Bellevue Chamber, City Partner to Install First Aid Supply Stands in Five Parks

Visitors to five Bellevue parks could soon have access to free basic first aid supplies under a new partnership between the City of Bellevue and the Bellevue Chamber of Commerce & Community.

At its July 7 meeting, the Bellevue City Council is scheduled to consider approving a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Bellevue Chamber that would establish “take a first aid supply, share a first aid supply” exchange stations in five city parks.

Under the proposal, first aid supply boxes would be installed at:

• American Heroes Park
• Everett Park
• Lookingglass Park
• Stonecroft Park
• Washington Park

The exchange stations will operate on a 24/7 honor system, allowing park visitors to take basic first aid supplies when needed or donate supplies for others to use. Examples of acceptable items include bandages, saline solution, sterile gauze, and antiseptic wipes.

According to the agreement, the project is being coordinated in conjunction with the Leadership Bellevue program.

The Bellevue Chamber will be responsible for purchasing, installing, stocking, maintaining, repairing and, if necessary, removing the first aid boxes at its own expense. The City will not provide funding or stock the supplies. Installation locations must be approved by the City’s Parks Department in coordination with the City Engineer before the boxes are installed.

The proposed agreement also requires the Chamber to maintain liability insurance and to provide volunteers installing the boxes with liability waivers. The City may request removal of any of the boxes with 10 days’ written notice.

If approved, the agreement would take effect immediately and remain in force through June 30, 2027. It could be renewed annually by mutual agreement, while either party could terminate the agreement with 30 days’ written notice.

The agenda item appears on the City Council’s consent agenda, meaning it is expected to be approved along with other routine business unless a council member requests separate discussion.

“These boxes were a unique idea for a Leadership project,” said Chamber President Diane Bruce. “They saw a need, and the class is making it happen. Local businesses stepped up to sponsor the project and help our Leadership class leave a lasting impression in some of our local parks. This is another great example of Bellevue people supporting each other.”

| Photo Provided by Phil Davidson |