Director Waite told the Parks and Recreation Commission on Jan. 9 that the department will launch a “52 in 25” outreach program to visit every park in 2025 and gather public input for a comprehensive plan update.

“We're kicking off this year, with our 52 in 25 program,” Director Waite said, announcing a Saturday, Jan. 25 visit to Trailhead Park that will include public engagement and a community hike. Waite said staff will use the park visits to perform pop‑up polling and partner outreach while the city updates its comprehensive plan; staff expect the RFQ process for a consultant to start and the planning work to begin in March.

Waite gave project updates: West Village Park has reached substantial completion with a playground phase 2 planned in 2025; Howard Amon playground components are expected to arrive late this month or early next month with fall protection installed once weather allows; and seasonal hiring for parks laborers will begin with a first hiring wave in late February to support tournaments.

On Columbia Point Marina Park, Waite described a shoreline stabilization problem north of the viewing plaza where basalt pillars and concrete slabs had been undermined. He said staff removed artwork and fenced off the area pending geotechnical recommendations and that fixes may require in‑water work and coordination with multiple jurisdictions.

Waite said the concessionaire application window is open and that staff will review applications for seasonal vendors. He also reported that most planned work at Columbia Park and Wye Park is nearly complete and that some tree limb trimming improved sight lines for safety; staff will discuss reopening plans in coming weeks.

Waite noted crews have been busy with storm cleanup—windstorms displaced tumbleweeds and leaves—and with irrigation and landscaping repairs enabled by the unusually warm winter.

No formal action was taken on the report; staff will return with additional timelines for the comprehensive plan selection and park project schedules.