Mayor seeks new member for Board of Park Commissioners

SEATTLE – Mayor Greg Nickels is seeking a new member for the Board of Park Commissioners. The Board is a seven-member volunteer advisory board established by city ordinance.

Three members are appointed by Seattle’s mayor, three members are appointed by Seattle’s City Council, and the seventh member is appointed by the Board of Park Commissioners. The current vacant position is a mayoral appointee. Members serve three-year, renewable terms.

The Board consults with, and makes recommendations to, the superintendent of Seattle Parks and Recreation, the mayor, and City Council regarding policies for the planning, development, and use of Seattle’s parks and recreation facilities.

The Board conducts public hearings and meetings on a variety of issues affecting parks and facilities. Meetings are held at 7 p.m. on the second and fourth Thursdays of the month. The Board operates under the city’s ethics guidelines for boards and commissions and abides by the open public meeting act.

Board members spend an average of 30-40 hours per month on Seattle Parks and Recreation business. In addition to the regular meetings, members attend committee meetings, park dedications and celebrations, and other community gatherings. Board members receive a number of briefing and project papers, listen to and read an extensive amount of public testimony, and receive a large volume of general information from Seattle Parks and Recreation and other city departments and agencies.

Candidates should have a strong interest in parks and recreation opportunities for people of all ages. Candidates should have regular access to a computer and e-mail, as most information is sent electronically.

If you’re interested in being considered, please submit a letter of interest and résumé by Wednesday, Jan. 14, 2008. In keeping with the mayor’s “Paper Cuts” program, electronic submissions are preferred. Please e-mail your letter of interest and résumé to: sandy.brooks@seattle.gov.

To send a paper submittal, please address it to:
Board of Park Commissioners
c/o Sandy Brooks
Seattle Parks and Recreation
100 Dexter Avenue North
Seattle, Washington 98109

The Board is committed to promoting diversity on the Board of Park Commissioners. Women, young persons, senior citizens, persons with disabilities, sexual minorities, and persons of color are encouraged to apply.

For more information, please contact Sandy Brooks, the Board’s strategic administrator, at 206-684-5066, or via e-mail at sandy.brooks@seattle.gov.