Hunter T. George

The agenda for the meeting included a Community Welcome and Park Board Meet & Greet, followed by the Call to Order and Land Acknowledgement. Key discussion items involved a Study Session on the Capital Program Update and Special Presentations regarding the People's Center & Hilltop Program Update. Reports from the President, Standing Committees, and Executive Director were also scheduled. The regular meeting portion included Community Comments, review of the February 23, 2026, Regular Board Meeting minutes, and consideration of a Consent Agenda item regarding the appointment of Faaluaina Pritchard to the Arts & Heritage Advisory Council. The agenda also listed sections for Purchasing Resolutions, First Readings, Second Reading Resolutions, Unfinished Business, and New Business.

The meeting included a study session on the Capital Program, highlighting planning, design, and construction projects such as the People's Community Center feasibility study, Point Defiance Loop Trail, and various neighborhood playground improvements. Presentations were provided on senior programming, detailing enrollment increases and expanded service offerings, as well as an update on youth programs like Beyond the Bell and Club B. The President reported on executive committee activities, including discussions on forming a finance committee and legislative advocacy efforts. Staff provided updates on community events, organizational changes, and legislative outcomes. The Board also reviewed and approved the warrant claim fund for February 2026.

The meeting began with the reading of a land acknowledgement. Key agenda items included the proclamation celebrating January as Whole Child Month, recognizing the passing of community supporters Dan Voepel and Maureen Howard, and the assignment of 2023 Board Committees. The Executive Director reported on emergency declarations resulting from fire suppression pipe bursts and a king tide at the Marina, which necessitated emergency remediation and repair contracts totaling over $137,000 combined for fire suppression system repairs, flood remediation, and asbestos remediation. The Board also introduced new employees, noted the high attendance for the Zoolights event, and advertised upcoming community events. Purchasing resolutions approved the acquisition of Enterprise Asset Management Software not to exceed $250,000.00. Public Works resolutions authorized a contract amendment for Point Defiance Zoo and Aquarium's South Pacific Aquarium Exhibit Improvements for $97,715, a contract award to BCRA for the Joint Operations Campus Conceptual Planning and Design Phase not to exceed $89,995.00, a contract award to Pease Construction Inc. for Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium-Pacific Seas Aquarium Baja Bay Exhibit Improvements up to $392,792.00, and a contract award to Apex Mechanical, LLC for Stewart Heights Pool boiler replacement and solar loop improvements up to $373,326.90.

The 2024-2030 System and Strategic Plan for Parks Tacoma outlines the organization's mission, goals, and objectives, guiding decisions on facilities, programs, and services. The plan is framed around three mission program areas: Active Lifestyles and Community Wellness, Nature and Environment, and Arts, Culture and Heritage. It is structured with four strategic directions—People, Programs, Places, and Pathways—to achieve a vision of a 'City in a Park,' ensuring all residents have access to vital green infrastructure and recreational experiences, thereby enhancing their health, vitality, and quality of life.

The agenda for the meeting included a Call to Order, Land Acknowledgement, Roll Call, and Flag Salute. Key segments were the Special Presentations for the Parks Champion Award, President's Report, Standing Committee & Commission Reports, and the Executive Director's Report. Under the Regular Meeting portion, discussions covered Community Comments, approval of minutes from the January 8, 2024 meeting, and a Consent Agenda featuring the reappointment of Jennifer Crump to the Nature & Environment Advisory Council and the final acceptance of the Eastside Community Center construction services contract to John Korsmo Construction, Inc. The Regular Agenda was heavily focused on numerous Purchasing Resolutions authorizing the purchase of goods and services, including significant contracts for various types of seafood (Pisces Seafood, McRoberts Seafood, Atlantic Pacific Seafood), bulk fuel, resale merchandise, computer equipment, and insurance coverage from Washington Cities Insurance Authority (WCIA). The agenda also included resolutions for membership fees for the Association of Washington Cities and payment for the State Auditor's Accountability Audit, as well as funding for youth programming at the Eastside Community Center.