Edmonds_PROS_Plan_Public_Draft_120313_reduced (2).pdf
Public Review Plan December 2013
City of Edmonds:
Parks, Recreation
and Open Space Plan
City of Edmonds Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
CityofEdmondsMayorandCouncil
Dave Earling, Mayor
Kristiana Johnson
Strom Peterson
Adrienne Fraley-Monillas
Diane Buckshnis
Joan Bloom
Frank Yamamoto
Lora Petso
Parks,RecreationandCulturalServicesDepartment
Carrie Hite, Director
Frances White Chapin, Arts and Cultural Services Program Manager
Renee McRae, Recreation Manager
Richard Lindsay, Park Maintenance Manager
Parks,RecreationandOpenSpaceAdvisoryTeam
Barbara Chase
Lisa Conley
Riley Conley
Don Fiene
Jerry Fireman
Farrell Fleming
Jon Fleming
Darrol Haug
Dick Van Hollebeke
Laura Leeman
Phil Lovell
Marni Muir
Lora Petso
Lois Rathvon
Bob Rinehart
Carreen Nordling Rubenkonig
Ian Scott
Doug Sheldon
Valerie Stewart
Barbara Tipton
Janette Turner
Bob White
Angie Zavaglia-Oliver
Acknowledgements i
City of Edmonds Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan
CommunityCulturalAdvisoryTeam
Juliet Brewster
Andy Eccleshall
Tarin Erickson
Jerry Fireman
Jan Glanister
Sharon Grader
Courtney Gu
Dick Van Hollebeke
Ksenia Koon
Darlene McLellan
Marni Muir
Bob Rinehart
Samantha Saether
Carissa Meisner Smit
Pam Stuller
Michelle Van Tassell
Janette Turner
David Varnau
Steve White
ConsultingTeam
MIG, Inc
Ballard*King
EMC
TheCommunityofEdmonds
This Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan is a product of the community
of Edmonds and represents the volunteer effort and input of many residents
before, during and continuing on after the formal planning process. The
planning team would like to sincerely thank those who provided their ideas
to ensure this plan is accurate, relevant and community-supported.
ii Acknowledgements
City of Edmonds Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan
TABLEOFCONTENTS
Acknowledgements
1.Introduction..................................................................11
Plan Purpose and Process......................................................................1-1
Community Involvement.......................................................................1-2
The Community and Context.................................................................1-3
2.Parks,RecreationandOpenSpaceSystemNeeds..........21
The Existing Parks, Recreation and Open Space System.........................2-1
Habitat in the PROS System..................................................................2-5
Community Needs................................................................................2-9
3.SystemConcept,GoalsandObjectives...........................31
Parks, Recreation and Open Space System Concept...............................3-1
Goals and Objectives............................................................................3-4
Collaborations and Leadership..............................................................3-5
Parks and Open Space..........................................................................3-6
Shoreline Use and Access.....................................................................3-7
Natural Resource and Habitat Conservation..........................................3-8
Recreation Programs and Activities........................................................3-9
Cultural Services.................................................................................3-10
Park Operations and Maintenance.......................................................3-11
4.ActionPlan....................................................................41
Recommended Projects and Initiatives..................................................4-1
Prioritization.......................................................................................4-11
Table of Contents
5.FundingPlan.................................................................51
Capital Projects......................................................................................5-1
Ongoing Operational Impacts................................................................5-3
Funding Strategy....................................................................................5-3
Funding Sources....................................................................................5-5
Bibliography
Appendices
Appendix A: Existing System
Appendix B: Community Input Process
Appendix C: Capital Cost Model
ListofTables
Table 1-1: Population Projection
Table 2-1: Park Classification Summary
Table 2-2: Observed Wildlife
Table 2-3: Park Land LOS Analysis, Acres Per 1,000 Population
Table 2-4: Total System Level of Service, Acres Per 1,000 Population
Table 2-5: Park Condition and Capacity
Table 5-1: Cost Summary by Project Type
Table 5-2: Cost Summary Other Projects
ListofFigures
Figure 1-1: Integrated Planning Process
Table of Contents
City of Edmonds Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan
ListofMaps
Map 2-1: Existing Park System Map
Map 2-2: Habitat in the PROS System
Map 2-3: Park Access-All Edmonds Parks
Map 2-4: Park Access-Neighborhood and Community Parks
Map 2-5: Park Access-Neighborhood Park, Community Park
and Other Sites
Map 2-6: Access to Nature
Map 2-7: Shoreline Access
Map 2-8: Sports Field Distribution
Map 2-9: Outdoor Performance Spaces
Table of Contents
City of Edmonds Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan
INTR ODUCT ION
The Parks, Recreation and Open Space (PROS) Plan provides comprehensive
guidance on the development and management of EdmondsÔ parks,
recreation and open space system and the services provided by the Parks,
Recreation and Cultural Services Department. This plan has been regularly
updated (1996, 2001 and 2008) to remain relevant to Edmonds as the city
evolves and changes.
PlanPurposeandProcess
Edmonds updates its PROS Plan and its Community Cultural Plan on a six-
year cycle, in alignment with the requirements of the Washington State
Recreation and Conservation Office (RCO) to maintain eligibility for federal
and state grant programs. The PROS Plan is also an important tool in
meeting Growth Management Act (GMA) requirements and achieving the
important citywide goals outlined in the Strategic Action Plan.
The PROS Plan was updated in tandem with the Community Cultural Plan,
in an integrated planning process beginning in spring 2013 and continuing
through fall/winter 2013.
Figure 1-1: Integrated Planning Process
As Figure 1 illustrates, the four phases of plan development included
technical planning and analysis, drawing from a foundation of community
participation shared by both planning efforts.
Phase1:WhereAreWeNow?
Beginning in spring 2013, the purpose of Phase 1 was to establish a baseline
of information to support the PROS Plan, including a review of the existing
Introduction 1-1
City of Edmonds Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan
conditions in the community and an assessment of the existing park system
and recreation services. These findings are detailed in the Existing Recreation
Resources Summary Report (available under separate cover), and highlights
are included in Chapters 1 and 2 of the Plan.
Phase2:WhereDoWeWanttoBe?
In Phase 2, the PROS planning team developed an analysis of parks and
recreation needs, using analysis criteria drawn from the community
involvement process. In addition, the teamÔs recreation center specialist
conducted an assessment of Frances Anderson Center, its use, programming,
and needs. A summary of the methodology and highlights of findings are
included in Chapter 2. Through the analysis and subsequent community
involvement, the planning team crafted the parks, recreation and open space
system concept, goals and objectives presented in Chapter 3.
Phase3:HowDoWeGetThere?
Building on the results of Phases 1 and 2, the planning team crafted the
parks, recreation and open space system concept, goals and objectives
presented in Chapter 3. The team began developing and refining
recommendations and a list of recommended projects, prepared
prioritization criteria, and evaluated funding options.
Phase4:WhatAretheStepstoImplementation?
In Phase 4, the full draft PROS Plan was released for public review. This
adopted PROS Plan was refined with input from the public, staff, and city
officials, and adopted by City Council.
CommunityInvolvement
As the diagram in Figure 1 shows, a comprehensive public engagement
strategy served both the PROS Plan and Community Culture Plan updates.
Advisory Teams: The PROS Advisory Team (PAT) served as a steering
committee throughout the plan update process, and coordinated with
the Community Cultural Advisory Team (CCAT) who served in a
similar role for the update of the Community Cultural Plan. The PROS
Advisory Team convened four times during the planning process.
Focus Groups: Three drop-in focus groups in August 2013 provided
opportunity for the public to give specific feedback in the context of a
facilitated group discussion. Participants considered topics including
favorite parks and programs, challenges, opportunities, potential
partnerships, and ways to increase participation in PROS and CCP
planning processes.
1-2 Introduction
City of Edmonds Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan
Intercepts: During August and September 2013, Edmonds staff
conducted a series of intercept events, bringing five interactive
posters to a variety of community gatherings and popular locations
around the city. The purpose was to bring the planning process out to
the community to broaden participation. Intercept events drew
participation from residents throughout Edmonds.
Questionnaire: The online questionnaire was designed to be open to
anyone interested in participating and to collect the largest number of
responses and ideas possible. The questionnaire was made available
on the front page of the CityÔs website (www.edmondswa.gov), and
thth
was active between August 19 and September 15, 2013. It was
publicized using City email lists and newsletters. Question topics
included city services, parks and facilities, recreation programs, arts
and cultural opportunities, and future priorities for the parks system.
By the close of the active period, there were 1,161 responses,
comprising 968 completed and 193 partially completed
questionnaires.
Workshops: The PROS planning team led two public workshops on
thth
October 16 and 17, 2013, at different locations and with different
starting times to provide multiple options for participation. These
workshops were designed to elicit community input on preferences
for the character of development and renovation of Edmonds parks,
as well as priorities for services. The workshops included a visual
preference survey exercise, during which participants indicated their
preferences for images of potential park elements, and a sustainable
priorities exercise, during which participants prioritized a list of parks,
recreation and open space services. The visual preference survey
exercise was also repeated at a Planning Board workshop.
Random Sample Survey: A random sample telephone survey was
conducted in late November, 2013 by EMC. This survey was
designed to further distill community priorities for major capital
projects and funding sources.
TheCommunityandContext
Since the 2008 PROS Plan, Edmonds has remained a stable, prosperous
community, while also continuing to evolve and change. Demographic and
contextual factors influence recreation priorities, and were evaluated during
the planning process.
