City of Bellingham Parks and Recreation Advisory Board

# Real Briefings — Full Meeting Narrative ## Meeting Overview The Bellingham Parks and Recreation Advisory Board convened on April 9, 2025, at their regular monthly meeting, with chair Steve Walker participating remotely from Vashon Island. The Board addressed several significant items including finalizing the location for new public art at Storybrook Park, reviewing the Greenways program's annual financial report, and evaluating draft goals and policies for the parks chapter of the city's comprehensive plan. The meeting also featured public comment highlighting concerns about dog impacts on salmon habitat and praise for the expanding volunteer stewardship program. Board members present included Holly, Scott, Asa Deane, Taylor Webb, and others, with staff support from Lane and Peter from Parks and Recreation, along with Jonathan from planning and Taylor Webb from Community Development. The meeting reflected the ongoing tension between expanding public access to natural areas while protecting sensitive ecological resources. ## Storybrook Park Art Installation Location Decision The meeting began with a decision that had been deferred from the previous month regarding the placement of a new art installation at Storybrook Park. Jonathan had previously presented two potential locations — Site A and Site B — and encouraged board members to visit the park to evaluate them in person. The discussion revealed significant concerns about Site A's proximity to residential properties. As Holly noted, "Site A was a lot closer to 2 homes than I had originally realized. It felt like I was kind of almost in their backyard, especially since one of them just had like a net for fencing around their backyard overlooking their garden." Asa Deane echoed this sentiment: "Site A feels like you're right in someone's backyard, and B feels a little more like it's in the park, and kind of a part of that space as opposed to being in someone's backyard." Jonathan acknowledged the trade-offs, explaining that Location A offered a more intimate, room-like setting where visitors would "stumble upon" the artwork, creating what he called a "more intimate interaction with the art." However, he conceded that Location B was "almost as good" and that the artists had agreed both locations would be suitable. The discussion also touched on practical considerations. Jonathan noted that Location A was intended to be part of the food forest area anyway, and "during the summer there's going to be pronounced shading there," making it less suitable for fruit tree cultivation but potentially appropriate for art installation. After extensive discussion, Holly made a motion to select Site B, which Scott seconded. The motion passed with six votes in favor. Chair Walker thanked Jonathan and Taylor for their collaboration, expressing hope that "the artists can live with this decision and we'll all go out there and get to enjoy it." ## Greenways Annual Financial Report Lane presented the comprehensive annual report for the Greenways levy program, detailing the first full year of implementation for Levy 5, the ten-year funding mechanism approved by voters. The presentation covered four main spending categories: acquisition (35%), development (20%), maintenance (20%), and the new climate resiliency category (15%), plus a flexible 10% allocation. ### Major Acquisitions and Accomplishments The program achieved significant milestones in 2024, acquiring 127 new acres of open space and parkland through four property transactions. The Telegraph Road purchase was particularly noteworthy as a "really key link that connects the Iron Gate neighborhood and King Mountain neighborhood" where no rights-of-way previously existed. The completion of the Squalicum concrete corridor acquisition from the Department of Natural Resources represented years of work to create a "contiguous, protected corridor of Squalicum Creek." Additionally, the Robinson family donated valuable properties adjacent to Conley Creek nature area and near Arroyo Park. ### Development Projects and Infrastructure Development spending focused heavily on trail connectivity and park improvements. The Little Squalicum pier project received $345,000 in design funding, with construction costs hitting the 2025 budget. The 100 Acre Wood Phase One improvements restored "major hydrologic connections with boardwalks and bridges." Trail development connected Cordata Park to Meridian via Stewart Road, completed the Sunset Pond Loop Trail, and opened new trailheads at Bear Creek open space. Lane noted that these projects serve the broader goal of creating "that primary North-South connector as an alternative for James Street." ### Stewardship and Climate Resiliency The new climate resiliency category funded the entire stewardship program, which achieved remarkable community engagement. Brian Armstrong, a park steward at Squalicum Creek Park, provided public comment praising the program but highlighting capacity constraints: "We filled the truck with invasive species, and it was overloaded and we couldn't dig out anymore... volunteers were cut to just 60, and there was definitely more desire for more people to come." The stewardship program covered 14.3 acres of work sites and engaged hundreds of volunteer hours. As Lane reported, the program focuses on "invasive species removal, planting of native plants, connecting future generations of park stewards to the land." ### Budget Analysis and Forward Planning The program maintained careful adherence