Lodi Parks and Recreation Committee Meeting - April 7, 2026
Lodi Parks & Recreation Commission
Regular Meeting — April 7, 2026, 6:00 p.m.
Carnegie Forum, 305 West Pine Street, Lodi, CA 95240
Contact: Patricia Moreno, Administrative Assistant — (209) 333-6742
Meeting Summary
The Lodi Parks & Recreation Commission meets April 7, 2026 at 6:00 p.m. to discuss three substantive items: the BOBS annual report on youth sports programming, proposed cricket lighting improvements at Beckman Park funded by a $900K Council allocation, and FY 2026–27 budget priorities. The agenda also includes approval of February 3, 2026 minutes and a monthly staff briefing covering capital projects, recreation programming, and operations.
Agenda Overview
| Item | Description | Type |
|---|---|---|
| A | Call to Order / Roll Call | Procedural |
| B-1 | Approve February 3, 2026 Meeting Minutes | Approval |
| C | Comments by the Public (Non-Agenda Items, 5 min limit) | Public Comment |
| D | Action Items | (None listed) |
| E-1 | BOBS Annual Report | Discussion |
| E-2 | Beckman Park Cricket Lighting | Discussion |
| E-3 | FY 2026/27 Budget | Discussion |
| F | Commissioner/Staff Comments on Non-Agenda Items | Comments |
| G | Announcements | Informational |
| H | Adjournment | Procedural |
Public Comment Options
- In-person: Carnegie Forum is open per CDPH and CalOSHA guidelines
- Email: PRCScomments@lodi.gov — received no later than two hours prior
- Mail: Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Services Department, P.O. Box 3006, Lodi, CA 95241
- Hand delivery: 230 W. Elm Street, Lodi, CA 95240 — received no later than two hours prior
B-1: February 3, 2026 Minutes
Attendance: Chair VanNortwick, Commissioners Long, Erickson, Khan. Commissioner Carouba absent. Staff: Director Christina Jaromay, Emerson Yellen, Steve Virrey, Patricia Moreno.
Lawrence Park Improvements
Commissioners who attended the January 28, 2026 town hall hosted by Councilmember Craig-Hensley reported on community input for park improvements. Chair VanNortwick was unanimously nominated (4–0) to present the Lawrence Park recommendations to City Council on February 4, 2026.
Cell Tower Proposals
Director Jaromay and Parks Superintendent Virrey briefed the Commission on proposals from wireless companies to install cell towers on park property via leases. The Commission expressed openness and directed staff to research locations and companies and return with a formal report.
E-1: BOBS Annual Report
Representatives from the Lodi Boosters of Boys & Girls Sports (BOBS) will present their 2025 annual report covering programs, finances, and goals for 2026. Prepared by Recreation Manager Laura Whiteley.
Background & Context
BOBS has existed for over 70 years (since 1950) as an all-volunteer organization partnering with the City of Lodi to deliver youth sports programming. Their current Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), effective November 17, 2021, runs through December 31, 2026, and shifted significant responsibilities to BOBS including registration, rostering, coach recruitment/background checks, ID badge issuance, and hiring/paying officials. Staff is currently reviewing the MOU as it approaches expiration.
2025 Board of Directors
President: Kim Ruoff | VP: Dawson Hayre | Secretary: Phillip Burks | Treasurer: Sarah Azevedo
Plus 15 additional board members including Dan Belden, Reyes Franco, Danny Galletti, Justin Jones, Jeremy McEntire, Erin Perez, Pete Perez, Brian Sauerland, Jazmin Sawatsky-Rubalcava, Eddie Tiscareno, Bryant Torres, Sophie Manguia, Jay Barajas, Glenn Flores, and Sarah Protz.
