Tom returned for another visit to our Club accompanied by Shannon Hayes, the new Communications professional working for the Snohomish County Parks, Recreation and Tourism Department. Tom has held his position with Snohomish County since 2007. A dedicated professional who subscribes to the theory that "good government is a function of effective partnerships and empowered communities." Tom's areas of expertise include parks and recreation administration, corporate partnerships, business/enterprise development and community building through strategic partnerships.

 

Tom grew up in Lynnwood and has worked for three cities, two park districts and two counties in the Seattle and greater Chicago areas. Tom leads a group of 79 full time parks, recreation and tourism professionals, managing and maintaining and programming 110 park properties, 47 miles of shoreline and nearly 12,000 acres of Parks and natural areas. Snohomish County Parks hosts more than 5 million visitors each year and generates more than $45 million in positive economic impact for the region.

 

Snohomish County Parks, Recreation and Tourism has a lot to offer us. Tom's department has the highest cost recovery of any park system in the United States. There are 22,000 camp reservations, a host of public and private partnerships , high truck adventure with the other closest event in Yellowstone Park. The County has the only NASCAR sanctioned track in the area. The County Fairgrounds are under revision i.e., the Evergreen State Fair. Technically in the State of Washington there is no authorized State Fair. And once again, Evergreen State Fair has the highest recovery of any fair in the United States with a $5 million dollar financial impact a year. Over the next 5-6 years, the County wants to do a build over. They pay their own debt service. Parks pays for any bonds under most circumstances. The Fair makes enough money that they can pay for their build out.

 

Of importance to our Club is the status of the Skateboard Park. The park is being funded as follows: 1/3 from the State, County and the City. Many challenges arose during the permitting process including a wetlands area that slowed the process.  Everything is close to being in order with the permits likely to be approved by September/October. Construction will start in early spring rather than during the winter months. So much more to tell but limited by one's interest in reading long stories. Perhaps a bit later we will give some more details of what's going on with the Snohomish County Parks, Recreation and Tourism. Thanks Tom for being such a dedicated public individual and responsible manager of the county's assets. Come visit us anytime.