Parks & Recreation committee flags senior meals funding gaps, Ship Harbor boardwalk plan and staffing shortfalls

At the Feb. 23 Anacortes City Council meeting, Parks & Recreation committee members gave an update highlighting an imminent gap in senior meals services, progress on Ship Harbor boardwalk design and ongoing staffing constraints across parks operations.

Committee representatives said Skagit County will cease providing the senior center meals program after July 1. The Northwest Regional Council is managing an RFP process with three bidders and deadlines on March 4 and April 1; the Anacortes Senior Center Foundation has also expressed interest in supporting meal services. "The county is no longer gonna be providing our meals program after July 1," the committee report said, and staff urged community awareness and support as funding options are evaluated.

On capital projects, Parks staff described a roughly 15% design for a new boardwalk at Ship Harbor — work that includes diamond‑pier supports, ADA viewing platforms and an improved ferry‑terminal path — and said the City is pursuing state grants (Recreation and Conservation Office, Aquatic Lands Enhancement Account) and local matches to fund construction. Depot Plaza expansion was described as aiming for construction starting in March to be ready for the May farmers market; skate park restroom and parking improvements are planned for spring contract action.

Committee members also described budget‑driven staffing reductions: one parks maintenance position has been eliminated, increasing reliance on private donations and volunteers for repairs and upkeep. The committee urged continued community support and noted a March 10 open house at the senior center for questions and feedback.