I am walking out of school through the park, and I pass a white City of Piedmont truck hitched to what appears to be a horse trailer. As I wander past, I contemplate what Piedmont could possibly be doing with the rig. Little did I know the answer to my question could be found at a meeting of the Piedmont Recreation Commission, one that I attended on March 21, 2025. It was there I discovered this trailer — which was in fact a renovated horse trailer — was going to be a mobile bar for rent at events like weddings, and has been affectionately named “Bar None”. This introduction was made alongside announcements of new additions to their vehicle fleet, which included a new all electric gymcart to help the group execute all that they do.
The Piedmont Recreation Commission meets on the third Wednesday of every month from 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m., and is made up of seven members. One of whom is Lisa Gardner, who kindly agreed to talk with me for a few minutes before the meeting began. Each term lasts three years, and she is in the first year of her second term. I asked her how she got involved with the Recreation Commission, and she explained that she has kids who went through the Piedmont schools and Rec system. She believes the foundations they gained from playing sports through the Rec Department were invaluable to their future success, and wanted to give back. Coupled with that desire, she explained she was very passionate about politics and this commission was the perfect way for her to get involved.
When I first walked into the meeting I was not truly aware of all that the Rec Commission does for Piedmont, but I quickly gained new appreciation as they began with a trip down memory lane. It has been five years since the COVID pandemic began, and the Rec Commission recognized all of the ways they helped support Piedmont during that time, from helping kids log into classes, facilitating a virtual preschool program, and developing plans for sports groups. As soon as Alameda County gave guidance for summer camp safety requirements, the Rec Department was ready and had various camps put together by June 1. When the registration came online, every single spot they had created sold out in 30 seconds — so they added more.
While obviously the Rec Commission has aided the past, as they gave an update on current events it was also clear they were helping the present and changing the future of recreation in Piedmont. They have had a very successful camp registration for this summer so far, having not received any complaints at this point. The 100th anniversary of City Hall is in April, so the Commission is planning the event. On March 5, they successfully hosted an open water swimming presentation from a very accomplished swimmer who is a student at Berkeley High School. Many people think of the Rec Commission as more orientated towards the youth, but they have recently started a program called 801nce a month, where they hold an event for adults at 801 Magnolia Ave. Coming up in April there is a wine and cheese tasting. They wanted everyone to know they host CPR and First Aid classes as well.
Although there were various other updates in the current community, the main focus of the meeting was an update on the the Linda Beach Tot Lot Equipment and Replacement Project, which is in the process of being redone. The results of a community survey were shown at the meeting, and discussed by Parks and Project Manager Nancy Kent. One of the points considered was who specifically the Tot Lot was geared towards, with data showing a large percentage of 2 year-olds, but also ranging from 1-5. Commissioner Aamir Virani also voiced his concerns about ensuring this space was for young children, as slightly older elementary school-aged children would just go to the Beach Elementary School playground. Project Manager Kent explained that playground equipment comes in 3 age groups—0-2 years, 3-5 years, and 5-12 years—and that the Tot Lot would consist of 0-2 and 3-5 to ensure it was directed towards a younger demographic.
Other points raised by the survey showed 78% of people preferred matting to 22% who preferred turf, so the project has decided to pursue matting, which they believe will be more durable and easier to clean. The most desired equipment to be installed were climbing structures, swings, and slides. The results also showed people believed a visual theme was moderately important, but multiple members of the commission, especially Commissioner Jenny Feinberg, voiced their opinions that they believed it would be greatly appreciated by the community and they hoped the project would incorporate one. Other common requests were for adult seating, perimeter fencing, and bathroom access. The final item is not currently in the budget, but Project Manager Kent hopes it may be included at a later point.
Moving into more talk about money, Project Manager Kent explained the budget of $100,000 is a sizable sum, but also slightly strained for complete replacement of the equipment. However, the current facility is surprisingly compliant with ADA regulations, which saves money that was reserved for projects like redoing the ramp (they will be able to keep the ramp already onsite). Additionally, the quotes for the matting came in cheaper than expected. She discussed grant funding that she hopes can be used to construct a mosaic wall, ideally involving the community, whether that is by hiring an artist to facilitate or organizing in another way. The construction may be complicated as multiple companies have to coordinate to install the equipment and then the matting in a timely fashion, but the project seems to be moving forward at a promising pace.
I think the Linda Beach Tot Lot will be a uniquely special place in the community, where young kids can safely play without being dominated by larger kids and larger kids will not have to work so hard to avoid the younger ones. It allows Piedmont playgrounds to be more tailored to their respective audiences. I also believe the renovations to this Tot Lot will help families with toddlers who have not yet had the opportunity to connect via the schools to find more friends in Piedmont. The project still seems in the more early stages, and I do worry that construction often experiences lengthy delays (*coughs* the Piedmont pool), but there seems to be a very dedicated team coordinating this endeavor and an excited community to back them up, hopefully ensuring a timely completion.
The next item involved the consideration of Betty C. Howard Nominations for a staff member and volunteer who showed great service and leadership. The volunteer nomination was Gail Lombardi, the chair of the Historical Society, and the staff nomination was Carrie Villa, who makes the activity guide for the summer camp. Commissioner Chris Hart moved to approve, and Commissioner Sara Ironside seconded the motion.
The meeting concluded with the recognition of Commissioner Dick Carter, who has been a member of the Rec Commission since 2018 and was one of the members who helped the Commission through the COVID pandemic. He told stories about his favorite subcommissions like pickleball and beach volleyball, and of his efforts to create a walking group and a reading group in Piedmont. These clubs are still currently running and have been extremely successful. As the commission members presented him with a plaque and t-shirt, they thanked him and shared many of the ways he supported them.
Even as an outsider watching the meeting it was so clear how close the members of this Commission are, and the work they all put in to improve Piedmont to the best of their capabilities is evident. I walked out of the meeting feeling contented by the love in the room, and assured that recreation in the City of Piedmont was in the best hands.