Bellevue Parks and Community Services Board Meeting - September 17, 2026

The Bellevue Parks and Community Services Board met on September 17, 2026, to approve the agenda and minutes, hear public comments, receive reports from city council and staff, and discuss the Bell Red Neighborhood Park Master Plan. Key topics included budget priorities, community events, and three design concepts for the new park.

Consent Calendar

• The board unanimously approved the September 17, 2026 agenda.
• The board unanimously approved the minutes from the July 2026 regular meeting.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Patrick Alina (Bellevue Youth Link staff) and Emma Traub (Youth Link board member) invited board members to the annual Youth Link Gumbo Night on Wednesday, October 28, 6–8 p.m. at Crossroads Community Center, an opportunity for youth to dialogue with leaders over gumbo.
• Alex Zimmerman expressed strong criticism of city budget priorities, stating that Bellevue's gross domestic product is over $150 billion (37% of regional GDP) while the parks budget is only $1 billion. He demanded the council redirect funds from corporations to parks and public services, using inflammatory language.
• Nicole Myers spoke about the proposed road through Bell Red Park, urging the board to consider pedestrian- and bike-centered designs and preserve trees. She referenced a recent tree removal in Downtown Park and hopes for coordination between transportation and parks planning.

Discussion Items

• Councilmember Breyer provided updates on city budget deliberations, noting Bellevue starts with a balanced budget and has reserves, unlike neighboring cities. He mentioned options for transportation investments (e.g., car tab fees, sales tax) and a state mandate removing parking minimums in some areas. He read the city's strategic target areas, emphasizing a high-quality built and natural environment.
• Director Cameron Parker reported upcoming events: Kelsey Creek Farm Fair (Oct 3), Arbor Day volunteer event at Lewis Creek Park (Oct 17, 9–11 a.m.), and Gumbo Night (Oct 28). He noted that the city council will discuss the parks CIP on October 20, when the board's recommendation memo will be included.
• Board communications: Members shared observations from the Bell Red Park open house, including concerns about road safety, bike access, and off-leash dog areas. One member asked about Eastgate Park pickleball conversion; Cameron confirmed it is a pilot with balanced feedback. Board members also discussed climate impacts on trees and community events like the Fall Into Fun series.
• Bell Red Neighborhood Park Master Plan Presentation by Zarian Smith and Wyatt Thompson:
  • Background: The park site in the Bell Red neighborhood includes a wetland, West Tributary stream, storage building, and utility pump station. The park is part of the Bell Red subarea plan (Project N2) and involves coordination with transportation and utilities departments.
  • Public outreach: Three community meetings (two in-person, one online), tabling at Eastgate Block Party, Spring District farmers market, and food bank. Top community themes included: multi-use paths, flexible lawns, restrooms, picnic shelters, covered event space, and seating.
  • Three concepts presented:
    • Concept 1: Dog park, mid-sized parking, covered picnic area with deck over wetland, daylighted stream with cobble beach and seating nodes.
    • Concept 2: Boardwalk across wetland extending under future bridge, play area, smallest parking, repurposed storage building as flexible covered space, lookout hill, stormwater feature.
    • Concept 3: Pump track in northwest corner, largest repurposed building for covered play, partially covered recreation courts, lawn, restroom, amphitheater, play area near stream opening.
  • Next steps: Gather feedback from board, internal departments (transportation, utilities, finance, arts), and Snoqualmie Tribe. Refine to one or two concepts for third community meeting in Q1 2027. Online survey includes naming opportunities.
• Board member preferences and discussion:
  • Eric liked boardwalk (nature immersion), amphitheater (programming), covered play, and dog park (needs assessment). He asked about stream daylighting and road safety.
  • Elizabeth liked combination of concepts 1 and 2, emphasizing wetland access, dog park, and play area. She advocated for minimal paved parking, noting abundant parking nearby. She highlighted covered space for tai chi and dance.
  • Steve liked flexible covered space (industrial heritage), boardwalk, pump track (unique feature), and wanted more information on parking and future development.
  • Eileen liked large amphitheater (drawing events), play area set back from entrance, covered recreational courts, and pump track but questioned proximity to Highland skate park. She suggested surveying for pump track demand.
  • Chair liked concept 3 overall, noting pump track use observed elsewhere, flexible covered play, and boardwalk from concept 2. She mentioned adventure playground concept as a theme.
  • Stefan Hovey (absent) emailed comments: questions on park accessibility with constrained parking, wetland experience without ecological harm, and designing for future residents while retaining industrial heritage.
• Road discussion: The proposed road connects 124th and 130th as part of Bell Red grid. Board members raised safety concerns (crossing, speed limits, traffic calming). Staff clarified road will have two lanes, bike lanes, and multi-use path. No funding secured for road yet; park may be built first with interim design. Possibility of underpass in concept 2.

Key Outcomes

• No votes were taken on the Bell Red Park concepts. Staff will incorporate board feedback, internal department input, and public survey results to refine options.
• The board will continue discussion at the next meeting on October 21, 2026, which will focus on the Parks and Open Space System Plan update and third-quarter memo.