Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission Meeting

Agenda

1. Call to Order & Duties of the Commission – Chair Nathan Junge
   Call to Order at
   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.
     
     
2. 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.
   
   
3. Comments from the Public – Facilitated by Chair Nathan Junge and Director Whitaker
   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 who wish 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 April 1, 2026, Minutes (Action Item) –Chair Nathan Junge
   Approval of the minutes for the previous Parks & Recreation Advisory Commission meeting, held on April 1, 2026. Note: A Parks and Recreation Advisory meeting was held on June 3, 2026, but not enough commissioners were present for a quorum; therefore, a vote was not held on this date.
   
   Motion to approve:
   Second:
   
   VOTE
   In-favor:
   Opposed:
   Abstain:
   Absent:
   
   
5. Commissioner Reports (Informational Item) – Facilitated by Chair Nathan Junge
   Individual verbal briefs regarding Parks-related activities, observations, acknowledgements, concerns, questions, and/or suggestions. 
   
   
6. Director’s Report (Informational Item) – Bert Whitaker, Director of Sonoma County Regional Parks
   A verbal report on Regional Park’s updates and current events followed by an opportunity for attendees to ask questions.
   
   
7. Positive Visitor Experience (Informational Item) – Jonathan Umholtz, Principle Park Ranger, Sonoma County Regional Parks
   An overview of Regional Parks’ Positive Visitor Experience Initiative, highlighting efforts to enhance visitor service, safety, engagement, and accessibility while creating welcoming and enjoyable experiences across the park system.
   
   
8. Park Membership Program (Informational Item) – Meda Freeman, Marketing and Communications Manager, Sonoma County Regional Parks
   A verbal report on Regional Parks’ membership program, including program scope, revenue trends and growth opportunities, followed by an opportunity for attendees to ask questions.
   
   
9. Grants Update (Informational Item) – Elizabeth Tyree, Grants Program Manager, Sonoma County Regional Parks
   A presentation including general grant overview, recent accomplishments, and outlook for the near future.
   
   
10. Adjournment – Chair Nathan Junge