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Parks board advances Chinook walking-trail planning amid drainage and engineering concerns
Summary
Ocean Shores Parks Board discussed locating and funding a walking trail at Chinook, noted a mayoral request for an engineering diagram, debated installing path work before resolving French-drain concerns, and reviewed fundraising and grant status tied to the trail.
The Ocean Shores Parks Board on June 10 discussed next steps for a planned walking trail at Chinook Park, where members said an engineering diagram requested by the mayor still needs to be finalized and drainage concerns remain unresolved.
Board President Stacey Lynn said a diagram for the path exists but she is still locating it, and that the mayor has asked the city for an engineering diagram before moving forward. "I do believe that there was a diagram done about the path and I'm working on trying to dig it up," she said. Members also noted the path may already be budgeted for the year but that some technical work—particularly around drainage—could require additional city-led engineering.
Several members questioned whether the board should install the walking surface now and address French-drain or other drainage repairs later. "Couldn't we just move ahead with the path and if the French drain does happen to cross over the path at some point, just do the repairs? At least we would have the path in place," a board member said. The group agreed to follow up with city staff to determine whether piecemeal installation is feasible without increasing long-term costs or worsening drainage.
Councilman Richard Willis warned that a simple French drain alone may not solve the large-dog-park flooding problem and cited an example from Seattle where a French drain made conditions worse. "A French drain around Chinook would be relatively simple. They did that at one of the Seattle dog parks and it was a disaster and made the problem worse," Willis said, urging the board to consider slope correction and more substantial grading as part of a long-term fix.
The board reported the city council approved matching funds and that an RCO grant application tied to park improvements has been submitted and is in a final review round with an estimated decision in August. The Parks Foundation is also launching a "Pinwheel" fundraising campaign to buy outdoor equipment for the walking trail; the campaign offers donors a pinwheel on the fence for a $10/month or $120 one-time contribution. President Lynn said the foundation has permission from the city to begin fundraising and that she will act as liaison to coordinate progress between the foundation and city staff.
Next steps: the board will locate and circulate the existing diagram, ask city staff (including the public-works director) whether a formal engineering diagram is required before installation, and continue coordination with Becky (staff) on contractor quotes and grant follow-up. The RCO grant and Pinwheel fundraising activity will both be tracked as the board refines the design and schedule for the Chinook walking trail.
