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Parks & Recreation ramps up programs, marina work and capital projects in Oak Harbor
Summary
Parks and Recreation Director Brian Smith reported expanded programming, new staff, marina maintenance and several capital projects including a 4,400‑foot trail, pickleball design nearing completion, an inclusive playground RFP and an urban forestry plan funded by grant support.
Brian Smith, Director of Parks and Recreation, presented the department’s annual report and described rapid expansion of recreational programming, staffing and capital work over the last year.
Smith said the department has added dozens of programs for youth and adults, hired new recreation staff and produced the first activity guide since the 1990s. He reported more than 645 program participants (not counting later summer registrations), 72 new programs added in one year, and a recreation center membership of about 900. Smith said summer camp registrations were already strong and that the department has transitioned special‑event permitting and related administration into recreation staff.
Marina and marine stewardship: The Harbor/Marina team celebrated the marina’s 50th anniversary, completed routine dock and restroom repairs, invested roughly $1.2 million in marina repairs in the 2025 budget cycle, and is planning a dredging project. Smith highlighted the city’s salmon‑rearing co‑hosting program — more than 3,200 salmon released in May with a community release that included a tribal blessing — and said the marina has sustained operations without general‑fund tax support for operations.
Capital projects and design work: Smith reported a new 4,400‑foot walking trail at Coogee Park, disc golf and Freedom Park trail work, playground updates to meet contemporary accessibility standards, and nearly complete (99 percent) design documents for new pickleball courts. The department has an RFP out for a recreation‑center feasibility study and an RFP in development for inclusive‑playground design and permitting. Smith said the department is pursuing/state‑funded urban‑forest grant funding and planning for 770 new trees across the city.
Budget and revenues: Smith said park rentals and facility revenue increased in 2024 and year‑to‑date 2025. The marina continues to be self‑sustaining. The department is pursuing sponsorships and has obtained roughly $3 million in external funding for projects since standing up the department.
Equity and access: Smith said the department is prioritizing inclusive programming, quiet zones at events for participants with special needs, sliding‑scale sponsorships for summer camps, and a new mascot (Ollie the Otter) for outreach and community events.
Ending: Councilmembers praised the expanded programming and staffing. Smith said the department will bring specific project proposals (pickleball implementation, inclusive‑playground construction) to council as funding and permitting are finalized.
