HomeMy WebLinkAboutJefferson County Parks and Recreation Advisory Board Annual Report 2023 Prepared by VernJefferson County Parks and Recreation Advisory Board
Memorandum
To: Board of County Commissioners
Subject: Annual Progress Report 2023
Date: January __, 2024
The Board
The year ended with a full Board, having lost one member and gained two in 2023. This is a
well-rounded group that brings a variety of skills and experience to the Board, including park
design, operation, and maintenance; recreation programming, health and wellness, forestry,
volunteerism, public engagement, policy, and partnerships among other things
Status of Required Annual Tasks
The Board accomplished the three annual tasks as stated in the Bylaws:
(1) Provide Annual Progress Report to the BOCC.
(2) Host Volunteer Appreciation Event. Our “Celebration of Stewardship” volunteer
appreciation event was held at HJ Carroll Park Rotary Pavilion on October 5, 2023, after a
three-year hiatus due to the pandemic.
(3) Tour and Assess Jefferson County Parks. On May 19, 2023, the Board completed a tour
of five parks: Quilcene Community Park, Camp Beausite, Chimacum Park, HJ Carroll Park,
and Upper Oak Bay Park. The board provided valuable input on capital needs,
maintenance and operations, park patron experience, and more. The tours are
important to staff and are part and parcel to the Parks, Recreation, Open Space and
Trails Comprehensive Plan 6 year updates.
Other Projects/Activity Highlights
Fee Schedule. The Parks and Recreation Fee Schedule 2023-28 was reviewed, revised, and
recommended by the Board and adopted by the BOCC on June 12, 2023, replacing the schedule
last revised in 2014. (Board voted to approve 04/06/23)
Skateboard Park Quilcene. The Board was approached with a proposal to build a skateboard
park in Quilcene Community Park. Deeming the skateboard park a community asset and
compatible with the park, the Board supported the conceptual plan.
Quilcene Discovery Walk Kiosk. The community group Count Me In For Quilcene proposed to
install an interpretive display in Quilcene Community Park as part of a series of informational
kiosks along the route of the proposed Quilcene Discovery Walk. The Board recommended the
request with the understanding that the community group will be responsible for its
maintenance. (08/03/23)
Collaboration with WDFW. The 2022 annual report reported that the Board submitted
comments to WDFW regarding maintenance and regulatory issues that may arise where county
and WDFW lands share boundaries and/or access, notably at Irondale Beach Park. While some
issues remain unresolved, we are very appreciative of WDFW grading the Irondale Beach
parking lot, adding an additional toilet, replacing a gate, cleaning up trash dump areas, and
mowing to reduce fire hazard. Matt Tyler, Parks and Recreation Manager, maintains a good
relationship with WDFW and believes issues can be ably handled on an informal basis. No
further action is deemed needed at this time.
Camp Beausite Road Modifications/Parking Expansion. A spate of incidents affecting the safety
and security of Camp Beausite prompted the Board to develop a plan to limit vehicle access to
the camp via Beausite Lake County Road. A proposal to vacate a portion of the road, install a
gate, and improve parking for hikers is in process. (06/01/23)
Parks Volunteer Coverage. Current and former Board members and other community members
have stepped up to maintain Irondale Beach, Indian Island, and Gibbs Lake parks. Volunteer help
is essential as the parks staff are unable to cover these parks on a regular basis. The Board
supports working toward providing the Parks and Recreation program with the resources
necessary to ensure a minimum of dependable coverage of these parks.
Work Plan 2024
(Briefly summarize post-discussion)
A Thank You to Parks and Recreation Staff
The Board wishes to express our appreciation to Matt Tyler, Parks and Recreation Manager, and
his staff for facilitating our meetings and providing excellent status reports on all things park s
and recreation. And to Commissioner Brotherton for his participation, support and advocacy.