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Parks director outlines program growth, waterfront acquisition plans and shoreline concerns
Summary
Parks and recreation director Glenn Burton reviewed program growth, promotion of community events with nonprofits, plans for Waterfront Park acquisition (target May 2026), and shoreline/shoreline‑management concerns at Pepper Park and the north trailhead.
Parks and Recreation Director Glenn Burton told the City Council on Sept. 16 that the city’s recreation programs have expanded substantially in recent years and that staff are shifting event planning toward partnerships with local nonprofits. Burton said the department’s registration numbers have risen year over year and that revenue and program counts are up.
Burton highlighted near‑term capital and planning work including a waterfront park acquisition the administration hopes to complete in May 2026. He said acquisition would include North Park and the boat launch and that staff will return with a plan and funding strategy after closing. On shoreline issues, Mayor Cooper and Burton said Medical Lake’s north shoreline is eroding and that staff will investigate stabilization and shoreline restoration options constrained by shoreline rules and permitting.
Programming and outreach: Burton said the parks department is expanding adult and active‑aging programming and improving post‑program surveys to refine offerings. He described partnerships with Reimagine Medical Lake and Blue Waters Bluegrass and said Phoenix Security’s presence at Waterfront Park this year helped prevent and report incidents.
Communications and promotion: Burton told council staff plan a quarterly mailed pamphlet with upcoming program and event information and will continue to use social media and partner channels, including school district communications. Burton also reported parks will install new picnic tables and benches at Waterfront Park and is reviewing school district facilities agreements and DOC work‑crew options to augment maintenance staffing.
Next steps: Burton said he will bring an acquisition plan and funding strategy to council following the May 2026 anticipated acquisition date; staff will also provide more regular Parks Advisory Board updates on council meeting nights, per council request.
