HomeMy WebLinkAboutFriends of Irondale Beach Park ProposalTab 1
FRIENDS OF IRONDALE BEACH COUNTY PARK
MISSION STATEMENT
A community of friends and neighbors
committed to conservation, maintenance, and stewardship of the park.
I. Introduction and Purpose
1.1 Who We Are: Friends of Irondale Beach County Park
(FIBCP) is a community group committed to stewardship,
conservation, advocacy for, and enjoyment of Irondale Beach
County Park. The group fosters responsible use, environmental
awareness, and volunteer efforts to ensure the park remains
clean and accessible for all. [Matt T–Does the word,
“accessible,” imply ADA compliant? If so, we need to make sure
we’re ok there.]
1.2 Statement of Purpose: To create shared understanding,
goals, and cooperation among individuals dedicated to the
conservation, maintenance, advocacy for, and enjoyment of
Irondale Beach County Park.
1.3 Our Vision: To work together toward the following
objectives:
● Organize regular clean-ups
● Promote sustainable use of the park
● Advocate for the protection of the park’s natural, historic,
and cultural resources.
● Serve as liaison with local authorities and organizations
when needed.
● Encourage community involvement through outreach and
events.
II. Proposed Areas of Partnership & Responsibility
2.1 Core Maintenance:
● Help with upkeep of the park.
● Implement sustainable practices in maintenance
operations.
2.2 Environmental Stewardship:
● Advocate for the preservation of natural resources and
beach ecosystems.
● Monitor beach and bluff erosion.
● Plant and maintain flora that is drought tolerant with a
preference for native species. [Matt T–please guide us on
appropriate scope/wording here. We want to make sure
there is an understanding that species that thrive here
and are non-invasive might not be considered native.]
● Collaborate with local conservation groups.
● Research and understand the effects of sea level rise and
subsequent salt water encroachment on park lands.
2.3 Community Engagement: Friends of Irondale Beach
County Park (FIBCP) will engage with Jefferson County as
agreed to plan and facilitate community outreach on matters
related to conservation, maintenance, and stewardship of
Irondale Beach County Park.
● FIBCP may participate in community engagement through
opportunities like:
○ Booth at Jefferson County Farmers Markets
○ Kiosk at the park
○ Outreach to schools
○ Outreach to other volunteer organizations like:
■ Travis Kilmer
■ Trail Stewards and Trail Crew
■ Weed Warriors - removal of invasive species
■ Trash Task Force - organized clean ups
○ Website and social media presence
● FIBCP will create a plan for outreach to community members
that invites ideas and opinions of park users through:
○ Community events at the park
○ Newsletters
○ Social media posts
○ Website
2.4 What we will do
● Facilitate monthly park cleanup events. These events will
be publicized via email to community members who have
agreed to receive email from FIBCP. (This is already
happening under the name Friends of Chimacum Creek).
● Facilitate work parties for regular maintenance, invasive
species control/eradication, and other projects deemed
necessary and appropriate by both FIBCP and Jefferson
County.
● Recruit members and volunteers.
● Engage in fundraising for special projects as approved by
Jefferson County.
2.5 What we expect Jefferson County to do
● Help maintain clear lines of communication with
designated members of FIBCP so that our efforts are
supported to the greatest extent possible.
● Continue to provide dog waste bags and dispensers.
● Continue to provide sani-can service and trash removal.
III. Our Capacity and Commitment
3.1 FIBCP is an organized group of volunteers led by a steering
committee consisting of the following members:
● Vern Bessy 360-643-0475 (advisory board liaison)
● Darla Donovan 650-740-3978
● Jonni Graybeal 509-936-3064
● Roger Hall 360-774-6226
● Nicki Hopkins 360-643-3178
● Susie Learned 360-531–0167 (primary contact)
● Jim Pearson 360-774-6601
● Marianne Walters 360-301-2908 (advisory board liaison)
3.1.1 FIBCP will apply for 501(c)(3) status to facilitate
fundraising for special projects and on-going maintenance of
the park. Once 501(c)(3) status is approved, the steering
committee will be replaced by officers who will be accountable
for finances and communications on behalf of the organization.
3.2 FIBCP will collaborate with Jefferson County by helping
achieve county goals for the management of Irondale Beach
County Park. At this time, there are no financial assets the
organization can contribute to projects, but volunteers with time
and enthusiasm may be engaged to help with projects defined
and and outlined by the county.
3.3 We expect Jefferson County to support our efforts for
projects presented with a thoughtful plan that is mindful of the
county’s Master Plan for Irondale Beach County Park.