Edmonds has experienced steady population growth, a trend that is
projected to continue through 2025 when the population is anticipated to
reach just under 45,000. Over the last decade, aspects of growth have
Introduction 1-3
City of Edmonds Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan
included an increased percentage of middle-aged and older adults and an
increase in diversity. Asian (predominantly Korean) residents comprise the
largest minority group in Edmonds, growing from 5.6% of the population in
2000 to 7.6% today. Mirroring this trend, the most recent census data show
that 12.6% of Edmonds residents indicate that they were born in a foreign
country, and 14.5% speak a language other than English at home.
Table 1-1: Population Projection
BasePopulationProjectedPopulationProjectedGrowthin
20112025Population20112025
39,80044,8805,080
Source: Rate Study for Impact Fees for Parks, Open Space and Recreation,
City of Edmonds, 2013
Edmonds residents enjoy higher incomes than in Washington State and the
U.S as a whole, with a median household income of $72,452, compared to
$58,890 in Washington as a whole and $52,762 nationally. Though a
smaller percentage of Edmonds residents live below the poverty line (7.8%)
than statewide (12.5%) and nationally (14.3%), there remains a local
population, including significant numbers of children, with acute need for
City services.
The City has fostered a culture of planning and implementation. Since 2008,
Edmonds has spearheaded a number of initiatives and updated several
others, including the citywide Strategic Action Plan, the Sustainability
Element of the Comprehensive Plan, and the Shoreline Master Plan Update.
Each of these efforts included community engagement and participation.
Taken as a body of work, the plans highlight issues of importance for
Edmonds residents and offer areas of confluence with the PROS Plan. These
common themes can be summarized as follows.
Shoreline/Waterfront
Past planning efforts confirm that EdmondsÔ proximity to the water is
a valued part of the cityÔs identity and quality of life. The Strategic
Action Plan, Shoreline Master Program, and Feasibility Study of
Edmonds Marsh provide policy about connections to Puget Sound
and the future directions for specific sites on and near the waterfront.
ArtsandCulture
Arts and culture are also central to the communityÔs identity. In
addition to the direction provided by the Community Cultural Plan,
the Strategic Action Plan describes many actions related to arts and
culture in Edmonds, especially around the role of arts and culture in
th
economic development. (also supported in the 4 Avenue Cultural
Corridor Plan and Streetscape Plan).
1-4 Introduction
City of Edmonds Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan
Connectedness
Though its downtown is very walkable, greater Edmonds has several
characteristicsÐincluding steep topography and the presence of
major transportation corridorsÐthat create challenges and barriers for
pedestrians and cyclists. For this reason, many of the CityÔs plans and
policies call for improved walking and biking access, including
specific projects to increase connectivity. The Strategic Action Plan
and the Comprehensive Transportation Plan direct specific attention
to desired connections.
HabitatConservationandEnvironmentalRestoration
The Strategic Action Plan, Critical Areas Ordinance, Community
Sustainability Element, and Shoreline Master Plan include policy and
planning guidance to protect and enhance natural resources, while
encouraging educational interpretation and community stewardship.
Funding
In recent years, Edmonds has initiated several efforts to bolster
funding for parks and recreation, including the establishment of park
impact fees and formation of a task force to explore a Metropolitan
Park District and/or a levy to restore parks and recreation services lost
to budget cuts. Public feedback from these efforts has emphasized the
importance to the community of continued investment in the parks
and recreation system.
Introduction 1-5
City of Edmonds Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan
PARKS,RECREATIONANDOPENSPACESYSTEMNEEDS
TheExistingParks,RecreationandOpenSpaceSystem
The City of Edmonds has a long-established set of categories for the types of
park land in its parks, recreation and open space system. Table 2-1
summarizes the City-owned acreage in the PROS system, by park
classification. More detail on each site is provided in Appendix A.
Table21:ParkClassificationSummary
ParkClassificationNumberofSitesTotalAcreage
NeighborhoodPark924.85
CommunityPark258.10
RegionalParks617.05
SpecialUseParks1519.77
OpenSpace1269.21
These parks contain a variety of outdoor recreation facilities, including
playgrounds, picnic areas, basketball courts, sports fields of various types
and configurations, walking trails and paths and restrooms. Included in this
summary are two major recreation facilities owned and operated by the City
of Edmonds:
Frances Anderson Center is the ÑhomeÒ of the majority of Edmonds
Parks, Recreation & Cultural Services programming.
Yost Pool is a seasonal outdoor swimming pool located within Yost
Park.
The PROS system includes sites and facilities not included in Table 2-1
provided in partnership with other entities such as Snohomish County,
Edmonds School District and neighboring cities. These sites total more than
370 acres, and they serve a variety of recreation functions. For example,
Civic Center Playfields & Skate Park, while owned by Edmonds School
District, is a central, highly visited site that many Edmonds residents consider
a city park. Southwest County Park is a 118-acre Snohomish County Park
that constitutes the largest forested area in Edmonds. Though Edmonds
Underwater Park is a well-known component of the waterfront park network,
it is actually owned by the Department of Natural Resources. Facilities also
represent key partnerships, such as the Edmonds Senior Center is a
partnership between the City (property and facility owner) and Senior
Services of Snohomish County (operator) A detailed inventory of these sites
is included in Appendix A, and they have been considered in the assessment
of needs. The PROS system, including sites owned or operated by others, is
depicted on Map 2-1.
Chapter 2: Parks, Recreation and Open Space System 2-1
City of Edmonds Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan
This page intentionally left blank.
2-2 Chapter 2: Parks, Recreation and Open Space System
!!!!!!!!
HER
FIS
Meadowdale
Beach Park
Haines Wharf
Haines Tidelands
Meadowdale
Clubhouse
Meadowdale
Natural Area
Olympic View
Open Space
176TH
Snohomish
County Park
1
8
0T
H
Stamm Overlook
Seaview
Park
Hutt ParkSeaview
Wharf Street
Reservoir
W
E
I
V
C
Ocean Ave I
Sierra Park
P
M
Viewpoint
Y
L
O
PU
GET
1
96TH
Maplewood
Hill Park
Brackett's
CAS
PER
S
200
TH
Landing
20
0
TH
Brackett's
D
North
R
Landing
3
South
Sunset Ave
D
Hummingbird
Anderson
144 Railroad
O
2
0
Hill Park 4T
H
Center Field
O
Civic Center
Ave TidelandsPine
W
Playfield
Ridge
E
Senior Center
Mini
L
Park
Shell Creek
P
A
Park
Centennial Plaza
Olympic Beach
M
Open Space M
AIN
20
8T
H
Wade
Dayton St Plaza
James
FrancesYost
Edmonds Marsh
Hazel
Theatre
AndersonMemorial
Open Space
Miller
CenterPark
Plaza
2
12
TH
Edmonds Marsh
Edmonds
B
O
W
D
O
Library
Marina
I
N
City
and Plaza
Beach Park
Park
Room
Pine St
Willow
Park
Creek
Hatchery
Elm St Park
22
0TH
Willow
Creek Park
UV
99
Edmonds Memorial 22
6TH
Cemetery
22
8TH
2
28
T
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§¨
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5
6
5
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22
35TH36T
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Hickman Park
Interurban
!!!!!!!!
238TH
Trail
Lake Ballinger
!!!!!!!!
Access
!!!!!!!!
Mathay
!!!!!!!!
Ballinger
!!!!!!!!
Park
¯
!!!!!!!!
2
44TH
244
TH
244
TH
!!!!!!!!
Neighborhood Park
TrailsWater FeatureHospital
Open Space
StreamsCemeteryIndustrial Plant
EXISTING
Regional Park
Local StreetChurchSchool
SYSTEM MAP
!!!
ArterialSchool ParkGolf CourseWildlife Refuge
!!!!
Special Use Park
HighwayGovernment FacilityWildlife Watershed
8.15.13 Data Source: Edmonds GIS,
Snohomish County GIS | NAD 1983
Community ParkOther Park
City Limits
Harn State Plane Washington North
City of Edmonds Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan
HabitatinthePROSSystem
The lands within the Edmonds PROS System are ecologically diverse. The
waterfront parks provide a marine environment, support marine habitat and
tidal processes. The Edmonds Marsh is an ecologically unique saltwater
marsh, and is hydrologically connected to the uplands and Puget Sound.
Edmonds also includes freshwater habitat in its park on Lake Ballinger. The
remaining parks and open spaces include upland areas with native
vegetation and forests. Each of these ecological areas provides habitat for a
variety of species, as well as ecosystem services including stormwater
infiltration, stabilizing slopes and absorbing carbon dioxide.
Table 2-2 lists an inventory of wildlife observed in the PROS system, by
location.
