Signed in as:
filler@godaddy.com
Lowell Johnson Park
share your experience
As the Park Board considers whether to close this park to the general public, we need park visitors to weigh in on their experiences and priorities. SURVEY CLOSES: DEC 1
Should we close this park to the GENERAL public?
The Anderson Island Park & Recreation District would like your input and support as we explore a proposal to:
Close Lowell Johnson Park to the general public by creating a pass system for access, issuing free passes to Anderson Island residents and property owners, and allowing access for pass-holders’ bone fide guests.
Why create a park pass system?
As Anderson Island has become more of a “vacation destination” and articles and word-of-mouth have highlighted the Old Swimming Hole as a “hidden gem,” we have experienced a surge of visitors who have no accountability to our community.
In recent years, the Park Board’s ability to mitigate rule-breaking has been an ongoing challenge, as well as discouraging many islanders to stop visiting this beloved recreation area.
While AIPRD is devoted to creating a diverse, welcoming public park system for respectful enjoyment, we recognize that this particular park’s issues need to be addressed with significant action.
Can you restrict access?
Many people think that our parks are part of Pierce County’s park system, funded by county property tax. This is not the case.
AIPRD receives all of its public funding from a levy on property taxes from ONLY Anderson Island property owners, as well as private support from community donations.
Because we have a very limited tax base, it’s possible for us to consider restricted access for recreation resources that cannot meet the demands of full public access, such as the Lowell Johnson Park.
What do we need from you?
Before we begin the official process to create and implement a plan, we want our community to consider whether this is a change they want.
We have created a quick survey to help us get an initial read on support for this proposal. Please fill it out (one per household), and share it with your friends and community members.
Help Us Spread the Word
We know many of our neighbors are not on social media or online much. You can help us by directing neighbors to this survey: send them to www.andersonislandparks.org/survey/ (here!). We will also be sharing this in the Sounder and via any other means we can think of.
We can’t do this without you. Our community is full of folks who love this park, and our primary goal is to find the solution that best fits the challenges that you indicate are a priority. Thanks for your support!