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Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission recommends tobacco ban
The Vancouver-Clark Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission recommended a proposal banning tobacco
use in all public parks, trails and sports fields at a meeting Friday, February 19. The commission’s recommendation
will be forwarded to the Board of Clark County Commissioners and the Vancouver City Council to each adopt
ordinances prohibiting tobacco use in public parks, trails and sports fields by amending the Clark County
Code and Vancouver Municipal Code. “Our elected officials have the opportunity to make Vancouver a healthier
community, especially for children,” said Florence Wager, co-chair of the Vancouver-Clark Parks and
Recreation Advisory Commission. The City Council and Board of Clark County Commissioners will discuss the
proposal at future work sessions. If the proposal advances from there, the proposed ordinances would be
presented in a series of pubic hearings, which would include additional opportunities for community input.
“A voluntary tobacco-free policy has been in place at city and county parks and sports fields since 2005,”
said Pete Mayer, Vancouver-Clark Parks and Recreation Director. “This proposal would reinforce the agency's
mission and commitment to providing safe and healthy places to recreate.” If enacted, local law enforcement
would not assign or reallocate existing resources specifically towards enforcing the tobacco ban, a
misdemeanor violation. Existing signs would be modified and new park rules signs would be installed over
time as funding allows. An information and awareness campaign would be launched as a primary strategy to
seek compliance. Contact Jane Tesner Kleiner, Parks Manager, 360.619.1113.
Parks to take reservations for more picnic shelters under new fee plan
The Board of Clark County Commissioners today approved a plan to collect more fees at regional parks
and boat launches, which will help maintain services and allow the public to reserve a greater variety of
picnic shelters starting Feb. 1. Commissioners tentatively approved the fees last month as part of an
overall strategy for preventing a $12.5 million shortfall in the general fund budget for 2010.
The additional fees are expected to raise about $340,000, to prevent budget cuts beyond the $1.6
million already trimmed from park maintenance and operations this year. Shelter reservations will cost $25 to $100 per day,
depending on size, and can be made beginning Monday, Feb. 1. Shelters not reserved will remain available on
a first-come, first-served basis at no charge, as will shelters in all other county parks.
Picnic shelters available to reserve will include:
Lewisville Regional Park (13)
Vancouver Lake Regional Park (4)
Frenchman's Bar (2-new)
Captain William Clark/Cottonwood Beach (2-new)
Salmon Creek Regional Park/Klineline Pond (2-new)
Reservations will be taken by phone at (360) 487-7100 or in person at the Marshall Community Center,
1009 E. McLoughlin Blvd., Vancouver. Doors open at 5:30 a.m., and reservations will be accepted starting at
7 a.m. The revenue package also includes special-use fees for weddings, regattas and other large events.
Parking fees also will be introduced at the Daybreak and Haapa boat launches. Elsewhere, existing parking fees
at Frenchman's Bar, Vancouver Lake, Lewisville and Salmon Creek/Klineline Pond regional parks will increase
from $1 to $2 for motorcycles, $2 to $3 for cars, $4 to $6 for cars with trailers and $6 to $8 for buses
and some RVs. Frequent visitors may purchase annual year-round passes for $40, which can be used at any of the
four parks and two boat launches. There will no charge for cyclists and pedestrians. Parking fees haven't
changed since their establishment in 1992. In the past 10 years, operating costs have increased by 82
percent, in part because new amenities have been added.
Thieves steal copper wire from local parks, damaging sports field lights
Two thefts of copper wiring at local sports fields this month underscore a recurring problem which
highlights the need for local residents to report suspicious activity to authorities.
On Tuesday, December 22, Vancouver police responded to a report from a city operations employee regarding a
backpack in David Douglas Park, 1016 N. Garrison Road, containing 100 pounds of copper wiring.
A male was seen carrying the pack but dropped it when he noticed he was being watched by the employee.
There is no other suspect information.