Table22:ObservedWildlife
MarineWaterfrontParksEdmondsMarshUplandParks
BIRDS
CanadaGooseGadwallCoopersHawk
BrantGooseAmericanWigeonRedtailedHawk
Surf,Whitewinged,&MallardBandtailedPigeon
BlackScoter
BuffleheadNorthernShovelerBarredOwl
Common&.ğƩƩƚǞƭGreenwingedTeal!ƓƓğƭHummingbird
Goldeneye
RedbreastedMerganserRingneckedDuckPileatedWoodpecker
DoublecrestedGreatBlueHeronNorthernFlicker
Cormorant
BeltedKingfisherPeregrineFalcon{ƷĻƌƌĻƩƭJay
BaldEagleVirginiaRailOlivesidedFlycatcher
OspreyKilldeerIǒƷƷƚƓƭVireo
WesternSandpiperźƌƭƚƓƭSnipeBlackcapped&Chestnut
backedChickadee
SanderlingGreaterandLesserRedbreastedNuthatch
Yellowlegs
.ƚƓğƦğƩƷĻƭGullPurpleMartinBrownCreeper
MewGullVioletgreenSwallowPacificWren
GlaucouswingedGullBarnSwallowƚǞƓƭĻƓķƭWarbler
CaspianTernMarshWrenGoldencrownedKinglet
PigeonGuillemotźƌƭƚƓƭWarbler{ǞğźƓƭƚƓƭThrush
MarbledMurreletRedwingedBlackbirdSpottedTowhee
RhinocerosAukletRedCrossbillPineSiskin
Chapter 2: Parks, Recreation and Open Space System 2-5
City of Edmonds Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan
Table22:ObservedWildlife(continued)
MarineWaterfrontParksEdmondsMarshUplandParks
MAMMALS
ShorttailedWeaselMuskratShrewMole
(Ermine)
HarborSealMountainBeaverLittleBrownBat
OrcaWhalesRiverOtterƚǞƓƭĻƓķƭChipmunk
DolphinDouglasSquirrel
Raccoon
Coyote
IANS/REPTILES/FISH
AMPHIB
PacificHerring(F)CutthroatTrout(F)PacificTreefrog(A)
Cabezon(F)GarterSnake(R)WesternPondTurtle(R)
Lingcod(F)GiantPacificSalamander
(A)
CohoSalmon(F)
ChinookSalmon(F)
VariousotherSalmon
species(F)
MARINEINVERTEBRATES(MarineWaterfrontParksOnly)
PlumedAnemoneMoonSnailBlueMussel
HeartCockleLittleneckClamHorseClam
GeoduckRedOctopusGiantPacificOctopus
OpalescentSquidCoonstripeShrimpGreenandPurpleShore
Crabs
RedRockCrabDungenessCrabKelpCrab
DecoratorCrabSunflowerSeaStarSunStar
PurpleorOchreSeaStarMottledSeaStarBloodStar
VermillionSeaStarSixrayedSeaStarGreenSeaUrchin
OrangeSeaCucumberGiantSeaCucumberWhiteSeaCucumber
2-6 Chapter 2: Parks, Recreation and Open Space System
CITY OF EDMONDS PARKS
26
POTENTIAL WILDLIFE HABITAT
16
15
27
Potential
Index Park Name Habitat
16
8TH
ST
SW
28
E
M
1 144 Railroad Ave Tidelands YES 33 Pine St Park NO
2 Brackett's Landing North YES 34 Richard F. Anway Park NO
3 Brackett's Landing South YES 35 Seaview Park NO
4 Centennial Plaza NO 36 Seaview Reservoir NO
5 City Park YES 37 Senior Center NO
31
6 Civic Center Playfield NO 38 Shell Creek Open Space YES
1
7 Dayton St Plaza NO 39 Sierra Park YES 76
TH
ST
SW
8 Edmonds Library & Plaza Room NO 40 Snohomish County Park YES
40
9 Edmonds Marsh YES 41 Stamm Overlook NO
10 Edmonds Marsh Open Space YES 42 Sunset Ave NO
18
0T
H
STW
S
11 Edmonds Memorial Cemetery NO 43 Wade James Theatre NO
41
12 Elm St Park YES 44 Wharf Street NO
13 Frances Anderson Center NO 45 Willow Creek Hatchery YES
14 Frances Anderson Center Field NO 46 Willow Creek Park YES 35
20
15 Haines Tidelands YES 47 Yost Memorial Park YES
36
44
16 Haines Wharf NO
18
8T
H
STW
17 Hazel Miller Park NO S
18 Hickman Park YES
19 Hummingbird Hill Park NO
39
29
20 Hutt Park YES
21 Interurban Trail NO
d
22 Lake Ballinger Access NO
PUGET
D
R
23 Maplewood Hill Park YES
19
6T
H
ST
SW
196TH ST
C
24 Marina Beach Park YES
25 Mathay Ballinger Park NO
23
26 Meadowdale Beach Park YES
20
0
27 Meadowdale Clubhouse NO TH
S
T SW
C
ASPERS
S
28 Meadowdale Natural Areas YES
42
29 Ocean Ave Viewpoint YES
30 Olympic Beach YES
20
2 4T
H
ST
SW
31 Olympic View Open Space YES
6
13
32
19
32 Pine Ridge Park YES
3734
4
3038
M
AIN
ST
14
20
8 8
TH
S
T W
S
43
13
7
17
47
10
d
m
2
12TH ST
9
24
5
45
33
12
k
e
220
TH ST
e SW
46
2
20TH ST SW
22
HPS
L
11
22
8TH
ST S
W
2
28TH
ST
r
e
18
23
6
TH
ST
SW
238TH ST S
W
22
21
01
25
Miles
Edmonds Parks
Potential Habitat
No Potential Habitat
EDMONDS
Creeks (Potential Habitat)
City of Edmonds
121 5TH AVE N
December 2013
No warranty of any sort, including accuracy, fitness,
Edmonds, WA 98206
or merchantability accompany this product.
City of Edmonds Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan
CommunityNeeds
The assessment of community needs in Edmonds is a customized analysis
that identifies the land, facilities and programs now and in the future. This
section builds on the enhanced understanding of the existing system,
describes the analysis process and summarizes key findings.
LevelofService
Purpose
The City has used numerous population and distance based standards to
define a level of service (LOS) that supports parks and recreation system
growth. The analysis of level of service focuses on parks and recreation
capacity, targeting a specific ratio of park land to population. Over the past
twenty years many communities, including Edmonds, have adopted park
land standards based on this system with the intention of being able to
compare their system with national standards and neighboring communities.
The targets used for this analysis are most often based on National
Recreation and Parks Association (NRPA) standards that attempted to
determine the ratio of land to population that would be comparable across
communities nationwide. In addition to comparability to other communities,
level of service, defined in terms of acres of park land per thousand
population, is also a useful metric for tracking the status of the system year-
to-year.
Analysis
With this plan, the City of Edmonds has moved to a more detailed and
sophisticated analysis of the parks and recreation system. The approach to
analyzing needs represents advancement in methodology that more
accurately reflects the current reality of the city and residents. This reality
includes the actual distance of travel to parks and the distribution of socio-
economic status across the city. While this analysis moves away from relying
heavily on a set of standardized, population-based level of service goals,
there is continued utility in tracking the system against population to
understand the impact of growth. This approach reflects the current thinking
at both the state and national level, with NRPA backing away from the often
cited national standards in favor of community-set goals that reflect the
unique priorities and situation of the place.
In order to understand the status of EdmondÔs parks, recreation and open
space system in relation to the communityÔs past goals, the analysis began by
comparing EdmondsÔ current parks and recreation inventory against LOS
standards adopted in the 2008 PROS Plan as well as the Ñaspirational
standardsÒ included in that Plan.
Chapter 2: Parks, Recreation and Open Space System 2-9
City of Edmonds Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan
Findings
Table23:ParkLandLOSAnalysis,AcresPer1,000Population
ParkTypeAcreageExisting2008LOSDifference2025LOSDifference
12
LOSStandard(existingStandard(existing
(acres/2008)2025)
1,000)
Neighborhood24.850.620.580.040.710.09
Parks
Community58.101.462.430.972.030.57
Parks
RegionalParks17.050.430.990.560.960.53
SpecialUse19.770.500.550.050.710.21
Parks
OpenSpace69.211.746.895.155.864.12
EDMONDS188.984.7511.456.7010.275.52
PARKS
1
Standardadoptedinthe2008PROSPlan.
2
ͻ!ƭƦźƩğƷźƚƓğƌƭƷğƓķğƩķͼfromthe2008PROSPlan.
As shown in Table 2-3 above, the existing level of service (4.75 acres of park
land per 1,000 population) is less than half of the LOS standard as adopted
in 2008. The 2025 standard represents the target the City has been aiming
for, accounting for future growth in population. The scale of the system
targeted in the 2008 plan standards is more than twice the size of the
existing system, with much of the growth in open space land. The key
information in this methodology is presented abstractly as a ratio, leaving it
unclear where park land is needed, or why an increase would be good for
the community. Calculating the land needed based on the 2008 standard,
Edmonds would have to add 260 additional acres. With limited available
land within the city limits, these goals are out of line with the reality the
community faces.
The 2008 standards are broken down for each park type, reflecting
differential growth in the system. Using different LOS standards for each park
type doesnÔt reflect current best practices for the parks and recreation
profession. These standards are ill-suited to a unique system like EdmondsÔ
that includes features such as an underwater park, a fishing pier and a
beloved flower program. The differences in ratios do little to clarify the goals
in growing the system, and much of the attention is focused on the bottom
2-10 Chapter 2: Parks, Recreation and Open Space System
City of Edmonds Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan
line of the entire system. While the individual standards are not especially
useful, tracking the overall acreage in the system and the acres per 1,000
population is a simple metric that can be useful for making comparisons and
tracking change over time.
A more meaningful and rigorous LOS analysis of system performance will
include all sites that serve park and recreation functions for community
members that are within the city limits, as well as those outside the city
limits that Edmonds contributes to the operation of Ïprimarily Meadowdale
Playfield and Lynndale Skate Park. While this level of service is higher, it is
important to note that this measure will include property not under the
control of the City of Edmonds, reflecting the reality of community users and
emphasizing the importance of partner sites.
