Medical Lake partners outline community priorities and possible community center at online 'Pass the Mic' event

At an online "Pass the Mic" community event hosted by the City of Medical Lake, Mayor Terry Cooper and representatives from the Medical Lake School District, Lakeland Village and Reimagine Medical Lake laid out priorities that city leaders say should shape the next comprehensive plan.

Becca, a city staff member moderating the event, opened by describing the comprehensive plan as "a road map for how growth will take place in our community" and urged residents to provide input via the chat and the city website. Mayor Terry Cooper said the city adopted a 2024 strategic plan and is pursuing a renewed vision "to restore the city of Medical Lake to its roots known as the healing waters of Medical Lake," emphasizing partnerships with schools, state facilities and nonprofits as central to that effort.

Lakeland Village, a state-operated residential habilitation center run by the Washington Department of Social and Health Services, described changes in its resident population and a desire to reinvigorate community connections. "Lakeland Village is a residential habilitation center that offers services and care for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities," Bridal Arkoosh said, and noted the facility serves "about a 140 residents" and employs a large staff. Arkoosh said Lakeland has increased coordination with Eastern State Hospital under a behavioral-health administration and is seeking opportunities to deepen local partnerships.

The Medical Lake School District framed schools as community hubs and said the district is expanding early-learning access. Superintendent Kim Hendrick said the district dates back about 120 years and described new programs, including transition-to-kindergarten and Washington-state-funded preschool that will provide early learning to "over a 100, 3 and 4 year olds" at local schools and at the on-base Michael Anderson site. Hendrick said the district is exploring ways to open school facilities for broader community use and has formed a community facilities task force.

Reimagine Medical Lake, the volunteer nonprofit that runs festivals and local events, highlighted economic and community-building opportunities tied to expanded broadband and the Medical Lake Farmers Market. "With expanded broadband, Medical Lake has the ability to attract remote workers, tech-enabled small businesses, and digital entrepreneurs," Ryan Simkoski said, and the group is planning a heritage-education initiative and continued support for community festivals and small-business incubation.

During the community Q&A a viewer asked whether a community center is possible. Mayor Cooper replied "the short answer is yes" and said the city would likely look first to partner with the school district. Superintendent Hendrick confirmed the district is considering how to leverage existing buildings: "We have 3 school buildings within, and the high school is 145,000 square feet," she said, and described the district's interest in using facilities for community programs.

There were no formal votes or policy decisions at the session. Organizers said the event is one of several opportunities to participate in the comprehensive plan update and encouraged residents to submit further feedback through the city website and the City of Medical Lake Facebook page. The recorded session will be posted for later viewing.

The next step for residents who want to weigh in is to use the comment button on the comprehensive plan page on the city website or contact City of Medical Lake staff directly; the city said it will continue outreach through the plan's steering committee and partner organizations.