New faces, officers at parks district

The Point Roberts Park and Recreation District held its monthly meeting on January 6 at the community center, where commissioner Mike Bell was sworn in and the board elected officers, naming Allison Calder as chair and Bronwyn Glor as vice chair, despite Glor’s absence. Her election was approved with the explanation that she would be notified afterward.

Because Glor vacated her previous seat when she moved into her current position, a commissioner vacancy remains open. Two candidates spoke during the meeting. Jason Foster described Point Roberts as “a magical place” and said he hoped to contribute “energy and ideas and creativity.” Roderick Jones said he put his name forward simply to help, adding, “Nothing serious like, hey, I have to have this or my life’s going to end… it’s more of, how can I help?” After an executive session, the board nominated Jones to move forward as the preferred candidate for consideration at the March 3 meeting, though the chair emphasized this was not a final appointment and additional applicants are still welcome. Interested residents and community members with questions for candidates are encouraged to attend the February and March meetings or email the district.

Much of the public comment centered on the new disc golf course being developed in the Baker Field trails. Kathleen McInnes objected to debris from blackberry removal being staged in the frog pond, calling it “critical habitat.” McInnes also questioned expanding the course, which currently contains four baskets, to nine baskets before knowing if it would be used, asking, “If it’s not going to be used, then why take more habitat?”

Community member Breeda Desmond echoed those concerns, saying debris should be addressed before baskets are installed and that “a pond is not a good staging area.” Mary Edgley added that while habitat loss might be justified if the course is heavily used, “if it’s not going to be used, then why take more habitat?” Residents also cited past projects, including the deteriorated skate park, as examples of improvements that were built but not maintained.

Park staff responded that all work is being done by volunteers, that signage and rules will be installed once the course is completed, and that disc golf is considered a low-impact, “nature-friendly” activity because it weaves through existing landscape rather than requiring full clearing. They also said the district now has staff, a budget, and a maintenance structure that did not exist in earlier years.

Other business included discussion of rising operating costs, including a new $3,186 insurance rider for the EV chargers and propane bills that have doubled to about $1,200. Commissioners asked that doors not be propped open to reduce heating losses.

The administrative report highlighted several community successes. A holiday event raised $1,150 for the playground fund, and the Colton Foundation awarded a $3,750 grant for Baker Field improvements, including baseball equipment, benches and development of a horseshoe pit and picnic area. A clothing swap was announced, with leftover items to be donated to shelters and local charities.

The board also approved purchasing a new annual permit from the Whatcom County Health Department for about $350 plus fees. The permit allows up to 12 kitchen uses per year and enables full food preparation rather than only serving prepackaged items, expanding what can be offered at community events and reducing overall costs.