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Sedro-Woolley council narrows parks goals, debates hiring a recreation coordinator and pump-track plans
Summary
Council reviewed draft strategic goals tied to the 2027–28 budget, discussed adding recreation and communications to parks goals, considered pump-track options and Woolly Fest activation, and debated whether to hire a parks/recreation coordinator now or defer while expanding staff capacity.
Sedro-Woolley councilors spent much of a study-session meeting reviewing a new set of strategic goals intended to guide the city’s 2027–28 budget, devoting extended discussion to parks programming, communications and whether to add a dedicated parks and recreation coordinator.
City manager Charlie introduced the draft and asked the council how granular they wanted staff to be in incorporating edits from council and department staff. Public works supervisor Nathan Salena and council members described a menu of possible park investments, from pump tracks and mountain-biking amenities to playground upgrades and Reed Street park improvements.
“David truly exemplifies what it means to be a public servant,” Public Works Supervisor Nathan Salena said during an earlier recognition item that opened the meeting, a remark that set the tone for the council’s emphasis on service and maintenance as it discussed parks priorities.
Council Member Peterson, who said she had heard community interest in a pump track while canvassing last summer, urged the council to add a clear activity for exploring pump-track options and to seek outside grant funding: “We should start by looking for outside funding — grant funding — to fund this.” Supporters noted that events tied to Woolly Fest could help draw visitors downtown.
Other councilors warned against creating a full recreation department immediately. Council Member Allen Henderson said the city’s volunteer base runs many youth leagues now, and hiring an FTE could expand obligations: “I don’t see the need to bring on a paid staff member… until a need has been identified.” Several members instead favored an incremental approach that would let Nathan and existing staff step into more coordination as capacity allows, then reassess before adding permanent positions.
On related items the council endorsed the city’s practice of prioritizing grant funding for capital projects and asked staff to continue developing a small-works priority program to address deferred maintenance and lower-cost repairs. Staff reported that a sidewalk gap inventory is roughly 80% complete and recommended coordinating with external partners where useful to help secure grants.
What’s next: staff will incorporate council edits into a revised draft strategic goals document, follow up on Reed Street funding discussions with county partners, and return to council with clarified language and recommendations about timing for any new parks staffing or programmatic hires.
