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Parks board outlines 2025 priorities: Greg Cuyo Park, Woodland Creek bridge, RAC improvements and Bush Park playground
Summary
The Parks, Culture and Recreation Board presented its 2025 work plan and asked that the council consider it for placement on the consent agenda; top priorities include Greg Cuyo Park Phase 1A construction, replacement of the Woodland Creek Park bridge and continued design for RAC Phase 3.
The Parks, Culture and Recreation Board presented its 2024 accomplishments and a 2025 work plan to the Lacey City Council, and asked that the council place the board’s packet and work plan on the consent agenda for approval.
Board chair Wendy Goodwin and Senior Parks Planner Jenny Wilson reviewed completed projects and upcoming construction and planning work. Goodwin highlighted the recently completed Regional Athletic Complex (RAC) parking lot project, which added paved stalls and charging infrastructure; staff described several capital projects planned for 2025.
Wilson said Greg Cuyo Park Phase 1A went out to bid in December and a construction contract will be brought to council; the bid schedule includes a June 30 deadline for contractor work with staff aiming for an opening before September. Wilson also said the Woodland Creek Park bridge — the existing bridge is nearly 40 years old — has design nearly complete, with construction anticipated in fall.
The board listed other priority projects for 2025: RAC Phase 3 pre-design (with three concept alternatives and an at‑grade pedestrian crossing analysis), McKinney Building historic research and wetland delineation, and the Bush Park playground replacement. Wilson noted Gateway Rotary has committed $110,000 toward the Bush Park playground project.
The presentation also described education and outreach programs launched in 2024: a “Nature Sleuths” wildlife education trail program that issues park-specific stickers for completed missions, and an off-leash dog education campaign to reduce off‑leash incidents through signage, newsletter and social media outreach. Staff emphasized partnership agreements renewed in 2024, including joint-use and programming agreements with local schools and Thurston County.
Why it matters: the board’s construction agenda includes several multi-year capital projects that will require future council action for contract approvals and funding. The Greg Cuyo Park contract, the Woodland Creek bridge construction and RAC Phase 3 design choices (including a future protected crossing option) were flagged for follow-up council decisions.
Questions from councilors focused on project timing and safety. Council members asked for additional detail on pedestrian crossing options for RAC Phase 3 and expressed concern for senior and transit users crossing near the complex; staff said the design consultant will provide alternatives and cost estimates for those features.
Next steps: staff will return with contract award recommendations for projects that reach the procurement milestone and will bring concept alternatives for RAC Phase 3 to council in May. The Parks Board asked the council to place the board’s 2024 accomplishments and 2025 work plan on a future consent agenda for approval.
Ending: Council members praised the board’s work and noted ongoing coordination will be necessary as Midtown development and new housing add users to the parks system.