to the voter-approved spending percentages. Lane emphasized how the Greenways Advisory Committee's subcommittee recommendations guided spending decisions, including trails that encourage "mode shift," canopy cover improvements, and equitable access priorities. Looking ahead to 2025, major expenses will include approximately $4.5 million for Sunset Pond loop trail construction and substantial costs for the North 100 Acre Wood bridges and boardwalks. The reserve balance of $16 million at the end of 2024 provides cushion for these projects, though Lane cautioned that large trail development projects would "start to draw down that balance really quickly." Chair Walker commended staff for honoring the voter-approved percentages: "We spent a lot of time, hours and hours trying to come up with those percentages and frankly having some intense arguments about them. And so it's just wonderful to see that you are honoring those." ## Parks and Recreation Goals and Policies Review Peter presented draft goals and policies for the parks and recreation chapter of the comprehensive plan update, consolidating eight goals down to seven and reducing the total number of policies by approximately ten to eliminate redundancy. ### Seven Core Goals Framework The revised framework organized around seven principle areas: 1. **Equity**: "Provide high quality facilities and services that are accessible, inclusive, and distributed equitably across Bellingham" 2. **Design**: "Create environments to support wellness and a sense of safety, connect people and nature, and provide a sense of place" 3. **Preservation**: "Preserve Greenways and enhance climate resiliency within the park system" 4. **Play**: "Develop innovative and diverse programs, services and strategies for improving recreational opportunities" 5. **Connection**: "Interconnect the city's parks and open spaces with trails, Greenways and multimodal street facilities" 6. **System Resiliency**: "Operate and maintain parks, trails, and facilities effectively and sustainably" 7. **Partnerships**: "Cultivate strong partnerships and public engagement" ### Key Policy Discussions Several policies generated substantial discussion. The level of service standard establishing that "all residents live within one half mile safe route of a developed park and trail" prompted questions about the definition of "developed park." Peter clarified that this meant parks and trails maintained by the city and marked green on the City IQ system. Holly raised concerns about trail safety signage, leading to amendments adding "safe use" language to wayfinding policies. As she noted, "I really dislike enforcement" as an approach, advocating instead for education and encouragement to promote safe trail sharing. The board also discussed carbon sequestration language, with Holly pointing out confusing wording that Peter agreed to clarify. Steve Walker's attention to detail emerged in his observation about inconsistent punctuation, noting "half the goals and policies have periods at the end of them, and the other half don't." ### Implementation and Next Steps Peter explained that these policies would integrate with other comprehensive plan chapters covering climate, community design, and transportation. The document would go to public comment on April 24th and to Planning Commission in May. The board voted unanimously to recommend approval of the goals and policies with the discussed amendments, understanding this represented an iterative process rather than a final document. ## Public Comment Highlights ### Salmon Habitat Protection Concerns Janet Higbee-Robinson from the Stream Team raised urgent concerns about dog impacts on salmon habitat at the Little Squalicum estuary restoration area. She reported observing salmon fry from May through December 2024 near the outfall area, but noted that off-leash dogs were "disturbing the mud in the area and making it very not clear for the little fishies." Janet described watching "a woman throwing a ball down that little trail, actually encouraging 3 small dogs to go down into the area and retrieve a ball out of the water there." She emphasized that "the public doesn't realize that dogs and fish are not compatible in streams." Chair Walker acknowledged the inherent conflict: "The conflict is inherent in the addition of this new estuary into a park which is designated as an off-leash park. So we need to get some form of mitigation there that doesn't undermine the effort of the estuary to support forage fish." Staff committed to working with RE Sources and exploring solutions including extended fencing or additional signage, with Walker noting "we've kind of built this problem, and now we need to come up with a solution." ### Volunteer Program Capacity Praise and Concerns Brian Armstrong provided detailed feedback on the stewardship program, praising staff members Ryan and Freya while highlighting capacity limitations. He noted that work parties frequently reach capacity: "At this weekend's community party at the Samish crush trail, it's currently 0 spots are remaining." Armstrong emphasized the program's effectiveness: "The amount of work that gets done at those work parties is just tremendous. The transformation of the areas that we've done over the last month has been just amazing." However, he advocated for increased funding to expand capacity, noting that many community members are turned away from full work parties. He also suggested improved outreach through signage at work sites and QR codes linking to volunteer opportunities, observing