The Parks & Community Services Board advises the City Council on parks and open space issues such as:
- Park planning, design and construction
- Development, redevelopment and renovation
- Enterprise management
- Natural resources, land stewardship and environmental education.
The board also advises the council on policies regarding community services issues such as:
- Recreation opportunities for a wide range of interests, ages and abilities
- Community centers
- Parks & Community Services Department-related special events
Meetings
Unless otherwise noted on the agenda, the board meets the third Wednesday of each month, 6 p.m., City Hall, in the council conference room (1E-113). The meeting site is wheelchair-accessible. American Sign Language interpretation is available upon request. Please call 48 hours in advance: 425-452-5262 (TDD) or 425-452-4162 (Voice).
You are welcome to communicate with the Parks & Community Services Board at any time by sending an email to parkboard@bellevuewa.gov. Please be aware that your email is a public record and may be published in the monthly board meeting agenda packet. You may attend any board meeting (in person or virtually) to speak during the public participation section of the meeting. Speaker registration instructions, online sign-up and public participation rules are available at:
Public Meeting Records
Previous meeting minutes, agendas, packets and other meeting records are on Legistar or Parks & Community Services Board Public Meeting Archive page.
Members
The board is comprised of seven Bellevue residents, appointed by the mayor with the concurrence of the City Council. Terms are four years each and expire on May 31 of the last year of the term. No one may serve more than two consecutive terms.
Councilmember Dave Hamilton is council liaison to the board.
- Chair, Rowena Clima (first term expires 5/31/2026): Rowena Clima loves parks! Her first job was building park trails with the Youth Conservation Corps. From there, she studied the environment and urban planning in undergrad. Rowena first began volunteering on environmental stewardship projects in the City as a Bellevue Naturalist. She decided to serve on the Bellevue Parks & Community Services Board to further support places and programs that connect people with nature and protect the environment. Rowena’s favorite park is Bellevue Botanical Garden. She enjoys visiting the garden with friends during special events and meandering the pathways for inspiration for her own garden.
- Vice-Chair, Eileen Chou (first term expires 5/31/2028): Eileen brings a diverse background in technology consulting, product management, and real estate, along with a strong passion for community service. Her deep involvement in Bellevue schools, district, and workplace initiatives, as well as church activities, reflects her commitment to creating inclusive and vibrant spaces for all. She visited every single park listed on the city website in six months. Part of the thrill was discovering some of the charming mini neighborhood parks. From kayaking at Meydenbauer, jogging around Phantom Lake, or simply enjoying the tranquility of Goddard Mini Park, she has experienced firsthand why Bellevue is truly a "City in a Park".
- Member, Steve Chianglin (first term expires 5/31/2028): Steve Chianglin is a lifelong Eastside resident and business owner who resides with his family in North Bellevue. Inspired by his children's enthusiasm for the City's parks and recreational spaces, Steve sought a deeper connection with the community through service. In his free time, he and his family enjoy playing golf, baseball, and tennis in Bellevue's parks. In addition, Enatai Beach Park is a favorite summertime destination.
- Member, Paul Clark* (second term expires 5/31/2026)
- Member, Elizabeth Kronoff* (second term expires 5/31/2029)
- Member, Heather Trescases* (second term expires 5/31/2025)
- Member, Michelle Valverde (first term expires 5/31/2027): Michelle Valverde lives with her husband and small children in the West Lake Sammamish neighborhood in Bellevue. She started her community service journey in Lake Hills where she served on the board of her HOA and continues to be a board member of the Lake Hills neighborhood association. After graduating from Bellevue Essentials in 2020, she began looking for other ways to serve the community, joining the Parks & Community Services Board in 2023. She enjoys learning about and supporting parks and recreation development throughout the City and wants to help every member of the community engage and access Bellevue’s beautiful parks. Her favorite park is Meydenbauer Bay Park, with its stunning views of the bay. Her children love Bellevue Downtown Park, especially the Inspiration Playground. Her family often visits both parks, enjoying leisurely strolls through Old Bellevue on their way from Downtown Park to Meydenbauer Bay Park.
* Denotes board member serving second term.
Authority
There are no authority items available at this time.
Policies and Forms
There are no policies or forms available at this time.