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Victoria interviews candidates for Parks and Recreation Committee; focus on preservation and trail access
Summary
At a workshop meeting, the City of Victoria interviewed three applicants for two regular seats and one student seat on its Parks and Recreation Committee. Candidates emphasized preserving green space, closing trail gaps, boosting access and serving as community ambassadors; council will appoint members at its March 9 meeting.
The City of Victoria held a workshop to interview applicants for two open regular seats and one student seat on the Parks and Recreation Committee. The mayor opened the session at 5:30 p.m., said “Our workshops are informal,” and laid out the interview process; City Clerk Claudia Edisold served as timekeeper.
Incumbent Amanda Cahill, who said she has served on the committee for three years, told the council she wants to continue because she values using resident feedback to guide committee recommendations. “I have been on the Parks and Recreation Committee for three years,” Cahill said, and cited trail connectivity and access as priorities.
Applicant Blake Farber said living next to a proposed park in the Brookmore neighborhood motivated his application; he described himself as a neighborhood connector and a parent invested in building safe routes and outreach. “We’re the lot right next to the park to be,” Farber said, noting his background in product management could help with coordination and communications.
Tammy Leonetti, a Lakeridge resident and homeowners association member, emphasized preservation of green space and improved access as guiding principles. Leonetti said the committee should avoid duplicating amenities across parks and instead recommend distinctive features that meet community needs.
Student applicant Owen Beckers, a high-school junior, framed his candidacy around youth engagement and education partnerships. Beckers described summer work at The Social ice cream shop as community outreach and said he would seek programs that connect children to government and conservation lessons.
Throughout the interview, candidates repeatedly prioritized closing trail gaps, improving pedestrian and bike safety near schools and neighborhoods, and ensuring parks are accessible to people of different ages and abilities. Candidates discussed regional or destination parks versus neighborhood parks; Amanda Cahill and others listed splash pads, accessible play surfaces and additional sports fields as amenities the committee should consider when capacity allows.
Council members also asked nominees about the committee’s role as community ambassadors. Farber and Leonetti stressed being visible and responsive in neighborhoods; Beckers said his daily interactions at work taught him how to listen to residents’ needs. Council members asked volunteers to take part in outreach, visit parks before meetings and prepare questions that inform staff recommendations.
Council members told applicants the Parks and Recreation Committee is advisory and that the city will rely on the committee for research and recommendations on items such as the evolving status of the Victoria Recreation Center. The mayor reminded candidates that official appointments will be made during the council’s regular meeting on March 9.
The workshop ended with a motion to adjourn, a second, a voice vote and the mayor’s announcement that the motion carried; the council said it would convene its regular meeting in 10 minutes.
What happens next: The council will make official appointments to the Parks and Recreation Committee at its March 9 regular meeting. Candidates were encouraged to attend or watch the meeting online.
