Study Session: Legislative Update and Draft 2027 Capital Improvement Plan
Legislative Update
Carrie Tellefson from Sound Government Solutions provided an update to the Peninsula Metropolitan Park District Board of Park Commissioners on the upcoming 2027 legislative session.
Her updated kicked off with a look at the 2026 session and what it could mean for next year.
The previous session lasted 60 days and focused on closing a difficult operating– budget gap, addressing housing and infrastructure and changes to Washington’s tax system. Notably, the Legislature enacted a new tax on annual income above $1 million beginning in 2028.
Commissioners also received an update on the 2026 Supplemental Operating Budget and the 2026 Supplemental Capital Budget. Overall, the fiscal outlook remains tight. PenMet Parks’ supplemental budget proposal requests were not funded in 2026. Going forward, Legislators will have to choose what to prioritize among housing, schools, behavioral health, water infrastructure, parks and local community projects.
The 2027Legislative Session is 105 days and is anticipated to focus on budget and taxes, healthcare and housing. Tellefson recommended Commissioners continue engaging with lawmakers about the District’s legislative priorities – including funding for major park improvements – to further PenMet Parks’ priorities at the state level.
Draft 2027 Capital Improvement Plan
The Draft 2027 Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) was presented to the Board for review. Highlights include:
- Framed by goals 2 and 3 of the Parks Recreation and Open Space (PROS) Plan:
- Goal 2: PenMet Parks will deliver consistent, high-quality parks and recreation facilities to meet the needs and desires of the community.
- Goal 3: PenMet Parks will identify and pursue park development and land acquisition opportunities that support equitable access to active and passive recreation needs.
- Priorities for the 2027 CIP include improvements focused on life safety, reparing property damage and addressing deferred maintenance, planned major maintenance and strategic priorities.
Items in the 2027 6-year draft CIP include:
- District-wide planned major maintenance. More than $5 million in planned major maintenance is scheduled for Sehmel Homestead Park over the next six years.
- Building strategic reserve funds for property acquisitions and heavy equipment purchases.
- Peninsula Gardens Phase 1 development with scope enhancements including an accessible playground, restrooms, event lawn, picnic shelters and courts.
- Further improvements at strategic acquisition for trails and open space.
The Board also reviewed the Draft 2027 Capital Budget. Priorities include:
- Completing planned major maintenance priorities identified in the facilities condition audit.
- Building strategic reserve funds for Strategic Property Acquisition Fund and Strategic Future Heavy Equipment Acquisition Fund.
- Appropriating funds to complete the expanded Phase 1 of Peninsula Gardens Master Plan.
- Turf replacement at Ballfield #1 at Sehmel Homestead Park.
- Building a picnic shelter at McCormick Forest Park.
The Peninsula Gardens Project is currently in the pre-design phase. Staff met with Pierce County to determine project requirements, completed a cultural resource survey and have updated the cost estimate.
The new estimate exceeds the budget for the project. The project team is working to close the budget gap by seeking grants and other funding opportunities, and the draft CIP increases the total Phase 1 budget from $5.2 million to $5.7 million to help with project costs.
Public hearings for the Draft 2027 Budget and 2027 CIP will begin in November 2026.
Regular Meeting
The meeting started with a report by Executive Director Ally Bujacich.
Highlights include:
- Introduction of Alex Francis, who recently joined PenMet Parks as a Development Specialist.
- Scarecrow Festival is happening on Oct. 3 at Sehmel Homestead Park. There will be improved access for the public including shuttles with wheelchair capabilities.
- Early discussions are happening between Peninsula School District and PenMet Parks to provide aquatic programming to our residents. Discussions are still progressing and updates will be provided as we have them.
Committee Reports. Commissioners provided updates on the most recent committee meetings. Including:
- Finance Committee
- Met Wednesday, Sept. 16 and reviewed a high-level overview of the 2027 operating and capital budget proposal. The budget proposal will be presented to the Park Board on Oct. 6 at 6 p.m.
The next Finance Committee meeting is Nov. 23.
External Committees Reports. Commissioners provided updates from external committee meetings.
- Commissioner Hill shared a brief update from the YMCA Advisory Board Committee.
- Commissioner Nixon shared a brief update from the Tacoma Narrows Advisory Committee.
Amending the Capital Budget. The board had its second reading of Resolution R2026-005 Amending the 2026 Capital Budget.
The board adopted the capital budget in 2025. Since then, several projects were completed under budget, and others were consolidated. The District also received additional grant funding for its DeMolay Sandspit Park accessibility improvements. And project timelines changed.
In light of these changes, the board needs to update the 2026 Capital Budget.
For the projects completed under budget, it is recommended that $294,442.75 – the combined savings – be returned to the Capital Fund to support future capital priorities.
The District recently learned it was awarded $1,078,888 in grant funding from the state Recreation and Conservation Office (RCO) for DeMolay Sandspit Park accessibility improvements. This additional funding allows for the full build out of the park, as approved in the master plan developed in coordination with the community.
By completing the improvements now, the District can save $3.5 million in “future” anticipated capital expenses. It also reduces future disruption at the park and the public’s access to the site.
There was no discussion during the second reading and the board moved to adopt the resolution.
Adopting the Children’s Bill of Rights in Sports
The Board of Park Commissioners unanimously adopted the Children’s Bill of Rights in Sports.
Developed by the Aspen Institute’s Project Play Initiative, the “Bill of Rights” identifies eight “rights” guaranteed to children participating in sports. These rights include:
Every child has the right
- To play sports
- To safe and healthy environments
- To qualified program leaders
- To developmentally appropriate play
- To share in the planning and delivery of their activities
- To an equal opportunity for personal growth
- To be treated with dignity
- To enjoy themselves
The rights align closely with PenMet Parks’ youth sports philosophy, which is:
- Everybody Plays
- The Joy of Being Active
- Building Community
Adoption of the bill of rights affirms the Board’s commitment to being part of a larger solution to increase access to sports and play by providing high-quality youth programs, no-cut sport opportunities and reducing barriers to participation like financial constraints.
What’s on deck. The Board of Park Commissioners will meet Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2026 at 5 p.m. for a study session followed by a 6 p.m. regular meeting.
