Parks district employee Dee Gough made a direct appeal to the commissioners at their regular July meeting: “Build me a new playground.” Gough argued the time has come to act, noting the rising costs and stricter safety standards associated with new equipment. “They don’t go on pea gravel any more,” she said, estimating even a basic setup now starts around $40,000, with an additional $10,000 for compliant surfacing.
With no state playground grants available for 2025, and uncertainty about funding returning in 2026, Gough decided to take matters into her own hands. She organized a community barbecue to begin raising money and was touched by the generosity of residents. “I would like to thank our Point Roberts community and beyond for your generosity at the BBQ ,” she posted after the event. “We raised $558 to put towards a new playground.”
That initial amount multiplied. The International Marketplace matched the $558, local resident Christine Day added $600, and another anonymous donor dropped off $100 at the History Center the next day. In total, the hot dog fundraiser brought in $1,817.
Gough is now working with two playground equipment companies to create three potential designs. Once they are ready, she plans to hold a public meeting.
“I want the homeschool kids and the parents and the grandparents and everyone to come,” she said, emphasizing that the whole community should have a voice in choosing the final design.
The playground initiative is still in its
early stages, but with grassroots momentum building, it’s clear that Point Roberts residents are ready to invest in play.
The next BBQ fundraiser is scheduled for August 2.
In other parks news, commissioner Michael Cressy (Position #5) announced his resignation. “This will be my last meeting. I have resigned my position as of the end of next week,” Cressy stated.
