City of Sunnyvale  
Meeting Minutes - Final  
Parks and Recreation Commission  
Wednesday, September 10, 2025  
7:00 PM  
Online and Redwood Conference Room,  
City Hall, 456 W. Olive Ave., Sunnyvale,  
CA 94086  
CALL TO ORDER  
Chair Kesting called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.  
SALUTE TO THE FLAG  
Chair Kesting led the salute to the United States flag.  
ROLL CALL  
Present: 4 - Chair David Kesting  
Vice Chair Dona Mason  
Commissioner Daniel Bremond  
Commissioner Prashant Gattani  
Absent: 1 - Commissioner Prakash Giri  
Council Liaison Cisneros (absent)  
STUDY SESSION  
A
25-0225  
Gather Input on East Channel Trail Alternatives  
Esther Jung, Traffic Engineer, provided a presentation on the East Channel Trail  
Study. Highlights included: background of the study, opportunities and constraints,  
project goals, outreach efforts, and timeline.  
Commissioners inquired about next steps if the project receives funding, and the  
current phase of the project.  
Staff explained that the study addresses the challenges, requirements, and costs  
associated with the project. Findings will be presented to the City Council for  
direction on moving the phases forward. Because the trail spans nearly six miles,  
funding will not cover the entire project at once. Instead, the project will be rolled  
out in sections, with priorities still under discussion.  
Staff also noted that Phase Two (outreach) has just begun.  
Additional questions included whether the project will be impacted by major  
infrastructure such as Caltrain, and whether there will be a dedicated bicycle path.  
Staff responded that all relevant agencies have already been informed and have  
provided feedback. The trail will be a paved, multi-use path for walking and biking,  
with separate areas designated for each.  
Chair Kesting opened public comment.  
Donna (Zoom attendee) expressed concerns about residents whose backyards  
border the channel, particularly regarding how the City will address safety impacts  
of the proposed trail.  
Chair Kesting closed public comment.  
B
25-0856  
Tree Program  
Travis Rios, Urban Landscape Manager, provided a presentation on the State of  
the Urban Forest. Highlights included: current climate in Sunnyvale, Urban Heat  
Island Index, climate change and new pests, adaptation in a changing environment,  
upcoming projects, and study issues.  
Commissioners asked about trees that are at high risk for damaging property.  
Staff responded that each tree is unique, and residents may contact the Parks  
Department to request an inspection. While some trees may cause damage, this is  
an inherent reality of trees. The benefits of maintaining large trees outweigh the  
risks, and in many cases, mitigation measures can reduce potential damage. Staff  
emphasized the importance of preserving large trees for as long as possible.  
Additionally, commissioners asked various questions about street trees and the  
possible benefits of more fruit trees. Staff explained that regarding street trees and  
canopy, efforts to increase canopy involve a combination of preservation, and  
strategic new plantings. On the subject of fruit trees, staff noted that while they can  
provide benefits, important considerations remain, such as who will be responsible  
for maintenance.  
C
25-0857  
Preliminary Discussion of 2026 Master Work Plan  
Commissioners and staff held a preliminary discussion regarding the Parks and  
Recreation Commission Master Work Plan for 2026. Tentative additions include  
future updates on the turf study, the dogs-off-leash study, pickle ball, as well as  
scheduling a park tour.  
ORAL COMMUNICATIONS  
None.  
CONSENT CALENDAR  
Vice Chair Mason moved and Chair Kesting seconded the motion to approve the  
consent calendar.  
The motion carried by the following vote:  
Yes: 4 - Chair Kesting  
Vice Chair Mason  
Commissioner Bremond  
Commissioner Gattani  
No: 0  
Absent: 1 - Commissioner Giri  
1
25-0865  
Approve the Parks and Recreation Commission Meeting  
Minutes of July 9, 2025  
Approve the Parks and Recreation Commission Minutes of July 9, 2025 as  
submitted.  
PUBLIC HEARINGS/GENERAL BUSINESS  
2
25-0864  
Annual Review of Code of Ethics and Conduct for Elected and  
Appointed Officials  
Commissioner Bremond moved and Chair Kesting seconded the motion to approve  
the annual review of the code of ethics for appointed officials.  
The motion carried by the following vote:  
Yes: 4 - Chair Kesting  
Vice Chair Mason  
Commissioner Bremond  
Commissioner Gattani  
No: 0  
Absent: 1 - Commissioner Giri  
STANDING ITEM: CONSIDERATION OF POTENTIAL STUDY ISSUES  
3
25-0867  
Comprehensive Field and Park Usage Data Collection  
Chair Kesting ran through the proposed study issue.  
Commissioner Bremond moved and Chair Kesting seconded the motion to adopt  
the proposed study issue.  
The motion carried by the following vote:  
Yes: 4 - Chair Kesting  
Vice Chair Mason  
Commissioner Bremond  
Commissioner Gattani  
No: 0  
Absent: 1 - Commissioner Giri  
NON-AGENDA ITEMS AND COMMENTS  
-Commissioner Comments  
None.  
-Staff Comments  
Jim Stark announced that outreach for Heritage Orchard park begins on September  
17th.  
INFORMATION ONLY REPORTS/ITEMS  
4
25-0859  
Parks and Recreation Commission Proposed Study Issues,  
Calendar Year: 2026  
ADJOURNMENT  
Chair Kesting adjourned the meeting at 8:47 p.m.