Parks and Recreation Committee
The Parks and Recreation Committee received comprehensive annual reports on the city's greenways program and park operations, showcasing significant accomplishments funded by the fifth greenways levy and park impact fees. The committee learned that in 2025, the greenways program generated $9.9 million in revenue while spending $11.5 million on projects, marking the first year spending exceeded revenue, though a reserve balance of over $10 million remains. Major achievements included the completion of Little Squallum Pier, Sunset Pond loop trail, and the acquisition of 65 acres on Samish Crest for $4 million, creating potential trail connectivity from Lake Padden to Whatcom Falls Park. The parks operations division has grown significantly, now managing 57 parks across 3,000 acres with 85 miles of trails and 58 bridges, boardwalks, and piers using 75 employees. The stewardship program coordinated 162 volunteer work parties in 2025, engaging nearly 4,000 unique volunteers who contributed 14,000 hours valued at over $83,000. The division faces ongoing challenges including vandalism, aquatic invasives at Lake Padden, limited limestone gravel supplies for trails, and emerging issues with illegal electric motorcycles and hydrofoils in parks. Both presentations emphasized the critical role of greenways funding in sustaining park operations through difficult budget times, with Parks Director Nicole Oliver noting that expansion of greenways-funded positions has reached its limit under current council direction. The department is preparing to present its updated Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Plan in May and continues working toward merging the Greenways Advisory Committee and Parks and Recreation Advisory Board.
This was an informational meeting with no formal votes taken. Both agenda items 24913 and 24914 were presentations for information and discussion only. **Item 24913 - 2025 Greenways and Park Impact Fee Annual Report:** Informational presentation showing $9.9 million in greenways revenue, $11.5 million in spending, with major projects including Samish…
**May 2026:** Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Plan update will be presented to council with updated park impact fee framework reflecting new legislative requirements. **June-July 2026:** Individual park steward program application window will reopen for summer cohort onboarding after being on hold for a year. **2026 Ongoing Projects:** Rock Hill playground construction c…