Loading...
HomeMy WebLinkAboutWORKSHOP re Parks and Rec Advisory Department of Public Works O Regular Agenda Page 1 of 2 Jefferson County Board of Commissioners Agenda Request To: Board of Commissioners Josh Peters, County Administrator From: Eric Kuzma, Public Works Director Agenda Date: July 6, 2026, 2:30PM to 3:00PM Subject: Parks and Recreation Advisory Board Annual Report Statement of Issue: The Parks and Recreation Advisory Board completed their annual parks tour on April 22, 2026. Vice Chair Karin Nyrop will present the attached summary of the results of the tour to the board and discuss current issues with Parks and Recreation.The primary goal of the tour was to highlight and assess South County Parks. Analysis/Strategic Goals/Pro's & Con's: The 2026 JCPRAB Park Tour focused on the southern park of Jefferson County and included visits to Quilcene Community Park and Campground, Lake Leland Day Use Park and Campground, Riverside Park, and Deema Smakman Little League Baseball Field.The JCPRAB invited the general public, volunteers and staff to participate in an open public forum to discuss parks and recreation services in the South County area. Several participants joined the discussion. The board also met with volunteers in charge of operating Deema Smakman Field. Highlights include (1) the outstanding work of South Jefferson Little League volunteers at Deema Smakman Field, (2) changes planned for Riverside Park, (3) appreciation for the economic benefits of the Quilcene Campground, (4) excitement and anticipation for the approximately$1,000,000 skatepark slated for construction in Quilcene Community Park, (5) Lake Leland Campground as our busiest campground, and (6) the high use level and value of the Lake Leland Day Use Park for fishing, swimming, paddle sports, and more. Fiscal Impact/Cost Benefit Analysis: The tour did not incur any costs other than staff time which was already budgeted. Public Works administrative staff are key members of the team. Commissioner Dudley-Nollette lead the public forum, which was very beneficial. Recommendation: Consider information, analysis, and options and determine how to proceed. Department Contact: Matt Tyler, 385-9129 Reviewed By: // 2/343k Josh 'eters, County Administrator Date Jefferson County Parks and Recreation Advisory Board Vice Chair, Karin Nyrop June 8, 2026 Dear County Commissioners, By Resolution No. 18-89 the Board of County Commissioners established a Parks Advisory Board (Parks Board). The duties and responsibilities of the Parks Board are "to assist in the development of programs and policies concerning Jefferson County parks, to review and comment upon proposed rules, policies or ordinances prior to their adoption by the Board of Jefferson County Commissioners, to oversee the development and revisions and amendments to the Jefferson County Parks, Open Space and Recreation Plan and to carry out and to carry out the duties prescribed therein. The Parks Board has adopted By-Laws that provide for yearly tasks that include a tour and assessment of county parks and recreation programs. This letter is intended to provide a report on this year's assessment. This year the Parks Board toured Quilcene Community Park and Campground, Riverside Park, Deema Smakman and Little League Field, and Lake Leland Campground and Day Use Park. What follows is the assessment of these four park properties. Quilcene Community Park and Campground This park is a real community asset. A recent improvement provides free water for locals. The park is very accessible and provides easy access to the community center. The back steps of the community center need to be repaired. The location of the new skate park looks great. There are pickleball and basketball courts that are used by residents. One downside to the camping area is its proximity to the road. It could use a buffer of trees to reduce the noise. Campsite privacy could be improved, and a reservation system would be nice. If possible, a neighborhood security patrol might be helpful, there have been a few incidents. Riverside Park Parks and Recreation has not maintained the Riverside Park Property since the budget cuts that occurred after the Recession in 2009. The general location of the park is heavily used during fishing season. Jefferson County Public Health stepped up to protect water quality near the park by placing portable toilets and a dumpster during fishing season. The Jamestown S'Klallam Tribe and the Hood Canal Salmon Enhancement Group are currently conducting a major restoration project in the vicinity of Riverside Park. Project plans include widening the river by moving the levy into the Western 2/3rds of the Riverside Park Property and building a parking lot in the remaining 1/3. The parking lot will help provide valuable recreational and fishing access to this location. The parking lot will not be a Jefferson County Park. Jefferson County Parks and Recreation does not have the resources maintain this new parking lot or provide any services or amenities in this location. Deema Smakman and Little League Field It was nice to see the Little League now has both baseball and softball. The fields are well maintained by volunteers; they are in good repair. Clearly the