, at an estimated $350 per sign.
Agenda at a Glance
| Item | Type | Subject | Lead |
|---|---|---|---|
| B-1 | Minutes | Approve April 7, 2026 Meeting Minutes | Commission |
| D-1 | Action | Sponsorship & Advertisement Opportunities Packet | Deputy Director Emerson Yellen |
| E-1 | Discussion | Youth, Family Services, and Camps Update | Recreation Manager Rachel Sandoval |
| E-2 | Discussion | Lodi Lake Nature Area Signage | PRCS Director's Office |
Public Participation
Public comment may be submitted in person at the Carnegie Forum, by email to PRCScomments@lodi.gov, by mail to P.O. Box 3006, Lodi, CA 95241, or hand-delivered to 230 W. Elm Street. Written comments must be received no later than two hours prior to the meeting. Each speaker on a non-agenda item is limited to one appearance and five minutes.
B-1 · Approve April 7, 2026 Meeting Minutes
The Commission will consider approval of minutes from the April 7, 2026 regular meeting. Vice Chair Long, Commissioner Carouba, and Commissioner Erickson were present; Chair VanNortwick and Commissioner Khan were absent. Staff present included Director Christina Jaromay, Parks Superintendent Steve Virrey, Recreation Manager Laura Whiteley, and Administrative Assistant Patricia Moreno.
Highlights from the April Meeting
- Public comments: Donna Phillips (1040 Laurel Ave.) requested traffic signage on Laurel Ave. due to large vehicles turning into Laurel Lane; Laura Weston (1446 Arundel Ct.) flagged a fence in need of maintenance on park/Woodbridge Irrigation District property; Sundeep Ravalla (1900 Roualt Way) requested updates to the Debenedetti Park Project website.
- E-1 BOBS annual report covering volunteers, revenue, expenses, and programs.
- E-2 Beckman Park lighting: Director Jaromay opened discussion; Superintendent Virrey presented potential light post locations; Danny Stanley (1452 Arundel Ct.) raised neighborhood concerns.
- E-3 FY26/27 priority projects overview by Director Jaromay.
- Meeting adjourned at 7:50 PM.
D-1 · Sponsorship & Advertisement Opportunities Packet ACTION
Recommended action: Adopt the Sponsorship & Advertisement Opportunities Packet and recommend implementation by the Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Services Department. Prepared by Deputy Director Emerson Yellen.
Purpose
The packet formalizes a consistent framework allowing PRCS to partner with local businesses, organizations, nonprofits, and individuals to support community events, recreation programs, athletic facilities, and park improvements while generating non-taxpayer revenue.
Signature Event Sponsorships
- Lodi Lake 4th of July Celebration
- Celebrate America
- Splash Bash
- Pumpkin Plunge
- Music in the Park
- Concert Under the Columns
- Comedy Night at Hutchins Street Square
Additional Opportunities
- Youth and adult sports league sponsorships
- Vinyl banner advertising
- Program guide and digital newsletter advertising
- Facility and event sponsorships
- Park enhancements (benches, play structures, park signs, amenities)
Capital Campaign & Naming Rights
Long-term sponsorship and capital campaign opportunities are introduced for two historic City athletic facilities — Tony Zupo Field and the Lodi Grape Bowl. Potential structures include donor recognition programs, naming rights, dugout and scoreboard sponsorships, concession and restroom improvements, and ADA upgrades. The proposed flagship is "Lodi Grape Bowl sponsored by [Your Name Here]."
Stated Goals
- Create a professional and consistent sponsorship program for PRCS
- Provide clear sponsorship benefits and expectations
- Expand community and business partnerships
- Generate sustainable revenue for operations and improvements
- Create opportunities for long-term investment in City facilities and programs
Funding Impact
The program is expected to generate revenue offsetting operational costs across PRCS programs, events, facilities, and capital improvements. No anticipated direct General Fund impact.
E-1 · Youth, Family Services, and Camps Update DISCUSSION
Recommended action: Receive a presentation from Recreation Manager Rachel Sandoval on the After School Program (ASP), LUSD Bridge Program, and Safari Camps, and provide feedback or direction.
Background
In 2023, Lodi Unified School District transitioned several after-school offerings to free Extended Learning Opportunity Programs (ELOP). In response, PRCS re-established a fee-based ASP at Hutchins Street Square beginning in the 2024–2025 school year. PRCS also operates Safari Camps during school breaks and summer — including general youth camps, Outdoor Equity Grant (OEG) camps, and the new Safari Kiddie Kamp — and serves as a Community-Based Organization partner for the LUSD Bridge Program during the school year and intersessions.
Presentation Topics
- Program development and growth trends
- Coordination and partnership with LUSD
- Enrollment capacity, demand, and waitlists
- Educational and recreational program offerings
- Accessibility, including free vs. fee-based program models
- Opportunities for expansion or enhancement of services
Funding Impact
Funding sources vary by service area — participant fees, grant funding (e.g., Outdoor Equity Grant), and partnership support. No immediate funding action is required.
