Lake Forest Park Parks Board to Consider 2027 Work Plan, Community Events

The Lake Forest Park Parks and Recreation Advisory Board will discuss its 2027 work plan and next year's community events at its November 3 meeting.

The draft work plan outlines several areas of focus, including developing the city's Lakefront property, expanding recreational programming, improving communication about parks and recreation opportunities, and updating the city's park property inventory.

The work plan is intended to guide the board's activities during 2027, although the proposals have not yet been approved.

Lakefront property planning

One of the largest proposed projects is continued work on a Park Master Plan for the Lakefront property. The plan would address the property's vision, planning, design, implementation, and community programming.

The draft anticipates that this effort could require additional meetings outside the board's regular schedule, along with staff time for project reviews and presentations.

Expanding recreation opportunities

The board also wants to explore ways to increase community vitality and recreational opportunities throughout Lake Forest Park.

Ideas identified in the draft include bringing back Yoga in the Parks, continuing Story Walks, creating walking tours and routes, and exploring additional pickleball opportunities.

Some of these activities could require additional board meetings, staff time, and volunteer participation during events.

Greater use of parks through social media

Another proposed priority is expanding the city's parks and recreation presence on social media and through its electronic newsletter.

One example in the work plan is a monthly park spotlight featuring individual parks and encouraging residents to use recreational facilities more.

The draft indicates this effort would not require additional meetings outside the board's regular schedule.

Community involvement and park information

The board is also considering ways to participate more actively in existing community events by hosting activities or informational booths that promote parks, recreation, and community connections.

Another proposed project would update the city's park property inventory map to provide residents with more current information about city park properties. This project may require additional staff hours and funding.

The work plan also identifies an advisory role for the board, including providing recommendations to the City Council and other city boards, commissions and committees on issues involving parks and recreation.

Community events for 2027

The November meeting will also include discussion of next year's community event calendar.

At its October meeting, Community Programs Planner Cory Mattson said she was taking a broader look at the annual schedule and considering whether to rearrange some events to better fit the calendar.

Mattson plans to coordinate with existing community partners and city staff before bringing updates back to the advisory board.

Other ideas discussed in October included making participation in Lake Forest Park's annual Yard Sale Day more charitable by allowing sellers to designate a portion of their proceeds to a nonprofit organization.

Board members also discussed improving public information about recycling and clarifying which materials local transfer stations accept. Mattson said she would work with the city's new Climate Coordinator on that effort.

Wildlife scavenger hunt project

The October meeting also included an update on the proposed Lakefront Wildlife Scavenger Hunt.

The board agreed to remove the garden snake from the planned collection of wildlife illustrations and add a bald eagle. Members also decided to retain the Kokanee salmon rather than substitute another salmon species, noting that Kokanee are found in local streams and are already represented by the city's Kokanee mascot.

The board discussed stamp sizes for the scavenger hunt, suggesting that larger animals receive larger stamps and smaller animals receive smaller ones. The project's consultants and artists will develop the final designs.

November 3 meeting details

The Parks and Recreation Advisory Board meeting is scheduled for Tuesday, November 3, at City Hall, 17425 Ballinger Way NE. The meeting packet lists both 4 p.m. and 7 p.m. as start times, so residents should confirm the correct time with the city.

In-person and virtual participation are available.

Join via Zoom:
https://us06web.zoom.us/j/81588635483

Telephone: 253-215-8782

Webinar ID: 815 8863 5483

Members of the public may provide oral comments in person. Comments are limited to three minutes per speaker. Online public comments will not be accepted.

The meeting agenda and additional information are available through the City of Lake Forest Park website.

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