Bellingham Parks & Recreation Leisure Guide
Issue link: https://bpr.uberflip.com/i/1506429
cob.org/parks • (360) 778-7000 Facility Rental Info 25 Angie Schulz Arborist Technician Angie joined the Urban Forestry team as a Park Technician in May. She is originally from Wisconsin and moved to Maine in 2018 to serve with the Maine Conservation Corps for a season. Following that, she joined the Western Colorado Conservation Corps, where she worked with State Parks, National Parks, and Bureau of Land Management for a year. For the last 2 ½ years Angie worked as an ISA Certified Arborist/foreman at a private tree company in western Colorado. Since moving to Washington in May, she has enjoyed spending time outdoors and exploring the PNW! Ryen Helzer Arborist Technician Ryen Helzer is a new Park Technician for the Urban Forestry division. Born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona, he embarked on his journey in resource management through his time as a Wildland Firefighter in Northern Arizona and as part of Trail Crews in Juneau, Alaska. Ryen then practiced Sustainable Forestry on the Big Island of Hawaii while obtaining his B.A. in Environmental Studies from the University of Hawaii at Hilo. During his time at school, Ryen focused on working with Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and studying Resilience Management Practices. He also has experience in Wilderness Therapy and has led Rites of Passage Programs on the Olympic Peninsula. Beyond his professional pursuits, Ryen finds joy in hiking, gardening, woodworking, and ceramics. He firmly believes that stewardship and learning from the natural world is the best way to understand ourselves and communities. Justin Koger Park Specialist – Structures Justin started with the Structures team in August. He has worked extensively in the construction, maintenance, and electrical fields, including as a lead for a Special Projects crew with the National Park Service. Originally from California, he previously lived in Bellingham from 2003 to 2009, where he completed the electrician program at Bellingham Technical College. He then moved back to California, where he worked for the Golden Gate National Recreation area for five years, which gave him an introduction into public service. He has always had a magnetic draw to the Pacific Northwest, with its easy access to the mountains and the ocean, along with ample opportunities for mountain biking and dirt biking. He moved back to the area last fall and plans to stay, and he looks forward to raising his three-year old daughter here. Kate Bemis Park Operations Administrative Secretary Kate joined the Park Operations team in April, where she provides administrative support to the facilities, grounds, park improvements, and stewardship crews. Kate grew up in Montana, then spent time in Colorado where she received her degree in Geographic Information Systems and worked for the US Department of Agriculture, before relocating to Washington in 2012. After many years in operational roles in the real estate and mortgage industries, she is happy to put her skills to work supporting her favorite part of living in Bellingham: the incredible parks, trails, and recreation opportunities that the city provides. She enjoys traveling, hiking, gardening, baking, and spending time with her husband Eric, dog Frankie, and cat Henry. Staff Spotlights