The Board of County Commissioners is considering an agreement with the nonprofit PARC Foundation of Thurston County to help the county with various park projects.
Assistant Director of Public Works Karen Weiss told the board that the agreement sets a framework for future discussions about possible fundraising efforts on behalf of the county.
Weiss said that possible efforts include assisting the county with grant applications for projects such as the footbridge and stairway project at the Burfoot Trail System.
According to the county's capital improvement plan, these wooden paths have exceeded their life expectancy and need replacement.
Grant funding is also available through the PARC Foundation, with applications due last Friday.
Weiss added that the organization is also open to helping the city with maintenance and operating costs and land acquisitions.
Commissioners Carolina Meija and Tye Menser asked whether future discussions could include helping the county with art and cultural projects.
Weiss said that she would have to get back with the organization so they could amend the agreement and reflect arts in its scope.
Assistant County Manager Robin Campbell said that art was not included in the agreement as the city does not have a dedicated parks and recreation program or department other than the special needs program of the county’s public health department.
The county will support the organization by contributing $20,000 as part of the agreement.
A county representative will also serve on the organization’s executive committee, which will develop an annual work plan according to documents prepared for the meeting.
PARC Foundation was established in 1995 to improve parks and recreation activities for the county by helping local park jurisdictions seek financial resources.
According to Weiss, the cities of Olympia, Tumwater, Lacey, Yelm, and Tenino also benefit from similar arrangements.
The agreement is scheduled to return to the board next week for approval.
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