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Lake Stevens parks board presents 2026 work program; council and board debate how to pay for more parks
Summary
The Parks & Recreation Planning Board presented its proposed 2026 work program and highlighted 2025 accomplishments including the Caballero Park acquisition and Westlake Park improvements; board members said they would consider a dedicated parks tax only if funds are tied to specific projects and there is clear city follow-through.
Jill Meese, the parks planning and development coordinator for the city of Lake Stevens, presented the Parks and Recreation Planning Board’s proposed work program for 2026 and reviewed major 2025 accomplishments, including the Caballero Park acquisition and outreach tied to the parks, recreation and open space (pros) plan.
The board’s chair, Tina Decker, described the board as the council’s principal advisory body on parks, recreation and open space and urged continued maintenance and investment. “Give them more money,” Decker said, arguing the city should fund higher levels of upkeep and more projects as growth accelerates.
Board members who introduced themselves said priorities include connected trails, a pump track and greater geographic equity. Brian Heigert, a past board president, praised recent work and said the community will back new revenue only if it is tied to specific deliverables: “I wanna see what you’re gonna actually put into the parks. What am I gonna get for the money?” he said.
Newer board member Jennifer Gosselin pointed to survey responses and open-house engagement that show residents value trails and diverse park experiences, and she urged the council to consider underserved parts of the city (south and southeast of the lake) when prioritizing projects.
Council members and staff asked about funding options. The chair asked plainly, “Where does the money come from?” and raised whether the city should pursue a dedicated property or sales tax for parks and whether board members would help educate voters. Staff and board members said they are open to a dedicated funding measure but emphasized outreach, clear project lists and trust-building so voters can see what the revenue will buy.
Staff explained that development mitigation fees and, in some cases, required on-site open space are current mechanisms that contribute to parks funding. Jill Meese told the group the draft work program will return on the consent agenda for formal council consideration, and she invited final suggestions from the board before that packet deadline.
The joint session closed with board members reiterating support for continued collaboration with staff and the city council on prioritization and community engagement.
