2008 Parks and Recreation Department Objectives with Accomplishments
Identify and initiate steps to minimize negative impacts of
pending annexations on the Parks Level of Service.
- In 2008, the Parks Department worked with the City Annexation Team
(CAT) in evaluating annexation impacts on Parks & Recreation Services.
The Parks Department calculated both the existing Level Of Service (LOS)
which was adopted in the 2002 Park, Recreation & Open Space (PRO) Plan,
as well as the proposed LOS identified in the 2008 PRO Plan.
Update and adopt the Park, Recreation and Open Space Plan.
In particular, provide analysis of Parks Level of Service (LOS) as it
relates to the Park Growth Impact Fee.
- An updated Park, Recreation and Open Space Plan was adopted by City
Council in November 2008. The Plan revealed that an increase in
the Park Impact Fee will be required in order to fund the "Base Plan" as
adopted. This increase will be proposed to City Council in spring
2009.
Identify and initiate steps to address, in cooperation with
neighborhood organizations, need for Park and Recreation services as
Neighborhood Plans are updated.
- In 2008, the Parks Department worked with the Samish, Cordata, and
York Neighborhoods to update their neighborhood plans.
Work cooperatively with Whatcom County and other State and
Federal Regulatory Agencies to resolve the environmental problems identified
at Little Squalicum Park, Boulevard Park and other park properties.
- In 2008, the Parks Department worked with the Washington Department
of Ecology and Puget Sound Energy in drafting an "Agreed Order" for
dealing with the contamination at Boulevard Park.
- The Parks Department is nearing completion of the Remedial
Investigation of Little Squalicum Creek. A number of meetings were
conducted with the US Environmental Protection Agency and the State
Department of Ecology in regards to the status of the creek cleanup.
Evaluate options for relocating various divisions of the Parks
and Recreation Department to ensure efficiency and eliminate duplication of
services.
- The Parks Department participated in the City's Space Needs Analysis
and identified the potential to relocate and combine Park Administration
with Park Operations within the Public Works Operations Facility on
Pacific Street. This move is dependent on Public Works
constructing a new facility for their operation, which was not supported
in 2008. The Parks Department also determined the approximate
market value for disposing of the Park Operations Facility located at
Woburn and Lakeway Streets.
Additional Accomplishments for 2008:
- Assisted in creation of a Waterfront Development Plan
- Acquired 9 properties encompassing 81 acres for potential park and
trail development and open space preservation
- Completed and adopted the North Bellingham Trail Plan
- Completed Cordata Park Master Plan
- Completed Civic Athletic Complex reconstruction (seats, storage
facility)
- Completed Phase I of Squalicum Creek Park construction
- Completed restroom and playground replacement at Whatcom Falls Park
- Completed feasibility study for Boulevard Park over-water boardwalk
construction
- Installed sound baffling panels at Arne Hanna Aquatic Center
- Replaced Cornwall Park south playground
- Replaced Carl Lobe Park playground
- Completed Whatcom Creek Trail repair and accessibility improvements
at Maritime Heritage Park
- Completed Whatcom Creek Trail from Racine Street to Meador Avenue
- Restructured cashier staff at Arne Hanna Aquatic Center to improve
efficiency
- Initiated recycling program at Civic Stadium
- Assisted in construction of the "Porch" musical pavilion at
Boulevard Park
- Replaced roof at Woodstock Farm main house and updated electrical
panel
- Renovated St. Clair Park restroom and park lighting
- Painted Bloedel Donovan Multipurpose Room
- Remodeled Bloedel Donovan Beach Pavilion
