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Council asks advisory committee to study volunteer park stewards and bike‑path volunteers
Summary
Council authorized a motion directing the Lakewood Advisory Commission to benchmark volunteer park‑steward and bike‑path steward programs used elsewhere and report back, with the intent of improving park stewardship and reducing conflicts on multi‑use paths.
A motion introduced by Councilor Nystrom and seconded by Councilor Isabel Cruz asked the Lakewood Advisory Commission (LAC) to research existing volunteer park‑steward and path‑steward programs used elsewhere in Colorado and to return with recommendations. The council approved the motion with 10 yes votes and no no votes; one councilor had left the meeting before the vote was recorded.
Nystrom said the goal is to build a network of volunteers who can assist with park education, promotion, light maintenance, and informal conflict‑reduction on multi‑use paths. He cited local examples of citizens already acting as informal stewards and described successful models used in state and regional parks and other municipalities.
Councilor Sinks clarified the motion was a benchmarking request — research for future consideration — not an immediate program adoption. Cruz seconded the motion, and the council instructed staff and the LAC to return with options the council could consider in a study session.
Ending: The motion passed; staff and the LAC will research models and report back to council with options and implementation considerations.
