City of Bellingham Parks and Recreation Advisory Board

**Nicole Oliver, on the PROS Plan timeline:** "2025 is now here. So we are doing it for real." **Joel Donnell, on Cornwall Park damage:** "They completely destroyed these little social trails... 4 hours in 4 hours. They've destroyed, you know, years of use of this park." **Joel Donnell, on appropriate park uses:** "I don't ski in Cornwall Park. I don't ride my bike because those are not the designated things for this park." **Maggie, on board functionality:** "I feel so good about leaving this Board in the State that it's in... I feel like it's a really engaged board and a really confident board." **Steve Walker, on board appointment changes:** "The whole concept of the Advisory Board is, I think, to have some checks and balances... So it does consolidate more of the power within the bureaucracy if the staff are choosing the people who are advising them." **Nicole Oliver, on Bellingham's saltwater access:** "We are part of the 3rd largest estuary in the world, and so protecting ou

# Bellingham Parks and Recreation Advisory Board: New Year, New Challenges, New Opportunities ## Meeting Overview On a crisp January morning at Bellingham City Hall, the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board gathered for their first meeting of 2025, bringing together dedicated volunteers around a worn conference table in the mayor's boardroom — soon to undergo renovations, they learned. The meeting carried a bittersweet tone as longtime board member Maggie Kaplan prepared to step down after years of passionate advocacy, while the board welcomed back Williams for another term and began wrestling with significant policy changes from the mayor's office. What started as a routine agenda quickly expanded into substantive discussions about cyclocross controversies at Cornwall Park, boat launch management at Bloedel Donovan, and the ambitious timeline for updating the city's Parks, Recreation, and Open Space (PROS) Plan. The meeting revealed both the collaborative spirit that defines this board and the complex challenges facing Bellingham's park system as the city grows and outdoor recreation demands intensify. ## Cornwall Park Cyclocross Controversy The morning's most contentious moment came during public comment when Joel Donnell, a Cornwall Park neighbor, delivered an impassioned plea about what he sees as the destruction of his beloved neighborhood park. "I'd actually rather be walking in Cornwall Park now, but I was here about 14 months ago after the event, the Cornwall Cross Series, Cyclocross was done in the Park, and they completely destroyed these little social trails," Donnell told the board, his voice tight with emotion. Donnell painted a picture of a park under siege, describing "huge swaths of mud" where delicate walking trails once existed, trees with damaged roots and trunks "ripped by the continual use of these bicycles," and the construction of an unauthorized pump track on what he believed was the disc golf course's seventh fairway. His critique went beyond environmental damage to questions of equity and appropriateness: "We have rules about destruction of park property," he said, arguing that cyclocross events with beer gardens and whiskey shots don't belong in what he characterized as a neighborhood sanctuary. Most pointedly, Donnell raised concerns about potential conflicts of interest, suggesting that board members with business connections to cyclocross should recuse themselves from related decisions. His reference to "Leave No Trace principles" and indigenous wisdom about land stewardship struck at fundamental questions about park usage philosophy. The accusation hung heavy in the room, though board members didn't immediately respond. Later in the meeting, Planning Specialist Peter acknowledged the tension: "I have a problem with that. That's oh, then you could bring it up with Mayor. We are one of the few boards that has the board do the interviews," before clarifying they were discussing a different topic entirely. The cyclocross issue remained unresolved, with Parks Director Nicole mentioning only that "we have a ton of emails in support of Cyclocross, like so many so much public comment about in support of the sport and the event." ## Bloedel Donovan Boat Launch Transformation Parks Director Nicole Rapin introduced what could be a significant shift in how the city manages one of its most popular waterfront assets. The Bloedel Donovan boat launch, currently free and essentially unregulated during off-hours, faces a comprehensive overhaul driven by invasive species concerns and revenue needs. "The mayor's office is very interested in starting to charge for the boat launch," Rapin explained, clarifying that the fee would actually be for parking boat trailers rather than launching boats. The change stems from growing concerns about quagga mussels, which have now reached the Snake River in Washington State and pose a significant threat to Lake Whatcom, the city's drinking water source. The proposed system would involve installing gates that close the launch during times when aquatic invasive species inspectors aren't on duty — roughly November through April. "There would be a contact. Someone would come down and inspect the boat, and then people could still use the boat launch in the off season, but it would make sure that all boats that are using that launch are inspected," Rapin said. The aquatic invasive species team planned to present their comprehensive protection plan to city council the following Monday, with an RFP process already underway for gate installation and a self-service payment kiosk similar to