E-2 · Lodi Lake Nature Area Signage DISCUSSION
Recommended action: Discuss new signage language. Any new rules added to signage must be supported by current Lodi Municipal Code. Prepared by the PRCS Director's Office.
Background
The Nature Area at Lodi Lake has multiple aged signs informing patrons of prohibited activities. Commissioner Bret Erickson and the Friends of Lodi Lake are proposing a new sign that consolidates new and existing rules. Two attachments accompany the discussion: Attachment 1 (Friends of Lodi Lake design) and Attachment 2 (a draft conforming to department/city signage standards).
Proposed Friends of Lodi Lake Sign Language
- Do not approach or feed wildlife
- No dogs or other pets allowed
- Keep bike speed under 5 mph
- Pack out trash
- Stay on trails
- No amplified music or speakers
- No camping, camp fires, alcohol, smoking or vaping
- All organized groups must have permission from the City of Lodi to use this area for gatherings
- Report concerns to PRCS or non-emergency police
Existing City-Standards Sign (Attachment 2 reference)
The current "Lodi Lake Nature Area — Protect Our Wildlife Habitat / Stay on Trails" sign lists 11 prohibited activities, each linked to municipal or state code, with a Park Permit requirement for organized groups and a non-emergency police contact of (209) 333-6728.
| Prohibition | Code Citation |
|---|---|
| Nature Area open sunrise to sunset | LMC 12.12.050 |
| Dogs or other pets | LMC 12.12.020 |
| Smoking or possession of cannabis | CA HSC 11362.3 |
| Alcohol — possession or consumption | LMC 12.12.045 |
| Glass bottles and containers | LMC 12.12.045 |
| Camping, open fires, BBQ | LMC 12.12.040 |
| Shelters or tents | LMC 12.12.170 |
| Littering or dumping of refuse | LMC 13.16.130 |
| Swimming, bathing or wading | LMC 12.12.145 |
| Digging or removal of natural resources | LMC 12.12.100 |
| Vehicles | LMC 12.12.300 |
| Firearms or projectiles | LMC 9.12.010 |
| Park permit required for organized groups | LMC 12.16.100 |
Funding Impact
Estimated cost per sign: $350.00. Items proposed by Friends of Lodi Lake that lack direct LMC backing — such as wildlife-feeding, 5 mph bike speed, and amplified music/speakers — would either need code amendments or be rendered as advisory rather than enforceable text.
Monthly Staff Briefing — March 2026
The May 5, 2026 staff briefing accompanies the agenda packet as a backgrounder. The next report will cover April 1–30, 2026.
Upcoming May 2026 Events at Hutchins Street Square & Parks
| Date | Event |
|---|---|
| 5/1/2026 | Open Mic at the Square (CPL stage) |
| 5/2/2026 | Lodi Community Concert Association — Chanticleer concert |
| 5/5/2026 | Senior Single Mingle (Cottage/Pisano) |
| 5/8/2026 | Comedy Show at the Square |
| 5/14/2026 | VRA Graduation |
| 5/16/2026 | Musical Mayhem Performance (2 performances) |
| 5/19/2026 | Rio Valley Graduation |
| 5/21/2026 | Lodi Adult School Graduation |
| 5/23/2026 | Galaxy Dance Arts (2 performances) |
| 5/27/2026 | Liberty HS & Independence HS Graduations · Music in the Park |
| 5/28/2026 | Plaza Robles Graduation |
| 5/30/2026 | Lodi Ballet Spring Performance |
Aquatics
Hutchins Street Square Pool, Swim Lessons, Enze Pool, and Lodi Lake Beach were all closed during the reporting period. No rentals occurred.
Recreation Programming
- Tot Sports: Tot Soccer launched March 21 (117 in 3–4.5 group; 105 in 4.6–6); Skyhawks Tot Multisport Session 2 had 17 (ages 2–3.5) and 19 (ages 3.5–5).
- Youth Sports: Tennis clinics 5 participants; 4th–6th Basketball ended March 3 with 6 teams / 57 kids; Cheer (beginner & intermediate), Flag Football (intermediate), and both Spring Break camps were canceled due to low enrollment; BOBS softball/baseball Spring season started.
- Adult Sports: Drop-In Basketball at Tokay High (40 full-season; Season 1: 12, Season 2: 11, Season 3: 3); Pickleball clinics at Legion Park (3); Tennis canceled indefinitely; Adult Coed Volleyball began March 1 with 8 teams; Adult Softball began March 23 with Mon Coed/Mon Men's/Tue Coed running.
- Sports Field Rentals: Softball Complex hosted Lodi High, Adult Softball, BOBS, and an NCSSA tournament March 28–29; Chapman used by Big Valley Seniors Mon–Thu from March 16; Grape Bowl fully booked Tue–Fri (Union Soccer League, Pacific FC); Zupo used 9 times; Kofu used by Tokay Freshmen Baseball & BOBS almost daily; Debenedetti rented every Sunday for Union Soccer.