that "a lot of people don't know about these work parties" despite community interest. ## Interlocal Agreement Modification Amy presented a modification to the interlocal agreement with the Port of Bellingham to enable acquisition of property for formalizing the do-it-yourself skate park under the Roeder Avenue bridge. The modification would add this property to the waterfront park requirements and establish a process for the city to acquire it through Port Impact Fee credits. Amy explained that this represents "the methodology that we would be able to use to acquire the property" rather than a commitment, noting "it's totally up to the city when, if, how, it takes on this obligation." The project has mayoral support as one of her top three legislative priorities. Environmental considerations were addressed, with Amy noting that the property falls within the GP West cleanup site but includes protections requiring a development-ready certificate from the Department of Ecology before any transfer, plus port indemnification for historic contamination issues. The board voted unanimously to recommend approval, enabling the framework for potential future acquisition while maintaining city flexibility on whether to proceed with the actual skate park development. ## Consent and Administrative Items The board approved March meeting minutes without amendment and heard brief announcements including the official ribbon cutting for the Little Squalicum pier scheduled for April 26th at 3:00 PM. Director Nicole encouraged board members to visit the pier, noting that "people are so happy who are out there. It's like a great place to go to improve your mood." The meeting also included a brief executive session for property acquisition discussions, resulting in authorization to proceed with due diligence on one potential acquisition while receiving information on another property opportunity. ## Closing Observations The meeting exemplified the complex balancing act facing parks and recreation governance: expanding public access while protecting natural resources, managing growing volunteer enthusiasm within budget constraints, and planning long-term facility needs while maintaining existing infrastructure. The board's detailed attention to policy language and commitment to public process reflected the significance of comprehensive plan updates that will guide decisions for years to come. As the meeting adjourned, the sense emerged of a parks system in transition — celebrating new infrastructure like the pier while grappling with unintended consequences like habitat disturbance, expanding successful programs like stewardship while confronting capacity limits, and planning ambitious projects like skate parks while ensuring environmental protections remain paramount.

## MODULE S1: STUDY GUIDE **Meeting ID:** BEL-PRB-2025-04-09 ### Meeting Overview The Bellingham Parks and Recreation Advisory Board met on April 9, 2025, with Chair Steve Walker presiding remotely from Vashon Island. The meeting focused on art installation site selection, budget presentations, comprehensive planning policy review, and waterfront development agreements. ### Key Terms and Concepts **Greenways Advisory Committee:** A citizen committee that meets monthly to provide recommendations on spending the voter-approved Greenways levy funds. They evaluate property purchases and make funding recommendations across four spending categories: acquisition, development, maintenance, and climate resiliency. **Park Impact Fees:** Development fees paid by new residential construction to fund expanded park facilities serving new residents. These fees must be spent within 10 years and cannot be used for maintenance or operations. **Interlocal Agreement (ILA):** A legal agreement between government entities (in this case, the City of Bellingham and Port of Bellingham) that outlines how they will work together on shared projects and responsibilities. **Little Squalicum Pier:** A new boardwalk and pier structure that recently opened to the public, extending into Bellingham Bay from Boulevard Park near the former pulp mill site. **Due Diligence:** The process of thoroughly investigating a property before purchase, including environmental assessments, surveys, and title research to identify any potential issues or costs. **Climate Resiliency Spending:** A new category in the Greenways levy focused on projects that help parks adapt to climate change and reduce emissions, including habitat restoration and alternative transportation infrastructure. **PIF Credit:** Park Impact Fee credits given to developers in lieu of cash payments, typically when they build or dedicate park facilities as part of their development project. **Development Ready Certificate:** Documentation from the Department of Ecology confirming that a contaminated site has been cleaned up sufficiently for its intended use. ### Key People at This Meeting | Name | Role / Affiliation | |---|---| | Steve Walker | Parks and Recreation Advisory Board Chair | | Holly | Board Member | | Scott | Board Member | | Asa Deane | Board Member | | Nicole | Parks and Recreation Staff | | Lane | Parks and Recreation Staff | | Peter | Parks and Recreation Staff | | Jonathan | Parks Staff (Art Installation) | | Amy | City Staff (Legal/Agreements) | | Taylor Webb | Planning and Community Development Staff | | Janet Higbee-Robinson | Stream Team Volunteer | | Brian Armstrong | Park Steward at Squalicum Creek Park | | Jed Holmes | Board Member | ### Background Context The Parks and Recreation