Logo courtesy of the Fair Oaks Recreation and Park District (FORPD)

FAIR OAKS, CA (MPG) – At the February meeting of the Fair Oaks Recreation and Park District (FORPD) Board of Directors, the Sacramento County Master Gardeners presented plans for a pathway through the demonstration garden at Fair Oaks Park. 

The Master Gardeners operate a Horticulture Center in the park, along with a garden demonstrating water efficient landscape, which helps educate the public about ways to reduce water consumption and encourage sustainable gardening practices. The garden is only easily accessible along the outer edge, so visitors aren’t able to view the full variety of plants on display. 

The new pathway is estimated to cost $16,550 and will be made with decomposed granite to ensure longevity. The Master Gardeners have already secured 70 percent of the funds, with fundraising efforts continuing. Once funds are fully secured, the selected contractor can begin the work immediately. They hope for completion before the summer season, so new plants can be established before the weather warms up. 

Chair Raymond James Irwin thanked the Master Gardeners for all the work they do: “It looks like a lovely plan.” 

District Administrator Mike Aho said the FORPD might help with the financial cost, in partnership with the Master Gardeners, if there is a funding shortfall. Aho said that decision would come back to the Board for discussion. 

The Board then considered purchasing locksmithing supplies to ensure a full set is available. The district’s institutional locksmith is retiring, so Parks and Facility Manager Sean Ventura has been training to take over the work. 

Since 2013, the district has purchased materials and equipment for the locksmith’s use, but several necessary components need to be purchased to complete the set, such as a key cutting machine and a combinating tool. The total cost requested to cover the purchases is $6,500 from the district’s contingency fund. 

The board voted 4-0 to approve the purchases, with Director John O’Farrell absent. 

Arts and Entertainment Manager Jen Schuler presented a recommendation to reclassify the Arts and Entertainment Associate position from part time to full time. 

Since the Performing Arts Center is now open, the roles and responsibilities of the position have expanded to include program and class administration, artist and patron coordination, marketing and communications support and event logistics.

The launch of the new Arts and Entertainment program has been very successful, generating new revenue for the district. Just in the first months of opening the expanded facilities, from October 2025 through December 2025, the Arts and Entertainment division generated $87,537.90 in ticket sales. The revenue from art classes increased from $9,659 in 2024 to $29,336 in 2025. 

The recommended salary and benefit increase to full time for the remainder of the 2025-26 fiscal year is $6,100, which Schuler said is more than offset by earned revenues. 

Director Ralph Carhart said that program attendance and revenue have “exceeded our expectations.” The board voted 4-0 to reclassify the position to full time. 

The next meeting of the FORPD Board is scheduled for March 18.