2025 Program Participation
| Sport | 2024 | 2025 | Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| Baseball (Cal Ripken/Babe Ruth, ages 5–18) | 647 | 593 | −8% |
| Softball (NSA, ages 5–16) | 358 | 340 | −5% |
| Soccer (ages 5–16) | 891 | 882 | −1% |
| Comet Basketball (7th/8th grade co-ed) | 60 | 33 | −45% |
| Fall Baseball | 211 | 197 | −7% |
| Fall Softball | 148 | 137 | −7% |
Most decreases were attributed to intentional program scaling (particularly at Salas Park) and scheduling conflicts with overlapping fall sports. Running Club was not offered in 2025 but is planned for 2026. The 45% drop in Comet Basketball is the most significant decline.
Facilities Used
- Exclusive use: Salas Park (baseball, softball, football)
- Baseball/Softball: Kofu, Blakely, Vinewood, Softball Complex, Emerson, Katzakian Parks; Lawrence & Reese Schools
- Soccer: DeBenedetti Park and Peterson Park
- Football/Cheer: Grape Bowl (game days)
- Basketball: Grape Festival Pavilion (7th/8th grade)
- Concessions: Salas Park, Grape Bowl, Zupo Field
Awards (2025)
- Colts Football: Novice and JV both made playoffs and won Super Bowl games
- Colts Cheer: Varsity placed 1st in league; Jr. Novice won JAMZ National Championship
- Soccer: 8 All-Star teams competed in California Cup; Boys Silver and Boys Gold won championships
Scholarships
BOBS awarded $1,250 in need-based scholarships to 9 players across baseball (3), softball (4), and soccer (2) in partnership with Lodi Adopt-A-Child.
Report Attachments
- BOBS Annual Report 2025
- Statement of Financial Activity — December 2025
- Year in Review — Photo recap video
E-2: Beckman Park Cricket Lighting
The Commission will discuss and receive community feedback on proposed sports lighting for the cricket pitches at Beckman Park, 1426 W. Century Boulevard (Ham Lane and Century Blvd.). Prepared by Director Christina Jaromay.
Funding History
| Period | Action | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| FY22 | Council allocated sports lighting at DeBenedetti Park; cricket community advocated for Beckman Park | $600,000 |
| FY22 (revised) | $600K insufficient for Beckman (no existing infrastructure); reallocated to Salas Park Lighting Phase 2 | $600,000 (redirected) |
| FY24 | Council appropriated skatepark design + construction (contingent on additional funding) | $175K + $570K |
| Feb. 4, 2026 | Council unfunded skatepark, funded Kofu Skatepark repairs, reallocated to Beckman Park Cricket Improvements | $900,000 |
Proposed Improvements (Exhibit A)
- 4 to 5 light pole locations surrounding the cricket area
- Proposed storage structure for maintenance equipment
- Cricket area is adjacent to the small and large dog park areas
Regulatory Requirements
The lighting improvements will require an Environmental Review under CEQA (California Environmental Quality Act) before construction can begin. No additional funding impact identified beyond the $900K already allocated.
E-3: FY 2026–27 PRCS Budget
Director Jaromay will present department priorities for FY 2026–27 and update the Commission on what was approved during the mid-year FY26 budget adoption. This will be primarily an oral presentation and discussion.
