Puyallup Parks and Recreation Board Meeting - January 12, 2026

The Puyallup Parks and Recreation Board met on Monday, January 12, 2026, at 5:00 PM in Council Chambers at City Hall, 333 S. Meridian. Board members present were Chair Erich Weiter and Board Members Brian Spracklen, Michael McCanna, and Michael Ragan. Vice-Chair Jerry Martin and Board Member Kevin Caviezel were absent. Staff present included Parks & Recreation Director Cody Geddes and Administrative Clerk Erin Priddy. The meeting was adjourned at 5:37 PM.

Consent Calendar

• A motion to approve the agenda as published passed 4-0.
• A motion to approve the November 3, 2025, minutes as written passed 4-0.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Dave De Groot, a Puyallup resident and near-daily park walker, expressed alarm about the significant spread of English ivy in city parks, particularly Wildwood and Bradley Lake. He stated that English ivy is classified as a noxious weed in Washington due to its ability to blanket landscapes and suppress native vegetation, wildlife habitat, and tree health. He also said the passive-use facilities at Wildwood Park, including picnic shelters and houses, are in "dreadful" condition and urged immediate attention to preserving the parks' natural assets.

PROS Plan Update

• Director Cody Geddes introduced Jessica Butcherite as the new Pioneer Park Pavilion Coordinator. She replaces Ellen Palmer, who retired after 30 years; Butcherite has been with the city for 12 years and served as a support specialist in Parks and Recreation for three years.
• The PROS Plan consulting team, AHBL, was asked to skip this meeting to save costs.
• The community survey has collected 214 completed responses and 488 clicks on the survey link so far. An email was planned to 28,000 contacts, a Peach Jar notification through the school district was expected the following week, and the survey link was attached to baseball and softball registrations to increase participation.
• The survey is expected to remain open through February. The target is 1,000 responses, but the deadline can be extended.
• The goal is to integrate the Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan into the comprehensive plan by fall.

Art in the Park

• The Nature's Medley sculpture in Veterans Park is showing significant decay. An arborist performed a tug test applying 150 pounds of pressure, and the original artist plus a specialist from Washington State University confirmed extensive bug infestation. Squirrels have also taken up residence in the sculpture.
• The sculpture was assessed as safe for another couple of years. The city is working with the Arts & Culture Commission to commission a new veterans-themed artwork for the park, which is expected to be installed before Nature's Medley is removed.
• The Board suggested sectioning the sculpture and auctioning pieces to raise funds for future park projects. Director Geddes supported this idea.
• A bike-themed memorial sculpture for Dr. Timothy Grace is planned at Van Lierop Park, honoring his love of cycling. The proposed location is on the island between the parking lot and the trail. The family will create the design, obtain approval, and donate the piece to the city for ongoing maintenance.

Recreation Report

• Holiday events were successful: Santa Paws attracted families with dogs, the annual tree lighting included a DJ and a Puyallup High School choir, and Cookies with Mrs. Claus sold out its first session, leading to an added second session.
• New programs are growing: sound bath healing sessions have drawn over 30 participants, line dancing attracted almost 60 people, and the women's walking club had 58 participants at Bradley Lake and over 50 at Nathan Chapman.
• Staff plan to launch a free "Walk Puyallup" program with guided walks, including a walk with a ranger and a walk led by former mayor John Hopkins.
• Summer camp registration is approaching; it opens at midnight and is expected to sell out quickly, as did holiday events, including Breakfast with Santa, which sold out by 8 a.m.

Flood Impacts and Maintenance

• The Riverwalk Trail suffered significant flood damage, with portions submerged and 3-4 feet of silt left behind. Cleanup using water trucks and backhoes took nearly a month; staff described it as the worst flooding in about 10 years.
• Silt is being pushed toward the riverside, mixed with outfield mix for field top-dressing, or removed by private property owners. The city's EOC manager is tracking costs for potential FEMA reimbursement, but staff are not certain it will be covered.
• A lesson learned: the sandbag pickup location at Clarks Creek Park was accidentally locked by a part-time closer during the flood, locking residents out. Future operations will account for this.
• The skate park project received final designs with an estimate under $500,000, including demolition. The project will go to bid within a week or two, with construction starting in spring and a summer opening planned. A shade structure is being considered for after opening.
• Rainier Woods Dog Park continues to have water accumulation issues near the fountain; staff may remove wood chips and install French drains in drier seasons. No user feedback has been received at Clarks Creek Dog Park.

Future Agenda Items & Board Comments

• Board Member Brian Spracklen requested that English ivy and environmental impacts be added to a future agenda.
• Chair Erich Weiter suggested discussing Wildwood Park's future renovation, acknowledging that its buildings and structures are in rough shape. He proposed reaching out to volunteer organizations, such as the Pierce Conservation District or Boy Scout troops, for ivy removal work parties.
• Administrative Clerk Erin Priddy reminded the board that applications are still being accepted for board and commission positions, including an open seat on the Parks and Recreation Board.
• Board Member Spracklen provided an update on the Puyallup Parks Foundation: the organization is legally squared away, will start from scratch, and will re-ratify bylaws once a new board is established. Interested people can contact brians@puyallupparksfoundation.org.

Key Outcomes

• The agenda and the November 3, 2025, minutes were both approved unanimously (4-0).
• Future agenda items will include English ivy and environmental impacts, as well as Wildwood Park renovation planning.
• Applications remain open for the Parks and Recreation Board vacancy.
• The Board will consider auctioning pieces of the Nature's Medley sculpture when it is removed to raise funds for future park projects.
• The skate park project remains within budget and is on track for a spring construction start and summer opening.