PKC - Item 2A - Minutes-August 2026
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MINUTES OF THE ROSEMEAD PARKS COMMISSION
REGULAR MEETING
AUGUST 4, 2026
The regular meeting of the Rosemead Parks Commission was called to order by Vice-Chair
Hernandez at 7:00 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 Vu
INVOCATION was led by Commissioner Lam
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 with amendments and seconded by
Commissioner Vu to approve the July 7, 2026, minutes: Motion carried by the
following vote:
YES: Vice-Chair Hernandez, Commissionner Lam, and Vu
3. MATTERS FROM STAFF
A. Anti-Hate Poetry Contest Winners Recognition Tom Boecking, Director of
Parks and Recreation, will present the 2026 Anti-Hate Poetry Contest
Winners.
Director of Parks and Recreation, Tom Boecking, presented the winners of the 2026
Anti-Hate Poetry Contest. The annual anti-hate poetry contest was open for
students 5 to 17 years of age and seniors 60 years and up. Poems were judged on
the use of one of the two themes; Together We Shine and A Smile for Everyone.
Allen Zhong was the winner of Group B, which was for participants aged 11 to 13
years old. His poem was titled "The Effects of Hate and Kindness”. Elizabeth
Jacobo was the winner of Group C, which was for participants ages 11 to 13 years
old. Her poem was titled "A Smile for Us”. In the Senior category the winner was
Stanley Leventhal. His poem was titled "Three Languages and Three New Years”.
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The Parks Commissioners congratulated the Anti-Hate Poetry Contest winners for
their heartful poetry.
B. Rose of Excellence Awards
Director of Parks and Recreation, Tom Boecking, introduced the Rose of
Excellence recipient. The first recipient was Zoey Larson. Zoey is based at the
Garvey Park Youth Center, where she plays an active role in the wide range of
youth programs, youth and adult sports and special events, and
consistently demonstrates her versatility and dedication. Her willingness to
go above and beyond supporting her teammates and embracing new challenges
exemplifies the spirit of excellence.
The second recipient was Bryan Heesch. While Bryan’s exceptional photography
beautifully captured community events, it is his commitment to the seniors who
visit the Garvey Center that truly makes him deserve this recognition.
Assisting with daily programs, setting up special events, answering questions, or
taking the time to make every senior feel welcome and valued, Bryan is always
willing to lend a helping hand.
The Parks Commissioners thanked the recipients for the energy and creativity they
brought to the City of Rosemead.
C. Park Amenities Discussion at Potential Civic Center Tom Boecking, Director
of Parks and Recreation, will provide an update and ask the Commission to
provide input and prioritize the possible amenities at the Potential Civic
Center.
Parks Director Boecking opened the discussion by presenting conceptual
renderings of the proposed Potential Civic Center Project. He then requested the
Commissioners input on the amenities they had previously listed in order to narrow
them down to the top priorities. Parks Director Boecking stated that the selected
priorities would be later shared with City Council for further consideration.
The Parks Commissioners discussed a variety of amenities they considered to be a
priority to create an active and welcoming Civic Center. Suggested priorities
included open spaces for community events, designing the space to be accessible
to community members of all abilities, bike lanes to make commute to the civic
center easier, botanical gardens, and walking paths. Other suggestions from the
Commission included incorporating outdoor exercise equipment, public art from
local artists, a greenway to connect a bike lane to a walking path, and bicycle
amenities. Director Boecking stated that the suggestions would be presented to the
Beautification Commission at their next Commission meeting. This concluded the
Parks Amenities Discussion.
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D. Rosemead Park Upgrades Discussion Tom Boecking, Director of Parks and
Recreation, will lead a discussion regarding potential upgrades to Rosemead
Park. Staff will provide an overview of data located at community outreach.
Director of Parks and Recreation, Tom Boecking, presented data collected at
community outreach events. Parks Director Boecking asked the Parks Commission
to identify upgrade priorities based on community outreach results. He further
reviewed with the Commissioners the proposed playground themes. It was still
being evaluated whether there would be one theme or if each playground would
have its own.
The Parks Commission selected priority upgrades from the predefined options
provided to the public. Priorities selected included outdoor fitness equipment,
energy efficiency upgrades, and Rosemead Aquatic Center upgrades. The Parks
Commissioners then identified park update priorities from the suggestions provided
by the community during outreach events. Upgrades discussed included prioritizing
adding water dispensers, bathroom upgrades, more shade, and public art. This
concluded the Rosemead Park Upgrades discussion.
E. Monthly Parks & Recreation Department Review Tom Boecking, Director of
Parks and Recreation, will review a monthly report from the Department.
Director of Parks and Recreation, Tom Boecking, highlighted the summer activities
occurring within the department. The Aquatics Department saw an increase in
participants due to the summer heat. Events such Christmas in July and Shark Week
also drew strong attendance. Senior events such as the World Cup Social and senior
excursions were a success.
Youth programs and events such Camp Rosemead and Art in the Park/Movie in the
Park continued to have strong weekly participation. The Yappy Hour weekly series
was particularly successful, averaging 50 dogs per week. The Summer Concert
Series continued to be a success after moving to Rosmemead Park. The National
Night Out event was scheduled to occur alongside the upcoming concert. The event
was set to have food vendors, a backpack giveaway and the Park Rangers would be
hosting an information booth to give park safety tips.
Parks Director Boecking gave a further overview of the upcoming city events. The
last Summer Concert would also serve to celebrate the City’s 67th birthday. There
was set to be giveaways, activities, and birthday cake were set be given out. The
upcoming September 11 Remembrance Ceremony was set to take place on
September 11, in front of the Civic Center. The Moon Festival was scheduled to
take place on Saturday, September 12. The event would incorporate three blocks
on Valley from Walnut Grove to Ivar with many food vendors, merchandise
vendors, community groups, and organizations set to be present.
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Two Special Olympics athletes represented Rosemead at the Whittier Bowling
Competition, proudly placing fifth and eighth place in the competition. In
partnership with CultivaLA, a garden camp was set to be hosted over four
Saturdays. Children aged four to eleven would be taught basic gardening skills
while enjoying snacks and activities. The Parks Commissioners thanked the Parks
and Recreation for their work during the busy summer season. This concluded
matters from staff.
4. MATTERS FROM COMMISSION
A. Commissioner Comments
Parks Commissioner Thanh Lam opened the Commissioner comments by
requesting a follow up on a previous discussion regarding a potential joint lease
agreement with a school district. Parks Director Boecking stated that there were no
updates at the moment, but an update would be given at a future meeting.
5. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 8:09 p.m. The next Parks Commission meeting will be
held on Tuesday, September 1, 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