By Mellow DeTray

Big changes and neighborhood initiatives took center stage at the Aug. 11, 2026 Normandy Park City Council meeting.

From the imminent renovation of Marvista Park to strong council backing for “Bee City USA” status, the meeting reflected a focus on local spaces and sustainability.

Highlights also included key decisions on a major City Hall refurbishment, new utility rate adjustments, and updates on popular events ranging from the Farmers Market to upcoming holiday contests.

Arts Commission Update

Arts Commission Chair Nadia Counter updated the council on the city’s recent and upcoming cultural initiatives. This year’s lineup includes returning favorites alongside new events—most notably “Fright in the Park,” a brand-new Halloween decorating contest joining the established winter holiday tradition, “Light in the Park.” Residents can also look forward to the popular Solstice Soiree and Winterfest, which will feature festive performances and photos with Santa.

Parks Commission Update

Ron Ebbers, Parks Commission Chair, gave a Parks update to the council as well. The next big thing for Parks is the Marvista remodel. This project will close the park until early 2027. It was noted that all parts of the park will be closed for renovation, including the parking lot. Signs about closures will go up once exact start dates are known.

The Parks Commission focuses on education and recreation in area parks. There are “Owl Prowls”, bird walks, and plant walks, as well as a preschool summer camp. They hold sprinkler events to cool kids off on hot days, and ivy removal events for those who want to help maintain healthy forests.

Early End To Farmers Market

With the imminent closure of Marvista Park for renovation, the Normandy Park Farmers Market will have just one final week before closing the 2026 season. City Manager Amy Arrington said the last chance to experience the Farmers Market this summer will be this Sunday from 12–7 p.m.

New Normandy Park Fitness Business

Deputy Mayor Sue-Ann Hohimer said that there is a new Pilates studio that just had its grand opening. She said Reformer Pilates is now open, and located in the QFC parking lot near Starbucks.

Fireworks Show Town Hall

Deputy Mayor Hohimer also said that the next community town hall will be on Wednesday September 30th. The meeting will specifically focus on how everyone feels about the recent fireworks show that took place in partnership with the Cove. The council wants to know if residents would like to see something similar in 2027.

Bee City USA

After reading a proclamation for bee awareness and protection, the council strongly supported looking into what the city needs to do to officially become Bee City USA certified. Councilmember Mike Bishoff said he has been a beekeeper in the city for a decade, and Councilmember Shawn MacEvoy said his neighbor’s honey bees love visiting his organic garden. City Manager Arrington will bring information on how to qualify for the Bee City title to a future meeting.

Tree City USA

Normandy Park already has Tree City USA status, and it is well-deserved. According to Councilmember Bishoff, a 2018 study found that Normandy Park had the second highest tree canopy in the area, following Black Diamond. Through careful management and active encouragement, tree canopy in the city has increased from 48% to 52%, according to the presentation. No changes were made to tree canopy goals at this meeting, but they will be presented in a report to the Department of Ecology.

City Hall Remodel

In order to keep City Hall serving the community for the next 20 to 30 years, a large remodel and refurbish project is planned for the building. The council unanimously approved $486,179 for design and construction management of the project. The total project is expected to cost $3.5 million. Design should be complete in 2027, with construction finishing sometime in 2028.

Stormwater Utility Fee Adjustment

The council unanimously approved a six year schedule to increase the stormwater utility rate. The rate will go up by 5% annually for the first five years, and then 2% the sixth year. Currently, residents pay $32.21 monthly for this utility. In 2027 that will increase to $33.82. By 2032, the monthly rate will be $41.93.