City staff briefed the Washougal City Council on parks and cemetery projects, including the town‑center revitalization (splash pad and playground), Schmidt Family Park planning and a veterans memorial fundraising push.

Town center and Schmidt Family Park

Staff said the town‑center revitalization is under construction and on track for summer completion of key public amenities, including a splash pad. The project includes a redesigned playground and an expanded senior‑center outdoor kitchen, staff said. Staff showed a project fly‑through and said the plaza and splash pad are expected to be ready “in time for sunny days next summer.”

At Schmidt Family Park staff described planning work for a family park and a veterans memorial and reminded councilors that parts of Schmidt Family Park sit in a regulated flood plain. Staff said flood‑plain placement does not strictly prohibit construction but makes some uses more complex and costly; staff said water‑oriented uses (kayak launches, paths at water level) are typically more straightforward than a permanent dog park because non‑water‑oriented uses in the flood plain require additional engineering and may be restricted under some grant covenants.

Veterans memorial and parks staffing

Staff said two memorial projects — the family park design and veterans memorial — are in planning and fundraising phases; fundraising materials have been developed and staff are coordinating community engagement. Staff also said the city recently added community services staff and is coordinating parks and public‑works management to carry forward park projects and maintenance.

Dog park, flood plain and use constraints

Council members asked whether a dog park could be located in the lower flood‑plain portion of Schmidt Family Park. Staff replied that such a use would be a conditional use with more complex permitting and with potential challenges tied to grant covenants (Legacy Lands, Conservation Futures, RCO grants) and shoreline master‑plan provisions. Staff said a dog park is not prohibited but would require additional approvals and engineering to address flood‑risk and funding covenants.

Community arts, mural and volunteers

Staff said a mural for a parking‑lot barn and a potential artists’ rendering by Jeremy Nichols are under consideration; staff said they are also exploring a neighborhood adopt‑a‑park program, enhanced volunteer recognition and a community market. Several councilors praised staff for increased outreach and the Citizens Academy volunteers program.

Discussion vs. action

The briefing was informational. Councilors asked staff to follow up with written details about flood‑plain limits, grant covenants and potential locations for various park amenities. No formal council votes occurred.