### Meeting Overview
The Bellingham Planning Commission held a discussion meeting on April 23, 2026, to review the draft 2026 Parks, Recreation, & Open Space Plan (PROS Plan). Peter Gil from the Parks Department, along with Director Nicole Oliver (participating remotely), presented the updated 20-year plan before it goes to City Council for consideration on May 11th.
### Key Terms and Concepts
**PROS Plan:** The Parks, Recreation & Open Space Plan - a 20-year functional plan that guides the growth and development of Bellingham's parks system, updated every six years to maintain eligibility for state and federal grants.
**Greenways Levy:** A voter-approved funding mechanism that makes up about 40% of the parks department's funding, used for capital projects and operating costs including staff salaries.
**Service Standards:** Four criteria used to evaluate the parks system: quantity (acres per person, trail miles), distribution (how well spread throughout city), condition (safety and maintenance), and amenities (recreational facilities).
**10-minute walk shed:** A planning metric showing that 70% of Bellingham residents can walk to a park or trail within 10 minutes of their home.
**Type VI process:** A formal adoption process where functional plans like the PROS Plan are incorporated into the comprehensive plan after City Council approval.
**Lake Whatcom Watershed Acquisition Fund:** A separate funding source (not greenways) from stormwater bills used specifically for purchasing land to protect the city's drinking water watershed.
**Portland Loos:** Indoor-outdoor restroom facilities designed to stay open more of the year and address public restroom needs while managing inappropriate usage.
### Key People at This Meeting
| Name | Role / Affiliation |
|---|---|
| Peter Gil | Parks Planning & Development Coordinator |
| Nicole Oliver | Parks & Recreation Director (remote) |
| Elizabeth (surname not given) | City Planning Department staff |
| Jed Ballew | Planning Commission member |
| Daniel Bloemker | Planning Commission member |
| Lisa Marx | Planning Commission member |
| Dean (surname not given) | Planning Commission member |
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