Board directs county to explore operating Washington Park community center

A board member moved to end the request-for-proposals process for Washington Park and to have county staff prepare a plan for the county to manage and operate Washington Park Community Center. The motion — described by the mover as a rejection of submitted proposals and a direction to develop an in-house management plan — was seconded and approved by roll call.

Why it matters: Washington Park serves as a community gathering site and youth-activity location. Board members emphasized preserving community access (weddings, birthday events, youth programs and after-school activities) while identifying that county operation would require staff, salary range decisions and a program plan to sustain services.

Discussion highlights: Board members and staff discussed whether county operation would require a new employee or reassigning duties, how fees could be set to cover facility rentals, and the need to preserve volunteer-led after-school and youth programs. One board member said the county should draft a plan addressing staffing and program scope before finalizing any transfer of operations; staff agreed to examine salary ranges, program models and how to maintain free or low-cost youth services.

Next steps: The board instructed staff to prepare a management and operations plan for Washington Park and to return with program and budget estimates. The board’s vote authorized staff to proceed with planning; no procurement contract or staffing decision was finalized at the meeting.