Parks district planning new infrastructure and improvements

Point Roberts park commissioners and staff are planning a series of improvements, including a five-year revitalization of Baker Field, a new playground at the community center, and a shift in district staffing.

Baker Field and future plans

District administrator Dee Gough presented a five-year vision for Baker Field, aimed at making better use of the space and improving amenities for the community. Her plan includes preparing the field for activities like soccer, baseball, frisbee golf, horseshoe pits and picnicking.

“We put the cart before the horse on everything that we do,” said Gough. Initial work will focus on field preparation and improvements to the parking lot, including clearing brush and cutting back invasive blackberries. “Nothing will move forward if we don’t do the brush clearing and clean up the field ... those blackberries are from18 to 30 feet out into the field  in some places.” A motion to spend up to $11,000 on brush clearing and parking lot work passed, along with a separate motion to spend $3,000 on frisbee golf baskets.

Future additions to Baker Field will include a multi-purpose court in 2026, irrigation and hydroseeding in 2027, and upgrades to the skatepark in 2028. Gough hopes early improvements will help secure funding from the Colton Foundation, which is reviewing the district’s proposal in August. “We just need somewhere to start,” she said.

Community center playground plans

Gough also proposed building a new playground at the community center, with estimates starting upwards of $40,000. She requested that the district’s $28,000 capital fund be allocated toward the project, which the board approved.

“We need to find the money. I would like to do some fundraising for a playground,” said Gough, who estimated needing to raise at least $20,000. The final amount will be determined once the commissioners choose a specific playground model at their July meeting.

To support future fundraising and grant efforts, Gough proposed establishing a nonprofit organization, Friends of the Park District. “It makes the paperwork a lot easier when applying for grants,” she said. Commissioners expressed support, noting that community members would need to lead the effort.

Looking Ahead

During public comment, former board chair Bennett Blaustein raised the possibility of offloading the district’s cell tower lease, citing the shift by many cellular companies to satellite-based systems. “You’re kind of at a sweet spot over the next couple of years,” he said. “The technology isn’t quite there – but it’s coming.”

Staffing Update

After 29 years of service, Lynn VanBuskirk announced her resignation as secretary and auditing officer, effective July 31. Gough offered to take over those responsibilities, including the financials and payroll, prompting the district to begin accepting applications for a new part-time maintenance and recreation support position. The district will be accepting applications until July 7.