FY 2025–26 Adopted Budget: $291 million citywide (8.35% increase over prior year)
PRCS Revenue Boosts: Facility rental rate hikes; $560,000 annual rental income from Lodi Lake power plant
FY 2026–27 Planning: Launched with all-day session January 28, 2026 — priorities include strategic vision review, funding strategies, deferred maintenance, pension stabilization, and parks planning
Mid-Year FY26 Adjustments: $900K reallocation to Beckman Park cricket improvements; Kofu Skatepark repairs funded
Monthly Staff Briefing (February 2026)
Aquatics
- Hutchins Street Square Pool remains closed due to electrical malfunction
- Enze Pool and Lodi Lake Beach closed for the season
Recreation Programming
- Tot Sports: Tot Soccer/T-Ball registration open; Skyhawks Tot MultiSports Session 1 had 35 enrolled
- Youth Sports: 4th–6th Basketball continued (6 teams, 57 kids); several Skyhawks clinics canceled due to weather/low enrollment
- Adult Sports: Drop-In Basketball continues (40 registered); league postponed to April 12; Pickleball clinics at Legion Park (3 registrants); Tennis canceled indefinitely
- HSS Specialty Classes: 87 students — Ballet (60), Dance (17), Adult Fitness (10)
Youth Programming
- After School Programs: 27 monthly participants (fee-based)
- LUSD Bridge: Many sites at 120-student daily capacity with waitlists
- Spring Safari Camp: Registration open; new Kiddie Camp for younger children introduced in 2026
- Lodi Youth Commission: Hosted free CPR certification day Feb. 28, certifying 40 people
Internal Operations
- Adopt-A-Park: 5 partners — Henry Glaves, DeBenedetti, Emerson, Lodi Lake, Roget
- Vandalism: 5 incidents in February — $296.86 in labor/materials (4 hours: graffiti removal, chain link fencing, burned garbage bins, wooden fences)
- Lodi Parks People: 7 active volunteers; new orientation being scheduled
- HSS Rentals: 22 room rentals, 4,235 visitors
- Picnic Shelter Rentals: 7 in February 2026 vs. 9 in February 2025
Key Capital Projects
| Project | Contractor / Lead | Status |
|---|---|---|
| DeBenedetti Park Improvements | CALA Landscape Architecture | Under Building Dept. Review |
| Salas Sports Lighting Retro-Fit | SCC Electric (Novato) | Projected completion mid-Feb 2026 |
| Lodi Lake North Restroom | Kaler General Contractors (Rancho Cordova) | 98% — SCADA wiring remaining |
| Lodi Lake Southside / Hughes Beach | City staff | 98% — 2 punch list items |
| 125 & 111 N. Stockton St. Properties | WMB Architects (Stockton) | Space planning / redesign (CDBG) |
| Hale Park Court Resurfacing | TBD (Pending Award) | Bids opened; contract pending |
| Hale Park Stone Sign | City staff | PO issued; Feb. delivery |
| Legion Community Building | City staff | Complete — rentals reinstated |
Park Staff Projects
- Ball field renovations under discussion; mowing operations continuing as weather permits
- Irrigation systems currently OFF
- Grape Bowl soccer rentals ongoing
- Meehleis Modular to address dry-rot trim at Lodi Lake Boat House
- Mrs. Williamson donated bench installation in Youth Area
- Salas Park west property line tree/fencing work completed (Benton Fencing, West Coast Arborist)
- Lodi Lake Pay Station Components in progress
- Hwy 99/Turner Road sculpture contract documents in progress
- Lodi Peace Garden construction (Northside of Lodi Lake) with Lodi Sister City group
- BOBS MOU under staff review
- CLO clean-ups around Grape Bowl/Softball Complex area
Social Media (February 2026)
| Platform | Reach | New Followers | Visits |
|---|---|---|---|
| 161,400 | 132 | 1,800 | |
| 2,300 | 62 | 183 |
Upcoming Events
- April 2: Memorial of Jesus Christ (Church event)
- April 11: Stockton Symphony concert
- April 17: Open Mic at the Square (CPL stage)
- April 29: Central Region FFA Awards Ceremony
PRCS in the News
- Woodbridge Irrigation District drains Lodi Lake for dam maintenance — Lodi News
- "Ramble Through the Bramble" on Valentine's Day — Lodi News
- Lodi Parks and Rec offering spring break camp — Lodi News
- Steve Mann: City may lease park property at Legion site — Lodi News (Opinion)
- City managers set for pay hikes and to pay less into benefits — Lodi News
Additional Background
Hale Park Court Resurfacing & Fencing Improvements
The Hale Park Court Resurfacing project (Solicitation ID: 25-22) involves resurfacing approximately 18,000 square feet of court surface covering basketball courts and a handball court last resurfaced in 2013, along with fencing modifications and site improvements. The project is funded through Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds.
