Bellevue Parks and Community Services Board Meeting - September 18, 2025

The Parks and Community Services Board met on September 18, 2025, to discuss and act on the design and naming of a new neighborhood park in Eastgate, hear public comments, and receive updates on departmental activities. The board approved the preferred park design (option 2A) and the name "Eastgate Commons" for recommendation to the city council.

Public Comments & Testimony

• YouthLink Board Members: Max Novas (adult board member) and Pree Ravel (youth member) invited board members to the annual YouthLink Gumbo Night on Wednesday, October 22, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the Crossroads Community Center, a social event for youth to engage with elected officials and community leaders.
• Alex Zimmerman: Expressed strong opposition to new city rules on trespasses, stating that trespasses can now be issued for 60 to 100 days, and that a commissioner can issue six-month trespasses. He accused the city of being "Nazi" and "Gestapo," criticized limitations on public speaking (10 speakers per meeting), and claimed he has been denied speaking opportunities for a year. He also referenced a civil war and expressed support for Trump and a new American revolution. The board chair noted that while they prefer respectful comments, they respect First Amendment rights.

Discussion Items

New Park in Eastgate – Design and Naming

• Background: Zarian, Capital Project Coordinator, presented an overview of the park project at the intersection of 147th Ave SE and SE 39th St (0.5 acres). The site was acquired two years ago to address a lack of park access in the Eastgate area south of I-90. Community engagement included three community meetings, two block parties, social media, a project webpage with over 900 subscribers, and surveys.
• Design Options: Two concept plans were presented:
  • Option 1A: Rectangular lawn, smaller playground, covered shelter on the south end, increased buffer zones and seating.
  • Option 2A: Split lawn design with two ovals, larger play area with diverse equipment (climbing, swinging), a pavilion moved to the eastern edge, and a seat wall for safety separation from the street.
• Community Feedback: In a survey with 107 respondents, nearly 80% preferred option 2A due to the split lawn design, larger play areas, and additional seating (including seat walls).
• Board Deliberation: All board members expressed support for option 2A, citing safety features, community input, and aesthetic appeal. Concerns were raised about traffic safety for children, buffering from adjacent homes, and potential camping, but staff noted that fences, signage, and coordination with transportation could be considered. The board unanimously approved a motion to recommend option 2A to the city council.
• Naming: From 73 submitted names, five finalists were presented: Slanging Park, Tai Park, Conifer Green, Peter Wright Park, and Eastgate Commons. Survey results showed Eastgate Commons and Peter Wright Park as the top two by first-choice preference, with Conifer Green also close. Board members discussed due diligence on honoring individuals (Peter Wright had no local family, and a deeper background check was limited). Most board members favored Eastgate Commons for its welcoming, locational feel and alignment with survey preferences. The board unanimously approved a motion to recommend "Eastgate Commons" to the city council.

Board Communications and Reports

• Director's Report (Cameron Parker): Summer camp program served 4,262 youth across over 300 camps, with a popular new street hockey camp. Neighborhood area plans for Crossroads and Newport are at city council; Eastgate and Factoria plans are beginning with a walk event on October 4.
• City Council Communications (Councilmember Hamilton): Council approved neighborhood area plans for Crossroads and Newport. Upcoming items: Sustainable Bellevue Plan update (Oct 14), Community Court grand opening (Oct 7, downtown library, 12:30-2 p.m.), and Keep Bellevue Beautiful cleanup events (Oct 18, Nov 15, Dec 13). Fiesta del Maíz on Sept 27 at Crossroads Park.
• Board Members’ Reports: Members shared summer experiences, including attending Eastgate community meetings, the Crossroads Park international festival, and family outings. Eileen suggested easier opportunities for local artists to perform in parks; Rowena mentioned attending a banana slug craft program. Upcoming events: Kelsey Creek Farm Fair (Oct 4) and Bellevue Arbor Day (Oct 18).

Key Outcomes

• Motion to Approve Agenda: Approved unanimously.
• Motion to Approve July 2025 Meeting Minutes: Approved unanimously.
• Motion to Recommend Park Design Option 2A: Approved unanimously to forward to city council as the preferred design for the new Eastgate park.
• Motion to Recommend Park Name "Eastgate Commons": Approved unanimously to forward to city council.
• Motion to Transmit Third Quarter 2025 Report to Council (May and July meetings): Approved unanimously, with a request to staff to add more concrete examples and data from the park renovation and refurbishment presentation before transmitting.
• Next Meeting: Scheduled for October 15, 2025, at 6 p.m., with presentations on marketing/social media and CAPRA reaccreditation update.