systems at Larrabee State Park and boat launches in Squalicum Harbor and Blaine. Board member inquiries revealed the complexity of the undertaking. The gates must accommodate overnight users returning to retrieve their boats, and the revenue — amount still undetermined — would help offset costs including negotiations with Whatcom Fire District for out-of-jurisdiction emergency calls to the lake. "My brother was even making fun of me. He's like, can't believe your city doesn't charge for a boat launch," Rapin laughed, suggesting the change brings Bellingham in line with regional norms. ## PROS Plan Update: Ambitious Timeline, Workshop Approach The heart of the meeting focused on launching the Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Plan update, with Planning Specialist Peter outlining an aggressive but "very doable" timeline that would see a complete plan revision by late 2026, with the parks chapter heading to Planning Commission by May. Peter walked the board through a two-phase approach: first, updating goals and policies to align with the city's comprehensive plan, then diving into the implementation details that determine actual projects over the next six to ten years. "2025 is now here. So we are doing it for real," he declared, setting expectations for intensive monthly workshops through April. The existing plan's eight goals span everything from equity and inclusion to ecological integration, with what Peter called "achievable" objectives underneath each goal. "They're really good because they, you know they are. You can actually say, yes, we've done that," noted board member commentary, highlighting the importance of measurable progress. Rather than simply reviewing policies in the abstract, the meeting shifted to hands-on workshopping with a comprehensive survey designed to capture board members' priorities. The survey, which staff had also distributed throughout the Parks Department, asked participants to rank priorities across multiple categories, providing what Parks Director Nicole Rapin described as input from "the people who are most invested and and our ambassadors, workers, and people on the ground." Board members praised the survey's design, with remote participant Steve Walker noting, "I really, I like the way it prioritizes, you know, like you, you get 3 choices and I think that's really good, because otherwise you could just have this litany of things." The workshop approach represented a shift toward more engaged advisory board participation in policy development. ## Board Appointment Process Changes Perhaps the most significant governance news came when Parks Director Nicole Rapin announced major changes to how board vacancies would be filled, reflecting broader policy shifts from Mayor Kim Lund's office. The changes represent a fundamental shift from the current system where board members interview candidates and make recommendations. "The mayor's office realized that different boards and commissions were filling open terms differently than others, and there were different processes and different ways that those recommendations were coming to her," Rapin explained. Under the new policy, staff would conduct interviews and make recommendations to the board, rather than board members directly interviewing candidates. Additionally, board members wouldn't automatically continue for second terms but would need to reapply when their terms expire, treating each opening as a genuine vacancy. "She wants it to be a open seat and just creating more opportunities for people to get involved," Rapin said of the mayor's rationale. The announcement triggered the meeting's most spirited discussion, with multiple board members expressing concern about losing the collaborative element that had worked well for their group. "I think that having the members have an opportunity to meet the applicants is huge," said outgoing member Maggie Kaplan, voicing worry that staff recommendations might not capture the interpersonal dynamics crucial to board function. "I have always taken, and I think everybody in here takes our jobs very seriously as community stewards, and therefore have an investment in making sure that the best person is take is chosen who can be a community steward," Kaplan continued, articulating concerns about removing board input from what she saw as a core governance responsibility. Remote participant Steve Walker framed the change in terms of governmental checks and balances: "The whole concept of the Advisory Board is, I think, to have some checks and balances. You know, if if citizens feel like some administrative department is sort of wandering off in a direction that that they're not comfortable with that, it's that it's an opportunity to provide feedback. So it does consolidate more of the power within the bureaucracy. If the staff are choosing the people who are advising them." Rapin acknowledged the feedback and suggested potential compromises, including having candidates attend meetings to introduce themselves and involving the board chair and vice-chair in the interview process. The discussion revealed tension between the mayor's goals of consistency and expanded public engagement versus this particular board's successful collaborative culture. ## Pickleball Expansion News In lighter news, board member Williams shared exciting developments in the region's pickleball scene that could significantly impact local recreational offerings. Whatcom Community College, in collaboration with the Bellingham Pickleball Club, plans to construct a 12-court covered pickleball pavilion on campus parking lots near the soccer fields. "It's going to be lighted. It's going