PenMet Parks re-opens beaches after relaxation of state distancing rules
Following the relaxing of statewide restrictions, the Peninsula Metropolitan Park District has re-opened beaches at several parks, including Sunrise Beach, Narrows Beach, Bella Bella Beach and the Fox Island Pier.
Doug Nelson, executive director of PenMet Parks, said park visitors are still being asked to avoid crowds and follow good social-distancing practices.
“We don’t want to see crowding of parks and areas, so we have to play a role in making sure people get out and act responsibly,” Nelson said.
Nelson said PenMet will carefully monitor Gov. Jay Inslee’s phasing plan, and ensure it coincides with how PenMet phases activities and locations back into service.
“What’s likely to come next is things like tennis courts, pickleball; then you start looking at sport courts and ball fields,” Nelson said. “We are developing a plan for how those things re-open, much to the tune of the governor’s approach.”
Nelson praised the PenMet staff and board, saying during these challenging times they have stepped up to make tough decisions.
“Through challenging times, better people and better teams get developed,” Nelson said.
Budget cuts and layoffs
The park district has made quick adjustments to its budget, staffing and hiring to increase safety and neutralize the potential revenue loss, he said.
PenMet’s early estimates show the district may have an income loss of $50,000 to $60,000 due to the crisis.
“It’s not a small amount, but not overwhelmingly difficult to manage,” said Doug Nelson, the executive director for PenMet Parks. “It’s still early, but we did our best to make a projection there.”
Larger capital projects, such as the community recreational facility, have not been put on hold.
Almost all recreation programs, such as youth sport and classes, have been canceled, postponed, or rescheduled to combat COVID-19. Purchases of new equipment have been put on hold, and a few open PenMet positions are not being filled.
“Though revenues are down, it’s a relatively small impact versus our total park and recreation budget, but just large enough where we had to make temporary staff reductions,” Nelson said.
PenMet has reduced the hours of three full-time recreation employees to three days a week through July 31. The employees are in charge of various recreation programs; including special events, summer camps and athletics.
“That wasn’t an easy decision to make, but they can take advantage of the stimulus funds available,” Nelson said.
PenMet looks forward to a time when things can be re-opened, but Nelson emphasizes that safety is his main concern.
“The health and safety of our customers is number one, and that includes our staff,” Nelson said. “We want to keep everyone safe. Even during the early phases of the shutdown, anything that stayed open like trails and dog parks, we did that with the highest level of care we can provide.”
This story was originally published May 12, 2020 at 10:36 AM.