| Date | Milestone |
|---|---|
| November 19, 2025 | City Council approved plans, specifications, and authorized bidding |
| December 11, 2025 | Solicitation formally posted |
| January 14–21, 2026 | Bid opening window (deadline extended from original Jan. 14 date) |
| Current | Pending Award — bids received; contract not yet publicly awarded |
The bid estimate ranged from $100,000 to $500,000 with a required deposit of at least 10% of the total bid amount. Bid contact: Jimi Billigmeier, Lodi Purchasing Officer (jbilligmeier@lodi.gov, 209-269-4904). Specific bid amounts, number of bidders, and the recommended contractor for award have not yet appeared in public records.
Legion Community Building Renovation
The Legion Community Building at Legion Park underwent renovations as part of the City's ongoing park improvement program. The project was listed on the City's Park Projects and Improvements page as an active capital project, with Parks Superintendent Steve Virrey providing updates at Commission meetings.
Completion: By September 2025, staff confirmed building work was complete
Current Status: Room rentals reinstated — maximum capacity of 30 people
Current Programming: Adult pickleball clinics hosted by Dennis Kaufmann (3 registrants in Feb. 2026)
Community Support: Lodi Lions Club contributed over $30,000 toward park projects, with support from the Lodi Community Foundation
Separately, a Steve Mann opinion column in the Lodi News-Sentinel referenced the possibility of the City leasing park property at the Legion site, which ties into the broader cell tower discussion below.
Cell Tower Installation in Lodi Parks
At the February 3, 2026 meeting, Deputy Director Emerson Yellen introduced an exploratory discussion on proposals from wireless service providers to place cellular infrastructure in city parks. The discussion focused on guiding principles for evaluating proposals around compatibility, aesthetics, community impact, and transparency.
Cell Tower Proximity Analysis
| Park | AT&T | Verizon | T-Mobile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blakely Park | 0.7 mi | 1.3 mi | 1.6 mi |
| Bob Johnson Park | 1.0 mi | 2.2 mi | 0.3 mi |
| Salas Park | 0.7 mi | 1.3 mi | 0.6 mi |
| Beckman Park | — | 0.8 mi | 0.7–0.9 mi |
Coverage gaps are most notable around Blakely Park and Bob Johnson Park, where Verizon towers are over a mile away.
Potential Revenue
California cell tower lease rates for inland Central Valley communities range from approximately $2,060–$3,980/month ($25,000–$48,000/year), with typical escalators of 2–3% annually. Multi-carrier co-location on the same tower would increase revenue further.
Commission Direction
The Commission expressed openness and directed staff to research possible locations, seek companies, and return with a formal report. No follow-up item appears on the April 7, 2026 agenda.
References & Sources
- City of Lodi — Agenda Center (lodi.gov)
- Lodi Park Projects and Improvements (lodi.gov)
- Parks & Recreation Commission — February 3, 2026 Agenda (lodi.gov)
- Lodi City Council Meeting — February 4, 2026 (lodi411.com)
- Lodi Civic Project Status — January 2026 (lodi411.com)
- Lodi Boosters of Boys/Girls Sports — Official Website
- City of Lodi FY 2025–26 Adopted Budget Press Release (lodi.gov)
- 2025 Hale Park Court Improvements — Bid Banana
- California Cell Tower Lease Rates & Benchmarks
Contact: Patricia Moreno, Administrative Assistant — (209) 333-6742 | Email: PRCScomments@lodi.gov
Prepared for lodi411.com — April 2, 2026. Sources: City of Lodi Parks & Recreation Commission April 7, 2026 Agenda Packet; prior Commission agendas; City of Lodi public records; bid tracking platforms.