to be covered open on the sides but covered, and it'll be a joint agreement between the club and the community college," Williams explained. The facility would give priority access to college students and club members during certain hours while remaining open to the public free of charge. The project represents a substantial private investment, largely funded by community member Claude Blackbird's $2 million donation — the same benefactor who supported a similar facility in Skagit County that Williams personally uses. "This one will be a draw, and it'll be a draw from Canada," he predicted, suggesting the facility could host national tournaments. The timeline appears aggressive, with Williams estimating construction could begin in spring 2025 and completion by 2026. The development represents exactly the kind of public-private partnership that could address growing demand for year-round covered recreation while taking pressure off existing city facilities. ## Survey Results and Board Priorities The meeting's workshop portion revealed remarkable alignment among board members about what makes Bellingham's park system special and what challenges require attention. As members shared their survey responses, themes of accessibility, connectivity, and protection emerged consistently. Several members highlighted pride in the system's comprehensiveness and quality. "When I think about Bellingham's Park system. I'm most proud of the quality, quantity, and proximity," said one member, while another emphasized "the diversity, quality and abundance of our parks throughout the city. There's just there's something for everyone." The recreation programming renaissance drew particular praise, with acknowledgment of staff efforts to rebuild offerings that had declined before and during the pandemic. "I am very proud of the rebirth and the evolution of the recreation programming," said outgoing member Kaplan. "To watch that because so many park departments had all that stuff was falling down before the pandemic, and then it got crushed by the pandemic, and Melissa and your staff. You have just done us a stellar job." Trail connectivity emerged as a major priority, with multiple members calling for filling gaps that prevent long-distance hiking and biking. "I think we have a terrific trail system, but there's there's gaps that prevent us from long distance, hiking and biking," noted one participant, specifically mentioning the long-delayed Bay-to-Baker Trail connection along Lake Whatcom. Safety and maintenance concerns also surfaced, particularly from remote participant Steve Walker who regularly visits parks throughout the system. "I see areas where you know maintenance, and I'm not being critical because I know how hard everybody is working to maintain the our facilities. But I worry that because we continue to expand, we add new properties and that some of the maintenance issues are just there," he observed, calling attention to "loose stairs and broken railings and things like that which could potentially cause accidents." ## Indoor Recreation Advocacy Multiple board members advocated for expanded indoor recreation facilities, identifying this as a gap in Bellingham's otherwise comprehensive system. "I don't think Bellingham prioritizes indoor recreation, but especially when kind of we are known for our recreational," said one member, calling for "state of the Art Indoor Community Center with recreation." The push for covered or indoor options reflected practical concerns about the Pacific Northwest climate. "We talked about what other cities have versus Bellingham and I don't think Bellingham prioritizes indoor recreation, but especially when kind of we are known for our recreational. And you know, we talked about. It gets dark and it gets wet, and especially for kids after hours. Access childcare basketball courts. Indoor track all those things." Even covered outdoor facilities drew support, with outgoing member Kaplan noting, "thinking big about covered recreation. When you're talking about outdoors in the winter. It doesn't have to be indoors. There can be so much done under covered area." ## Waterfront Development Concerns Board discussion revealed ongoing attention to waterfront development, particularly around the Trackside area and broader shoreline access. Members expressed hope that future high-density development would preserve public spaces and maintain water access points. "Thoughtful parks development along the waterfront and lakes" emerged as a priority, with recognition that some waterfront areas involve coordination with the Port of Bellingham. One member specifically mentioned hoping to "preserve some sort of village green or some sort of Central Park space" in areas slated for redevelopment. Water quality concerns, particularly at Lake Padden, also drew attention as both an environmental and recreational issue. The board acknowledged this as something longtime member John Blethen had consistently advocated for, with current members wanting to continue that focus. ## Capital Project Updates Parks Director Rapin provided brief updates on several major capital projects, revealing a mix of progress and permitting challenges typical of complex municipal construction. The Arne Hanna Aquatic Center's Army Corps jurisdictional determination site visit was scheduled for the following Tuesday, representing a crucial step in determining whether the planned pool location would work within wetland restrictions. Boulevard Park's shoreline erosion control project faced "a pretty significant permitting snafu" from the Department of Ecology that might prevent completion during the current fish