- HSS Specialty Classes — 84 students: Dance 13 · Adult Fitness 5 · Ballet 56 · Arts & Education 2 · Culinary 8 · Adaptive 0.
Youth Programming
- ASP: Met its 30 monthly participant goal; 2026–2027 registration opens June 1.
- LUSD Bridge: Many sites at the 120-kids/day cap with waitlists.
- Spring Safari Camp: 18 campers (incl. Kiddie group) — arts/crafts, playtime, walking field trips.
- OEG Summer Camp: Registration open.
- Lodi Youth Commission: Monthly meeting with 3 public commenters; on Feb 28 hosted free CPR certification day, certifying 40 people in Adult/Pediatric CPR/AED and First Aid.
Internal Operations
- Adopt-A-Park: 5 active partners at Henry Glaves, DeBenedetti, Emerson, Lodi Lake, and Roget.
- Vandalism: 5 incidents · $354.86 in labor/materials · 4 hours on graffiti, chain-link, stolen wire, wooden fences.
- Lodi Parks People: 7 active volunteers; new orientation scheduled.
- Picnic shelter rentals: 7 in February 2026 vs. 9 in February 2025.
- Hutchins Street Square: 4,306 visitors across 28 room rentals in March (birthdays, meetings, funeral receptions).
HSS March 2026 Event Recap
| Date | Event | Attendance / Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 3/8 | Lodi Community Band (with Delta Community Band of Antioch) | 152 attended · Free concert |
| 3/12 | LCCA Saxsational (Bear Creek Jazz & Concert Band w/ Rod Verdi) | 244 attended · 27 HSS-sold tickets |
| 3/13 | Saxsational Community Outreach | 650 local elementary students |
| 3/20 | Comedy at the Square | 128 tickets sold |
| 3/21 | ABBA Tribute Band | 295 sold (16 comp) · 268 at door |
| 3/28 | Egg Hunt with First Baptist Church | ~25 volunteers · 15,000 eggs · 250–300 attendees |
Key Capital Projects & Park Maintenance
- Hutchins Street Square: 14 work orders completed; recruitment opened for Building Services Worker (4 positions).
- Lodi Lake Southside / Hughes Beach: 98% complete; 2 punch-list items remain (South Restroom partition, Hughes Beach picnic table); Council acceptance was on Oct 15 agenda; funded by 2020-2021 One-Time Funds.
- DeBenedetti Park: CALA Landscape Architecture revised plans per Building Department comments and added EV charging stall requirements; resubmitted.
- Salas Sports Lighting Retro-Fit: SCC Electric of Novato completed work Feb 18, 2026; Musco Lighting commissioned with full satellite-link communication.
- 125 & 111 N. Stockton Street Properties: WMB Architects of Stockton progressing through schematic into design development; CDBG-funded.
- Hale Park Court Resurfacing & Fencing: Council approved plans Nov 19; bid opening Jan 14, 2026 received 4 bids; low bidder Viramontes Construction of Woodbridge at $141,000; CDBG-funded.
Park Staff Projects
- Ball field renovations completed before high school/BOBS play; mowing in full swing Mon–Thu; irrigation running 2–3 days/week at 80%.
- New Hale Park stone sign installed April 9, 2026.
- Grape Bowl soccer rentals ongoing; Legion Community Building work complete (room capacity 30).
- Upcoming work: Meehleis Modular dry-rot trim repairs at Lodi Lake Boat House; vendor work for Lodi Lake Pay Station; Hwy 99 / Turner Road sculpture contract; Lodi Sister City Peace Garden support (stone sign April 9, concrete pathway April 14); BOBS MOU under review; 2 new picnic tables at Gateway Park (40-person shelter capacity); Love Lodi April 25 work day.
- Staff participated in 26/27 budget submissions.
Marketing & Social Media (March)
| Channel | Reach | New Followers | Visits | Top Posts |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 125.9k | 105 | 2.5k | Comedy at the Square · Hoppy Egg venture · Pool Closure Notice | |
| 31.2k | 174 | 448 | Events at the Square · Hoppy Egg venture · Open Mic |
PRCS in the News
- "A park, a patio, a partnership: Council OKs lease of Lawrence Park property for American Legion Hall expansion" — lodinews.com
- "Alane Dashner: Hale Park yesterday and today: Thank you, Frank" — lodinews.com
- "Hopping into spring with local Easter events" — lodinews.com
- "Back in the spotlight: Salas Park shines again after $1.4M lighting upgrade" — lodinews.com
References & Contacts
- City of Lodi — www.lodi.gov · Agendas and staff reports posted online and on file with the City Clerk, 221 W. Pine Street.
- Patricia Moreno, Administrative Assistant — (209) 333-6742 · PRCScomments@lodi.gov
- Police Non-Emergency (Lodi Lake) — (209) 333-6728
- Mailing: Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Services Department, P.O. Box 3006, Lodi, CA 95241 · Hand-delivery: 230 W. Elm Street, Lodi, CA 95240
- Government Code §54956(a) and §54954.3(a) govern posting and public comment for this meeting.