Summer 2025 | Download PDF
From the President
We all come into public office with different goals and aspirations, but ultimately, we are all seeking to make our cities and towns the best possible places to live, work, and play.
This issue of Cityvision magazine focuses on the play. More specifically, the importance of recreational spaces and activities to enhance quality of life, foster community connections, promote wellness, and stimulate economic growth in our urban areas.
Whether it involves the local pool, a community park, wellness activities, or hosting a major sporting event, in this issue we showcase examples of cities and towns embracing outdoor recreation to advance broader community goals.
Read the story of how pickleball got its start in Washington and how it’s making noise, and a growing impact, all over the state. See how cities are finding solutions to keep their swimming pools operational despite aging infrastructure and regulatory obstacles. Explore the economic and community benefits of hosting high-profile sporting events. Learn how public spaces like parks and plazas can promote downtown revitalization, serving as economic catalysts and fostering a welcoming environment that encourages people to return and engage.
It’s not only after recreational spaces are built that they bring our communities together. In many cases, the shared desire to preserve or improve a cherished park or plot of land can itself motivate community activism—and offer an opportunity to engage with our residents to build the future we envision together.
As leaders in our cities and towns, we have the unique opportunity to guide community investments that improve the quality of life for generations to come.
I hope you find inspiration in this issue that helps you elevate your community, enhance civic pride, and encourage residents to get outside and enjoy every corner of our beautiful state and our 281 cities and towns.
Sincerely,
Amy Ockerlander
Mayor, Duvall
President, AWC
Open swim
Cities are finding creative ways to fund the construction and upkeep of municipal pools—critical community infrastructure that expands the definition of essential service
Communities across the state seek out partnerships and creative solutions to meet public demand to build and maintain community pools. More
Tri and tri again
How hosting a triathlon has yielded big dividends for the Tri-Cities
The Tri-Cities roll out the red carpet for the Ironman competition, drawing 10,000 visitors and a boost to the local economy and community pride. More
Wellness pays
Investing in wellness activities and programs can greatly benefit the overall health of your municipal workforce. More
Pump primer
Investments in community cycling helps fuel local economic development, and civic pride. More
Noted: Forming a metropolitan park district
Creating and funding a metropolitan park district under RCW 35.61. More
The question
What motivates you to prioritize outdoor recreation despite your demanding schedule as a city manager?
Hear thoughts from Port Townsend City Manager John Mauro, Maple Valley City Manager Laura Philpot, and Sedro-Woolley City Administrator Charlie Bush. More
Balanced growth
AWC Vice President and West Richland Mayor Pro Tem Fred Brink on balancing rapid growth with outdoor space. More
Court advantage
As pickleball popularity soars, Washington cities are creating public play spaces for the state’s official sport—hoping to boost the local economy while fostering community engagement and health. More
Game on
The origins and evolution of pickleball, Washington state’s official sport. More
Vital designs
Understanding how parks, plazas, and public spaces impact downtown revitalization efforts. More
Win, win
The benefits of combining workplace wellness with community involvement. More
Mother of all parks
Remembering Esther Short, a 19th-century trailblazer who foresaw the civic landscape-altering potential of public spaces. More