Table24:TotalSystemLevelofService,AcresPer1,000Population
ParkTypeAcreageExistingLOS
(acres/1,000)
CityOfEdmondsParks188.984.75
AdditionalSiteswithin371.729.33
1
EdmondsSystem
TotalSystemLevelofService560.7014.08
1
Includesallsitesthatserveparkandrecreationfunctions,includingCounty,EdmondsSchool
DistrictandsitesoperatedinpartnershipbetweentheCityandcommunityentities.
ParkAccess
Purpose
The core of the evolved analysis of community needs is moving away from
abstractions and more accurately reflecting the reality of the community of
Edmonds. One key element of this is the construction of a geographic
model allowing the City to refine the distance based park standards from a
service radius to a network method. Past PROS plans have included a service
area distance that sets a goal for how far each park should ÑreachÒ into the
community. Setting this distance from a park aims the development of the
park system toward a more even distribution, identifying gaps and avoiding
overlapping service. The basic method for analyzing the service area
coverage relied on drawing a circle centered on each park and considering
everyone within that circle served. The problem with this approach is the
assumption that park users can travel in a straight line to that park or facility.
Chapter 2: Parks, Recreation and Open Space System 2-11
City of Edmonds Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan
The evolution of this analysis is to use a network model, built from the
streets, trails and actual entry points to the park sites, and Geographic
Information Systems (GIS) analysis to identify gaps in service based on a
walking distance. For this analysis, walking distance is based on a five to ten
minute walk at average speed, resulting in a distance of ¼ to ½ mile.
AnalysisandFindings
The first illustration of the Edmonds geographic access model shows the
service areas for all Edmonds parks.
Map 2-3: Park Access-All Edmonds Parks
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City of Edmonds Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan
The CityÔs park lands provide tight coverage inside of the bowl
surrounding downtown and out to Yost Park.
Gaps in service are most prevalent in the south and east with a
smaller area immediately north of Southwest County Park.
Smaller gaps exist around existing parks where access does not exist.
These gap areas can be overlaid on census data on ethnicity and
socio-economic status, showing that the lowest income and most
diverse parts of Edmonds are also generally outside of walking
distance to any park.
The access model also allows the system to be analyzed against a wide
range of criteria. The first refinement includes only the neighborhood and
community parks. This subset of parks reflects which sites currently provide
most or all of the basic recreation opportunities Edmonds residents indicated
they would like to have close to home. These basics include a place to play,
access to nature, an open lawn, gathering places and sports courts. Using the
parks classified as neighborhood and community parks is a reasonable
approximation of the sites with these features, a topic which is analyzed
further within this chapter.
Chapter 2: Parks, Recreation and Open Space System 2-13
City of Edmonds Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan
Map 2-4: Park Access-Neighborhood and Community Parks
The primary difference when looking at the neighborhood and
community sites is the opening of gaps around the more isolated
open space sites (particularly H. O. Hutt, Maplewood Hill, Pine Ridge
and the small open spaces in the northeast corner of Edmonds).
Further analysis of the situation on the ground reveals the importance of
other parks and Ñpark-likeÒ sites, particularly school sites and neighboring
city sites, providing recreation opportunities to Edmonds residents.
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City of Edmonds Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan
Map 2-5: Park Access-Neighborhood Park, Community Park and Other Sites
The addition of other sites illustrates the potential of these sites to fill
many of the gap areas.
School sites, particularly Sherwood Elementary, Madrona School,
Chase Lake School, Westgate Elementary, and to a lesser extent
Seaview Elementary have the potential to fill in many gap areas.
Nearby parks, some of which the City has existing partnerships for
specific facilities (Meadowdale Playfields and Lynndale Skate Park)
also provide access to some of the basic recreation opportunities.
Ballinger Playfield in Mountlake Terrace represents a particularly
Chapter 2: Parks, Recreation and Open Space System 2-15
City of Edmonds Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan
important opportunity as there is no other park that serves that gap
area.
The ÑotherÒ park areas (in yellow on the map) create the potential to
provide a more complete park system but it should not be assumed
that these sites currently provide the type of recreation opportunity
needed in the community. For example, school sites limit use by the
public to after school hours.
Park and partner sites developed in the south and east will most
directly serve the more diverse and lower socio-economic segments
of the population.
NatureandShorelineAccess
Purpose
One theme of the public input results focused on the importance of nature
and the Puget Sound to the identity of Edmonds. Understanding the
distribution and opportunities for enhancing these key features is critical to
the development of the system.
AnalysisandFindings
After reviewing inventory data, air photography and making site visits, a
subset of park sites was determined to provide visual or physical access to a
natural setting or environment. Access to these sites was determined using
the same access model and distance standards as the parks analyzed above.
The service area coverage of these sites is illustrated in the map below.
2-16 Chapter 2: Parks, Recreation and Open Space System
City of Edmonds Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan
Map 2-6: Access to Nature
Access to natural environments is distributed similarly to the map of
access to all parks, but with less intensity around downtown
Edmonds.
The previously noted gaps in the south and east are important here
because they may influence the type of experience desired for park
sites (and potential partner sites) developed in this area of Edmonds.
The same gap area is also relatively higher in ethnic diversity and
lower in socio-economic status.
Chapter 2: Parks, Recreation and Open Space System 2-17
City of Edmonds Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan
One of EdmondsÔ key assets and a primary attractor of visitors is its access to
the Shoreline of Puget Sound. Waterfront properties were identified and
mapped and categorized according to the type of access provided as well as
view sheds from public areas.
Map 2-7: Shoreline Access
The entire beach below the mean high-tide line is publicly accessible.
The Edmonds shoreline is closely bordered by the railroad, with few
points where the public can cross, making it more difficult to access by
the public.
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City of Edmonds Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan
Edmonds maintains a mix of physical and visual access to Puget Sound
along the south end of the shoreline from BrackettÔs Landing North to
Marina Beach Park.
There are still a few gaps in this existing concentration of access, where
the topography and railroad allows physical access to the Sound.
Points along the shoreline that provide views of the Sound but no
physical access include the entire length of the Sunset Avenue Overlook,
the Ocean Avenue Viewpoint, Stamm Overlook Park and Haines Wharf
Park. These visual access points are important, as they extend the
publicÔs ability to access the Sound to the north, beyond the beach parks.
Expanding the pedestrian realm and the seating areas along the Sunset
Avenue Overlook would increase the usability and visual appeal.
If the opportunity arose to provide another visual access point between
Stamm and Haines, this would fill in a gap in the string of visual access
points.
Connectivity
Purpose
The service area reach measured in the access analysis above is greatly
impacted by the directness of routes to and from park sites and facilities. An
additional factor that can be considered is the amount of time a user is
willing to walk to access these facilities. Research on pedestrian habits has
shown that a more pleasant, safe and interesting route results in a willingness
to walk further.
Analysis
The street network in Edmonds is reflective of the topography and includes
many winding and disconnected streets. The connectivity of these streets
and the perception of safety for pedestrians and bicyclists is a limiting factor
in travel distances. The City has studied the opportunities to enhance
walkways throughout the community and established a Transportation Plan
in 2009 that identifies and prioritizes walkway installation projects.
In addition to the broad applicability of walkways and bike lanes for non-
motorized transportation, Edmonds also has a unique opportunity in the
segment of the regional Interurban Trail that passes through the southeast
corner of the city. This trail route represents an opportunity for transportation
and for recreation. The community of Edmonds has mirrored national trends
in identifying trail related activities (walking, biking, running, jogging, etc.)
amongst the top desired recreation activities. Providing linkages from
residents to the Interurban Trail and from this trail to downtown and the
waterfront can augment the access to park land and still provide important
recreational value.
Chapter 2: Parks, Recreation and Open Space System 2-19
City of Edmonds Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan
Findings
Connectivity utilizing the street network has the potential to improve
park access through reducing the perceived walking or biking
distance.
Parks and schools are already an important destination in the criteria
for prioritizing walkway projects in the Transportation Plan.
The Interurban Trail is also an important destination as well as a
longer transportation route in the Edmonds system.
ParkConditionandCapacity
Purpose
Creating an accurate and complete analysis of EdmondsÔ existing parks and
recreation system is a necessary first step to identifying and understanding
facility needs. By documenting current park condition and capacity on a site-
by-site basis, staff and stakeholders can best identify community needs and
opportunities for improvements and expansion.
Analysis
Project staff created a comprehensive assessment of park conditions and
capacity and documented findings in Table 2-5, below. The assessment was
based on observations from a facility site tour, data provided by City staff,
and information from satellite imagery and aerial photographs.
The Condition and Capacity table is organized by park and facility type, and
includes information on park ownership, size and observed condition. The
table also indicates the presence or absence of Ñclose to homeÒ amenities.
These features were identified by the PROS Advisory Team (PAT) and other
public input as the system features most important to have in proximity to
most residents. The table also indicates the relative capacity for additional
facilities on that site.
