PKC - Item 2A - Minutes - June 2, 2026
1
MINUTES OF THE ROSEMEAD PARKS COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING
JUNE 2, 2025
The regular meeting of the Rosemead Parks Commission was called to order by Vice-Chair
Hernandez at 7:02 p.m. in the Rosemead City Council Chamber located at 8838 East Valley
Boulevard, Rosemead, California.
PRESENT: Vice-Chair Hernandez, Commissioners Lam, and Vu
ABSENT: Chair Luau
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Commissioner Lam
INVOCATION was led by Commissioner Vu
1. PUBLIC COMMENTS FROM THE AUDIENCE - None
2. CONSENT CALENDAR
A. Approval of Minutes
Commissioner Lam motioned the approval of the meeting notes
ACTION: Moved by Commissioner Lam and seconded by Commissioner Vu to
approve the May 5, 2026, minutes: Motion carried by the following vote:
YES: Vice-Chair Hernandez, Commissioner Lam and Vu
3. MATTERS FROM STAFF
A. Special Olympics Athletes Presentation Tom Boecking, Director of Parks and
Recreation, will present and recognize 2026 Athletes from the Departments
Special Olympics Program
Director of Parks and Recreation Tom Boecking recognized the accomplishments
of the City's Special Olympics Southern California Bocce Ball team, the Rosemead
Rollers. The Parks and Recreation Department partnered with Special Olympics
Southern California just over a year ago to create recreational opportunities for
individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
The program enabled Rosemead to send two teams, consisting of eight athletes,
volunteer coaches, and City staff coaches, to compete in the Pomona Valley Games
and L.A. Spring Games. The teams earned first- and second-place finishes at the
Pomona Valley Games and second- and third-place finishes at the L.A. Spring
Games, demonstrating outstanding teamwork, sportsmanship, and perseverance.
2
Although the athletes were unable to attend the meeting, staff recognized them by
name and honored Jennifer Gomez and Jessenia Soria, the City's staff coaches, for
embracing the new program, supporting the athletes, and helping establish adaptive
recreation opportunities within the community.
B. Rose of Excellence Awards
Director of Parks and Recreation, Tom Boecking, introduced the Rose of
Excellence recipient. The recipient was Park Ranger Carlos Zacarias. Carlos has
been with the city for a little over two years, and he shows a strong sense of
ownership and commitment to his role. In an encounter with an individual breaking
park rules, Carlos chose to investigate instead of simply giving a citation. In doing
so, he realized that the individual was having a mental health crisis. He called an
emergency hotline and was able to get the individual the resources they needed.
Carlos works hard to keep the parks clean and safe.
The Parks Commissioners thanked Carlos for his dedication to maintaining safe
and welcoming parks.
C. Rosemead Park Outreach Update Tom Boecking, Director of Parks and
Recreation, will provide an update on the Rosemead Park Outreach
Director of Parks and Recreation, Tom Boecking, updated the Parks
Commissioners on the results of the data that had been collected from three park
outreach events. The outreach consisted of community members being given
stickers to vote on amenities they would like to see constructed at Rosemead Park.
Participants were given a selection of preselected amenities such as a new
pickleball court, energy saving upgrades, and park fitness equipment. Participants
were also given the opportunity to write in their own suggestions.
Participants were also given three stickers to place on their favorite conceptual
playground themes for consideration: Enchanted Garden Adventure, Space
Explorer Playground, River Adventure Trail, and Adventure and Fantasy Fort.
Parks Director Boecking emphasized that the concepts were preliminary and that
additional outreach would be completed before narrowing the options.
In addition to playground themes, residents ranked priorities for future park
improvements. Outdoor fitness equipment received the highest level of support,
followed by pickleball courts, while energy efficiency improvements and upgrades
to the Rosemead Aquatic Center tied for third. Parks Director Boecking stated that
further outreach would occur at the upcoming 4th of July event and potentially at
the Summer Concerts. This concluded the Rosemead Park outreach update.
D. Monthly Parks & Recreation Department Review Tom Boecking, Director of
Parks and Recreation, will review a monthly report from the Department.
3
Director Boecking highlighted activities happening within the Department of Parks
and Recreation. Preparations for the summer season were well underway, with
seasonal staff training completed for the City's aquatics program. As part of
National Water Safety Month, the Parks Department hosted "Belly Flop with a
Cop," a partnership event with the Temple Sheriff’s designed to promote water
safety awareness through interactive demonstrations and community engagement.
The Summer Basketball League experienced an increase in participation,
prompting the Department to expand league offerings to accommodate additional
teams and players. Camp Rosemead and the Free Summer Lunch Program were
also scheduled to begin, providing affordable recreational opportunities and
nutritious meals for local youth throughout the summer.
The upcoming Special Olympics Southern California Bowling Program
Participation had increased substantially since the previous season with 16
participants registered. A successful Memorial Day Ceremony was held on
Monday, May 25. The Salute to Senior’s Social was held at the Garvey Community
Center where seniors enjoyed food, dancing, and raffles.
Preparations were underway for the City's annual Fourth of July Celebration. Parks
Director Boecking stated that this year's celebration would feature the traditional
Independence Day Parade, carnival attractions, live entertainment throughout the
day, food vendors, family activities, and the evening fireworks display at dusk. This
concluded the Monthly Parks & Recreation Department Review.
4. MATTERS FROM COMMISSION
A. Possible New Park Locations on May 2, 2026, Commissioner Lam requested
to have a conversation about possible new park locations in the City of
Rosemead
Director of Parks and Recreation, Tom Boecking, presented an item requested by
Commissioner Thanh Lam regarding potential locations for a new park. Parks
Director Boecking presented an overview of the City's existing park locations.
Commissioners Lam discussed the potential benefits of pursuing additional
partnerships with local educational institutions as a practical strategy for
addressing park accessibility needs.
Parks Director Boecking agreed that a joint-lease agreement could be a great
option when there was limited space, however he noted that it would be a lengthy
process which required various approvals from the school board and City Council.
The Parks Commissioners further discussed potential infrastructure updates such
as bike parking to create more equitable and accessible enjoyment opportunities
for people of different backgrounds.
B. Commissioner Comments
Parks Vice-Chair Alina Hernandez opened the Commissioner comments by further
advocating for more bike lanes to be added near the parks despite the lengthy
4
approval process. Commissioner Lam inquired about the possibility of the Parks
Commissioners hosting a social event such as a walking day for the public to
engage with the public in an informal setting. Parks Director Boecking stated that
he would inquire further on the matter. This concluded Matters from Commission.
5. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 7:58 p.m. The next Parks Commission meeting will be
held on Tuesday, July 7, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers.
__________________________________
Itzel Ruiz, Commission Secretary
APPROVED:
_________________________
Karen Luau, Chair