# Parks and Recreation Advisory Board Welcomes New Leadership The Bellingham Parks and Recreation Advisory Board convened on October 8th, 2025, for what would prove to be a meeting of transitions and substantial planning updates. With chair Brian having recently departed for a new life in the Netherlands, vice chair Steve Walker took the helm, though technical difficulties would soon prompt an unexpected leadership change that would define the morning's proceedings. ## Meeting Overview The meeting, held both in-person and virtually, brought together board members to discuss the continuing development of the Parks, Recreation, and Open Space (PROS) plan, receive updates on major capital projects, and review three new trail proposals. What began as a routine gathering quickly became notable for its democratic process of selecting new leadership and the comprehensive scope of project updates presented by city staff. Steve Walker opened the meeting acknowledging his internet connectivity issues, a challenge that would persist throughout the early portion of the session. The board proceeded through the standard land acknowledgment, recognizing the traditional and ancestral homeland of the Lummi people, the Nooksack people, and other Coast Salish tribes. Board member Peter Gill raised an important point about consistency in acknowledging Indigenous names, noting that both English and Native language names should be used when referencing tribal nations. ## A New Chair Steps Forward The most significant procedural moment came when the board addressed the vacant chair position left by Brian's departure. Steve Walker, serving as vice chair, explained that board elections traditionally align with the calendar year, necessitating a temporary appointment through December before full elections for 2026. "I would like to nominate Scott Pratchner to be the chair for the remainder of 2025," Walker announced, prompting what would become Scott's first test of leadership. Scott Pratchner accepted the nomination with characteristic humility and enthusiasm. "I am very proud of the work this board does," he stated. "I am also extremely proud of Bellingham's Park and Rec Department, so I would be honored to take up that position to support what we're doing here. I think it's really good work, it's really central to what Bellingham is all about." The unanimous vote installing Pratchner as chair marked a seamless transition, and Walker's continued connectivity issues prompted an immediate transfer of meeting leadership. Pratchner, acknowledging the sudden responsibility with humor, quipped about being thrown "right to the wolves" before committing to brush up on Robert's Rules of Order, even mentioning a Toastmasters session on parliamentary procedure scheduled for the following day. ## Recreation Department Announcements Melissa Bianconi from the Recreation Department brought enthusiasm and practical information to the meeting, encouraging board members to explore the fall programming playbook. Her announcements painted a picture of a department actively engaging the community through diverse offerings. "We have so many fun activities coming up in October," Bianconi explained, highlighting everything from cheese-making classes to sound baths, which she noted were "really, really popular." Her most colorful description involved the upcoming pumpkin patch event at Arne Hanna Aquatic Center: "We put hundreds of pumpkins in the pool at Arne Hanna and let kids go wild trying to find their favorite one. It's really kind of a scene, but it's really fun." When board member Scott Pratchner asked whether these were actual pumpkins, Bianconi confirmed with delight that they were real pumpkins that naturally float, creating what she described as "a sight to behold." The recreation announcements also included the news that the Lodell Playground was opening that morning, with fencing scheduled to be removed following the completion of safety inspections. ## PROS Plan Community Engagement Update Peter Gill, joining remotely from home, provided a comprehensive update on the Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Plan development, emphasizing the extensive community engagement efforts undertaken throughout 2025. "We got over 2,000 respondents to that survey, which is great for a city of 90,000 people," Gill reported, referring to the February community survey. The engagement strategy had evolved to include three open houses across different neighborhoods—Cordata, Fairhaven, and Bellingham High School—with a fourth planned for November or early December. More significantly, the department had begun conducting focused meetings with specific community groups. These intimate sessions included work with the Latino community in spring, meetings with the Adaptive Inclusive community the previous week, and scheduled sessions with young adults at Western Washington University, recreation providers, and the Sikh Punjabi community. ### What the Community Wants Gill's presentation revealed clear themes emerging from community input. On amenities and spaces, residents consistently expressed need for more indoor programmable space, often referred to as a recreation center. "There's been a lot of talk about a recreation facility," Gill noted, alongside desires for expanded aquatics and better access to swimming areas. The feedback revealed geographic variations in priorities. North side residents emphasized new local parks, trails, and forested spaces, while central and south area residents focused on street trees. The Samish neighborhood prioritized paved trails, bike lanes, and dog parks, while the Whatcom neighborhood, with