The Parks Recreation and Arts Commission advises and makes recommendations to the City Council on matters regarding the long-term planning, acquisition and/or development of parks, open space and trail systems and on works of art considered for acquisition by the City.

Duties and Responsibilities

The Parks, Recreation and Arts Commission consists of five commissioners appointed to alternating four-year terms and one non-voting youth commissioner.  This is an advisory Commission to the Rocklin City Council.  The Parks, Recreation and Arts Commission is responsible for the promotion and preservation of community recreation, open space, park lands, public art and cultural initiatives.  The Commission advises and makes recommendations to the City Council on matters regarding the long-term planning, acquisition and/or development of parks, open space and trail systems and on works of art considered for acquisition by the City.

Parks, Recreation and Arts Commissioners must be at least 18 years of age, live within the City limits, and a registered voter. 

The Parks, Recreation and Arts Commission meets on the second Wednesday of each month at 6:00 p.m.  Each meeting requires several hours of preparation, reading staff reports, related material, and visiting sites.

Parks, Recreation and Arts Commissioners are paid $150 per month.

Chapter 2.44 of the Rocklin Municipal Code specifically addresses the role of the Parks, Recreation and Arts Commission as follows:​

2.44.010 Established – Governing rules and regulations.
A parks, recreation and arts commission is established as set out in this chapter and shall be governed by the rules and regulations set out in this chapter.

2.44.020 Composition.
The commission shall consist of five members.

2.44.030 Residency required.
Only residents of the city are eligible for membership on the commission.

2.44.040 Members ex officio.
The city mananager or his or her designee, shall be an ex officio, nonvoting member of the commission.

2.44.050 Term.
Members of the parks, recreation and arts commission shall serve terms of four years and until their successors are appointed, unless the term is modified by the Mayor with the consent of the City Council.

2.44.055 Compensation.
The compensation for a member of the parks, recreation and arts commission shall be in an amount established by resolution of the city council.

2.44.060 Failure to attend meeting.
If any member of the commission fails to attend three consecutive meetings, without due cause, such failure shall be deemed to constitute the retirement of such member.  The chairman or the vice chairman of the commission shall forthwith notify the council of the fact, and the position held by the member shall be declared vacant.

2.44.070 Meeting date.
The second Wednesday of each month is designated as the regular meeting date of the commission unless that date falls on a legal holiday, in which case the following day shall be the meeting date.

2.44.080 Organizational meeting – Officers.
The first regular meeting in January of every year shall be an organizational meeting, at which time the commission shall elect its own chairman, vice chairman and secretary, who shall serve in such positions for a period of one year or until their successors are chosen.

2.44.090 Special meeting.
Special meetings of the parks, recreation and arts commission may be called by the chairman, upon the written request of at least three members or upon the request of the council acting through either the mayor or the city manager. Notice of a special meeting shall be given at least twenty-four hours in advance of such special meeting, either in writing or by telephone.

2.44.100 Brown Act compliance.
All meetings of the parks, recreation and arts commission shall be held in compliance with the Brown Act of the state of California.

2.44.110 Duties.
The parks, recreation and arts commission shall act in an advisory capacity to the council in matters pertaining to parks, recreation and arts. The city council shall set forth the specific duties of the parks, recreation and arts commission in a council resolution, as may be amended from time to time.

By resolution, the Parks, Recreation and Arts Commission is charged with the following scope of work:

1. The Commission is responsible for advising the City Council on subjects referred by the City Council, City Manager, and Recreation, Arts, and Event Tourism Director or on matters the Commission feels are important regarding the preservation of community recreation, open space, park lands, public art and cultural initiatives. The Commission has the duty to advise and recommend to the City Council regarding long-term planning, acquisition and/or development of park or open space lands to include trail systems. The Commission will provide initial review and opportunity for public comments concerning open space, trail systems and/or park capital projects (non-maintenance projects in excess of $50,000).
2. The Commission will represent the City’s interest in recreation, park and public arts matters and serve as a spokesperson group for related matters in the City. The Commission is responsible for keeping the City Council informed.
3. The Commission seeks to develop cooperative efforts with art schools, and regional and national art organizations, and will explore and obtain private, local, state, and federal funds to promote art projects within the community. The Commission also reviews and makes recommendations on works of art considered for acquisition by the City, and renders other services in the field of art, aesthetics, or beautification of the City when requested.
4. Commission Priorities: (As the City Council shall establish and amend from time to time)
   1. Research and complete an outreach mechanism to determine how the City is doing in terms of satisfying community needs.
   2. Investigate and evaluate the use of public/private partnerships in support of stated goals and objectives.
   3. Update the master plan for the development and use of Johnson-Springview Park.
   4. Develop a city-wide Park and Trail System Master Plan
   5. Evaluate the needs of all current parks and determine if 2nd and 3rd phases are needed. Review and update the 5 year Park Capital Improvement Plan.
   6. Establish a Public Art Program (static and performing arts, festivals, etc.) in alignment with the Rocklin Public Art Master Plan.
   7. Review and determine the feasibility and timing to establish a 501 © 3 non-profit organization for community fund raising in support of events and programs that further the City’s Public Art Master Plan; create a scope of work and governance framework.
   8. Expand volunteer opportunities.
   9. Explore youth recreation interests and create and support Rocklin Youth Council Program(s).
   10. Review and recommend changes to this policy document annually.
5. Commission Ad Hoc Committees: (As the City Council shall establish and amend from time to time)
   1. Public Art Initiative
      Identify ways to create a community-wide discussion about the role that public art can play in the city. This can be in partnership with the implementation of the Public Art Master Plan.
   2. Traveling Art Show
      Provide a mechanism and venue for artists who are from out of the area to showcase their artwork to the community. This can be a stand-alone event or collaborate with an existing special event.
   3. Artifacts from the Mining Industry
      Enhance the history of Rocklin through identifying and placing historical artifacts throughout the community. Locations can include the downtown area/Quarry District.
   4. Placer Arts
      Partner with Placer Arts on new events to showcase local artists.
   5. Student Initiative
      Youth Commissioner will facilitate programs that involve high school students, such as an arts competition showcasing different areas/parks in the community.
   6. Revisit 2nd and 3rd Phases of Parks
      Evaluate the needs and determine if these phases are needed. Review the 5 year Park Capital Improvement Plan.