PKC - Item 2A- Minutes - July 2026
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MINUTES OF THE ROSEMEAD PARKS COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING
JULY 7, 2026
The regular meeting of the Rosemead Parks Commission was called to order by Chair Luau at
7:01 p.m. in the Rosemead City Council Chamber located at 8838 East Valley Boulevard,
Rosemead, California.
PRESENT: Chair Luau, Vice-Chair Hernandez, Commissioners Lam, and Vu
ABSENT: None
PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Chair Luau
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 Vice-Chair Hernandez
to approve the June 2, 2026, minutes: Motion carried by the following vote:
YES: Chair Luau, Vice-Chair Hernandez, Commissionner Lam and Vu
3. MATTERS FROM STAFF
A. Rose of Excellence Awards
Director of Parks and Recreation, Tom Boecking, introduced the Rose of
Excellence recipient. The first recipient was Valerie Montes from the Aquatics
division. Valerie has consistently demonstrated reliability, a strong work ethic, and
willingness to take on tasks that are asked of her. Her dedication to personal and
professional growth, positive attitude, and commitment to serving the community
make her a valued member of our team and the City of Rosemead.
The second recipient was Jacob Rodriguez. Jacob is always willing to assist both
guests and fellow team members, providing guidance and maintaining the high
standard of service our community expects. Beyond his responsibilities, Jacob
consistently takes the initiative to support special events and team building efforts.
His creativity, his positive attitude, and willingness to lend a hand wherever needed
make him an invaluable member of our team. The Parks Commissioners thanked
the recipients for their great attitudes and hard work.
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B. Park Amenities Discussion at Potential Civic Center Tom Boecking, Director
of Parks and Recreation, will provide an update on the Rosemead Park
Outreach.
Director of Parks and Recreation, Tom Boecking, a conceptual discussion
regarding a potential future Civic Center Project and requested the Commission's
input on the types of park, recreational, environmental, and educational amenities
that should be considered if the project moves forward. Parks Director Boecking
emphasized throughout the presentation that the project is strictly conceptual and
intended to generate ideas to help inform future discussions with the City Council.
Parks Director Boecking showcased conceptual renderings depicting a potential
civic campus that would consolidate City Hall, the Rosemead Library, and the
Rosemead Community Recreation Center into a multi-story building surrounded
by open space. Preliminary concepts included potential subterranean parking,
community gathering areas, open lawns, flexible event spaces, and improved
pedestrian access.
The Parks Commissioners expressed strong support for the concept and described
the project as an opportunity to create a gathering place that would serve residents
of all ages. Commissioners suggested incorporating public art, including a
community mural that residents could help create, as a way to celebrate Rosemead's
identity and support community pride. Additional priorities suggested by the Parks
Commissioners included picnic shelters, dog-friendly amenities, sustainable
landscaping featuring native plants and rain gardens, walking paths, educational
signage, healthy cooking classes, bicycle lanes and bicycle parking, flexible
community meeting rooms, rooftop gathering space, a rooftop café, and solar
panels. Parks Director Boecking concluded the discussion by explaining that the
Commission's comments would be organized into priority recommendations and
presented to the City Council during a future City Council meeting.
C. Monthly Parks & Recreation Department Review Tom Boecking, Director of
Parks and Recreation, will review a monthly report from the Department.
Director Boecking highlighted activities happening within the Department of Parks
and Recreation. The Aquatics facilities were busy with swimming programs and
activities. The Garvey Community Center was gearing for its World Cup Senior
Social. Seniors were encouraged to wear their favorite soccer team jersey.
Camp Rosemead was sold out every week and the Free Summer Lunch Program
continued to provide affordable recreational opportunities and nutritious meals for
local youth throughout the summer.
The Fourth of July event was a great success. There was a great attendance, a World
War II aircraft flyover, carnival participation, live entertainment, a 21-minute
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fireworks show, and the presentation of a five million Rosemead Park grant during
the opening ceremony
Upcoming events included Yappy Hour, Art in the Park, the Summer Concert
Series, Parks Make Life Better Month activities, National Night Out, Shark Week
programming at the Aquatic Center, and the continued growth of the Special
Olympics bowling program, which welcomed approximately 18 to 20 participants.
4. MATTERS FROM COMMISSION
A. Commissioner Comments
Parks Commissioner Thanh Lam opened the Commissioner comments by relaying
an inquiry from a resident asking if more security cameras could be installed in the
Parks using the five million Rosemead Park grant money.
Vice-Chair Alina highlighted the San Gabriel Valley Greenway Network, a
regional initiative that proposes developing more than 100 miles of pedestrian
pathways, bicycle trails, and greenways along existing washes, flood control
channels, and river corridors throughout the San Gabriel Valley. She noted that
several Rosemead parks are located near these waterways and could benefit if the
project is implemented. Fellow Commissioners expressed support for the concept
and agreed that improved bicycle and pedestrian access should be considered as
future park improvement projects are developed.
Parks Commissioner Thanh Lam inquired whether the Parks Commission could
periodically receive summaries of incidents occurring at City parks and special
events to better understand public safety trends. Parks Director Boecking stated that
he would inquire further on the matter. This concluded Matters from Commission.
5. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 8:04 p.m. The next Parks Commission meeting will be
held on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, at 7:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers.
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Itzel Ruiz, Commission Secretary
APPROVED:
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Karen Luau, Chair