With January snow storms followed by record rains and persistent fog, outdoor play may not be on the top of your list just now. However, if you bundle up and head outdoors, you may just be pleasantly surprised! Our local parks and trails offer many discoveries in the winter. Now is a great time to start a new routine and walk for wellness, jog for fitness or simply clear the mind with some fresh air. We have two new, free walking programs to help you establish new routes and meet new neighbors. The Si View Walking Club meets on Tuesdays and Walks with Commissioners explore our park system monthly on Sundays. Bundle up, and join us - please pre-register so we know how many folks to expect!

For indoor play, we are thrilled to be re-opening the Indoor Playground later this month with modifications. February is also the time when our youth Dance Program launches a new season that concludes in a delightful all-class recital in May. We are also signing up youth players for our Spring Recreation Basketball League and school break camps. To better facilitate registration for these and many other available programs, later this month we will be upgrading to a new version of our online registration system DASH. This upgrade better supports mobile transactions, keeping you connected whether at home or on the go. Stay tuned for announcement on the launch.

Addressing one the most common question in the last few days: When does summer registration open? Be sure to save the date: Friday April 8. Our full line up of summer camps including Camp Si View, Camp RAD, TRACs and a variety of specialty camps will all open for signs up on that date. You can browse our offerings online, starting Friday April 1st, and the printed activity guide arrives in mailboxes April 4-6th.

And finally, are you looking for local employment opportunities? Consider Si View Metro Parks, and check out our current openings, including both full-time and part-time positions! From park and facilities maintenance to camp counselors, we have a variety of openings right here in our community.

On January 5th, Si View Metro Parks Board of Commissioners officially welcomed Susan Kelly and Bud Raisio to new terms as elected commissioners at the governing board’s first meeting of the year.

Commissioner Kelly first got involved with "saving" the beloved and treasured Si View Park & Pool from closure back in 2003, as an active parent, park user and community member. Her continued enthusiasm and commitment motivated her to serve as a commissioner going on 19 years! She is excited to move forward with the positive, innovative, synergistic approach in collaborating with the city, county, tribe, and other agencies, to bring increased value in recreational opportunities. From disc golf to Farmers' Markets with live music to multigenerational use of our skate park and pump track to special celebrations at different venues, to hopefully realizing a new resident-desired large aquatic facility, our future looks bright, and she is glad to be a part of it!

Commissioner Raisio appreciates the opportunity and responsibility to serve the community in this role. He believes that residents know best what recreation services and amenities are needed and beneficial for our community, which the District establishes through community surveys. Your feedback is used to determine the priority of projects and how to best bring these to fruition. It is a privilege being part of this process. Commissioner Raisio enjoys our local trail and parks and looks forward to seeing you. If you cross paths, please don't hesitate to introduce yourself. While you might not recognize commissioner Raisio, it's hard to miss his pug, Sniper, enjoying the journey right along with all of you!

Also at the January meeting, the Board held its annual election of officers. Commissioner Katie Klahn moved from clerk to president, and commissioner Kelly replaces Klahn as clerk. Commissioners Catherine Fredenburg and Mark Joselyn continue to serve in their roles.

The Commission sets policy for Si View Metro Parks serving staggered six-year terms. More information about our Commission, meeting schedule and agendas, click here website.

With the high demand for aquatic programs, we recently changed how participants register for swim lessons. We are now in the midst of the winter season, where students who signed up for session A, get priority for session B in order provide adequate time to master skills needed before moving to the next skill level. While currently enrolled students do get priority, new students are also welcome, and can register for available spots for either group lessons or private lessons starting at 7am on February 16th. For more information about swim lesson schedules, click here. Session B lessons run from February 28 to April 2.

Everyone should have the opportunity to enjoy a recreational experience, even if money is a concern. Si View has a financial need based scholarship program available for youth and people with disabilities. Scholarships can be applied towards all our programs from swim lessons to sports programs. Please be prepared to provide proof of residency in Snoqualmie Valley School District and income verification. Application is completed once per calendar year, apply today, ahead of the Spring and Summer program registration rush!

You may have noticed construction work slowing down recently at Tollgate Farm Park, where we are adding infrastructure, including a barn and farm stand, to support agricultural programming and production. This project among many others, is currently impacted by the ongoing concrete worker’s strike. Work on this project will continue as soon as possible. In the meantime, we have been working with local farms for programming at the park including both livestock and produce production. Residents will have the opportunity to learn and see where their food comes from and the ability to purchase directly from their local farmer. We are excited for the possibilities and look forward to introducing the community to our new partners in the coming months, stay tuned for updates!

Si View Indoor Playground is launching a new session on Monday February 28th. The Indoor Playground is a great opportunity for young kids ages 0-5 to practice social skills while their grown-ups make connections with local families during the school year. Please note that parents/caregivers must supervise their children in attendance. Indoor Playground operations will look a little different to ensure safety for all. Participants must pre-register, either for dates of choice or the full series, to limit crowding. Playground hours are Mondays and Wednesdays, 9:30am-11:00am in the community center gym. Program cost is $2 per child per day. Please check our COVID-19 resources page for applicable policies including mask mandate, vaccine verification and when to stay home.

Learn more about projects, history and activities from the Meadowbrook Farm Preservation Association in the Winter newsletter, now available online.

North Bend Education and Cultural Association (NBECA) organized Festival at Mount Si is regrouping for 2022. The committee is seeking community volunteers to join planning efforts. There are many roles to fill and tasks to complete before the tentative festival weekend of August 13-14 at Si View Park. Please contact NBECA president Morgan Henley for details.

Si View Pool will close at 11am on February 18th for annual maintenance. The pool will re-open for scheduled programming on Sunday February 27th.