It was subsequently discovered the lighting system was inoperable on two little league fields at David Douglas
Park, and four softball fields, due to wiring missing from the light poles.
On December 5, at least $15,000 in damage and property loss occurred at the Harmony Sports Complex, 1500 NE
192 Ave, where another theft of copper wiring impacted the field lights. It was the second time that facility
had been hit this year.
"The cost of the damage and loss of material far outweighs the cash value of the wire when turned into scrap.
In these times of economic constraints, these costs can have a profound effect on the community," said Pete
Mayer, Vancouver-Clark Parks and Recreation Director. "I hope everyone who drives by or lives near a local
park will keep an eye out for suspicious activity."
It is unknown if these two incidents are related. Report any suspicious activity immediately to 9-1-1. Any
information regarding the December 22 theft at David Douglas Park may be referred to Report #V0923904.
Friday night weather might affect Saturday events
With the prediction of snow and possible freezing rain in the Vancouver metro area between 10 p.m.
tonight and 2 a.m. Saturday morning, December 12, the public is advised to check with any Parks and
Recreation facility that may be a destination on Saturday, to make sure programs are running.
Vancouver-Clark Parks and Recreation is closely monitoring conditions, and a decision regarding
whether or not there will be a cancellation of special events, registered programs and classes will be
made by 5 a.m. Saturday morning.
Among special events, the Marshall Center Holiday Bazaar is scheduled for Saturday, and there is a
Santa's Workshop event at Firstenburg Community Center. Families planning to attend these and any other
community center activities or events should call the inclement weather lines for each of those centers.
Marshall Center's inclement weather number is 360.487.7065. Firstenburg's is 360.487.7040.
Marshall and Firstenburg Centers will be open for drop-in use, and may also be considered warming
centers for those who need to come in out of the cold or have heating issues at home. Marshall Center
is at 1009 E. McLoughlin Blvd. Firstenburg Center is at 700 NE 136th Ave.
Masala Bhangra's coming to Marshall Center!
Try it at the Masala Bhangra Demo Party
Marshall Community Center
Saturday, December 5, 2009
6-7 p.m.
Stay fit and keep smiling! Masala Bhangra is a fun way to become more physically active and stay fit,
while learning aspects of Indian music and dance. The Masala Bhangra Workout® is derived from two
Indian words: Masala, which means 'spicy' in Hindi; and Bhangra, which is a traditional folk dance
from the northern state of Punjab, India. The Masala Bhangra Workout® is an exercise dance
routine that modernizes the high-energy folk dance of Bhangra by blending traditional Bhangra dance steps
and the exhilaration of Bollywood (Hindi film) moves. This unique dance mixes cardiovascular
with fun, and is suitable for participants of all ages and fitness levels. It is a certified
fitness program backed up by the fitness boards, and devised by Sarina Jain, the "Jane Fonda of India."
New classes start on Tuesday, January 5 from 4:30-5:25 p.m. in the Oak/Elm Rooms at Marshall Center. For
more information, contact Louise Allen, Recreation Specialist, Marshall Community Center at
360-487-7092.
Trail Survey reflects 50% increase in usage
Fifty percent more people are using Vancouver-Clark Parks and Recreation trails than last year,
according to a Trail User Survey conducted in September. The survey also revealed: Pedestrians make up
two thirds of users and 90% of responders identified exercise and recreation as reasons for using the trails.
The top three improvements identified for the trails were: better signage, more restrooms and more
drinking fountains. Over 50% of survey responders use the trails year-round, especially summer,
spring and fall.
For the second year in a row, the Vancouver-Clark Parks and Recreation Department, with the City of
Vancouver Transportation Department, participated in the National Bicycle and Pedestrian Documentation
Program to count over 1,500 walkers, bicyclists, and otherwise mobile people on six selected trails throughout
the City and County. The project took place the week of September 7 -12, 2009.
The selected trails and the survey locations were at points (generally) where the City and County Trail
Plans have identified future trail expansion. Vancouver-Clark Parks and Recreation will utilize information
gathered to inform future planning, development, granting, and programming efforts and opportunities.
