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Port Washington Parks Board elects chair, hears plea to resurface pickleball courts and reviews summer projects
Summary
Mary Lou Miller was approved as chair and a volunteer secretary chosen; a resident urged resurfacing pitted pickleball courts. Staff outlined pool opening, a ramp replacement, plan for Hill School pickleball courts, donation-policy guidance and a five-year outdoor recreation plan.
Mary Lou Miller was approved as chair of the Port Washington Parks and Recreation Board at its meeting, and the board approved a volunteer to serve as secretary.
During public comment, resident Betty Bishop thanked city crews for recent maintenance of the town’s pickleball courts but urged the board to consider resurfacing them, saying the courts are “pitted” and “cracked” and “getting dangerous.” She also suggested salvaging windscreens being replaced in a neighboring community for local use.
Staff gave a multi-part report on summer operations and capital work. The department introduced Keith Helm as the new community activity supervisor who will oversee the pool and recreation programming. Staff said summer programs and sports registrations are starting, seasonal staffing is nearly complete, and the municipal pool is scheduled to open Friday; a pool study will assess long-term needs and closure policies.
Staff described an in-house renovation of the pool entrance ramp after crews found nearly 30 years of structural wear: posts were reset with new concrete, drainage and joists replaced, and new decking installed. Recreation theater productions also reported strong attendance (nearly 900 tickets for a recent show) and administrative oversight for youth theater will shift to the school district for efficiency.
On facilities planning, the board confirmed two dedicated, striped pickleball courts at Hill School this year (striping but not new surfacing due to budget constraints) and discussed a long-term plan for additional courts at larger sites such as Windrush Park. Staff proposed formalizing parking at South Beach by adding designated spots to the east and moving the lot about 60 feet south to reduce informal parking on the grass.
The board reviewed a draft citywide donation policy, intended to guide contributions of benches, trees and other gifts. Finance staff noted divisions can tailor a sample form but cautioned that donor stipulations and long-term maintenance obligations can create future budgetary pressure.
Staff also outlined the comprehensive outdoor recreation plan (a roughly 138-page, five-year ‘core’ plan). The plan will involve public meetings and site visits, support grant eligibility, and is slated to begin this November with a presentation to the city council early next year. The board confirmed its annual August park tour and received an announcement about an upcoming BCC training session.
The meeting closed after routine motions to approve minutes, the new appointments and adjournment. The board’s next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2026, beginning at 5 p.m.