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City of Edmonds Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan
Table25:ParkConditionandCapacity
ClosetoHomeAmenities
P=Portable)
Facilities
sf)
Additional
Permanent,
(>20,000
Fit
places
Category
Play
courts
(Y=
(acres)
for
Lawn
Gathering
Restroom
to
Capacity
Nature
Sports
Places
Open
Land
Park
Observed
Condition
NeighborhoodPark
ElmStreetPark1.85GoodNYNNNN1Potentially
FrancesAndersonCenter
Field1.94FairYNYYYN3Potentially
HainesWharf0.69ExcellentYYNYNP2No
HickmanPark5.60ExcellentYYYYYP3Potentially
HummingbirdHillPark1.22GoodYNYNYP3Yes
MathayBallingerPark0.51GoodYNYNYN3Potentially
PineStreetPark1.47FairYNYNYP3Yes
SeaviewPark6.05GoodYNYYYY3Yes
SierraPark5.52FairYYYNYP3Potentially
CommunityPark
CityPark13.96GoodYNYYYY2Potentially
YostMemorialPark&Pool44.14GoodYYNYYY2Potentially
RegionalParks
144RailroadAvenue
Tidelands0.90ExcellentNN
Brackett'sLandingNorth5.11ExcellentNYNYNY3Potentially
Brackett'sLandingSouth2.22ExcellentNYYYNN2Potentially
EdmondsSeniorCenter2.63GoodNYNYNN1No
MarinaBeachPark3.37GoodYYYYYP2Potentially
OlympicBeachPark2.82GoodNYNYNY2Potentially
SpecialUseParks
CentennialPlaza0.08GoodNNNYNN3No
DaytonStreetPlaza0.35PoorNN
EdmondsLibrary&Plaza
Room1.29GoodNNNYNY2Potentially
EdmondsMemorial
CemeteryandColumbarium
6.63GoodNNNNNY1No
FrancesAndersonCenter1.62GoodYNNYNY2Potentially
HazelMillerPlaza0.09ExcellentNNNYNN1No
InterurbanTrail4.88ExcellentNNNNNN1No
LakeBallingerAccess0.19GoodNYNNNN1No
MeadowdaleCommunity
Clubhouse0.99GoodYNNNNY2Yes
RichardF.AnwayPark0.17GoodNNNYNY2Yes
Chapter 2: Parks, Recreation and Open Space System 2-21
City of Edmonds Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan
ClosetoHomeAmenities
P=Portable)
Facilities
sf)
Additional
Permanent,
(>20,000
Fit
places
Category
Play
courts
(Y=
(acres)
for
Lawn
Gathering
Restroom
to
Capacity
Nature
Sports
Places
Open
Land
Park
Observed
Condition
OceanAvenueViewpoint0.20GoodNYNNNN1No
PointEdwardsScenic
Overlooks0.10FairNYNNNN1Potentially
StammOverlookPark0.36GoodNYNYNN2No
SunsetAvenueOverlook1.14FairNYNNNN2No
WillowCreekHatchery&
InterpretiveCenter1.68GoodNYNNNN1Potentially
OpenSpace
EdmondsMarsh/Walkway23.37GoodNYNNNN3Potentially
EdmondsMarshEast0.85FairNYNNNN3Potentially
H.O.HuttPark4.53FairNYNNNN3No
Not
Visited
HainesTidelands0.44NNNNNN3No
MaplewoodHillPark9.96FairYYNNNN3Potentially
Not
Visited
MeadowdaleNaturalArea1.07NYNNNN3No
Not
OlympicViewOpenSpace0.49VisitedNYNNNN2No
PineRidgePark23.78FairNYNNNN3Potentially
SeaviewReservoir1.31GoodNNYNNN3No
Not
Visited
ShellCreekOpenSpace1.04NYNNNN3No
Not
WharfStreet0.12VisitedNYNNNN2No
Not
WillowCreekPark2.25VisitedNYNNNN3No
OtherParksandFacilities
CivicCenterPlayfields&
SkatePark7.92FairYNYYYP3Potentially
EdmondsFishingPier1.00GoodNYNNNY3No
EdmondsUnderwaterPark
&HigginsTrails26.70GoodNYNNNN3No
MeadowdalePlayfields27.00GoodYNYYYY3Potentially
WadeJamesTheatre2.34GoodNNNYNN3Potentially
To help evaluate the usefulness of the CityÔs current classification system,
facilities were also evaluated for how well they fit in the park land category
to which they are currently assigned (higher rating equaling a better fit).
2-22 Chapter 2: Parks, Recreation and Open Space System
City of Edmonds Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan
Findings
While EdmondsÔ parks are generally well-maintained, there is
significant variation in the quality of park design and development
within the city. Generally, the quality correlates with the age of the
park with newer parks that tend to be more interesting, better
designed and contribute more to community identity.
Many sites have capacity to support more of the desired Ñclose to
homeÒ experiences. Because the context of the parks varies, the way
that these are provided should also vary. For example, Yost Park may
be more suitable to a large nature play area, while the Frances
Anderson Center Field is ideal for the type of developed play area
found there.
The cityÔs current classification system is effective, but the actual
definitions should be revised or updated. For example, the definition
of regional parks is somewhat generic, and focuses on the size of
parks. In Edmonds, however, these facilities are defined as regional
parks because they offer Puget Sound beach and waterfront access,
drawing visitors from beyond the city limits. The cityÔs definition of
this park classification should reflect this reality.
SportsFieldDistribution
Purpose
Sports fields provide needed facilities for organized team sports for both
youth and adults. Many fields are used for organized, competitive activities
and are in high demand. Other fields serve neighborhood-scale, less
formal activities. Evaluating available and potential facilities Ï including
those owned by entities other than the City Ï can help ensure that fields
are in adequate supply to meet community needs and demand.
Analysis
The analysis of sports fields includes the type and size of field and their
geographic distribution (see Map 8 below). This analysis examines the
potential of School District owned facilities to provide additional service.
Chapter 2: Parks, Recreation and Open Space System 2-23
City of Edmonds Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan
Map 2-8: Sports Field Distribution
Findings
While there are a number of fields in Edmonds for soccer/football and
baseball/softball, the fields are of varied size and there are very few
options for older youth and adult players. This diagram depicts both
City fields and those located on school property to which the City has
or might gain access. Currently there are no adult or older youth (or
full-size) fields for softball or soccer on city park property.
2-24 Chapter 2: Parks, Recreation and Open Space System
City of Edmonds Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan
Field locations are well distributed around the community (with the
exception of the northeast and southeast corners of the city, but
because of space limitations, there are few sites with multiple fields.
Because Edmonds is largely built out, there are few opportunities to
expand the inventory of sports fields, especially full-size fields. The
opportunity sites that remain are owned by the Edmonds School
District and expanding the partnerships to use school fields or
acquiring School District land to expand options will be critical to
meeting needs.
Aquatics
Purpose
Aquatics facilities, including both indoor and outdoor swimming pools,
represent major community investments due to their cost to build and
operate. While it should be noted that Edmonds provides swimming
opportunities at its beaches on Puget Sound where unsupervised saltwater
swimming is available, these natural beaches do not constitute an aquatics
facility. The purpose of this assessment is to identify current market and
financial factors, evaluate service provision niches for Edmonds in light of
the 2009 Aquatic Feasibility Study, and consider the priority of aquatics
facilities in comparison to other needs.
Analysis
The existing aquatic market in the greater Edmonds area has changed
somewhat since the 2009 study. With the opening of the new
Lynnwood Aquatic Center in the last few years and the continued
operation of the Mountlake Terrace Recreation Pavilion, there are two
public indoor aquatic centers in the larger market area discussed in
the 2009 study. This generally limits the indoor aquatic market to the
City of Edmonds itself and a very small immediate surrounding area.
However, there continue to be virtually no public outdoor pools in
the area leaving a potentially strong market for a seasonal outdoor
pool.
Because it has one of the only outdoor pools in the area, the CityÔs
aquatics niche is currently seasonal, outdoor swimming, focused on
lessons, exercise and competitive swimming rather than recreation.
In general, aquatics is not an area of recreation service that is fully
self-supporting. Swimming pools, whether indoor or outdoor,
generally require an operational subsidy. Different configurations and
features have a great impact on operational costs and revenue
generation potential. Facilities with a greater emphasis on recreation
Chapter 2: Parks, Recreation and Open Space System 2-25
City of Edmonds Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan
(not competitive) swimming tend to perform better. Stand-alone
indoor aquatic centers have historically poor financial performance.
In many communities, indoor pools in particular are supported
through partnership or lease agreements with other entities. The
Edmonds School District does not have an indoor pool to support
their aquatic needs. There are also health care providers in Edmonds,
a Boys and Girls Club, and an active Senior Center. In addition, a
Metropolitan Park District has been explored for Edmonds.
Public involvement indicated that there is interest in year round
aquatics in Edmonds that includes both indoor and outdoor
swimming, but that this is not necessarily the highest priority for the
community overall. Results indicate that about half of the community
does not visit Yost Pool, the existing outdoor facility, though they are
interested in swimming.
Findings
There are several options for Edmonds:
Maintaining the Status Quo. Yost Pool is an outdoor seasonal aquatic
center that has a limited season and the focus is more on traditional
aquatic activities (lessons, lap swimming, competitive swimming and
open swim) rather than recreational swimming. Edmonds can
continue to offer the same level of aquatic opportunities. This will
require additional upgrades to the pool and the bathhouse as well as
a commitment to fund the current operating subsidy.
Minor Upgrades to Yost Pool and New Indoor Aquatic Center
Located Elsewhere. Under this option, Yost Pool would be retained
with some expanded recreation features. With the concern over the
limitations of the existing Yost Pool site, an indoor aquatic center
could be located elsewhere in Edmonds, but should only be
considered as part of a broader based indoor recreation center, due to
historically poor financial performance of standalone indoor aquatic
facilities.
