Heading into 2026, Peninsula Metropolitan Park District is focused on innovation, inclusion and sustainability.
These priorities are the framework for the 2026 Operating and Capital budgets, which were adopted Nov. 18, 2025, by the Board of Commissioners.
What does this mean for district taxpayers and program participants?
It means PenMet Parks remains focused on providing high-quality programming and facility access responsive to community needs. The operating budget accounts for what is anticipated to be a 42% increase in recreation program service delivery needs in 2026.
Areas of focus in 2026 include youth programming, adult sports and fitness, programs for families, free community events, adaptive and specialized recreation, and senior programs.
It also means a continued focus on fiscal responsibility as PenMet Parks maintains and improves existing developed properties and plans to create a future public park at the Peninsula Gardens site at the corner of Wollochet Drive NW and 56th Street NW.
It is anticipated that more than 50% of projected spending in the next six years will go toward investments into proactive maintenance of existing assets.
The adopted budgets advance strategic goals and objectives adopted by the Park Board. General Fund revenues are balanced to address operational and capital needs, along with long-term debt obligations. The operating budget also continues to build strategic reserves to effectively deliver and maintain the continuity of services expected by district taxpayers, program participants and park visitors.
The proposed operating budget reflects a concerted effort by the district to diversify its revenue streams beyond property tax collections to take advantage of grants, sponsorships and charitable giving.
The adopted budget takes effect Jan. 1, 2026. Read the adopted 2026 Budget here.