HomeMy WebLinkAbout032226 email - letter from a Chimacum parent Re_ Parks and RecALERT: BE CAUTIOUS This email originated outside the organization. Do not open attachments or click on links if you are not expecting them.
Dear County Commissioners,
I recently read online that Jefferson County Parks and Recreation will close the PT Rec Center and Uptown Playground as of 4/1/26, They may also cancel all rec programs and suspend trash
and bathroom services at many local parks and beaches unless they raise $85,000 in private funds by 4/1/26. I'm not sure if this information is correct, but if it is, I want to share
that I am shocked and upset.
PT Rec Center is a cornerstone facility for kids in our county, from infants to teenagers. My now 6-year-old daughter has attended many skate nights and dropped in during open hours
for a fun, safe, entertaining place to be and meet other kids. She also especially loves the Uptown playground, which serves not only kids going to the Rec Center, but also draws a
large crowd on Farmer's Market Saturdays.
My daughter has participated in the Rec soccer program since she was 4 years old, which has enabled her to stay fit, learn the sport and meet new friends.
As an employer, my employees formed a softball team, the Farm Hacks, which is another program sponsored by Parks and Rec. This is a fun, healthy way for adults to engage in sports, have
some friendly competition, and meet new friends. Exactly the sort of programming our county should be looking for more options to expand.
My family and I regularly visit dozens of county parks and beaches annually and appreciate that they are well cared for and have available restrooms. This is an essential piece of a
public park, without it, people cannot visit comfortably or are forced to relieve themselves in the bushes, causing an environmental and human safety risk.
It is incomprehensible to me how this information of short funds was communicated in such a grassroots way at such short notice. There are deep pockets in this community, and with foresight,
clear vision, advance notice and public clear communication, there is no way the community will not step up to privately fund this need.
Please release a public statement through a variety of commonly used channels, such as the local newspapers, sparks and rec website, parks and rec social media pages, etc. to get the
word out about what the need is, what the plan is and how everyone can help. Please extend your deadline to 7/1/26 to give local organizers time to meet the need.
It is completely unacceptable to lose these treasured places, programs and services without doing due dilligence to fight for them. Please allow the community this chance.
Sincerely,
Karyn Williams
Mom, business owner, Jefferson coutny resident
406 Center Rd.
Chimacum, WA 98325
Karyn Williams (she/her)
Owner
Red Dog Farm
Instagram <https://www.instagram.com/reddogfarmchimacum/> Facebook <https://www.facebook.com/RedDogFarmChimacum/>
www.reddogfarm.net <http://www.reddogfarm.net>
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