Yost Pool Replacement with Indoor and Outdoor Aquatics Facility. As
was noted in the 2009 study, there could be significant improvements
and additions made to the existing pool. This could include both
outdoor and indoor amenities that would allow for increased use
through a stronger emphasis on outdoor recreational swimming as
well as indoor lap and competitive aquatics. However, the capacity
of the site to support not only the expanded aquatic center footprint
but also the required parking is a real concern. In addition, these
changes would result in a change in character to Yost Park. The
forested character and trails are highly valued by Edmonds residents.
Build a New Indoor/Outdoor Aquatic Center and Close Yost Pool. It
is operationally inefficient to have indoor and outdoor facilities at two
separate locations. Edmonds could build a new indoor/outdoor
2-26 Chapter 2: Parks, Recreation and Open Space System
City of Edmonds Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan
aquatic center at a location to be determined. Yost Pool would be
closed and that portion of Yost Park would be repurposed.
OutdoorPerformanceandEventSpace
Purpose
A unique element of the EdmondsÔ recreation system is its outdoor
performance and event spaces. These facilities support music, theater and
other performance arts that are a key element of the cityÔs system.
Analysis
The locations of existing outdoor performance were identified according to
facility size. Small spaces are those that can accommodate audiences of 10-
50, and large spaces can support audiences of over 300. The current outdoor
facilities are not designed to accommodate performance year-round.
Chapter 2: Parks, Recreation and Open Space System 2-27
City of Edmonds Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan
Map 2-9: Outdoor Performance Spaces
Findings
As shown in Map 9 EdmondsÔ outdoor performance and event spaces
are clustered in or near the downtown area. Large spaces are located
in City Park, the Civic Center playfields, the Frances Anderson Center
field and closed-off Downtown streets. A small space is located in the
Hazel Miller Plaza and the rebuilt Dayton Street Plaza will also
include a small performance space. Concentrating event space in
downtown makes sense from an economic development standpoint,
as events that attract visitors and a local audience (e.g., Edmonds Arts
Festival, the FarmerÔs Market, the concert series) generate business
2-28 Chapter 2: Parks, Recreation and Open Space System
City of Edmonds Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan
and contribute to the vitality of downtown. In addition the Port of
Edmonds has a Plaza area uses for small outdoor performances.
Smaller outdoor performance/event spaces at parks in other areas of
town would allow for neighborhood-scale events and programming.
This will contribute to Strategic Objective 3 from the 2013 Strategic
Action Plan: Maintain and enhance EdmondsÔ community character
and quality of life.
Chapter 2: Parks, Recreation and Open Space System 2-29
City of Edmonds Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan
SYSTEMCONCEPT,GOALSANDOBJECTIVES
Parks,RecreationandOpenSpaceSystemConcept
The future parks, recreation and open space system will continue to be a
valued and critical element of quality of life in Edmonds. The system will:
Expand and connect
recreation opportunities
unique identity
Capitalize on the of Edmonds
big ideas
Look forward to thethat represent the future of Edmonds
Steward and activate
key community assets
expansion
Strategic of the parks, recreation and open space system will
distribute the many benefits of having a nearby park or school site; access to
nature; and the opportunity to learn, create or exercise throughout the entire
connections
community. Enhanced between parks, recreation facilities and
community destinations will provide more recreation opportunities, and
make the experience of getting around Edmonds safe, direct, comfortable
and easy with walkable and bikeable options to promote physical activity.
The parks, recreation and open space system creates the places where
identity
Edmonds residents and visitors explore and create community . This
identity stems from the inspiring setting Edmonds enjoys on Puget Sound,
the cityÔs wide variety of arts endeavors and community events, and its
sophisticated small town atmosphere.
big ideas
This concept embraces the next generation of that will propel the
parks, recreation and open space system into the future. While these projects
may not all come to fruition during this updateÔs 6-year planning horizon, it
is critical that the community look forward and take key steps to secure a
bright future for coming generations of users.
Finally, the CityÔs PROS system includes much more than built
improvements. A system that truly supports a broad range of activities and
reflects the communityÔs identity includes programs, classes, events and
vibrants arts programming. It also includes both the physical care of
community assets and the social capital that comes from an engaged
community of residents and visitors. It will encourage healthy, active
lifestyles. The City will not achieve all of this alone, but will lead the way
with the structure needed to build partnerships, foster community efforts,
and channel funding to kick-start projects and to invest in community
priorities.
Chapter 3: System Concept, Goals and Objectives 3-1
City of Edmonds Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan
The four diagrams provided on the following page illustrate the elements of
the park system concept and highlight key enhancements to the physical
system.
3-2 Chapter 3: System Concept, Goals and Objectives
City of Edmonds Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan
Chapter 3: System Concept, Goals and Objectives 3-3
City of Edmonds Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan
GoalsandObjectives
The PROS goals and objectives refine the direction set forth in previous
PROS Plans, and provide the policy framework to achieve the envisioned
system. The recommendations contained in subsequent chapters of this
document are implementation actions designed to achieve the goals and
objectives set forth below.
There are seven goals that describe the desired future state of EdmondsÔ
parks, recreation and open space system.
Goal 1: Lead collaborative efforts to fulfill the communityÔs needs for park,
recreation and cultural services.
Goal 2: Provide an interconnected park system that offers a wide variety of
year-round recreation opportunities and experiences in harmony with
EdmondsÔ cultural identity and the natural environment.
Goal 3: Preserve and expand opportunities for public access and enjoyment
of the shoreline in Edmonds.
Goal 4: Preserve and provide access to natural resource lands for habitat
conservation, recreation, and environmental education.
Goal 5: Provide recreation opportunities and experiences to promote a
healthy, active and engaged community year-round.
Goal 6: Provide arts and cultural opportunities and experiences to promote
an engaged and vibrant community.
Goal 7: Provide a high quality and efficient level of maintenance for all parks
and related public assets in Edmonds.
Each goal embodies multiple objectives that establish more specific
directions for the PROS system. Objectives reflect public needs; past and
current planning efforts and policies; and strategic planning, design and
management principles.
3-4 Chapter 3: System Concept, Goals and Objectives
City of Edmonds Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan
CollaborationsandLeadership
Goal1:LeadcollaborativeeffortstofulfilltheĭƚƒƒǒƓźƷǤƭ
needforparks,recreationandculturalservices.
Objectives:
1.1 Expand the role of the City in providing recreation opportunities in
and around Edmonds.
1.2 Collaborate with other organizations and agencies to share facilities,
offer programs and promote special events.
1.3 Keep the community engaged in and educated about parks, facilities,
recreational and cultural programs and services through an effective
community information system.
1.4 Encourage local business involvement in providing and supporting
cultural, recreational and athletic opportunities for all ages and
abilities.
1.5 Provide support to volunteer organizations and interest groups to
assist them in offering recreation and cultural programs and services.
1.6 Promote excellence in public service within the Parks, Recreation &
Cultural Services Department, including encouraging professional
development of staff.
1.7 Manage parks, recreation and cultural services for excellence,
effectiveness, and financial efficiency.
Chapter 3: System Concept, Goals and Objectives 3-5
City of Edmonds Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan
ParksandOpenSpace
Goal2:Provideaninterconnectedparksystemthatoffersa
widevarietyofyearroundrecreationopportunitiesand
experiencesinharmonywith9ķƒƚƓķƭculturalidentity
andthenaturalenvironment.
Objectives:
2.1 Develop a well-connected, well-distributed system with parks and
facilities that are conveniently located and easy to navigate.
2.2 Enhance and expand the accessibility and variety of parks, recreation
and cultural opportunities available in Edmonds.
2.3 Increase connectivity for pedestrians and bicyclists throughout
Edmonds, especially to parks, schools and downtown.
2.4 Develop a wider variety of opportunities for exercise and enjoyment
to expand the use of the park system throughout the year. This should
include all-weather activities and spaces to support emerging
recreation desires in the community.
2.5 Develop covered and indoor facilities to expand the recreational and
cultural opportunities throughout the year.
2.6 Utilize park, recreation, art, and open space projects as strategic
investments to encourage revitalization and economic development.
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City of Edmonds Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan
ShorelineUseandAccess
Goal3:Preserveandexpandopportunitiesforpublicaccess
andenjoymentoftheshorelineinEdmonds.
Objectives:
3.1 Develop and maintain the Edmonds shoreline as a unique regional
recreational and environmental resource that is key to community
identity.
3.2 Increase connections and public access, including visual access, to
shoreline areas including but not limited to the waterfront, tidelands,
beaches and overlooks.
3.3 Whenever possible, acquire additional waterfront property to
enhance the existing public access.
3.4 Encourage development of interpretive elements using arts, design,
cultural heritage and natural history as integrated components which
highlight shoreline resources.
Chapter 3: System Concept, Goals and Objectives 3-7
City of Edmonds Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan
NaturalResourceandHabitatConservation
Goal4:Preserveandprovideaccesstonaturalresource
landsforhabitatconservation,recreation,and
environmentaleducation.
Objectives:
4.1 Preserve and protect areas with critical habitat or unique natural
features, including but not limited to wetlands, stream corridors,
tidelands, beaches and forests.
4.2 Encourage preservation of natural drainage corridors and
establishment of rain gardens to allow for infiltration of water into the
soil.
4.3 Work cooperatively with property owners and developers to preserve
habitat and native vegetation, especially when these provide visual or
physical linkages to publicly owned natural resource lands.
4.4 Restore ecosystem function, enhance native vegetation and remove
invasive species on public lands.
4.5 Expand the urban forest and increase tree canopy in Edmonds.
4.6 Provide low-impact access to public natural resource lands while
retaining ecological integrity.