proximity to Bloedel Donovan Park, emphasized swimming beaches and improved beach access. One of the most significant findings related to operations and maintenance, which "was ranked the highest budget priority in our survey," according to Gill. This practical concern, repeated consistently across all engagement formats, underscored community recognition that existing facilities needed proper care. ### Trail Mapping Evolution Gill presented updated trail facility maps designed to replace the 2023 proposed trails map, explaining these high-level connections between parks and open spaces. The mapping process involved coordination with bike and pedestrian master plans while addressing practical realities of development and environmental constraints. Notable changes included removing some trail connections where sidewalks were being built instead, eliminating routes through sensitive wetlands, and adding connections mapped by neighborhood associations. The presentation acknowledged that many proposed crossings, particularly over I-5, were "very aspirational" but served the important function of informing state transportation planning. Board member Steve Walker inquired about the future of physical trail maps, expressing appreciation for tangible resources that had been popular with the public. Gill confirmed that while online maps were current, printed versions needed updating, something the department hoped to address in spring 2026. ## Gas Plant Cleanup Project Approaches Major Milestone Project engineer Gina Austin provided an extensive update on the South State Street Manufactured Gas Plant cleanup at Boulevard Park, a project that has been in various phases for over 20 years. Austin and colleague Amy Cram, she noted, had "outlasted four cleanup managers at the state of Washington" throughout their involvement with this complex environmental remediation. The cleanup involves capping contaminated soil in place rather than excavation, which Austin explained reduces the risk of releasing contaminants during removal. The project encompasses both the upper and lower areas of Boulevard Park, requiring careful coordination between the City of Bellingham, Washington State Department of Ecology, and Puget Sound Energy as the successor to the original gas plant operator. ### Balancing Restoration and Habitat Austin's presentation addressed the challenge of returning the park to full use while meeting environmental and habitat restoration requirements. The cleanup will require removing and replanting trees, with Austin emphasizing the department's commitment to restoring the park "to the way that it is today, or better." However, tree replacement requirements sparked discussion about beach access. Board member Holly Miller, identifying herself as a swimmer, expressed concern about proposed tree clustering near beach access points. "I'm really concerned that it's going to limit the beach access completely," she said, noting that the only current opening would be near rocks, creating poor access conditions. Annalise from Public Works Natural Resources explained the rationale behind shoreline tree placement, emphasizing the ecological importance of restoring native vegetation buffer along Bellingham Bay. "The shoreline has been heavily impacted throughout Bellingham Bay," she noted, explaining that the trees would provide crucial shade while supporting salmon and spawning forage fish habitat. The discussion highlighted the ongoing challenge of balancing public recreation access with environmental restoration requirements. Austin mentioned plans for a new beach access area near the coffee shop to increase capacity for non-motorized watercraft, while preserving the unique "pocket beach" area that provides important habitat. ### Infrastructure Challenges The gas plant cleanup also requires addressing existing park infrastructure, including the stage structure and north park building. Austin explained that the stage, originally donated in 2006 with contamination cleanup in mind, would be dismantled, raised to accommodate the new cap level, and rebuilt in place. The north park building presents a more complex challenge. Originally built as a restroom facility in the late 1970s and early 1980s, the structure has experienced significant settling as the ground around it has shifted. Austin showed photographs revealing how the building, once elevated, now sits much lower due to soil movement over decades. Rather than attempting to preserve the problematic structure, the department plans to replace it with a prefabricated building that could serve as an interim solution while longer-term decisions about the north end of the park are made. Steve Walker inquired about the cap thickness and its impact on park features, learning that the cap would generally be about two feet thick, with additional depth in areas designated for tree planting to ensure adequate clean soil for healthy root development. ## Trail Projects Receive Board Approval Paul Knippel, Greenways Project Manager, presented three significant trail projects for board recommendation, each representing different approaches to connecting Bellingham's expanding trail network. ### Bear Creek Open Space Trail The Bear Creek project, located between Northwest Drive and Aldrich Road in Whatcom County, builds upon previous wetland mitigation work by private developers. Knippel explained how the city had contracted in 2018 to put crushed surface base course on existing roads, laying groundwork for the trail system. The 90% design includes a nine-stall paved parking lot with security gate, 2,500 feet of limestone trail surfacing on existing paths, and an