The St. Helens Parks & Trails Commission reviewed the parks and trails master plan on Jan. 12, directing staff to update the plan to reflect work already completed and to prioritize several maintenance and accessibility needs.

Commissioners focused on McCormick Park’s persistent drainage problems, the skate park’s condition, and recommendations for 6th Street Park. One commissioner described the McCormick drainage as a recurring winter problem, saying that after rain “it turns into a swamp,” and urged staff to investigate whether a culvert plug or blocked outlet is to blame.

Lynn Pettit, speaking about Civic/Pacific Pride Park, said the site “does not have any water right now” and urged the commission to consider limited irrigation or a drinking fountain where feasible. Commissioners also noted that some master-plan items appear completed in practice and asked staff to mark completed projects so the commission can concentrate on outstanding needs.

Members discussed grant strategies, including state Transportation Growth Management (TGM) funding and urban renewal matches, as a way to leverage local dollars for larger projects such as the riverfront connector. No final budget decisions were made; commissioners agreed to compile a short list of priority items to present to the city council.

Next steps: staff were asked to review the master plan print versions, mark items completed or in progress, and prepare a consolidated list of recommended projects and estimated next steps for council consideration.