After the past great summer of events and activities, it is now time to plan for the future of Bonney Lake parks.

On May 7, Mayor Neil Johnson held Park Summit I as reported in the April 30 Courier-Herald to design a sports complex and develop a campaign strategy that would focus on the economic and social benefits of parks funding.

On Thursday, Sept. 27 at 6 p.m. at the Bonney Lake Justice Center, Park Summit II will take place.

It is imperative that residents and voters attend this meeting to see what has transpired over the summer. Keep the following questions in mind when you attend, listen, read the materials provided and interact with the mayor, council, park board and staff:

• Different age groups have different preferences.

• Do you want trails, a community center or a sports complex or something else?

• Where will the proposed projects be built?

• What is this going to cost?

• How will this be paid for?

• What is the difference between a bond, park district, special levy and grants?

Please educate yourselves by reading recent articles or visiting the city of Bonney Lake website and reading through the park element of the comprehensive plan to see where future park shortfalls are in Bonney Lake.

The council needs to know your preferences and if residents will support the plan proposed by the mayor and his staff. If changes are needed, this is the time to do that. If you don’t support the proposal or the financing mechanism, they need to hear why. Whether you are a teen or a senior citizen now is the time to build consensus and have a dialogue. The goal is to put this on the ballot the early part of 2013.

Please attend Park Summit II to inform yourself on this important park proposal and make your voices heard.

Laurie Carter

Former Bonney Lake council member