Title
Recommendation to Approve the Alameda Recreation and Parks Department Public Office Hours. (Recreation and Parks 10051400)
Body
To: Honorable Chair and Members of the Recreation and Parks Commission
From: Justin Long, Recreation and Parks Director
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Staff recommend approval of the proposed adjustment to Alameda Recreation and Parks Department (ARPD) office hours to better align staffing resources with community demand while maintaining public access to services. The proposed schedule would change office hours from Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., to Monday through Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m., with Fridays available by appointment only. This change would also create consistency with City Hall and City Hall West operating schedules.
Staff conducted community outreach and distributed a public survey regarding the proposed change. Survey results demonstrated strong support for the revised schedule and indicated that most respondents do not typically visit the office in person on Fridays. Based on these findings, staff anticipate that the adjustment will have minimal impact on public access.
BACKGROUND
ARPD evaluated its current office hours to determine whether modifications could improve public access, customer service, and operational efficiency. As part of this effort, a public survey was conducted from May 21 through June 4, 2026, to gather feedback on visitation patterns, preferred service times, and support for the proposed office hours adjustment. The survey was posted on the City website, distributed through an email blast to 13,312 subscribers, and made available in paper format at the office front counter.
Key findings include:
• 65 respondents reported never visiting ARPD in person.
• 57 respondents reported rarely visiting ARPD in person.
• 24 respondents reported visiting a few times per year.
• 18 respondents reported visiting weekly.
• 6 respondents reported visiting monthly.
When asked about typical visitation times:
• 33 respondents preferred visiting between 8:30 a.m. and 11:00 a.m.
• 30 respondents preferred visiting between 11:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.
• 27 respondents preferred visiting between 2:00 p.m. and 5:30 p.m.
• 78 respondents indicated the question was not applicable because they do not visit in person.
DISCUSSION
Survey results demonstrate broad support for the proposed office hours change. Approximately 71% of respondents (121) supported the proposal, while 14% (23) opposed it. The remaining respondents (26) selected “Other.”
Survey responses indicated that most respondents either never or rarely visit the office in person, reflecting increased use of online registration, telephone assistance, and electronic communications. Among those who do visit the office, demand is relatively consistent throughout the day, with a slight preference for morning hours.
The findings suggest that the proposed office hours would continue to accommodate in-person visitors while better aligning staffing resources with operational needs and customer demand. The change is expected to maintain public access to services, improve operational efficiency, and support continued use of online and remote service options.
Based on the survey results and visitation trends, staff find the proposed office hours adjustment to be reasonable and responsive to community needs.
ALTERNATIVES
• Approve the proposed office hours change.
• Direct staff to conduct additional outreach.
• Do not approve the proposed change in office hours.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
The proposed office hours change is anticipated to have minimal fiscal impact. Existing staffing levels and budget appropriations are expected to remain sufficient to support implementation.
RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation to Approve the Alameda Recreation and Parks Department Public Office Hours.
Respectfully submitted,
Justin Long, Recreation and Parks Director
Exhibits:
1. Survey
2. Survey Results