Lacey presents parks annual report; staff cite 70% million capital backlog and rising use

Lacey parks officials presented the department’s 2024 annual report and a Parks and Recreation Month update at the July 15 council meeting, citing heavy use, increased revenue and a large capital-replacement backlog. Parks, Culture and Recreation Director Jen Burbage said Lacey maintains 1,269 acres across 26 developed parks and 35 park properties and that most residents live within a 10-minute walk of a Lacey park. "In 2024, the regional athletic complex was booked 360 days out of the year," she said, noting the complex generated more than $560,000 in rental revenue and an estimated $13.63 million in direct economic impact, a figure credited to Experience Olympia and Beyond. Parks staff reported a rise in programming and facility use: 986 classes and programs offered in 2024; roughly 79,000 attendees at 35 free events; nearly 12,000 rental hours at the Regional Athletic Complex; and roughly $83,000 in sponsorships to offset operational costs. Staff said the volunteer program equated to about $171,000 of labor in 2024 and the department awarded about $13,000 in financial assistance to 60 participants. Park maintenance staff highlighted 1,656 completed work orders, planting of over 500 trees, removal of 75 graffiti incidents and removal of 14.56 tonnes of debris via the rapid-response cleanup team. Burbage told council that Lacey has grown roughly 33% in the past 10 years and that most playgrounds are now out of warranty; a recent comprehensive plan estimated nearly $70,000,000 worth of needed capital improvements and replacements. Council members praised staff for high usage and successful events including July 3 and Lacey in Tune. Council and staff discussed specific parks and potential future investments including Wanchers Park, Longs Pond and new amenities in Hawks Prairie. Parks staff said phase 1 of Greg Cuyo Park is expected to be complete this fall. Burbage said the council-formed Park Improvement Funding Work Group developed funding recommendations now being shared with the public. Staff requested council direction as appropriate to pursue funding strategies to address the capital needs.