window, potentially delaying the work by a full year. However, Sunset Pond improvements were moving forward to bid, and the waterfront pier project had overcome materials delays. The Civic Athletic Complex boardwalk renovation was set to begin that week, representing steady progress on facility improvements throughout the system. ## Farewell to a Dedicated Advocate The meeting concluded with heartfelt appreciation for outgoing member Maggie Kaplan, whose passion for parks advocacy had shaped both the Greenways program and Parks Board over many years. "I can always zoom in. I was remembering this morning. I don't even know. I can't remember when you started with park boards. But this wasn't park board. This was Greenways," recalled Parks Director Rapin, noting Kaplan's involvement since the early days when meetings were held in small rooms on Meridian Street. Kaplan's final comments reflected both pride in the board's current state and confidence in its future direction. "I feel so good about leaving this Board in the State that it's in over years. There's been a lot of fluctuation and engagement and various things, and I feel like it's a really engaged board and a really confident board," she said, praising Rapin's leadership style as "continually empowering the board, setting clear boundaries, but yet empowering." ## Looking Ahead As the board wrapped up after extending well past their planned 9:00 AM conclusion, the year ahead promised intensive work updating the PROS Plan, navigating new appointment procedures, and addressing ongoing tensions around park usage. The Bloedel Donovan boat launch changes would move to City Council within days, while the PROS Plan workshops would dominate monthly meetings through April. The Cornwall Park cyclocross controversy remained unresolved, representing broader questions about balancing competing recreational demands in an increasingly popular park system. Meanwhile, exciting developments like the community college pickleball facility and continued property acquisitions suggested expanding opportunities alongside growing challenges. With new board members potentially joining mid-year and a comprehensive planning process underway, 2025 would test both the collaborative culture this board has developed and their ability to guide thoughtful growth of Bellingham's extensive parks and recreation system.

## MODULE S1: STUDY GUIDE **Meeting ID:** BEL-PRB-2025-01-08 ### Meeting Overview The Bellingham Parks and Recreation Advisory Board met on January 8, 2025, to conduct monthly business and begin major work on updating the Parks, Recreation, Open Space (PROS) Plan. This was also board member Maggie Frank's final meeting after years of service. ### Key Terms and Concepts **PROS Plan:** Parks, Recreation, Open Space Plan - a comprehensive planning document that sets goals, policies, and priorities for Bellingham's parks and recreation system over the next 6-10 years. Required by state law and updated periodically. **Aquatic Invasive Species (AIS):** Non-native species like quagga mussels that can damage aquatic ecosystems. The city conducts boat inspections at Lake Padden to prevent introduction of these species. **Cyclocross:** A form of bicycle racing that typically takes place in parks during fall/winter months, involving riders navigating obstacles and varied terrain. **Social Trails:** Informal trails created by repeated use by animals and people, distinct from officially designated and maintained trails. **Greenways Advisory Committee:** A separate city advisory board focused on trail systems and greenway corridors, working in parallel with the Parks Board on related issues. **Army Corps Jurisdictional Determination:** Federal review process to officially determine wetland boundaries and regulations for development projects. **Fish Window:** The limited time period when construction work near water bodies is allowed to minimize impacts on fish spawning and migration. **Park Stewards:** Volunteers who help maintain parks through activities like litter removal, invasive species control, and general upkeep. ### Key People at This Meeting | Name | Role / Affiliation | |---|---| | Nicole Oliver | Parks and Recreation Director | | Peter | Planning staff member | | Lane | Staff member | | Melissa | Recreation program staff | | Maggie Frank | Outgoing Parks Board member | | Steve Walker | Parks Board member (participating remotely) | | Scott | Parks Board member | | Sarah | Parks Board member | | Holly | Parks Board member (absent, on trip) | | Joel Donnell | Public commenter, Cornwall Park neighbor | | Stan Snapp | Former Parks Board member applying for return | | Bree | Staff member handling communications | ### Background Context The Parks Board is undertaking a major update to the city's PROS Plan, which hasn't been comprehensively revised in several years. This planning document will guide parks and recreation priorities through 2035 and must align with the city's broader comprehensive plan update. The process involves extensive public engagement, needs assessment, and coordination with other city planning efforts. Simultaneously, the board is dealing with ongoing tensions around event use of neighborhood parks, particularly Cornwall Park, where cyclocross events have generated both strong support and opposition from different community members. The board must balance recreational programming needs with park preservation concerns. The city is also implementing new policies for board appointments, moving toward more staff-driven selection processes while maintaining some board input. ### What Happened — The Short Version The meeting began with