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Ferndale Parks & Recreation highlights grants, new programming and priorities
Summary
The Parks & Recreation Commission reported $100,000 raised in 2025 (and about $2.4 million in 2024), higher youth sports participation and newly completed parks. The commission outlined three priorities: volunteer support, improved communications and inter‑agency collaboration.
The Ferndale Parks & Recreation Commission reported program and fundraising gains and outlined strategic priorities for the coming year during the council meeting.
Commissioner Carrie Gerdes presented the department’s highlights: the summer programming registration saw high demand, youth sports participation rose substantially (up 47% year‑over‑year in 2024), and the department secured significant grant funding (staff reported approximately $100,000 in grants to date in 2025 and $2,400,000 in 2024). Construction projects at Martin Park and Wilson Park were completed and will be showcased with before‑and‑after communications.
The commission set three broad priorities: empowering volunteers by promoting the volunteer portal Amelia and ensuring commissioner visibility at events; strengthening communications through published infographics and improved timelines for projects; and connecting through collaboration with city boards, schools and arts groups, including a newly formed Martin Park Art Subcommittee that aims to pursue a mural on a concession/bathroom facility. The commission also announced a board meeting schedule (first Wednesday of each month at 6:30 p.m.) and asked for volunteers for upcoming events including the Little Princess event in January and the Santa parade scheduled for December 6.
The update was delivered early in the council meeting; no formal action was required.