additional 1,500 feet of new eight-foot-wide gravel trail creating loop access. Two boardwalks will cross wetland areas, with comprehensive signage including wayfinding, park rules, and critical areas information. When Holly Miller asked about the purpose of the gate, Knippel explained it would provide security by closing the area from dusk to dawn, a standard feature for remote park facilities. ### Middle Fork Spring Open Space Cordata Connector This project addresses the challenge of connecting Cordata Park to the broader trail network while navigating extensive critical areas. The trail design requires 680 feet of 10-foot-wide boardwalks and 600 feet of eight-foot-wide limestone gravel trail through heavily encumbered wetland and buffer areas. Knippel explained the engineering rationale for extensive boardwalk use: "It reduces the impacts to the critical areas and manages the topography across the site." The elevated design allows for gradual grades below five percent while minimizing the grading footprint that would otherwise impact sensitive areas. Steve Walker inquired about interpretive signage plans, learning that options included information about critical areas and a potential eagle's nest in the northeast corner of the site. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service consultation was underway regarding any required signage related to eagle habitat protection. ### Jills Court Trail Connection The third project provides crucial north-south connectivity from the King Mountain neighborhood at Telegraph Road to Iron Gate and Sunset Pond areas. Design had begun in 2023 but was paused when the city acquired property at 1492 Telegraph Road in November 2024, allowing for a complete connection. This project requires significant engineering, including five gravity block retaining walls to address substantial topography changes and a 15-foot-wide connection between properties. The 1,500-foot trail will be nine to 10 feet wide, constructed of limestone gravel with guardrails along retaining walls and wayfinding signage. Steve Walker raised an important connectivity question about street signage and bicycle accommodations along the on-street portions of the route. While Knippel acknowledged this wasn't within the current project scope, he indicated coordination with Public Works would address appropriate signage and integration with bicycle and pedestrian plans after implementation. The board unanimously approved all three trail projects in a single motion, marking new chair Scott Pratchner's first official vote. ## Construction Updates Across the City Lane provided a comprehensive construction update highlighting the breadth of active parks projects across Bellingham. The Bloedel Donovan playground had officially opened with only minor punch list items remaining, while the Sunset Pond Trail continued with agency permission to work through October 31st. Several major projects were entering new phases. The 100 Acre Wood Phase 1 work continued with trail decommissioning, narrowing, and limestone installation largely complete. The Boulevard Park Shoreline and Beach Creation Project would begin the week of October 20th, requiring some park closures through year's end. In the Birchwood neighborhood, Storybrook Park Phase 1 development was moving toward completion with plaza and playground installation following earlier trail and site preparation work. The Sportsplex continued interior mechanical work scheduled during off-hours to minimize operational impacts. Looking ahead, property improvements included barn demolition at the new Bakerview Neighborhood Park site and removal of manufactured homes from the Telegraph Road property to accommodate the Jills Court Trail. A house demolition was also scheduled at the Chuckanut Bay property at 1904 Rainier Avenue. Scott Pratchner inquired about Padden Creek Trail and Interurban Trail closures in Fairhaven, learning that while Parks wasn't managing that Public Works-led project, they were coordinating restoration efforts at various trail connection points. ## Budget Challenges and Greenways Solutions Director Nicole presented sobering budget realities while emphasizing strategic approaches to maintaining service levels. The city faced a $10 million general fund gap, requiring departments to propose 10% cuts while seeking sustainable solutions. Parks Department's response involved moving additional positions and operating costs to the Greenways Fund, a strategy that preserved most positions while eliminating six park ambassador positions scheduled to sunset at year's end. "We feel like it was strategic and the way we were able to do it is not going to have a detriment on the core goals of the Greenways Program," Nicole explained. ### Structural Changes and Future Planning The budget modifications moved 5.3 FTEs from general fund support, including fleet allocations for trail, urban forestry, and stewardship teams already funded through Greenways. Additionally, 25% of Nicole's and Deputy Director Steve Jay's salaries moved to Greenways funding, reflecting their oversight responsibilities. Nicole emphasized that Greenways and Parks function as integrated rather than separate entities: "Greenways is parks, and parks is greenways. There's this mythology that they are two separate entities, but they are not." This integration has been developing since 2009 when recession pressures first required creative funding solutions. The budget also delayed some capital projects, pushing the Cordata Connector Trail to 2027 and failing to secure REIT funding for Bakerview Neighborhood Park infrastructure. The department planned to return to the board