Title
Parks Current Status Update
Recommended Action
Receive briefing on the current status of parks
Report
Issue:
Receive update on the current status of parks and steps that are being taken related to the COVID-19 health crisis.
Staff Contact:
Paul Simmons, Director, Parks, Arts and Recreation, psimmons@ci.olympia.wa.us
Background and Analysis:
Due to the COVID-19 situation, the Parks, Arts, and Recreation Department has worked to quickly adapt to uncertain times, while simultaneously prepare for an uncertain future. Below is a bulleted summary of the high-level actions that have been implemented, are in the process of being implemented, or are under consideration for the future action. Some of these actions are tied to larger City-wide strategies, while others are specific to our operation. At the meeting, the Director will give a general overview of these actions and answer questions related to our Department’s response to COVID-19.
• Summarize approach to closure of facilities and cancellation of programs
• Declaration of exigent financial circumstances - April 12th
• City-Wide Budget Reduction Plan - Shared May 12th
• Tier 1 - Parks Department budget cuts - Already implemented
• Tier 2 - Additional cuts - Under consideration for next steps
• Tier 3 - Capital budget transfers - Planned if necessary
• Virtual Programming Update - Began mid-April
• Ongoing coordination with Lacey and Tumwater - Joint press release May 5th
• Current phase I status, what is open/closed - As of May 5th
• Prioritizing summer day camp and childcare programs
• Evaluating ways to adapt programs to meet social distance guidelines
• Phased approach to re-opening programs and facilities
Attachments:
None