Lake Forest Park parks board outlines lakefront plan and welcomes new member

The Lake Forest Park Parks & Recreation Advisory Board presented its 2026 work plan to the council on Feb. 12, highlighting continued involvement in the lakefront park design, increased outreach and recreation programming, and updating park maps.

Tyler Dittman, chair of the board, said the board will help with interpretive features at the planned lakefront park, provide park spotlights through the city’s e-news, expand recreation offerings (including pickleball and story walks), participate in community events, and coordinate with related groups such as the city’s tree board, Shoreline Historical Museum and local stewardship organizations. He noted the board is filling vacancies and seeking student representatives.

During public comment, Mike Betersnick described longstanding volunteer work in the city’s parks and said maintenance capacity — mowing, pruning and litter pickup — is a limiting factor for creating new parks. Councilmembers thanked him for his service and moved to appoint him to Parks & Recreation Advisory Board position 7; the motion was seconded and confirmed by voice vote.

Council and board members discussed opportunities to promote walking routes and collaborate on tree walks, with Vice Chair Goldman noting the tree board’s interest in joint projects. The council also recognized volunteer reappointments to planning and tree boards during consent calendar approval.

Board members signaled plans to conduct outreach and community events to boost park use and volunteer participation, and to assist in lakefront park planning as design work moves forward.