fields are a value to the town and volunteers are great. It might be helpful to have professional field maintenance workers train the volunteers. The county did in the past have small grants that provided funding for lawn mowers and other machines and equipment, it would be great if these small grant opportunities could happen again. Lake Leland Campground and Day Use Park. This is absolutely a wonderful park, with a beautiful setting. The park is very well maintained. The County partners with Washington State Fish and Wildlife to provide camping and fishing opportunities. The property is well loved by locals, and very accessible with clear signs. A local resident gave us some background on the lake and fishing program. He should be a docent. With this campground as well as the Quilcene campground perhaps there could be campsites set aside for hikers and bikers. Conclusion We, the members of the Parks Board, hope the information in this letter is helpful. We are all proud to serve on the Parks Board and look forward to future opportunities to help the Jefferson County park system continue to be a county jewel. Jefferson County Parks and Recreation Advisory Board Vice Chair, Karin Nyrop =/ 1/4 June 8, 2026 ,�► Dear County Commissioners, By Resolution No. 18-89 the Board of County Commissioners established a Parks Advisory Board (Parks Board). The duties and responsibilities of the Parks Board are "to assist in the development of programs and policies concerning Jefferson County parks, to review and comment upon proposed rules, policies or ordinances prior to their adoption by the Board of Jefferson County Commissioners, to oversee the development and revisions and amendments to the Jefferson County Parks, Open Space and Recreation Plan and to carry out and to carry out the duties prescribed therein. The Parks Board has adopted By-Laws that provide for yearly tasks that include a tour and assessment of county parks and recreation programs. This letter is intended to provide a report on this year's assessment. This year the Parks Board toured Quilcene Community Park and Campground, Riverside Park, Deema Smakman and Little League Field, and Lake Leland Campground and Day Use Park. What follows is the assessment of these four park properties. Quilcene Community Park and Campground This park is a real community asset. A recent improvement provides free water for locals. The park is very accessible and provides easy access to the community center. The back steps of the community center need to be repaired. The location of the new skate park looks great. There are pickleball and basketball courts that are used by residents. One downside to the camping area is its proximity to the road. It could use a buffer of trees to reduce the noise. Campsite privacy could be improved, and a reservation system would be nice. If possible, a neighborhood security patrol might be helpful, there have been a few incidents. Riverside Park Parks and Recreation has not maintained the Riverside Park Property since the budget cuts that occurred after the Recession in 2009. The general location of the park is heavily used during fishing season. Jefferson County Public Health stepped up to protect water quality near the park by placing portable toilets and a dumpster during fishing season. The Jamestown S'Klallam Tribe and the Hood Canal Salmon Enhancement Group are currently conducting a major restoration project in the vicinity of Riverside Park. Project plans include widening the river by moving the levy into the Western 2/3rds of the Riverside Park Property and building a parking lot in the remaining 1/3. The parking lot will help provide valuable recreational and fishing access to this location. The parking lot will not be a Jefferson County Park. Jefferson County Parks and Recreation does not have the resources maintain this new parking lot or provide any services or amenities in this location. Deema Smakman and Little League Field It was nice to see the Little League now has both baseball and softball. The fields are well maintained by volunteers; they are in good repair. Clearly the fields are a value to the town and volunteers are great. It might be helpful to have professional field maintenance workers train the volunteers. The county did in the past have small grants that provided funding for lawn mowers and other machines and equipment, it would be great if these small grant opportunities could happen again. Lake Leland Campground and Day Use Park. This is absolutely a wonderful park, with a beautiful setting. The park is very well maintained. The County partners with Washington State Fish and Wildlife to provide camping and fishing opportunities. The property is well loved by locals, and very accessible with clear signs. A local resident gave us some background on the lake and fishing program. He should be a docent. With this campground as well as the Quilcene campground perhaps there could be campsites set aside for hikers and bikers. Conclusion We, the members of the Parks Board, hope the information in this letter is helpful. We are all proud to serve on the Parks Board and look forward to future opportunities to help the Jefferson County park system continue to be a county jewel.