Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Meeting

Agenda

1. Welcome & Land Acknowledgement – Bert Whitaker, Director of Sonoma County Regional Parks
   I want us to remember that we are on the ancestral land of the Miwok, Pomo, and Wappo peoples. These resilient communities are still here today, and we want to honor them as it was and is their land that we have had the opportunity to recreate on. Let us consider how we can continue to protect these beautiful places for our future generations.
2. Call to Order & Duties of the Commission – Chair Nathan Junge
   
   Call to Order
   Commissioners present:
   Commissioners absent:
   
   Duties of the Commission include:
   • Acting in an advisory capacity to the Board of Supervisors in promoting, aiding and encouraging public recreation, including the development of recreation, park and open space facilities.
   • Acting in an advisory capacity to Regional Parks Director in the maintenance, development and operation of recreation areas and facilities serving the residents of the county.
   • Establishing general procedures to carry out the purpose of the advisory commission.
3. Comments from the Public – Lead Chair Nathan Junge
   During this time, members of the public may address the Commission on matters that are not on the agenda. However, The Ralph M. Brown Act (the State local agency open meeting law) prohibits the Commission from acting on any matter that is not on the agenda. Members of the public wishing to suggest an item for a future Commission agenda item may do so. Speakers are limited to three minutes each; the Commission Chair or Director of Regional Parks may adjust the time limit in accordance with the number of anticipated speakers.
4. Approval of the Minutes (Action Item) –Chair Nathan Junge
   Approval of the minutes for the June 11, 2025, Parks & Recreation Advisory Commission meeting.
   
   Motion to approve:
   Second:
   
   Vote:
   In-favor:
   Opposed:
   Abstain:
   Absent:
5. Commissioner Reports– Lead by Chair Nathan Junge
   Individual brief verbal reports regarding parks-related activities, observations, acknowledgements, concerns, questions, and/or suggestions.
   Beth Steffy- working with Nubia on accessibility. Wheelchair at Doran is appreciated.
   Measure M funds could potentially be used to keep city public pool open
6. Director’s Report – Bert Whitaker, Director, Sonoma County Regional Parks
   An informational verbal report on Regional Park’s updates and current events followed by an opportunity for attendees to ask questions.
7. Cool and Comfortable Park Initiative – Corbin Johnson, Project Specialist, Sonoma County Regional Parks
   Parks is evaluating shade structure designs and seeks feedback.
8. Youth Exploring Sonoma (YES) Parks Presentation – Alexis Cortez Holmes, Engagement Coordinator, Sonoma County Regional Parks
   YES! Parks, building community through outdoor exploration.
9. Special Presentation by the Safety and Belonging Student Cohort
   The Safety and Belonging Cohort, a group of High School Students from within the Santa Rosa City School District, including one student from Windsor HS, are organizing to keep their schools, communities and nature spaces safe while fostering the idea of “belonging.” They identify as immigrants and children of immigrants who feel compelled to answer the calling of this moment by using their voices and experiential perspectives to keep their communities safe and welcome. They would like to offer their vision for Sonoma County nature spaces.
10. Adjournment – Commission Chair