Recreation Center Update
City facilities within Normandy Park have been identified as deficient for decades. This memo is intended to provide interested parties information and resources regarding the current actions taken by the council to address the City’s facilities.
1950s
The Highline School District constructed current facilities in the early 1950s.
1987
The City reportedly purchased the property for $1 after the Highline School District no longer needed the facility.
2014
Council formed the Facilities Planning Task Force.
2015
The final report of the Facilities Planning Task Force was presented to the council in November.
2019
The City contracted with a consultant to evaluate the safety and feasibility of repairing the Recreation Center.
Results indicated approximately 1.5 million dollars in critical and necessary repairs with an additional 1 million dollars in recommended repairs. The critical and necessary repairs indicated within the report would increase the building’s structural integrity to approximately 60% of current codes. Additional surveys confirm the assessment report and inadequate soils compounded by unreinforced masonry block construction.
View the reports:
The City contracted with Miller Hull in November of 2019 to provide conceptual design and cost estimation for a new Civic Center that would include indoor recreation opportunities. Through the Yellow Tag Project, they engaged the city staff, council, and public.
As a result of the meeting, a resolution to demolition the Recreation Center was drafted and presented to the council at the regularly scheduled February meeting. Resolution 966 passed, and the City is currently moving forward with the necessary planning and contracting required to decommission and demolish the Recreation Center building.
Current council directives indicate a desire to secure Levy lid lift funding before moving forward with a new bond measure to fund a new Civic Center and Recreation Center. City Manager Hoppen presented the Civic Center design options in detail during the January Special Meeting. The next steps, design options, and funding options are detailed in this document.
Additionally, Council has directed the Civic Center Replacement Project Committee to resume meetings to engage further and refine the process of replacing our aging facilities. These meetings will be posted on the City website’s event calendar. Community participation is welcome and encouraged!
“…1.5 million dollars in critical and necessary repairs…”
Mark E. Hoppen, City Manager
City of Normandy Park
801 SW 174th Street
Normandy Park, WA 98166
(206) 248-8246 (Direct Phone)
City Manager Report – May 23, 2025
Honoring our Heroes: Normandy Park’s Blue Star Memorial By-Way. As we prepare to observe Memorial Day this weekend, I’d like to highlight a meaningful tribute in our community: the Blue Star Memorial By-Way in Normandy Park.
The Blue Star Program pays tribute to all men and women who serve in the United States Armed Forces. We are proud to be home to one of these memorials in Normandy Park. The program originated in 1944, when the New Jersey Council of Garden Clubs planted 1,000 Dogwood trees as a living memorial to World War II veterans. A year later, the National Council of State Garden Clubs (now National Garden Clubs, Inc.) expanded the effort, launching a network of Blue Star Highways that now spans thousands of miles across the continental U.S., Alaska, and Hawaii. The Blue Star symbol, widely used during WWII on flags and banners in homes with family members in service, was chosen as the emblem of this nationwide tribute.
City Manager Report – May 15, 2025
City Council Meeting Roundup. On Tuesday, May 13th, the City Council held its regular monthly meeting. Here are the meeting highlights to help keep you informed. Arts Commission Annual Presentation – Arts Commission members Chair Nadia Counter and Lawrence Peryer updated the City Council on the Commission’s work plan. We learned about past successes and the year ahead. Between meeting and event hours, members of the Arts Commission have volunteered for more than 280 hours this past year, promoting the arts in Normandy Park.
• Proclamation for Safe Boating Week – In recognition of the importance of safe boating practices, the City Council declared the week of May 17th – 23rd, as Safe Boating Week
City Manager Report – May 9th, 2025
Citizen Satisfaction Survey Closing Soon! The Annual Citizen Satisfaction Survey will close on Monday, June 2, 2025. Thank you to all the residents who have already taken the survey. For those who haven’t completed the survey, please take a moment to share your thoughts on public safety, parks, permitting, public works, and communication – your input can drive real change! To date, over 380 residents have completed the survey. Here are some fun facts from the information that has been gathered so far:
