Parks and Recreation Advisory Board

The Parks and Recreation Advisory Board received comprehensive updates on the Parks, Recreation, and Open Space (PROS) Plan development, the Carl Cozier Elementary School site planning process, and several major park projects. The meeting centered around data-driven analysis of park usage patterns and inventory assessments that will guide future park development priorities. Staff presented extensive usage data from Placer AI showing Lake Patton Park as the city's most-visited facility with 838,000 visits in 2024, significantly outpacing other locations. Public comments highlighted ongoing concerns about environmental impacts at Cornwall Park from cyclocross activities, with resident Joel Vannell requesting a moratorium on bicycle use within the park. He argued that despite 750 survey respondents prioritizing forested parks, the city continues to focus on cyclocross development that creates erosion and habitat destruction. The board received updates on budget challenges requiring 3% cuts across city departments, leading to strategic decisions including reducing park irrigation by 25% and allowing some turf areas to go dormant during summer months. Staff reported that two long-term employees, Steve Nordine and Lori Jacobson, will retire on June 6th, prompting reorganization of the grounds management structure. The Carl Cozier Elementary School site planning reached final layout phases, with the Ed Specs Committee narrowing down to preferred building configurations on the 5-acre site. The project remains in deal-making negotiations with no final site boundary or appraisal completed, though staff expects administrative rezoning approval by year-end concurrent with the comprehensive plan adoption.

- **Motion to request fee increase proposal for Lake Patton Golf Course:** Board unanimously approved requesting staff bring back a proposal to increase the current $4 surcharge to $5-6 per round to fund irrigation system replacement. The current fee has raised $180,000 over 18 months toward the estimated $3-3.5 million irrigation system replacement. - **Budget reduction measures approved:** Staff implemented 3% general fund cuts including moving 3 positions (2 maintenance aides, 1 park worker) from General Fund to Greenways funding, and reducing park irrigation usage by 25% citywide. - **Grounds management restructuring:** Steve Nordine's position will be divided into 3 field supervisor roles (tree crew, trail crew, grounds crew) rather than refilling the program manager position overseeing 31 direct reports.

**Joel Vannell, on cyclocross environmental impacts:** "Cyclocross is the only activity in this county in the city that is designed to destroy nature. We've got pickleball, we've got disc golf. We've got tennis. But Cyclocross is something that is designed to destroy the understory of the environment which affects the trees affects the fauna." **Joel Vannell, on survey priorities:** "I don't see it on the development priorities. I do see Cyclocross which got 141 boxes is one. I see you smiling because it's it's this to me, is really bizarre. It is a top development priority." **Holly, on civic athletic complex usage:** "I think that, my big Aha! Was just how many people use civic. That was like we did some analysis earlier when we were working on the civic master plan. But just the sheer volume of people going in and out of there was really because it has this perception of Oh, you know, there's just so much empty parking, all of. But it's like so busy because it's being used all the time." **Staff member, on irrigation reduction strategy:** "We're going to focus on ball fields, you know, keeping those in in really good shape. But some of those other open areas we're going to let them go dormant." **Board member, on golf course irrigation:** "if we do shore up some of the waste of water and irrigation that might improve lake patton water quality. And so we're just kind of looking at this thing down the road that there's only so many years. They can kinda kick the can down the road." **Holly, on growth projections:** "We know that the county is gonna grow. Between 57,000 86,000 people by 2045 ofm numbers and then where we what we plan for is somewhere in between right now. The proposal for Bellingham is that we would take 30,000 roughly of those people."

