2016 Year in Revew: Point Roberts Park and Recreation District

By Stephen Falk

In January, with the departure of Mark Robbins from the Point Roberts Park and Recreation District, Linda Hughes was elected president for 2016, with Stephen Falk elected as vice president. Newly elected commissioner Bennett Blaustein graciously agreed to take on many of the administrative functions of the board members.

The joint project of the park district, Friends of the Point Roberts Library and the Whatcom County Library System to renovate the old Julius Fire Hall as a modern, expanded public library took quite a bit of energy this year. We hosted a public meeting at which the final plans for the design were well received. FOPRL raised $540,000 for the project, but final estimates over $800,000 left the park district to seek voter approval for a one-time levy of $300,000. With only support from 55 percent of Point Roberts voters, the levy was not approved. New paths forward are under consideration.

On a more positive note, the summer kids camp was, again, a great success. In response to greater restrictions on off-leash dogs in Point Roberts, the park district formally approved use of Baker Field as an off-leash dog-park, subject to posted rules.

The park district meetings on the second Monday of the month are open to the public. All are welcome.