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Tumwater commission approves park-fund spending, defers park signage
Summary
On May 20 the Tumwater Parks and Recreation Commission approved using park-fund money (from a biennial $40,000 balance) to pay for three trailer wraps, special-event signage, event-gate improvements, a golf-tournament tent, one bench and one picnic table at Isabella Bush Park; commissioners deferred purchasing new park signs and some lodge shade work. The motion passed by voice vote.
The Tumwater Parks and Recreation Commission voted May 20 to approve a set of expenditures from a mayor-created park fund while deferring purchases commissioners considered the council’s responsibility.
Commissioners approved, by voice vote, staff recommendations to use part of the $40,000 available in the park fund for three trailer wraps (brand and volunteer trailers), new special-event signage, improvements to the main event gate to speed Fourth of July and festival entry, a golf-tournament tent/scoring-area improvement (partly funded by $7,000 in lodging-tax money), and one bench and one picnic table for Isabella Bush Park. Staff provided a subtotal of $26,153.37 for all items excluding park signs.
Commissioner Charlie Schneider proposed the adjustment and moved the amended budget; two commissioners seconded the motion, and no opposition was recorded on the voice vote. Schneider said the commission should approve the presented list "except the park signs" and prioritize items that would have immediate operational benefit, such as gate improvements for large events.
Several commissioners argued that park signage is primarily a city-council decision and should not be fully funded by the commission, while others said the most publicly visible signs (for example at Historical Park) might be worth prioritizing. Schneider also renewed a prior community request for two benches at Isabella Bush Park and proposed funding one bench and one picnic table if the commission deferred signage; staff estimated benches could cost about $2,500 each including pads and installation.
Staff noted that some items (such as trailer wraps and signage) can be completed before September if ordered, while larger capital items still require council approval and standard procurement timelines.
The commission will revisit remaining items (including park signage and a lodge shade structure) in future meetings and can reallocate remaining park-fund balance later in the year.
