Commission hears Wolf Park update and outlines spring outreach events including river cleanup and Cedar Swamp tour

Commissioners received a progress update on Wolf Park / Mount Brookline master planning and discussed a slate of outreach events for spring through fall, including collaborating on a January–April City Nature Challenge kickoff and a river cleanup scheduled for April 27.

Commissioner Lauren Zelensky reported on the Wolf Park / Mount Brookline master plan: consultants are finalizing a design that rehabilitates ballfields, expands parking, installs a half‑mile walking loop, and includes a southern skate park area that will be developed first. Zelensky said consultants have incorporated public feedback, and that department staff and park designers discussed retention swales that could be planted as rain gardens to support pollinators and improve runoff treatment.

The commission agreed to support the Nature Conservancy’s City Nature Challenge and to pair commission outreach with the Skagitqua River cleanup on Sunday, April 27. Commissioners proposed a short tutorial at the cleanup to teach participants how to use iNaturalist and to encourage participants to contribute observations to the City Nature Challenge after cleanup work. The commission also discussed repeating the Cedar Swamp tour in summer (previous turnout was strong) and scheduling additional events for June, August and October to engage residents and regional visitors.

Staff noted a new planner with GIS experience will join department staff in coming weeks and could help with mapping and outreach. The commission also discussed partnerships with local organizations (e.g., Urban Pond Restoration Group) and opportunities to cross‑promote events with schools and business sponsors.

No formal vote was taken. Commissioners asked staff to coordinate calendars, reach out to partners for the April cleanup/kickoff, and return with a confirmed outreach calendar at a future meeting.