Bellevue Parks and Community Services Board Meeting – January 29, 2026

The Board held its regular meeting, addressing routine approvals, a bylaw amendment, marketing updates, and a comprehensive human services needs assessment. The meeting also included a farewell to Director Michael Shiuzaki, who retired after 37 years of service.

Consent Calendar

• The agenda was approved unanimously.
• Minutes from the November 2025 regular meeting were unanimously approved.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Three speakers (Oscar Munn, Hudson Crag, and Nihal Sarral) requested that the City consider developing an asphalt bike park within its parks system. They highlighted that such a park is usable year-round, accessible to bikes, scooters, skateboards, and adaptive devices, and promotes healthy activity for all ages. They suggested a budget of $2–4 million based on similar projects and identified Velo Solutions as a potential designer. They also mentioned potential locations such as Surrey Downs Park or Robitin Park.

Discussion Items

• Farewell to Director Michael Shiuzaki: Board members offered thanks for his 37 years of service, noting his role in over 400 projects, including trails, natural areas, and the Japanese garden. They praised his leadership and expertise.
• Director’s Report: Shiuzaki gave his final report, expressing gratitude to the board. Deputy Director Shelley McVane was named acting director, effective February 1, 2026.
• Bylaw Amendment: The board voted on proposed updates to the PCS Board bylaws. A procedural amendment was required to apply the redline changes to the most recent version of the bylaws (from April 2024) rather than an outdated version. The motion, as amended, was approved.
• Program Marketing & Communications: Bridget Larson, Marketing Coordinator, presented tools including the redesigned activity guide (renamed from “Connections”), a monthly e-newsletter with over 84,000 subscribers, a 54% open rate, and social media channels (Facebook, Instagram). She noted net growth of over 1,800 subscribers since the redesign.
• Human Services Needs Update: Ruth Blau, Human Services Manager, presented the 2025 Needs Update. Key findings: 59% of Bellevue residents are people of color; 40% are immigrants/refugees; over 100 languages are spoken; one in five speaks English less than “very well.” Four cross-cutting themes: cultural/linguistic barriers, access barriers, provider strain, and stigma/mistrust. The report identified nine areas of need, with three critical survival needs: financial assistance, food/basic needs, and shelter. Statistics included: 651 Bellevue students experienced homelessness in 2024–2025 (nearly three times higher than 2021–2022); 32% of residents are cost-burdened (spending >30% of income on housing); about one in four children need food assistance; child care costs average $3,400/month; the city invests nearly $2 million in rental assistance. The report was impacted by federal funding cuts, leading to program closures and reduced services.
• Board Communications: Members shared updates, including a positive note about decreased off-leash dogs at Ashwood, positive feedback on the Garden d’Lights event, a question about City plans for World Cup viewing parties (staff noted Bellevue is not an official FIFA site but an interdepartmental team is monitoring impacts), and comments on park lighting and the new activity guide.
• Quarterly Report to Council: Ryan Walker presented the September–December 2025 report, highlighting the naming of Eastgate Commons, Crossroads Park discussions, levy marketing, accreditation (5th time for the department), etc. The board voted to transmit the report to City Council.
• New Business: The February 2026 meeting will include a kickoff for the Bell-Red master planning process for a new park along the West Tributary. The meeting is scheduled for February 18, 2026 (President’s Day week), and several board members will participate remotely.

Key Outcomes

• Votes:
• Agenda and November 2025 minutes approved unanimously.
• Proposed bylaw amendments (with a correction to apply to the most current version) approved.
• Quarterly report to Council transmitted unanimously.
• Directives/Next Steps:
• The February 18, 2026 meeting will proceed, with remote participation options for absent members.
• The board will continue discussions on the human services needs update and explore ways to help the community, including sharing a list of agencies for volunteer opportunities.
• Staff will look into the water utility shut-off issue raised by a board member and provide information on the Safe Place program's participation numbers.
• Marketing efforts will continue to focus on engagement metrics and expanding reach.
• Personnel: Deputy Director Shelley McVane will serve as acting director starting February 1, 2026.