4.7 Promote direct interaction with nature through environmental
education, stewardship, and volunteer activities.
4.8 Work cooperatively with community groups and citizens to establish
and maintain urban gardens that are accessible and educational, and
provide the opportunity to grow food locally.
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City of Edmonds Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan
RecreationProgramsandActivities
Goal5:Providerecreationopportunitiesandexperiencesto
promotehealthandwellness,yearroundactivityand
communityengagement.
Objectives:
5.1Ensure a variety of recreation programs for all ages, abilities,
demographic groups and geographic areas.
5.2Support a healthy and active community by directly providing
programs, serving as a facility coordinator, and collaborating with
other entities and organizations.
5.3Strategically expand recreation programs as facilities, staffing levels,
and partner opportunities permit.
5.4Incubate new programs that utilize unique regional features and
address diverse and changing demographics, local expertise and
community demand.
5.5Contribute to community cohesion and engagement through the
provision of recreation events and activities.
Chapter 3: System Concept, Goals and Objectives 3-9
City of Edmonds Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan
CulturalServices
Goal6:Provideartsandculturalopportunitiesand
experiencestopromoteanengagedandvibrant
community.
Objectives:
6.1 Support the vision and goals of the Community Cultural Plan and
work to effectively integrate and coordinate programs and services.
6.2 Ensure the arts are a vital part of Edmonds by providing professional
staffing and resources to the Edmonds Arts Commission.
6.3 Contribute to community cohesion and engagement through the
provision of arts and cultural events and activities.
6.4 Support and advocate for EdmondsÔ artistic resources, its unique
cultural events, and its attraction as a cultural destinationÐa key
element of economic development.
6.5Foster partnerships and collaborative programming in the community
to incubate new cultural programs and address diverse and changing
demographics, local expertise and community demand.
6.6Reflect EdmondsÔ cultural identity by integrating art, history and
culture in the park system, streets and public places.
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City of Edmonds Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan
ParkOperationsandMaintenance
Goal7:Provideahighqualityandefficientlevelof
maintenanceforallparksandpublicassetsinEdmonds.
Objectives:
7.1Maintain parks and facilities to keep them safe, attractive and healthy
and preserve them as assets for future generations.
7.2Design parks and facilities for operational efficiency and to conserve
energy, water, staff time, and other resources.
7.3Prioritize quality and durability of materials for all parks capital
improvements.
7.4Allocate adequate funding for maintenance, staffing and asset
preservation.
7.5Engage the community in hands-on stewardship of parks, facilities
and open spaces.
Chapter 3: System Concept, Goals and Objectives 3-11
City of Edmonds Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan
ACTIONPLAN
RecommendedProjectsandInitiatives
This chapter includes the projects and initiatives recommended to
implement the system concept, goals and objectives for the Edmonds PROS
system. The recommendations are organized by the Goal numbers and
lettered for reference, and to differentiate between the recommendations
(example: 1.A) and objectives (example: 1.1).
Goal1:CollaborationsandLeadership
1.A Expand the partnership with the Edmonds School District, including
negotiating an agreement for expanded, year-round public use of
school grounds, sports fields and gyms for recreation purposes.
1.B Continue partnerships with Lynnwood, Snohomish County, the Port
of Edmonds and other governments to provide, upgrade, manage and
maintain regional recreational facilities that serve the Edmonds
community, including sports fields, recreation facilities, trails and
public parks.
1.C Increase partnerships and collaboration with Edmonds Community
College, expanding on current activities. For example, explore
opportunities to share community spaces for art creation,
collaboration, display and performance; and expand service learning
opportunities for EdCC students.
1.D Consider new strategic partnerships with non-profits, the Edmonds
Senior Center, the hospital, and private businesses that would
increase recreation opportunities for Edmonds residents in
accordance with this PROS Plan.
1.E Develop formal agreements or memoranda of understanding for each
partnership, defining the CityÔs staff time and financial commitments,
as well as those of the partner. Each agreement should spell out the
responsibilities for each party clearly and succinctly, and include a
specific time duration and review process.
1.F Define an annual budget of staff time and develop a process to
provide assistance for local organizations and groups to enhance the
PROS system in Edmonds with programs, events and capital
improvements.
Chapter 4: Action Plan 4-1
City of Edmonds Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan
1.G Continue to evolve the marketing and communications strategy for
the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services department, periodically
evaluating success and adjusting methods when necessary.
Public feedback during this PROS Plan process indicated that the
CRAZE (published in partnership with the City of Mountlake
Terrace) publication continues to be highly effective, even as
expectations for online communication methods are increasing.
Explore renewing CRAZE programming guide partnership with the
City of Lynnwood.
1.H Continue to refresh, update and increase the web presence and user-
friendliness of the park system, recreation and cultural information on
the Edmonds website to facilitate self-directed recreation within the
park system. Keep current with evolving technology. For example,
increased smart phone use by both residents and visitors means that
people expect to find information about the parks and facilities easily
and be able to use online mapping services or GPS to help them
navigate. Examples include making sure all parks, facilities and major
artworks are searchable using online mapping services (Google,
Bing), providing physical addresses for each site, using Quick
Response (QR) codes, and keeping the Edmonds, Washington
Wikipedia entry updated with key parks and events visitors may want
to find. Incorporate approved information on Facebook as
appropriate.
1.I Define overall financial goals, policies and philosophies to help guide
program and facility decisions. This should address revenue
generation, public investments for economic development purposes,
access to services for low income populations, and other issues
around fees, charges and access
1.J Continue to provide City facility space through lease and rental to
organizations and entities that provide recreational and cultural
programs, events and services, as well as organizations and
individuals seeking space for gatherings and events. The overall
financial policies should guide rental fees and lease provisions.
1.K Develop a succession plan for senior Parks, Recreation and Cultural
Services staff. Edmonds has highly effective, long-tenured senior staff
within the Department, which has led to the efficiency and
effectiveness of PROS services today. A succession plan (including a
hiring overlap) is needed to ensure that the knowledge, skills and
experience of senior staff are retained (e.g., through procedures or
documentation) or transferred to other staff members in advance of
retirements. This will help provide stability and continued efficiency.
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City of Edmonds Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan
1.L Budget and allow time for staff participation in professional
development activities and training to ensure a highly skilled team
conversant with best practices in programming, events, land
stewardship, and other areas of parks, recreation and cultural services
provision.
1.M Explore human resource strategies to increase workplace satisfaction
and service delivery effectiveness, such as Ñ9/80Ò scheduling (four,
nine-hour work days per week and one day off every other week) for
some staff, employee recognition programs, or process improvement
programs.
1.N Continue efforts to provide volunteer opportunities to enhance the
CityÔs parks, events, and recreational and cultural programs.
Volunteerism is a form of recreation for many, and is also an
excellent means of encouraging participation from the CityÔs large
population of highly educated seniors/Baby Boomers as well as our
younger population including students.
Goal2:ParksandOpenSpace
2.AUtilize level of service standards to track the status of the overall
system of park and open space lands in Edmonds.
Continue to track overall level of service by acres per 1,000
residents. Include all sites serving the community in this measure.
For consistency and simplicity, count all sites that serve park and
recreation functions for community members that are within the
city limits (including school and partner sites) or to which
Edmonds contributes to the operation even if outside of the city
limits (primarily Meadowdale Playfield and Lynndale Skate Park).
Establish a method of identifying and measuring sites that
balances simplicity (parcels indicated in County GIS data) and
common understanding (not including underwater acreage or
beautification areas not perceived as park land).
Eliminate the park classification-specific standards of past PROS
Plans as well as the Ñaspirational standardÒ of the 2008 PROS
Plan.
Track the provision of sports fields by number in each type of field
(adult, youth; soccer/multi-sport, baseball, softball). Eliminate
numerical standards for sports facilities.
2.BAdopt a revised methodology for measuring level of service based on
travel distance and access to key experiences. Provide desired
recreation experiences (a place to play, nature, open lawn, gathering
Chapter 4: Action Plan 4-3
City of Edmonds Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan
places and sports courts or fields) close to home, or within ½ mile
walking or biking distance as measured using EdmondsÔ street and
trail network.
2.CPartner with Snohomish County to enhance park service to Edmonds
residents.
Continue discussions for possible acquisition of Esperance Park
from Snohomish County for annexation and redevelopment into a
community park with sports fields, community gardens, picnic
shelters, and other recreation features.
Consider acquisition of County park land (if made available)
within or adjacent to Edmonds.
2.DAcquire Civic Playfield from Edmonds School District, master plan
and redevelop it to serve multiple recreation purposes (potentially
including events, large and small community gatherings, sports, and
arts.)
2.EImplement previous community process to work with the Edmonds
School District to redevelop the Former Woodway High School site
into a regional sports and recreation asset with adult soccer/multi-
sports turf fields, providing for year-round recreation options and
serving a growing community. Involve the community in design
development.
2.FDevelop major new facilities only after studying the required
investment in capital and ongoing operating resources and
determining a funding strategy that states the expected return on that
investment. Identify other potential funding sources such as private
sponsors or donations.
2.GAcquire park land in the Highway 99 area to provide adequate park
service in redeveloping areas. Create new civic spaces to enhance
investment and revitalization while meeting recreation needs.
2.HEstablish a dedicated fund for future park land acquisition to build
public and private contributions.
2.IFill gaps in access to recreation opportunities through programming
and public access (after school hours) at elementary and middle
school sites, as addressed in the renewed agreement with Edmonds
School District.
