Nora Whittemore appointed as full member of Parks Commission
December 15, 2009
By J.B. Wogan
By J.B. Wogan
Two years ago, Nora Whittemore applied to be a parks commissioner to give advice on access for people with disabilities at local parks.
Since then, she’s become a go-to person on making sure that local parks have sensible designs that accommodate wheelchairs and strollers.
“If they don’t ask me, I tell them,” Whittemore said.
At its Dec. 8 meeting, the City Council voted to appoint Whittemore to a full-time position on the Parks Commission, a promotion from her previous role as an alternate. She is replacing Commissioner Steve Pelton, who resigned earlier this year.
The experience has been rewarding thus far, Whittemore said. She said one example of how she’s contributed to the commission is at Pine Lake Park. It’s easier to reach the park’s dock than it used to be, she said.
The Parks Commission is a citizen advisory board that makes recommendations to the council about parks and recreation opportunities.
Whittemore’s appointment to a full-time seat was the last move in a restructuring process that established staggered four-year terms for the commissioners and limited the number of positions to nine full-time commissioners and no alternates.
In 2010, there will be one exception. Current alternate commissioner Larry Crandall, whose term was due to expire at the end of 2010, will stay on as an honorary member.
Parks Director Jessi Richardson said Crandall’s honorary membership was a one-time deal.
She added that Crandall had recognized only one full-time position would open for 2010 and deferred to Whittemore.
“I think it was a kind gesture, what could have proven a challenge decision for the council, to choose between the two,” Richardson said.
Crandall will have the opportunity to discuss issues with the rest of the commission, but does not have a vote on policy recommendations to the council.
“Larry was not in any official way appointed to a seat on the commission,” Richardson said. “It was just a courteous way of not eliminating him with the elimination of his position.”
The restructuring also added the possibility of including one non-Sammamish resident to the Parks Commission. This might have implications for Klahanie Park, if King County does transfer the park to Sammamish. Hypothetically, Klahanie could have a representative voice on the Sammamish Parks Commission.
Reporter J.B. Wogan can be reached at 392-6434, ext. 247, or jbwogan@isspress.com.
Two years ago, Nora Whittemore applied to be a parks commissioner to give advice on access for people with disabilities at local parks.
Since then, she’s become a go-to person on making sure that local parks have sensible designs that accommodate wheelchairs and strollers.
“If they don’t ask me, I tell them,” Whittemore said.
Nora Whittemore
At its Dec. 8 meeting, the City Council voted to appoint Whittemore to a full-time position on the Parks Commission, a promotion from her previous role as an alternate. She is replacing Commissioner Steve Pelton, who resigned earlier this year.
The experience has been rewarding thus far, Whittemore said. She said one example of how she’s contributed to the commission is at Pine Lake Park. It’s easier to reach the park’s dock than it used to be, she said.
The Parks Commission is a citizen advisory board that makes recommendations to the council about parks and recreation opportunities.
Whittemore’s appointment to a full-time seat was the last move in a restructuring process that established staggered four-year terms for the commissioners and limited the number of positions to nine full-time commissioners and no alternates.
In 2010, there will be one exception. Current alternate commissioner Larry Crandall, whose term was due to expire at the end of 2010, will stay on as an honorary member.
Parks Director Jessi Richardson said Crandall’s honorary membership was a one-time deal.
She added that Crandall had recognized only one full-time position would open for 2010 and deferred to Whittemore.
“I think it was a kind gesture, what could have proven a challenge decision for the council, to choose between the two,” Richardson said.
Crandall will have the opportunity to discuss issues with the rest of the commission, but does not have a vote on policy recommendations to the council.
“Larry was not in any official way appointed to a seat on the commission,” Richardson said. “It was just a courteous way of not eliminating him with the elimination of his position.”
The restructuring also added the possibility of including one non-Sammamish resident to the Parks Commission. This might have implications for Klahanie Park, if King County does transfer the park to Sammamish. Hypothetically, Klahanie could have a representative voice on the Sammamish Parks Commission.
Reporter J.B. Wogan can be reached at 392-6434, ext. 247, or jbwogan@isspress.com.
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