View a summary of the highlights of the data collected. National and regional
surveying methodology developed for the Institute of Transportation Engineers Pedestrian & Bicycle Council
was implemented. Surveys were administered for every 5-10 people counted and represent approximately 10% of
those counted.
Vancouver-Clark Parks and Recreation participated in this national project with support from over
thirty volunteers representing several local bicycle, trail, park and health organizations who generously
donated their time to assist with the surveying. Each trail was surveyed twice: one weekday afternoon and
one weekend day mid-day, corresponding with the designated days and times set by the National Documentation Project. The Parks and Recreation Department worked closely with the City of Vancouver Transportation Department, to incorporate a count of bicycles and pedestrians on City of Vancouver sidewalks and bike lanes.
Carter Park neighbors enjoying the new Brickyard Neighborhood Park
The new Brickyard Neighborhood Park is open, and being enjoyed by Carter Park families.
The park is the result of true partnership and collaboration between the City and the Carter
Park Neighborhood Association. Neighborhood association members actively worked to raise funds
for the project. They wrote and were awarded a City Community Development Block Grant in 2007,
which allowed Vancouver-Clark Parks and Recreation to move forward with design and construction
of the park. The city provided matching funds through the Park Impact Fee program. Neighbors,
association leaders and local officials dedicated Brickyard Neighborhood Park on a recent sunny
September morning. About 30 people were in attendance. Vancouver-Clark Parks and Recreation
Department Director, Pete Mayer, facilitated the brief ceremony that featured Mayor Royce Pollard,
Park and Recreation Advisory Commissioner Roy Heikkela, city staff and the Carter Park Neighborhood
leaders, Glenna Rose and Eric Daniels. The 2-acre park has a variety of play equipment,
basketball court and open lawn area. The park is in the 3200 block of NW Lincoln Ave.
Families can easily access the park via a path from 32nd Street.
Volunteers needed for Second Annual Lacamas Lake Scotch Broom Removal on Sept. 26
Vancouver-Clark Parks and Recreation is seeking about 50 volunteers to help remove Scotch broom around
the Lacamas Lake camas fields on Saturday, September 26. This volunteer event marks the second year
that the Vancouver-Clark Parks and Recreation Department and local volunteers have come together to
manage the Scotch broom surrounding the camas fields. The Second Annual Scotch Broom Removal will pick
up where last year's event ended, by continuing to weed out thick areas of the invasive and prolific
non-native plant that threaten the delicate camas lily fields. Volunteer registration starts at 9:00 a.m.
by the west trailhead in the park (The Crown Road entrance to the park will be open. Follow the access road
until you see the registration area.) Volunteers should dress appropriately for outdoor work and bring
gloves if desired. Food, water and tools will be provided. To sign-up to volunteer, please contact
Vancouver-Clark Parks and Recreation Volunteer Coordinator
Maddie von Baeyer
at (360) 619-1124.
This ongoing project was first suggested by Thomas Thacker, a local resident who was worried about the
survival of the camas lilies in the area. Historically, the camas lilies were one of the primary foods
gathered by the Chinook. Now, the lilies are enjoyed by many people in the community every May when
they bloom. The ongoing Scotch broom removal is our small effort to maintain this culturally important flower.
What makes Scotch broom a "BAD" plant?
Scotch broom is a prodigious seed producer. The seeds have hard coats enabling them to
survive in the environment for up to 80 years.
The seeds are transported from place to place in mud stuck to vehicles, equipment,
shoes and the feet of animals.
Seeds may be carried via runoff from roads into streams and gullies.
Then seedlings may establish along streamsides and along gully walls.
Scotch broom forms dense brush fields over six feet tall.
The brush fields distract from appreciation of the natural landscapes and indigenous flora.
The brush fields diminish habitat for native animals.
Areas of dense brush shade out and kill native grassland plants in invaded areas, and
favor invasion by other woody, non-grassland plant species.
