Si View E News - January 2024

Si View E-News January 2024

Happy New Year! In our fast-paced world, it is important to set aside time for reflection. While our team is moving forward at full speed formulating schedules for summer programs, developing contracts for upcoming park projects, collaborating with partner agencies on future planning efforts, we have intentionally set time to review past year's programs and projects to learn from the experiences, celebrate successes and set goals for improvement areas. Highlights of our 2023 accomplishments can be found in our Year-in-Review report. We've also recently joined the NextDoor platform as an agency in an effort to share more regular updates with all District residents. Let us know what information would be most helpful for you.

For many of us, a New Year means new beginnings including a focus on health and wellness. In fact, according to the latest NRPA Park Pulse survey, 93% of U.S. adults prioritize being physically active, improving mental health and self-care, being in nature, and learning a new skill as the top goals at the start of the New Year. Your local parks and trails, and the community center & pool are all fantastic resources to help you be active and reach any wellness goals. You can reduce stress by taking a walk in a park, join a fitness class for some cardio, or build social connections by meeting new friends at programs and events. See some of our wellness focused programs in the newsletter or browse the full winter season program line up here.

See you at local parks!

Tim Noonan Sworn in as Si View Parks Commmissioner

On Wednesday January 3^rd, Si View Metro Parks Board of Commissioners welcomed Tim Noonan as a newly elected representative to the commission. This is Commissioner Noonan’s first term representing the Si View Metropolitan Park District residents. The Board also held the annual election of officers. Commissioner Bud Raisio will serve as the President and Commissioner Mark Joselyn as Clerk. The other commissioners are Susan Kelly and Katie Klahn.

The Commission sets policy for Si View Metro Parks, which operates an extensive array of recreation programs and actively manages nearly 900 acres of parkland in Snoqualmie Valley. In all, this system of parks, programs and trails supports a range of active and passive recreation experiences. Commissioners serve staggered six-year terms and are elected by voters residing within the boundaries of the Si View Metropolitan Park District, which includes the City of North Bend and surrounding unincorporated areas.

Si View Park Commission meets every first and third Wednesday at 5:00 pm at the North Annex office of Si View Community Center, 219 E Park Street. Public is welcome to attend the meetings, in-person, or remotely on the Teams platform. Meeting agendas are available on the District website.

Celebrating John D. Spellman Award Recipients

In December, a celebration to recognize recipients of the John D. Spellman Awards was hosted at Si View Community Center. The Tollgate Farmstead Project received the 2023 King County Executive’s John D. Spellman Award for Exemplary Achievement in Historic Preservation in the restoration category. This award commends the efforts by Si View Metro Parks and partners to revitalize the Tollgate Farm site for use by local agricultural producers and the community by restoring the historic house and rebuilding the barn. Pictured: King County Historic Preservation Officer Jennifer Meisner, Berger Partnership staff Jason Fritensky and Andy Mitton, Si View Executive Director Travis Stombaugh, Si View staff Minna Rudd, Hoshide Wanzer Architects staff Bob Hoshide and King County Councilmember Sarah Perry. Learn more about this program here.

$4 Million Dollar Grant Award Lost

In 2021, the King County Parks Levy Aquatics Facilities Grant Program awarded a $4 million grant towards the proposed Si View community pool. This external funding source lowered the local investment needed to develop a new public indoor aquatic center designed to serve a diverse range of programming for all ages and abilities. Receiving this highly competitive award was an incredible gift to Si View and the community, considering that $4 million is nearly equivalent to Si View’s annual operating budget.

In the November 2023 general election, Si View Metropolitan Park District voters narrowly rejected a capital bond measure to secure the remaining construction funding for the proposed pool. Without full funding, the project is no longer feasible, and the $4 million grant has been returned to King County. The loss of this grant is a significant setback for our community, as this level of external funding support is truly a rare opportunity for a small agency such as Si View.

The District greatly appreciates the support and guidance provided by King County Parks Grant team in navigating the grant application process. The $4 million will be reprogrammed for the 2025 Parks Levy Aquatics Facilities grants round.

The future of the Si View Pool and the status of public aquatic services in our community remains uncertain. We will continue to develop solutions that provide our residents with access to aquatic programs until our resources are no longer adequate to sustainably do so.

Event Spotlight: Family Fun Night

Come join us for an all-ages game night at Si View Community Center. Bring your family and friends for a night of BINGO and classic board games! We will have prizes and fun for all! Snack sales will be available from 6pm-7:15pm.

This event is free, but pre-registration is required. Just one registration per family is needed to help us prepare the space. Donations for supporting Si View community events are gladly accepted.

Program Spotlight: Health and Wellness

Are you looking for ways to stay active and healthy this winter? Check out Si View's growing selection of programs for adults, intended to get you moving, meet new friends and have fun while getting a healthy dose of exercise. We offer a variety of course options taught by experienced community instructors, ready to help you reach your personal goals!