POULSBO — The Poulsbo City Council unanimously approved a 10-year agreement Oct. 21 allowing the city to use parking facilities at Olympic College for overflow parking associated with the Poulsbo Event and Recreation Center.
The agreement establishes conditions under which the city may access the college’s parking lot during events requiring additional parking capacity.
Parks & Recreation Director Jeff Ozimek told the council that the arrangement will help the city meet overflow parking requirements associated with the recreation center’s permitting.
The agreement requires the city to obtain approval at least two weeks before using the college’s parking facilities.
Access will be approved on a case-by-case basis rather than through unrestricted use of the lot.
The city will be responsible for opening and closing the parking area during authorized events and addressing conditions arising from its use, including remaining vehicles, trash and damage.
Ozimek said city staff would inspect the lot before events and coordinate cleanup or other necessary work afterward.
Councilmember Doug Taber questioned how those responsibilities would affect the city’s budget.
Ozimek said the expenses would be absorbed through existing operations, including recreation center staffing and other city services when necessary.
The parking agreement is intended to accommodate larger activities at the recreation center, including tournaments and competitions that could generate demand beyond the facility’s regular parking capacity.
Mayor Edward Stern also discussed ongoing development near the recreation center and a proposed expansion of Western Washington University’s Poulsbo facilities.
The council approved the agreement without dissent and authorized the mayor to sign it.
The arrangement provides a mechanism for accessing additional parking as needed while allowing Olympic College to retain control over when its facilities are available.
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