appreciation for outgoing member Maggie Frank's years of service. During public comment, Joel Donnell criticized cyclocross events at Cornwall Park for damaging trails and natural areas, while Stan Snapp announced his application to rejoin the board. Staff provided updates on the Lake Padden boat launch, where the city plans to install gates and charging systems to better control access and prevent invasive species introduction. Director Oliver explained new mayoral policies requiring board members to reapply for subsequent terms and having staff make appointment recommendations rather than boards conducting interviews. The bulk of the meeting focused on beginning PROS Plan update work. Staff presented the current plan's eight goals covering equity, park enhancement, health and wellness, nature integration, innovation, connectivity, operations, and needs assessment. Board members completed surveys about priorities and shared feedback on the city's parks system strengths and areas for improvement. ### What to Watch Next - February Parks Board meeting will include Planning Department presentation on comprehensive plan coordination - Army Corps site visit on January 14 for civic athletic complex wetlands determination - City Council consideration of Lake Padden boat launch access controls on January 13 - Staff recommendation for board vacancy filling at February meeting ---

## MODULE S2: FLASH CARDS **Meeting ID:** BEL-PRB-2025-01-08 **Q:** What is the PROS Plan? **A:** Parks, Recreation, Open Space Plan - a comprehensive planning document setting goals and priorities for Bellingham's parks system over 6-10 years, required by state law. **Q:** Who is leaving the Parks Board after this meeting? **A:** Maggie Frank, after many years of service including previous work with the Greenways Advisory Committee. **Q:** What new policy did the mayor implement regarding board appointments? **A:** Board members must reapply when their terms end (no automatic renewal) and staff will make appointment recommendations rather than boards conducting interviews. **Q:** What invasive species concern was discussed regarding Lake Padden? **A:** Quagga mussels, which are now in Washington's Snake River and getting closer each year, potentially threatening Lake Padden if introduced via boats. **Q:** What infrastructure changes are planned for Lake Padden boat launch? **A:** Gates to close the launch when inspectors aren't present, a payment kiosk for boat trailer parking fees, and inspection requirements for all boats during off-season. **Q:** What complaint did Joel Donnell raise about Cornwall Park? **A:** Cyclocross events are destroying social trails, creating mud swaths, damaging trees, and turning a neighborhood park into something it wasn't designed for. **Q:** How many goals are in the current PROS Plan? **A:** Eight goals covering equity/inclusion, park enhancement, health/wellness, nature integration, innovation, connectivity, operations, and needs assessment. **Q:** What major planning deadline does the Parks Board face? **A:** April 2025 to complete the parks chapter for the comprehensive plan, with Planning Commission review in May and City Council action in June. **Q:** Who applied to return to the Parks Board? **A:** Stan Snapp, who previously served when the first PROS Plan was written and later served six years on City Council. **Q:** What facility improvement is happening at the Sportsplex? **A:** Installation of netting to cover holes in ceiling insulation and catch falling debris, designed by city operations staff after consultants couldn't solve the problem. **Q:** When do current board members' terms expire? **A:** Steve Walker's term ends in May 2025; Scott, Sarah, and Holly have terms ending in August 2025. **Q:** What pickleball facility development was announced? **A:** A 12-court covered outdoor pickleball pavilion at Whatcom Community College, largely funded by a $2 million donation from Claude Blackbird. **Q:** What did board members identify as the city's greatest parks system strength? **A:** The quality, quantity, diversity, and accessibility of parks and recreational opportunities throughout the city. **Q:** What connectivity project remains a long-term priority? **A:** The Bay to Baker trail connection along Squalicum Creek, which Maggie Frank has advocated for since joining Greenways in 1990. **Q:** What weather-related recreational need did multiple board members identify? **A:** Covered outdoor recreation facilities and indoor recreation options for Bellingham's dark, wet winter months. **Q:** What water quality concerns were raised? **A:** Lake Padden water quality issues and the need to protect Bellingham Bay, which forms a dead zone each summer and receives inadequately treated wastewater. **Q:** What trail connectivity principle did board members emphasize? **A:** Completing trail loops and filling gaps to create continuous long-distance hiking and biking routes, which also helps wildlife movement through the city. **Q:** What change is happening with the Whatcom Sports and Recreation lease? **A:** Extension for four months while finalizing a four-year agreement, with the city taking responsibility for building envelope maintenance after investing $3.5 million. **Q:** What Army Corps review is scheduled? **A:** January 14 jurisdictional determination site visit for wetlands at the civic athletic complex to confirm the school field location is viable. **Q:** What survey tool did the Parks Board use to gather priorities? **A:** A survey allowing three choices per category to prioritize various aspects of parks and recreation planning, also given to Parks Department staff. ---