HomeMy WebLinkAboutParks and Recreation Volunteer Appreciation - 022326 PROCLAMATION
A proclamation officially recognizing the hard-working volunteers of Jefferson County Parks and
Recreation, in order to promote service, to value and commemorate the many selfless
contributions made in care of the county parks, and in support of youth recreation program
participants.
WHEREAS, Jefferson County, Washington operates 22 parks on 1100 acres, and
provides recreational sports leagues, the Port Townsend Recreation Center, summer camps, and
specialized classes and events; and
WHEREAS, Parks and Recreation would not function without volunteer service; and
WHEREAS, volunteer services include coaching youth sports, Rec-Center
programming, youth summer camps, park maintenance, construction of park amenities, live-on-
site park caretakers, trail construction and maintenance, landscape gardening, habitat restoration,
advisory board membership; and
WHEREAS, the County recognizes that volunteerism builds community, promotes the
economy, improves mental and physical health, and benefits the natural environment; and
WHEREAS, in 2025, A total of 150 Parks and Recreation volunteers donated 4,872
hours, the equivalent of 2.34 full time employees; and
WHEREAS, www.independentsector.org estimated that one hour of volunteerism in
Washington State is valued at $40.14; and
WHEREAS, the total dollar value of Parks and Recreation volunteer hours donated in
2025 is $195,562; and
WHEREAS,Jefferson County appreciates and acknowledges the public service provided
by Parks and Recreation volunteers;
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT PROCLAIMED that the Jefferson County Board of
County Commissioners does hereby recognize the volunteers of Jefferson County Parks and
Recreation for their devotion, dedication, and service, and hereby proclaim
PARKS AND RECREATION VOLUNTEER APPRECIATION
BE IT FURTHER PROCLAIMED, that the Board of Commissioners desire a permanent
record of their accomplishments.
APPROVED this 23rd day of February, 2026.
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Page 1 of 1
Jefferson County
Board of Commissioners
Agenda Request
To: Board of Commissioners
Josh Peters, County Administrator
From: Eric Kuzma, Public Works Director
Agenda Date: February 23, 2026
Subject: Volunteer Appreciation Proclamation
Statement of Issue:
Parks and Recreation volunteers serving in the (1) recreation program (2) park caretaker and
camp-host program; and (3) the adopt-a-park program, were critical to fulfillment of the
Parks and Recreation mission in 2025. A proclamation to recognize and honor the generous
contributions of volunteers in 2025 has been prepared.
Analysis/Strategic Goals/Pro's £t Con's:
Volunteer benefits extend beyond the actual services that are donated. Volunteerism builds
community, engages citizens, and bolsters equity and inclusion. The recreation program is
able to operate large and affordable youth sports leagues because of volunteer coaches.
Gibbs Lake Park, Oak Bay Campground, and HJ Carroll Park would not function without on-site
volunteer caretakers and camp-hosts. Irondale Beach Park and Indian Island Park are 100%
volunteer maintained through the adopt-a-park program.
Fiscal Impact/Cost Benefit Analysis:
While the overall benefits of volunteerism are invaluable, according to the Independent
Sector, in 2025 the dollar value of one hour of volunteer time in Washington State was valued
at $40.14. A total of 4,872 hours, valued at $195,562 were donated by dedicated parks and
recreation volunteers in 2025. The cost of volunteer management is built into the existing
budget and is part of the ongoing work of the entire parks and recreation staff.
Recommendation:
Approve and read the proclamation.
Department Contact:
Matt Tyler. 385-9129
Reviewed By:
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Josh 5. Peters, County Administrator Date