Mountlake Terrace parks advisory panel seeks volunteers, advances Ballinger and Evergreen Playfield projects
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Summary
The Recreation and Parks Advisory Commission (RPAC) reviewed 2024 volunteer and capital accomplishments, approved NPIS bench and ADA-table purchases and outlined 2025 work including Evergreen Playfield improvements, Ballinger West-side work and a recreation pavilion planning effort.
The Mountlake Terrace Recreation and Parks Advisory Commission presented its 2025 work plan Thursday, reporting last year’s volunteer totals and progress on several capital projects while seeking volunteers for neighborhood park subcommittees.
Selena Williams, park supervisor, introduced commissioners and NPIS (Neighborhood Park Improvement Subcommittee) volunteers and highlighted that RPAC and NPIS recommended purchasing four ADA picnic tables and additional benches: "With the funds this year, NPIS made a recommendation to supply more benches and ADA picnic tables. This recommendation needed to be approved by RPAC Commission, which it was," Williams said.
Forrest Bridal, RPAC chair, summarized volunteer contributions and projects: RPAC recorded 296 volunteers contributing 1,119 hours in 2024, continued restoration work at Hall Creek, lighting improvements at Evergreen Playfield, Ballinger West-side pathway improvements and planning for a food-forest and community garden at Ballinger Park. "Our vision is to nurture, support, and promote a well connected, vibrant, and regionally important recreation and parks open space system," Bridal said.
Parks Director Jeff Betts described RPAC’s role in reviewing recreation fees, in-kind service agreements and in advising on special events and facility planning. RPAC said it will press forward in 2025 on Evergreen Playfield complex improvements, Ballinger West-side construction, the transit connection corridor to Veterans Park and the Recreation Pavilion planning and replacement work.
Commissioners asked council to help recruit NPIS volunteers for vacant Ballinger Park and Forest Crest Park seats; RPAC also signaled continued support for grant applications and volunteer-driven projects such as community cleanups, Tour de Terrace, Terrace Summer Nights and a planned Ballinger Park food-forest. RPAC noted some ongoing funding needs for amenities like the pool and pavilion and recommended continued staff resources and grant-seeking to implement planned projects.
RPAC’s NPIS recommendation to buy four ADA picnic tables and benches was recorded as approved by the commission; installation locations were reported as Ballinger and Bicentennial areas and additional benches along the Ballinger West-side pathway once construction is complete.