Free guided walking tour of Salmon Creek Trail September 19
Free "Walk There" trail guides and pedometers will be given away Saturday,
September 19 during a guided walking tour of Salmon Creek Trail. Everyone is
welcome to participate in the easy, 2.6 mile walk, going west from the Salmon Creek
Sports Association Complex to Cougar Creek, and back. The walk will begin around
9:00 a.m., after a brief introduction from Vancouver-Clark Parks and Recreation
Director, Pete Mayer and Portland Metro Council staff, followed by an overview of
the history and features of the trail by Lisa Goorjian, Vancouver-Clark Parks and
Recreation Trails Coordinator. The event is presented by the Vancouver-Clark Parks
and Recreation Department, in partnership with the Portland Metro Council, as
a part of an initiative to encourage connectivity and awareness about the region's
trail systems. It is one component of The Intertwine Alliance (formerly known as
Connecting Green). The Intertwine Alliance is a group of non-profits, state and
local agencies, businesses and people from across the region working to preserve
and promote parks, natural areas, open spaces, water and wildlife habitat.
Vancouver-Clark Parks and Recreation is a partner in the Intertwine Alliance.
This paved trail along the bank of Salmon Creek was opened to the public in 1996. Winding through 850
acres of greenway, creeks, meadows and ponds, it offers local wildlife, water fowl and other bird viewing,
as well as vistas of Mt. Hood.
Meet at the Salmon Creek Sports Association Complex, 800 NE 117 Street at 8:45 a.m. The trail is wheelchair
accessible. Bring binoculars if you are a birder, and bring water.
Portland Metro's Walk There book is a guide to great places to walk in the Portland-Vancouver area. The
book will lead you on 50 explorations of newly acquired urban natural areas, scenic parks, historic
neighborhoods and fascinating main streets. Detailed maps and route descriptions will help you discover
the region's rich history and varied landscapes while you enjoy the benefits of walking.
Contact Lisa Goorjian for more information.
Vancouver observes PARK(ing) Day with fun and education
We all know the lyrics, "They paved paradise and put up a
parking lot." The world takes that song to heart on September 18, with PARK(ing) Day,
an annual global event where citizens collaborate to temporarily transform public
parking spaces into temporary public parks, or "PARK(ing) spaces". PARK(ing) Day is
an opportunity for Vancouver-Clark Parks and Recreation to introduce The Intertwine
and the Intertwine Alliance to the community. The Intertwine is the ever-growing
network of regional parks, trails and natural areas in the bi-state area. The
Intertwine Alliance is a group of non-profits, state and local agencies, businesses
and people from across the region working to preserve and promote parks, natural
areas, open spaces, water and wildlife habitat. Vancouver-Clark Parks and Recreation
is a partner in the Intertwine Alliance. Several organizations in Clark County are
hosting PARK(ing) spaces in downtown and uptown Vancouver from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on
September 18. Their main message is to encourage the community to rethink how we use
our shared space, including parking spaces. "PARK(ing) Day promotes civic engagement,
social interactions, and education," said Pete Mayer, Director of Vancouver-Clark
Parks and Recreation. He stresses the PARK(ing) Day participants listed here have
followed City of Vancouver protocols for safety and street use. Four unique PARK(ing)
spaces will be popping up in Vancouver Friday, September 18, as part of the
Intertwine Alliance, which will be hosting a total of thirteen PARK(ing) Day sites
throughout Northwest Oregon and Southwest Washington.
7th and Main St.- hosted by Vancouver Watersheds Council.
See smart water use in action.
1015 Main St.- hosted by Angst Gallery and Vancouver-Clark Parks & Rec.
Learn more about Vancouver's amazing parks and trails system.
19th and Main St. - hosted by Community Choices and C-TRAN.
See how easy it can be to get around without a car.
215 W. 4th St. - hosted by Wallis Engineering.
Learn about linking into our trails and bike-paths.