## Meeting Overview The Bellingham Parks and Recreation Advisory Board convened on the morning of May 14, 2025, for what would prove to be a data-rich meeting focused on the ongoing Parks, Recreation, and Open Space (PROS) Plan development. The meeting began with a land acknowledgment recognizing the traditional homelands of the Lummi, Nooksack, and other Coast Salish peoples. Board members were present to hear public comments, receive detailed inventory data from the PROS Plan process, and discuss various operational updates including budget challenges and facility planning. The session was notable for its emphasis on data-driven decision making and community input as the city prepares for significant population growth over the next two decades. ## Public Concerns About Cornwall Park and Cyclocross The meeting's most passionate moments came during public comment when Joel Vannell, a Cornwall Park neighbor, delivered an impassioned plea for protection of the park's natural environment. Vannell expressed deep concern about what he characterized as environmental destruction caused by cyclocross activities, saying, "ever since Cyclocross has been introduced, I've noticed more and more destruction. There's these social trails that started out as one to 3 feet wide. Now they're 8 to 12 feet wide." Vannell highlighted a striking discrepancy between community priorities expressed in surveys versus development priorities in the PROS Plan. "The number one response was forested parks. 750 people out of 1,500 people responded. That was the number one thing. I don't see it on the development priorities. I do see Cyclocross, which got 141 boxes," he said. He described observing erosion, destruction of understory vegetation, and impacts on wildlife, noting that a photographer who visits annually to photograph great horned owls "couldn't find any this year." The speaker called for a moratorium on bicycle use within Cornwall Park, arguing that "Cyclocross is the only activity in this county in the city that is designed to destroy nature." He concluded by questioning the board's stewardship responsibilities and asking them to uphold their duty to protect the environment. ## Community Garden Easement Issues Another community member raised concerns about the Happy Valley Community Garden, where a property line issue has created uncertainty about long-term access. The speaker explained that an easement issue involves approximately 40 feet of the garden property, including the access road for Conley Creek nature area and garden parking. Despite previous city efforts to purchase the easement from neighboring property owner Steven McIver, negotiations stalled when "the sentiments of the family that we were buying the easement from have shifted." Staff acknowledged the situation, explaining they had gotten "super close" to a deal but that the property owners are no longer interested in selling, though they remain supportive of continued garden use for now. ## Walk and Roll Bellingham Introduction Sonia Max introduced Walk and Roll Bellingham, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit advocating for "safe and welcoming streets for everyone whether or not they can drive a car." The organization promotes various transportation alternatives through slow roll bike events, walking tours, guest speakers, and advocacy for infrastructure improvements like protected bike lanes, safer crossings, and traffic calming measures. Max noted the organization's overlap with parks and recreation goals, explaining that active transportation serves as both recreation and stress reduction while supporting climate and safety objectives. ## PROS Plan Data Deep Dive The meeting's centerpiece was Parks and Recreation Director's comprehensive presentation of inventory data from the ongoing PROS Plan development. The presentation emphasized the plan's importance in preparing for projected growth of 30,000 new residents and 18,000 housing units by 2045, representing roughly a 30% population increase from the current 95,000 residents. ### Usage Data Reveals Patterns Staff presented compelling usage data from Placer AI, a foot traffic analytics system that tracks park visits through mobile phone data. The data revealed dramatic usage differences between facility types and locations. Community parks saw significantly higher usage than neighborhood parks, with Lake Padden leading at 838,000 visits in 2024, followed by Boulevard Park and Whatcom Falls. Among neighborhood parks, Elizabeth Park topped the list with 40,000 visits, while Highland Heights Park recorded only 2,000 visits. The data also showed interesting temporal patterns, with most parks peaking between 11 AM and 6 PM, while the Civic Athletic Complex with its indoor facilities showed increased usage starting at 5 PM due to hockey and other evening programs. The Civic Athletic Complex emerged as a usage champion with over 1 million annual visits, making it one of the most heavily used facilities in the system. ### Infrastructure Inventory Results The comprehensive inventory revealed the scope of the city's recreation