On behalf of Families for Active Parks in Kenmore, I would like to thank the Kenmore City Council and Bastyr University for securing a lease agreement that will provide recreational fields for our community youth and others. While the agreement is not a perfect document, it is something that significantly benefits each party involved and clearly benefits the greater Kenmore community.

Specifically, thanks are in order for the council’s 7-0 vote in favor of the Bastyr Master Plan and this supplementary lease agreement, to Fred Stouder and the city staff for working overtime to put an agreement together, to Bastyr’s representatives (George Cody, Sheldon Haber and Greg Goode) for including the interests of this community in their master planning process and to the diligent work of Doug Nugent and the Kenmore Planning Commission. The commission was not a rubber stamp for the process and we appreciate the time commitment and effort that these Kenmore citizens gave toward reconciling the best interests of our community with prudent public policy.

Lastly, I commend the efforts of Dr. Daniel Church, Bastyr president, for fostering an environment that allowed for such an agreement to be produced. Over the last couple of years, Bastyr has clearly stepped up to be an active and engaging participant in the ongoing development of our community.

Coming on the heals of a new basketball court to be built in Kenmore, it is rewarding to know that our City Council recognizes that there is significant value in creating local recreational opportunities for the youth and families of our community. These facilities cross over all economic boundaries and will provide enjoyment for years to come.

Brent Smith

Families for Active Parks in Kenmore