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BC - Item 2A - Memorandum - Discussion of Potential Civic Center Amenities and Prioritization ROSEMEAD BEAUTIFICATION COMMISSION MEMORANDUM TO: THE HONORABLE CHAIR AND BEAUTIFICATION COMMISSION FROM: TOM BOECKING, DIRECTOR OF PARKS AND RECREATION DATE: AUGUST 12, 2026 SUBJECT: DISCUSSION OF POTENTIAL CIVIC CENTER AMENITIES AND PRIORITIZATION SUMMARY The purpose of this agenda item is to obtain feedback from the Beautification Commission regarding the types of park, recreational, environmental, and educational amenities that should be considered as part of a potential future Civic Center development. The City Council has requested that the Beautification Commission review and prioritize a list of desired amenities to help guide the planning and design of the future project site. The Commission's recommendations will assist in identifying features that best reflect the community's needs and long-term vision for the Civic Center. DISCUSSION The City continues to evaluate long-term opportunities to enhance public facilities and create community gathering spaces that serve residents for generations to come. As part of these efforts, the concept of a future Civic Center has been identified as an opportunity to develop a centrally located destination that not only provides municipal services but also functions as a vibrant civic and community space. Because parks and recreation amenities play a vital role in promoting health, wellness, environmental stewardship, community engagement, and overall quality of life, staff is seeking input from the Beautification Commission regarding the features that should be considered if the City pursues development of a future Civic Center. On July 7, 2026, the Parks Commission held a discussion regarding potential amenities that could be incorporated into a future Civic Center development. Commissioners identified a variety of park, recreational, environmental, and educational features intended to create a welcoming, sustainable, accessible, and multi-functional public space that would serve residents of all ages. At the July 14, 2026, City Council meeting, staff presented the Parks Commission's recommendations to the City Council. Following the presentation, the City Council requested that both the Parks Commission and the Beautification Commission further refine the Beautification Commission Meeting August 12, 2026 Page 2 of 2 recommendations by identifying and prioritizing the amenities they believe are most important for inclusion in a future Civic Center project. At the August 4, 2026, Parks Commission meeting, staff presented the list of amenities previously identified by the Commission and shared with the City Council. The Commission continued its discussion and further refined its recommendations by identifying the amenities it considered to be the highest priorities for the proposed project. The Parks Commission identified the following amenities as its highest priorities: • Walking paths and trails that encourage outdoor recreation, pedestrian connectivity, and active lifestyles. • Open lawn and flexible event spaces capable of accommodating community events such as Concerts in the Park, Movies in the Park, festivals, and other civic gatherings, including an amphitheater for performances, community events, and educational programming. • Bicycle-friendly amenities, including: o Additional bicycle racks and lockers. o Secure bicycle parking. o Electric bicycle charging and storage areas. o Bicycle connections to surrounding neighborhoods. • Outdoor fitness equipment that promotes healthy and active lifestyles. • Native and drought-tolerant landscaping, including demonstration gardens, botanical gardens, and rain gardens, complemented by educational signage highlighting sustainability, environmental features, and local ecology. • Public art installations, including opportunities for community murals and artwork created by local artists. • Universal accessibility features that ensure equitable access for residents of all ages and abilities, including children, seniors, and individuals with disabilities. STAFF RECOMMENDATION Staff is requesting that the Beautification Commission review these recommendations and provide additional input regarding beautification, landscaping, public art, environmental enhancements, and other aesthetic features that should be considered as part of a future Civic Center. The Commission's feedback will be incorporated into the recommendations presented to the City Council for future consideration.