Advisory Board serves as a citizen advisory body to help guide the city's parks department. This meeting took place during a period of significant park development activity, funded by the new Greenways Levy 5 - a 10-year property tax approved by voters to fund park acquisition, development, maintenance, and climate resiliency projects. The board was dealing with several ongoing initiatives: implementing public art in neighborhood parks, managing the new Little Squalicum Pier opening, updating the comprehensive plan's parks policies, and navigating complex agreements for waterfront development including a potential skate park. The city has been actively acquiring new parkland and developing trails while managing increasing volunteer participation in park stewardship programs. ### What Happened — The Short Version The board approved Location B for a new art installation at Storybrook Park after debate about site visibility and proximity to neighboring homes. Staff presented the annual Greenways budget report showing $9.3 million in revenue and major acquisitions including 127 acres of new parkland. The board recommended approval of updated goals and policies for the parks chapter of the city's comprehensive plan. Finally, they approved moving forward with due diligence on a potential property acquisition and supported a modified agreement with the Port of Bellingham that could enable development of a permanent skate park on the waterfront. ### What to Watch Next • Public comment period on the parks comprehensive plan policies begins April 24 • Storybrook Park Phase 1 construction starts in approximately two weeks • Little Squalicum Pier ribbon cutting ceremony scheduled for April 26 at 3 PM • Staff will work on solutions for dog/fish habitat conflicts at Little Squalicum restoration area ---

## MODULE S2: FLASH CARDS **Meeting ID:** BEL-PRB-2025-04-09 **Q:** Where was the art installation approved for placement at Storybrook Park? **A:** Location B, which is further from neighboring houses and more central to the park than the originally preferred Location A. **Q:** How much revenue did the Greenways levy generate in 2024? **A:** $9.3 million from tax revenue, which was the first year of the new 10-year Greenways Levy 5. **Q:** What are the four spending categories for Greenways levy funds? **A:** Acquisition (35%), development (20%), maintenance (20%), and climate resiliency (15%), with 10% flexible funding. **Q:** How many acres of new parkland did the city acquire in 2024? **A:** 127 acres through four property purchases, including Telegraph Road connection and Squalicum Creek corridor parcels. **Q:** What is the service standard proposed for park access in the comprehensive plan? **A:** All residents should live within one half mile safe route of a developed park and trail. **Q:** Who complained about dogs disturbing fish habitat? **A:** Janet Higbee-Robinson from Stream Team, who monitors water quality at Little Squalicum Creek near the pier. **Q:** What percentage of the Parks Department budget comes from Greenways funding? **A:** About 46% of the $44.8 million Parks and Recreation Department budget. **Q:** How much is budgeted for Sunset Pond loop trail construction? **A:** Approximately $4.5 million for construction, which will significantly draw down development reserves. **Q:** What is required before the city can acquire waterfront property from the Port? **A:** A Development Ready Certificate from the Department of Ecology confirming environmental cleanup is complete. **Q:** How many volunteer work hours did the park stewardship program generate? **A:** The volunteers covered 14.3 acres of work sites, though specific hour totals weren't provided in the presentation. **Q:** What was Brian Armstrong's main concern about volunteer work parties? **A:** Limited capacity - work parties are filling up quickly and had to end early when trucks were full, suggesting need for more resources. **Q:** When does the Little Squalicum Pier ribbon cutting ceremony occur? **A:** Saturday, April 26 at 3 PM, with the pier already open for public use. **Q:** What are Park Impact Fees used for? **A:** Funding new and expanded park facilities to serve new residential development, with fees that must be spent within 10 years. **Q:** How many goals are proposed for the parks comprehensive plan chapter? **A:** Seven goals covering equity, design, preservation, play, connection, system resiliency, and partnerships. **Q:** What is the estimated cost for the proposed waterfront skate park? **A:** Approximately $3 million, though final design is still being developed with professional consultants. **Q:** Which neighborhoods generated the most Park Impact Fee revenue in 2024? **A:** Seahome neighborhood had the largest amount due to high-density housing development along Samish Way. **Q:** What new community garden opened in 2024? **A:** King Mountain Community Garden at Van Wyck Park, managed through the stewardship program. **Q:** How much money does the city have in Greenways reserves? **A:** $16 million at the end of 2024, though this will decrease significantly with upcoming major construction projects. **Q:** What safety concern was raised about trail use? **A:** Need for better education about trail sharing between recreational users and commuters, with emphasis on speed limits and courtesy. **Q:** What environmental issue affects the proposed skate park location? **A:** The area was part of the GP West cleanup site, requiring environmental certification before property transfer can occur. ---