Contact Vancovuer-Clark Parks and Recreation Director,
Pete Mayer for more information.
The Vancouver-Clark Parks and Recreation Department will begin construction on
100 feet of trail at Wintler Park next week to provide a continuous connection for users from
the park to the Columbia River Renaissance Trail. Wintler Community Park is located at 6400 Beach Drive
and is the current eastern terminus of the Columbia River Renaissance Trail. The trail travels 4.6 miles
along the river and along Columbia Way to the current western terminus at Esther Short Park in downtown
Vancouver. Funding for this project is provided by Real Estate Excise Tax. Construction is expected
to be completed by October. Trail users will continue to walk on an existing temporary path, so will not
be affected by the construction.
Contact Lisa Goorjian for more information.
Due to the record heat wave and advisory from the
Clark County Health Department, Vancouver-Clark Parks and Recreation is cancelling
tonight’s (Tuesday, July 28) youth sports leagues. Other programs, including day
camps, are still running. With the forecast of prolonged high temperatures, the
status of youth league games on Wednesday will be determined by 2 p.m. tomorrow.
After that time, parents of children in leagues are asked to call 360.693.4263 for
any cancellations of west side youth leagues. For east side youth soccer, call
360.487.7029; and for east side youth baseball, call 360.487.7026.
Please remember the Firstenburg and Marshall centers are available as cooling stations.
Firstenburg Community Center
700 N.E. 136th Ave., Vancouver, Washington
(360) 487-7001
Hours:
Monday-Thursday: 5:30 a.m. – 10 p.m.
Friday: 5:30 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Saturday: 8:00 a.m. - 8 p.m.
Sunday: Noon - 6 p.m.
Marshall Community Center and Luepke Senior Center
1009 E. McLoughlin Blvd., Vancouver, Washington
(360) 487-7100
Hours:
Monday-Thursday: 5:30 a.m. – 9 p.m.
Friday: 5:30 a.m. – 8 p.m.
Saturday: 7:00 a.m. - 7 p.m.
Sunday: Noon - 5 p.m.
On August 22, the Vancouver-Clark Parks & Recreation
Department will host the August Road Show and Retro Fair, sponsored by Main Street
Dairy Queen, Tip Top Too, Pizza Hut and American Family Insurance - Melissa Forstrom Group.
The event will be held at Marshall Community Center, 1009 East McLoughlin Boulevard,
Vancouver, Washington. The car show will begin at 10:00 a.m. Awards will be presented
at 4:30 pm. At 6:00 p.m., participating vehicles will "cruise the Gut", traveling up
Broadway, circling around Main Street Dairy Queen, and down Main Street.
The cost is $15 per car.
This Show is open to cars in categories of vintage and late model Stock and/or Modified/Muscle Cars,
trucks and Rat Rods. Trophies will be awarded in 5 categories including Best of Show, Mayor's Choice
and Community Choice.
Vendors will be stationed on the perimeter of the car show. Vendor spaces are $25.
Register in person or by phone (360-487-7100). Fees are payable by cash,
check (payable to City of Vancouver), Visa or Mastercard.
Out-of-towners are invited to stay at the Red Lion Inn at the Quay, the official hotel sponsor of this event.
The Red Lion is located at 100 Columbia Street in Vancouver, Washington. For reservations call 1-800-redlion or the Front Desk at 360-694-8341. Use August Road Show and Retro Fair group when requesting a reservation.
Contact Johnie Tucker for more information.
Marshall Center's Sunday Funday rescued by local chiropractor
A free Vancouver-Clark Parks and Recreation family program has been saved
from elimination, thanks to a generous sponsorship commitment from a local
business owner.
John and Debra Bauman, Bauman Chiropractic (202 E. McLoughlin), will sponsor the Sunday Funday program at
Marshall Community Center for the remainder of 2009. The dollar value of the sponsorship is approximately
$3,000, or $500 for each of the remaining six Sundays the program is scheduled to be offered this year.