infrastructure: 26 developed neighborhood park sites, 10 community parks covering about 1,000 acres, 16 special use sites totaling 384 acres, and 75 open space sites encompassing almost 1,500 acres. Since 2020, the city has added three neighborhood parks and 16 open space properties representing about 300 acres. The system includes 42 playgrounds (10 added since 2020), 85 miles of trails (up 5 miles since the last inventory), and various specialized facilities. Staff noted surprisingly low numbers for tennis and pickleball courts, with only 8 city-operated facilities, though this count represents facilities rather than individual courts. ### Water Access and Quality Concerns The inventory identified multiple water access points including saltwater beaches, freshwater beaches, spray parks, and boat launches. However, board discussion highlighted ongoing water quality challenges, particularly regarding stormwater runoff impacts on swimming safety. One board member noted the important work of volunteer water quality testing groups, though staff clarified the difference between water quality standards for human health versus shellfish harvesting. ### Trail Networks and Distribution The 85-mile trail system includes 63 miles of multiuse trails meeting the city's six-foot width standard. Eight trail networks allow off-leash dog walking beyond the formal dog parks. Trail distribution varies significantly across the city, with South Bay leading at 25 miles, Whatcom area at 22 miles, Samish at 15 miles, Central at 14 miles, and North at 14 miles. Additionally, Galbraith Mountain provides approximately 70 miles of trails under recreational easement managed by the Whatcom Mountain Bike Coalition. ## Carl Cozier Elementary School Site Planning Staff provided an extensive update on the collaborative planning process for the new Carl Cozier Elementary School, which involves a potential land exchange that could return the current Carl Cozier site to city control for development as a community center and aquatic facility. The school district's educational specifications committee has been meeting regularly to design the new facility on the Fraser-Puget corner site. The design process revealed the complexity of elementary school planning, with staff describing it as "like Tetris" as designers worked to fit core components including classrooms, cafeteria, gym, library, and parking within site constraints while considering factors like topography, sun exposure, and proximity to industrial uses. The process involved extensive community input from parents, teachers, and other stakeholders. Two primary design schemes emerged as favorites: a linear building configuration oriented south to maximize natural light while providing protection from nearby industrial uses, and an L-shaped configuration that balanced street presence with playground protection. All designs maintained existing trail access as a key requirement. The timeline remains ambitious but uncertain, with administrative rezoning required through the comprehensive plan update process expected by year's end. If successful, the old Carl Cozier site could become available for city use by 2029 or 2030. ## Budget Pressures and Operational Changes Director staff outlined significant budget challenges, including citywide requirements for additional 3% budget cuts. The department's response includes moving three positions from General Fund to Greenways funding, reviewing all vacant positions for potential elimination or freezing, and implementing a 25% reduction in park irrigation usage. The water conservation initiative focuses on maintaining athletic fields in good condition while allowing other open areas to go dormant during summer months. Staff noted that Boulevard Park North already demonstrated this approach successfully last summer with no public complaints. The department also decided against reducing spray park usage, recognizing their importance for community cooling during increasingly hot summers. Significant personnel changes are ahead with the June retirement of grounds manager Steve Nordine and another long-time employee. Nordine currently supervises 31 direct reports, a span recognized as problematic. His position will be restructured into three field supervisor roles overseeing tree crew, trail crew, and grounds crew respectively, while his program manager responsibilities will not be refilled. ## Revenue Enhancement Efforts The department is pursuing various revenue enhancement strategies, including increased facility rental fees that have proven successful. Woodstock Farm rental rates increased to $4,000 with no decrease in bookings. A comprehensive cost recovery model is being developed for council consideration in June, based on a "beneficiary of service" framework that scales cost recovery expectations from universal access services (like basic park use) to specialized elite services. ## Infrastructure Projects and Improvements ### South Bay Trail Reconstruction A major 18-month South Bay Trail reconstruction project will begin soon in connection with the Fairhaven waterfront