in November or December with interim activation strategies for the Bakerview property. ### Community Support and Advocacy When board member Jed Holmes asked what the board could do proactively, Nicole emphasized advocacy and community engagement: "I think you can continue to advocate. I think you should look at the capital plan and the budget, and look at how we funded things over time." She noted that Bellingham's Greenways program provided crucial stability compared to parks departments nationwide: "During COVID, many, many park departments across the country were decimated. They just lost tons of positions." The nearly $10 million annual Greenways revenue, which almost doubled with the most recent levy, enabled adding 10 positions in 2025 that Nicole was determined to preserve. Board member Holly Miller sought clarification about Greenways funding limitations, confirming that the integrated system allows Greenways-funded positions to work throughout the parks system rather than being restricted to Greenways-acquired properties. ## Additional Business and Future Planning The meeting addressed several ongoing initiatives, including the Civic Athletic Complex Master Plan development. Consultants were integrating city comments into their draft, while negotiations continued with the school district regarding Carl Cozier field relocation. Regardless of those negotiations' outcome, the budget included funding to improve Squalicum Creek fields for adult softball relocation. Nicole announced that the department had received three RFP responses for Lake Padden Golf Course management, including from the current management partner. A panel evaluation would determine the selection by the following week, with board members Jed Holmes, Nicole, and Steve Jay participating in the review process. Environmental stewardship also featured in budget discussions, with $50,000 in fines from a diesel spill on Padden Creek being directed toward stormwater treatment improvements below the Lake Padden dog park. Nicole praised this approach: "I think it's a nice touch to use that diesel spill money that was from fines for pollution to improve a pollution-generating part of that whole corridor." ## Looking Ahead The meeting concluded with Scott Pratchner's successful first turn in the chair, officially adjourning at 9:29 a.m. His leadership transition represented both continuity and change for a board navigating complex budget realities while maintaining ambitious community service goals. Board member Steve Walker raised a final practical point about property demolition, suggesting coordination with deconstruction crews who often extract reusable materials, potentially saving city costs. Staff confirmed this was standard practice, working with organizations interested in materials reuse and training opportunities before proceeding with demolition. The session demonstrated the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board's continued engagement with both immediate operational needs and long-term strategic planning. From unanimous support for new trail connections to thoughtful discussion of budget impacts and environmental restoration challenges, the board showed its commitment to transparent governance and community service. As the newly installed chair, Scott Pratchner would face the ongoing challenge of balancing expansion of parks facilities with maintenance of existing infrastructure, all while navigating budget constraints that require creative solutions and community partnership. The meeting's comprehensive agenda reflected both the complexity of modern parks management and the dedicated engagement of volunteers committed to Bellingham's recreational future.

### Meeting Overview The Parks and Recreation Advisory Board met on October 8, 2025, with Steve Walker initially chairing as vice chair before Scott Pratschner was elected as the new chair for the remainder of 2025. The meeting focused on the Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Master Plan update, Boulevard Park gas plant cleanup project, and three new Greenways trail projects. ### Key Terms and Concepts **Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Master Plan (PROS Plan):** The city's comprehensive planning document that guides park development, recreation programming, and open space acquisition through 2028. Currently being updated with extensive community input. **Manufactured Gas Plant (MGP):** Former industrial facility at Boulevard Park that operated in the early 1900s, burning coal to produce gas for Bellingham homes. The site requires environmental cleanup due to contamination that moved from the upper park down to Bellingham Bay. **Greenways Fund:** A voter-approved property tax levy that generates nearly $10 million annually for parks, trails, open space acquisition, and environmental stewardship. The fund has become increasingly important for supporting park operations. **Trail Facility Mapping:** High-level planning maps showing proposed trail connections between parks and neighborhoods. These are conceptual "point A to point B" connections, not detailed construction plans. **Capping in Place:** Environmental remediation technique where contaminated soil is covered with clean material rather than excavated, reducing risk of releasing contaminants during cleanup. **Critical Areas:** Environmentally sensitive lands including wetlands, steep slopes, and wildlife habitat that require special protection under city and state regulations. **RCO Grant:** Recreation and Conservation Office grants from Washington State that help fund park acquisitions and improvements. **Adaptive Programming:** Recreation