Poulsbo okays five‑year maintenance agreement with Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance for pump track

The Poulsbo City Council voted Oct. 1 to approve a five‑year maintenance agreement with the Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance (EMBA) under which EMBA will be responsible for routine maintenance and inspection of the city’s pump track.

Parks Director Jeff Osment described the agreement as an update to an earlier maintenance arrangement that had expired. The new five‑year term requires quarterly coordination meetings between the city and EMBA, sets maintenance standards consistent with industry practice, updates insurance requirements and commits the city to collaborate on grant applications (such as the Recreation and Conservation Office’s Recreation Trails Program) to help fund maintenance and repairs.

Osment told council the pump track receives heavy use, that volunteers and EMBA previously managed daily upkeep, and that issues such as vandalism to porta‑potties and illegal dumping have created challenges. The city has previously installed a water connection near the site; Parks and Public Works staff said that utility access is available for basic needs (yard hydrant/hose hookup).

Councilmember McVeigh moved the contract; council approved the agreement and authorized the mayor to sign.

The agreement also contemplates joint outreach and programming with EMBA and gives the city the ability to coordinate large events or alternative uses of the park in keeping with its status as public property. Staff said they will track usage and report back as needed to support future grant applications and capital planning.