City Council - September 22, 2026

Council interviews park candidates without making appointments

The Palo Alto City Council interviewed applicants for Parks and Recreation Commission vacancies, questioning them about accessibility, environmental stewardship, climate resilience and demand for recreation facilities. The council made no appointment at this stage and was expected to continue the scheduled interviews.

Candidates discussed competing demands for pickleball and tennis facilities, as well as trade-offs between artificial turf and natural grass. They also addressed how the city could accommodate recreation while protecting habitat at places including the Baylands and Foothill Park.

Several applicants called for earlier and broader public outreach when park proposals are likely to draw disagreement. Accessibility ideas included better ramps and surfaces and more usable restroom features, while other discussion covered community gardens, dog parks, camping and e-bike use on trails.

Primary sources

Watch the meeting on YouTube · Read the official meeting agenda