2/17/22
Parks and Rec interlocal agreement extended
At their Feb. 16 meeting, the school board approved a one-year extension of the Parks and Recreation Program interlocal agreement with the City of Bonney Lake. This means that the City of Bonney Lake will continue to administer the Parks and Rec Program through Aug. 31, 2023. In the meantime, SBLSD will continue discussions with the City and other stakeholder groups to explore ways Parks and Rec can be a successful and viable option for students, families and our community. The District believes strongly in the benefits the program provides our students — academically, physically and emotionally.
1/12/22
SBLSD Reviewing Opportunities for Parks and Rec Program
I want to address the confusion and the conversation happening in the community about the future of the City of Bonney Lake Parks and Recreation Program. Last week, I received a letter from the City of Bonney Lake notifying the Sumner-Bonney Lake School District that the City of Bonney Lake wanted to terminate our agreement that involves the Parks and Recreation Program effective August 2022. The notification intended to end the agreement, but not necessarily the Parks and Recreation Program.
After attending the Bonney Lake City Council meeting Tuesday night, I heard compassionate testimony and heartfelt stories of how the Parks and Recreation Program is a benefit to our community. The City Council listened attentively and announced their plans to have further discussion at the next City Council workshop on Jan. 18, 2022.
As a school district, we know families depend on many aspects of the Parks and Recreation Program, especially before and after school childcare. Right now, life is already bringing multiple levels of uncertainty. When it comes to the Parks and Recreation Program, I want you to feel confident knowing that:
- The Sumner-Bonney Lake School District believes strongly in the Parks and Recreation Program and the many benefits it provides our students — academically, physically and emotionally. SBLSD has a great interest in seeing this program continue.
- We will continue discussions with the City of Bonney Lake, taking into consideration the feedback provided to the City Council and the needs of our community.
- We understand that before and after school childcare is important to our community and we will be discussing this vital service further with the City of Bonney Lake and exploring options and opportunities to continue before and after school childcare for the community.
As with anything, this process will take time. Please allow the City of Bonney Lake time to work through their process and know that we are there partnering with them to explore ways for the Parks and Recreation Program to continue being a successful and viable option for students, families and our community.
Sincerely,
Laurie Dent, Ph.D.
Superintendent
Sumner-Bonney Lake School District
