Parks and downtown projects move forward as city secures grants; DDA launches wayfinding and valet pilot

Ferndale parks and downtown leaders described a suite of grant‑funded projects and pilot programs designed to improve parks, playgrounds and downtown access.

Parks staff said three major renovation projects — the Martin Road Park service building (restroom, concessions and storage), a Martin Road playground expansion, and the Harding Park inline rink renovation — have attracted about $2.65 million in grant funding and are largely grant‑funded. "We have over 2,650,000 in grant funding, whereas pretty much the projects are 100% grant funded for the most part," the parks director said, noting city match requests are limited (for example, $20,000 for the playground and a proposed $57,500 match for the rink if crowdfunding goals are not met).

The Downtown Development Authority's executive director, Jenny Beaker, described an almost $800,000 sidewalks and wayfinding initiative for the downtown TIF district, funded with county ARPA support, DDA reserves and other grants. The DDA also plans a valet parking pilot intended to improve near‑term parking availability in the northeast downtown quadrant and a facade grant program to help small businesses pursue improvements.

DDA staff asked businesses and residents to review wayfinding concept material and apply for local matching grants; parks staff said the Martin Road projects are mostly grant‑funded with limited city matches requested. No funding votes were taken at the workshop; staff will return with final project budgets, grant agreements and any required matching requests for council consideration.