The Parks and Recreation Commission will debut its recent makeover on Wednesday after being combined with the city's Arts Commission - a decision that the City Council hopes will benefit the city as a whole.
In the first-ever combined meeting, the newly expanded Parks and Recreation Commission will welcome previous art commissioners Larry Yeakel, Lakneshia Diaz, and Sergio Alvarado, as they take on parks-related issues in addition to bringing forth matters affecting the local art community.
With the change, Parks and Recreation Commissioners Bella Daniel, Bianca Davoodian, Jeremy Rocha, Richard Salinas, Brent Bohlender and Mike Dowd, will now be making decisions on art-related topics, such as the City of Turlock's efforts to partner with California State University, Stanislaus by hosting their annual literary and art publication "Penumbra" at City Hall.
In previous years, the annual student publication has been released in an event held at the CSU Stanislaus Event Center. However, as the City of Turlock continues to work with President Joseph Sheley in making efforts to further their partnership with CSU Stanislaus, city staff is working to have the annual event hosted in May at City Hall, where a community art gallery is also featured.
On Wednesday, the commission will also review a report from city staff regarding the request to add an additional basketball court at Donnelly Park. Although the city has said they do not wish to do another full basketball court due to budget restraints, a half court could potentially be feasible.
According to Recreation Superintendent Erik Schulze, the cost is estimated to be approximately $5,500 to replace and build a new half basketball court, which could potentially be accomplished through donations.
On Wednesday, the Parks and Recreation Commission is also expected to:
• Receive updates on city plans for National Arbor Day on April 25;
• Review the updated draft bylaws for the newly formed commission;
• Accept April updates to the Parks, Recreation and Public Facilities Report.
The Parks and Recreation Commission will meet at 6 p.m. on Wednesday at City Hall, located at 156 S. Broadway Ave.