development. The trail will be relocated and upgraded, with the developer providing approximately $1 million in improvements including a new park area with concrete terracing, steps, and an overlook with better bay views. The project will create an official trail connection from 10th Street through the development area. During construction, an ADA-accessible detour will be created by Public Works, funded through Park Impact Fee credits since the work supports the private development. ### Lee Memorial Park Security Improvements The department is implementing Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) principles at Lee Memorial Park to address ongoing security issues. Work includes cutting back overgrown shrubbery that creates hiding places and adding lighting. A new rock scramble feature for children will be installed where a fountain was removed in 2018. ### Wharf Street Trail Connection A significant multimodal trail project will connect Salish Landing Park to the South Bay Trail via a new protected pathway along Wharf Street. This cooperative project with Public Works leverages the railroad quiet zone improvements to create a crucial missing link in the waterfront trail system. The project carries a substantial price tag of approximately $3.3 million, with about $1 million requested from Greenways funding. ## Lake Padden Golf Committee Report Board liaison reported on the golf committee's discussion of major infrastructure needs, particularly a failing irrigation system requiring $3-3.5 million replacement within the next two years. The committee has successfully raised $180,000 through a $4 per round surcharge and is considering increasing that fee to $5-6 to build reserves for the major capital expense. The golf course operates as an enterprise fund and remains one of the region's most affordable public courses despite fee increases. The irrigation system replacement is critical not only for golf course operations but also potentially for Lake Padden water quality improvement through reduced water waste. ## Closing and What's Ahead The meeting concluded with approval of a motion directing staff to bring back a fee increase proposal for the Lake Padden Golf Course at the next meeting. The board was reminded about an upcoming public meeting on May 19th at Carl Cozier Elementary regarding the school site planning process. The comprehensive data presentation and multiple project updates reflected a department managing growth pressures, infrastructure needs, and budget constraints while maintaining focus on community service and environmental stewardship. The detailed usage data and inventory information will inform critical decisions about facility priorities and service delivery as Bellingham prepares for significant population growth in the coming decades.

## MODULE S1: STUDY GUIDE **Meeting ID:** BEL-PRB-2025-05-14 ### Meeting Overview The Parks and Recreation Advisory Board met on May 14, 2025, to review comprehensive data from the Parks Recreation Open Space (PROS) plan inventory and assessment. The meeting focused heavily on park usage statistics, facility conditions, and planning for future growth to accommodate 30,000 new residents by 2045. ### Key Terms and Concepts **PROS Plan:** Parks Recreation Open Space Plan - a comprehensive planning document that inventories existing parks, assesses community needs, and guides future park development and improvements. **Placer AI Data:** Foot traffic data collected from mobile phone apps that tracks how many people visit parks and when, providing usage patterns and trends over time. **Level of Service:** Standards used to measure how well the park system serves the community, such as having a neighborhood park within a 10-minute walk of every resident. **Community Parks vs. Neighborhood Parks:** Community parks are larger regional destinations (like Whatcom Falls Park) accessible by a 5-minute car ride, while neighborhood parks are smaller, close-to-home recreation options within a 10-minute walk. **Urban Growth Area (UGA):** The boundary defining where urban development can occur, which may expand through the comprehensive planning process to accommodate projected population growth. **Carl Cozier Elementary Site:** A proposed new elementary school location that involves a complex land exchange between the school district and city, potentially providing additional recreation facilities. **General Fund vs. Greenways Fund:** The city's general operating budget versus dedicated funding from a voter-approved levy specifically for park improvements and acquisitions. **Cost Recovery Model:** A framework for determining what percentage of program costs should be covered by user fees versus tax dollars, based on who benefits from different types of services. ### Key People at This Meeting | Name | Role / Affiliation | |---|---| | Room Monitor/Holly | Parks Department Staff (primary presenter) | | Peter | Parks Department Staff | | Gina Austin | Parks Department Staff | | Joel Vannell | Public Commenter (Cornwall Park neighbor) | | Sonia Max | Walk and Roll Bellingham Board Member | | Community Garden Representative | New Garden/Happy Valley resident | | Jed | Board Member | | Karen | Board Member | ### Background Context Bellingham is planning for significant population growth - 30,000 new residents and 18,000 new housing units by 2045. This growth requires strategic planning to ensure adequate park and recreation services. The PROS plan inventory revealed that the city's 10 community parks receive far more usage than 20+ neighborhood parks combined, with Lake Padden alone seeing 838,000 visits in 2024. The city is also facing budget constraints, requiring 3% cuts and creative solutions like reducing irrigation by 25% to maintain services. Meanwhile, major capital projects are underway, including the new South Bay Trail route and potential civic center improvements linked to the Carl Cozier school development. ### What Happened — The Short Version The meeting began with public comments raising concerns about cyclocross damage at Cornwall Park and ongoing issues with community garden property boundaries. Staff then presented comprehensive data from the PROS plan inventory, showing detailed usage statistics for all city parks and facilities. Lake Padden emerged as the most heavily used facility with over 838,000 annual visits. The presentation covered everything from playground counts to trail miles, revealing the city has 85 miles of trails and 46 playgrounds. Staff also updated the board on major projects including the Carl Cozier elementary school land exchange, which could provide new recreation facilities, and upcoming construction that will close the South Bay Trail for 18 months. The meeting concluded with budget discussions about 3% cuts requiring irrigation reductions and a Lake Padden Golf Committee report recommending fee increases to fund a $3.5 million irrigation system replacement. ### What to Watch Next - June Parks Board meeting will include recreation cost recovery model presentation and Civic Center master plan updates - Carl Cozier Elementary public meeting on May 19th at 5:30-6:30 PM to review site plans - Parks chapter of the Bellingham Comprehensive Plan public comment period closes May 22nd - South Bay Trail closure expected to begin within 1-2 months for 18-month construction period ---

## MODULE S2: FLASH CARDS **Meeting ID:** BEL-PRB-2025-05-14 **Q:** How many people visited Lake Padden Park in 2024 according to Placer data? **A:** 838,000 visits, making it the most heavily used park facility in the city system. **Q:** What is the projected population growth for Bellingham by 2045? **A:** Approximately 30,000 new residents, requiring 18,000 new housing units and planning for 19,000 jobs. **Q:** How many total miles of trails does Bellingham's park system include? **A:** 85 miles of trails, with 63 miles meeting multi-use standards (at least 6 feet wide with cleared sides). **Q:** What budget cuts is the Parks Department implementing? **A:** 3% cuts including reducing park irrigation by 25%, moving 3 positions from General Fund to Greenways funding, and freezing some vacant positions. **Q:** How many community parks vs neighborhood parks does Bellingham have? **A:** 10 community parks covering about 1,000 acres, and 26 developed neighborhood park sites. **Q:** What is the most expensive upcoming golf course maintenance need? **A:** Replacing the irrigation system at Lake Padden Golf Course, estimated at $3-3.5 million, as the current system is beyond its useful life. **Q:** How long will the South Bay Trail be closed for construction? **A:** Approximately 18 months while the trail is relocated due to new development at the former gravel pit site. **Q:** What is the current additional fee on Lake Padden golf rounds? **A:** $4 per round, which has raised $180,000 over the past year and a half for irrigation system replacement. **Q:** How many playgrounds does the city maintain? **A:** 46 playgrounds, with 10 new ones added since 2020, representing significant ongoing maintenance costs. **Q:** What is the civic athletic complex annual usage? **A:** About 1 million users in the last 12 months, making it one of the highest-use facilities after Lake Padden. **Q:** How many acres of open space does the city maintain? **A:** Almost 1,500 acres across 75 sites, with 16 properties (300 acres) added since 2020. **Q:** What is Walk and Roll Bellingham's mission? **A:** Advocating for safe and welcoming streets for everyone to walk, bike, take the bus, or use other non-car transportation to reach work, school, parks, and other destinations. **Q:** When do Steve Nordine and Lori Jacobson retire? **A:** June 6th - both are long-time Parks Department employees, with Nordine serving as grounds manager supervising 31 direct reports. **Q:** What public comment period is currently open? **A:** The parks chapter of the Bellingham Comprehensive Plan, open for comments until May 22nd before going to Planning Commission on May 29th. **Q:** What is the Carl Cozier Elementary timeline? **A:** The project is at the "deal making stage" for the land exchange, with potential opening by 2029-2030 if approved. ---