Recent city budget reductions had necessitated the Sunday Funday be suspended after June 7 unless stable
funding or sponsorship dollars could be secured.
"We are grateful for the opportunity to continue our dedication to the health of our community," said Bauman.
"Marshall Center has always played an integral part in that commitment, through important programs, such as
Sunday Funday, where families can enjoy the center for free."
Since the 2007 post-remodel reopening of Marshall Center, from 125 to 200 families have come through the door
the first Sunday of each month, from 2 to 5:30 p.m., to enjoy free, staff-led games and arts and crafts, as
well as 90 minutes of swimming in Marshall Pool.
The support from Bauman ensures Sunday Funday will run on July 5, August 2, September 6, October 4, November
1 and December 6. Everyone is welcome. Marshall Community Center is located at 1009 E. McLoughlin, 487-7100,
www.vanclarkparks-rec.org.
The status of Sunday Funday for the year 2010 is not known. Vancouver-Clark Parks and Recreation will continue
to seek out sponsorships to support this program. If you are interested in helping to sustain this monthly day
of free activities and swimming for families into the future, please call 619-1111.
Waterfront Renaissance Trail Receives Ecotourism Award
On February 26, 2009, Vancouver-Clark Parks and Recreation's Waterfront Renaissance Trail was
recognized with an Ecotourism Award, at the Annual Clark County Tourism Awards, presented by
the Clark County Board of Commissioners the Southwest Washington Convention & Visitors
Bureau. Former Parks and Recreation Advisory Commission member and ardent parks and trails supporter,
Florence Wager, accepted the award on behalf of Vancouver-Clark Parks and Recreation, acknowledging
the enormous impact the Waterfront Renaissance Trail has had on enhancing the quality of life and
general appeal of Vancouver, and remembering to recognize trail designer, Kelly Punteney, and
former department director, Larry Smith, as well as all of the staff who made the trail a reality.
The Annual Clark County Tourism Awards ceremony is an opportunity to publicly acknowledge those key
individuals, companies, events, and programs that deserve recognition and thanks for their
contributions and success in the local tourism industry. It was co-hosted
by Clark County, Clark County Lodging Association and the Southwest Washington Convention and Visitors
Bureau and sponsored by the Vancouver Business Journal. Tourism generated more than
$365 million in economic impact last year in Clark County.
Parks and Recreation awarded grant for Fourth Plain Revitalization Summer Recreation Program
The Community Foundation for Southwest Washington announced it will award Vancouver-Clark Parks and
Recreation $15,000 to fund year two of a 7-week summer program for children, teens and families in an
underserved area along the Fourth Plain Corridor. The grant will support a 5-day-per-week summer
playground program at Evergreen Park (Fourth Plain and Rossiter Ave.) for elementary age youth, and
weekly special events for teens and families at Water Works Park (Fourth Plain and Fort Vancouver Way).
Both Evergreen and Water Works parks have seen increased gang and drug activity over the past few years.
The City of Vancouver, in an effort to "give back" the parks to the kids and families who live nearby, l
aunched the Fourth Plain Revitalization Summer Recreation Program last summer, with funding from a one-time
grant from the Washington Department of Community Trade and Economic Development.
Evergreen Park was added to the park sites already programmed by the Vancouver-Clark Parks and Recreation
Department, as part of the Kids First Summer Playground Program. It is a drop-in recreational program for
elementary-aged children, in which staff provides games and activities designed to keep children active and
healthy during the summer months, for four hours per day. In 2008, approximately 24 kids attended the
Evergreen Park site daily.
Play Day in the Park is a free drop-in recreational program geared for middle school-age children and older
at Waterworks Park. Large inflatable toys and games are provided by on-site Parks and Recreation staff,
with the goal of keeping kids active and providing a positive outdoor experience. In the evening,
families are invited to spend time together in the park, enjoying the inflatable toys and playing old
fashioned games like potato sack races and tug-of-war. About 36 people attended weekly in 2008.
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