services and equipment designed specifically for people with disabilities, including adults who need specialized equipment beyond what's typically provided for children. ### Key People at This Meeting | Name | Role / Affiliation | |---|---| | Steve Walker | Vice Chair (chaired initial portion) | | Scott Pratschner | Newly elected Chair | | Peter Gill | Parks Planning Manager | | Gina Austin | Parks Project Engineer | | Paul Knippel | Greenways Project Manager | | Nicole Oliver | Parks & Recreation Director | | Lane Lund | Construction Manager | | Holly Miller | Board Member | | Jed Holmes | Board Member | | Asa Deane | Board Member | | Melissa Bianconi | Recreation Programs Coordinator | ### Background Context The city is facing a significant budget challenge, with a $10 million general fund gap requiring strategic cuts across departments. Parks & Recreation avoided major position losses by shifting more operations to the Greenways Fund, though six park ambassador positions will sunset at year's end. This financial pressure comes as the city manages growing park needs and an ambitious capital improvement program. The PROS Plan update represents the community's vision for the next five years of park and recreation development. With over 2,000 survey responses and multiple public meetings, the planning process has revealed strong community support for maintenance, indoor recreation facilities, trail connections, and equitable park distribution across neighborhoods. ### What Happened — The Short Version Steve Walker opened the meeting as vice chair due to technical difficulties, then Scott Pratschner was unanimously elected as the new board chair following former chair Brian's departure to the Netherlands. Peter Gill presented extensive community feedback from the PROS Plan process, showing strong support for maintenance, recreation facilities, and trail connectivity. Gina Austin updated the board on Boulevard Park's gas plant cleanup, explaining the capping strategy and park restoration plans including controversial tree placement. Paul Knippel presented three new trail projects for board approval: Bear Creek Open Space Trail, Middle Fork Spring Open Space Connector, and Jills Court Trail. Nicole Oliver outlined budget challenges and construction updates, including the opening of Lodell Donovan playground and ongoing Sunset Pond trail work. ### What to Watch Next - Fourth PROS Plan open house scheduled for November/early December - Parks Department budget presentation to City Council on October 27th - Greenways Advisory Board review of trail facility mapping expected soon - Civic Athletic Complex Master Plan nearing completion with community open house planned - Possible field trip to Sunset Pond construction on October 17th if enough board members are available ---

**Q:** Who was elected as the new Parks and Recreation Advisory Board chair? **A:** Scott Pratschner was unanimously elected to serve as chair for the remainder of 2025. **Q:** What is the main environmental issue at Boulevard Park's north end? **A:** Contamination from a former manufactured gas plant that burned coal in the early 1900s, with contaminants that moved down the hillside into Bellingham Bay. **Q:** How much money does the Greenways Fund generate annually? **A:** Nearly $10 million per year from a voter-approved property tax levy. **Q:** What environmental cleanup method is being used at Boulevard Park? **A:** Capping in place - covering contaminated material with clean soil rather than excavating it. **Q:** How many people responded to the PROS Plan community survey? **A:** Over 2,000 respondents from a city of 90,000 people. **Q:** What was ranked as the highest budget priority in the PROS Plan survey? **A:** Maintenance of parks and facilities. **Q:** Which playground recently opened after construction delays? **A:** Lodell Donovan playground opened with some minor punch list items remaining. **Q:** What is the total general fund budget gap the city needs to close? **A:** $10 million across all city departments. **Q:** How many Full Time Equivalent (FTE) positions did Parks & Recreation lose in the budget? **A:** 5.3 FTEs total, including frozen positions and the park ambassador program. **Q:** When is the Parks Department budget presentation to City Council? **A:** October 27th in a work session. **Q:** What three trail projects did the board approve? **A:** Bear Creek Open Space Trail, Middle Fork Spring Open Space Connector, and Jills Court Trail. **Q:** How many feet of boardwalk will the Middle Fork trail include? **A:** 680 feet of 10-foot-wide boardwalks through critical areas. **Q:** What recreational activity generates complaints at the Sportsplex? **A:** Figure skating community concerns about being pushed aside for hockey players. **Q:** When does the access agreement for Bear Creek Open Space expire? **A:** December 31st, 2030. **Q:** What unique Halloween event happens at Arne Hanna Aquatic Center? **A:** A pumpkin patch in the pool with hundreds of actual floating pumpkins for kids to select from. **Q:** What was the main concern about tree placement at Boulevard Park's beach restoration? **A:** Swimmers worried that clustered trees at the pocket beach would limit beach access to only a narrow area near rocks. **Q:** How much were the fines from the diesel spill at Lake Padden? **A:** About $50,000, which Public Works wants to use for stormwater treatment improvements at the Lake Padden dog park. **Q:** What percentage of Nicole Oliver's and Steve Jay's salaries were moved to Greenways funding? **A:** 25% of each position was moved to reflect their Greenways-related oversight responsibilities. ---