2.JMaximize existing investment in indoor recreation facilities including
adaptive reuse where possible, before building new ones.
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City of Edmonds Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan
In partnership with the Public Facility District/ECA, upgrade the
gymnasium at the Edmonds Center for the Arts to extend the
available hours of use and life span.
Establish agreements for indoor facility (gymnasium and
classroom) use at Edmonds School District facilities.
Consider adding additional gymnasium or other indoor facility to
an appropriate existing facility before building a stand-alone
building.
Develop new indoor recreation facilities in compatible
combinations to maximize the efficiency and economy of scale.
2.KDevelop covered, and potentially lighted, facilities to extend the use
of parks throughout the year. Focusing this investment in sites that
already serve as destinations in the system (community and some
special use parks) and have supporting amenities in place.
2.LEnhance the function and recreation value of existing sites through a
park renewal program to provide high quality, multi-use spaces for
recreation and cultural expression including play, reflection, exercise,
sports, performance, public gathering, education and events.
2.MIdentify existing trails in the parks inventory, on internal and
distributed maps, and in online parks resources.
2.NDefine the best routes for and treatments to create central north-south
and east-west pedestrian and bicycle corridors, incorporate these into
the CityÔs transportation plans, and implement improvements.
2.OIncrease connections to the Interurban Trail, using signage, sidewalks,
curb extensions, and other pedestrian/bicycle enhancements,
especially focusing on crossing Highway 99.
2.PWork with other departments to assess non-motorized and public
transit access to accomplish improved linkages to parks and
recreation facilities, to maximize the value of these existing
community assets.
Use the criteria from the Comprehensive Transportation Plan to
prioritize pedestrian improvement and increase connectivity to
neighborhoods, schools and parks.
Implement the CityÔs wayfinding plan.
2.QMonitor property availability to add a park site in Southeast Edmonds
and north of South Snohomish County Park to address gaps in access
to a neighborhood or community park.
Chapter 4: Action Plan 4-5
City of Edmonds Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan
2.RExplore the potential of a publicly accessible indoor meeting space
that doesnÔt require rental or reservation similar to the Senior Center.
2.SWork cooperatively with community groups and citizens to establish
and maintain urban gardens that are accessible, educational, and
provide the opportunity to grow food locally.
2.TDevelop an off-leash dog park policy that reflects the best practices of
location, facilities and maintenance practices.
2.UIdentify and reserve some existing or future capacity at park sites for
the addition of facilities that respond to emerging recreational trends,
community interests, and future growth. Future capacity could
include additional park land acquisition or facilities that will need to
be replaced but may not be of current interest.
2.VAdvance the accessibility of the park system by applying Universal
Design principles (which go beyond the requirements of the
Americans with Disabilities Act) to reduce and eliminate barriers
based on age or ability, and evaluating and adapting the system for
social equity.
2.WEstablish a system to consider and incorporate new projects and ideas
into the CityÔs efforts between PROS Plan updates.
2.XDevelop an indoor aquatic center to replace the existing outdoor pool
at an appropriate site.
As with other indoor facilities, combine the aquatic center with
other compatible indoor recreation facilities to improve the return
on the communityÔs investment in the building.
Supplement indoor aquatics with informal water play
opportunities such as the new splash pad at City Park.
2.YWork with the Edmonds Senior Center in developing a long term
solution for upgrading and maintaining the Senior Center.
Goal3:ShorelineUseandAccess
3.A Complete a continuous walkway from Marina Beach to BrackettÔs
Landing North with access to the public beach continuing north.
3.B Retain existing overlooks and develop additional viewpoints to create
public enjoyment of the views of Puget Sound, especially in locations
where physical access is impractical or infeasible.
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City of Edmonds Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan
3.C Actively monitor shoreline property for acquisition opportunities, and
acquire or otherwise secure public access where feasible.
3.D Expand pedestrian access to the tidelands where terrain and shore
conditions permit.
3.E Improve connections (visual, perceived, and physical) between
downtown and the waterfront including opportunities to integrate
public art and design elements.
3.F Develop and implement a master plan to restore the hydrological and
ecological connection of Marina Beach Park to the Edmonds Marsh.
3.G Reinvest in key regional parks (beginning with BrackettÔs Landing
North Park) to sustain the quality of shoreline access, ecological
function and visitor experience and potential contribution to
economic development.
3.H Enhance connections across the railroad tracks to the shoreline, such
as with overcrossings, undercrossings, and additional at-grade
crossings. All of these will require significant negotiation with the
railroad.
3.I Support the relocation of the ferry terminal (pending decisions by
Washington State) and participate in planning to redevelop the
existing ferry dock and waiting lanes.
3.J Use the opportunity of any changes at the Senior Center site to
integrate the property more completely with the rest of the waterfront.
3.K Secure ongoing funding for the Beach Ranger program, recognizing
the important role in tourism, building a connection to the shoreline
and expanding appreciation for natural resources and habitat
conservation.
Goal4:NaturalResourceandHabitatConservation
4.AInventory and classify natural resources and habitat areas within of
the park system.
4.BConduct a city tree inventory and map to create a baseline of
information to enhance tree canopy.
4.CConnect new generations of residents and visitors to natural resources
in Edmonds through discovery programs utilizing ranger/naturalists.
Chapter 4: Action Plan 4-7
City of Edmonds Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan
4.DCollaborate on public information programs to help property owners
(including the City) identify and remove invasive vegetation.
4.ECollaborate with various organizations in invasive plant removal and
native vegetation planting in accord with landscaping plans for parks
within the city limits. Suggest park maintenance projects that would
be good candidates for the annual Arbor Day event sponsored by the
Tree Board.
4.FProvide low impact access to natural resource areas to allow for
enjoyment and interaction with nature.
4.GSteward the urban forest using appropriate maintenance of street and
park trees, clear removal and replacement policies and providing
information about urban forestry to property owners.
4.HRelocate incompatible uses from sensitive areas such as the
waterfront dog park at Marina Beach Park.
4.IConsider expanding the function and facilities around the Willow
Creek Hatchery to create a more expansive interpretive center that
includes the Edmonds Marsh.
Goal5:RecreationProgramsandActivities
5.ADevelop and incubate new programs that utilize unique regional
features, address diverse and changing demographics, local expertise,
and community demand.
5.BEvaluate individual recreation programs in terms of persons served,
overall community interests, redundancy in partner programs, and
costs.
5.CContinue programs that successfully serve community needs, with re-
evaluation at least every six years. Encourage participation and input
from schools and students.
5.DExpand successful programs that have the potential to exceed their
operating costs.
5.EPhase out directly providing programs that are well-served by other
entities, and avoid initiating programs in these areas.
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City of Edmonds Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan
5.FIdentify local and regional partners to help provide general and
seasonal recreation programs in City facilities and at satellite sites.
5.GDevelop a budget that holistically balances costs and revenues across
all recreation programs to maintain a high ratio of revenue to
operating costs for the recreation system.
Goal6:CulturalServices
6.AInclude representatives for the Arts and Culture community in
advisory roles on all major City projects to reflect EdmondsÔ cultural
identity by integrating art, history and culture in the park system,
streets and public places.
6.BSustain and expand staffing in Cultural Services to provide and restore
adequate advocacy and administrative support for ongoing
development of arts and culture efforts in Edmonds.
6.CDevelop and incubate new programs that address diverse and
changing demographics, local expertise, and community interest.
6.DSupport collaborative technologies and crowdsourcing to improve the
coordination and promotion of cultural events and activities.
6.EIdentify and develop opportunities to enhance and expand facilities
for visual, literary and performing arts.
6.FWork with the downtown business community and cultural
organizations to offer special events that will highlight the cultural
identity of Edmonds and attract out of town visitors.
6.GContinue to provide and maintain identity-enhancing features such as
art enhanced light poles, hanging flower basket poles, wayfinding
signage, design elements and public art installations throughout the
public realm.
Goal7:ParkOperationsandMaintenance
7.AIncrease the Parks DepartmentÔs available resources (including part-
time and full-time labor, supplies and equipment) appropriately as the
park system expands to ensure park properties are maintained in a
safe and attractive manner.
7.BMaintain an operating budget that reflects what the community needs
and can afford.
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City of Edmonds Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan
7.CContinuously advocate for the resources necessary to adequately
maintain the system for long-term sustainability.
7.DDocument the CityÔs maintenance management plan for the system as
a whole and for specific sites with specialized needs (e.g., regional
parks, City Park).
7.EDevelop an asset preservation program consisting of a detailed list of
assets at each park site and an annual evaluation program. Resulting
data should be linked to the CityÔs GIS system for tracking and
planning purposes, and coordinated with other departmental GIS
data.
7.FUse appropriate technology to maximize and facilitate day-to-day
maintenance activities and tracking.
7.GExpand the use of volunteers for special park maintenance projects
such as city-wide trail enhancement.
7.HEncourage and assist neighborhoods and businesses in joining the
Adopt-a-Park Program.
7.IAdopt and implement updated park design guidelines and policies.
Develop master plans incorporating this guidance for all community,
regional and special use parks prior to making any improvements.
Integrate native plants, stormwater filtration and infiltration
strategies, low or no pesticide/herbicide techniques, and other
wildlife friendly practices into parks design and maintenance.
Use low impact development (LID) strategies including reuse of
materials and low-maintenance, water and energy efficient
vegetation and materials wherever possible in redevelopment and
new development projects.
Install well-crafted, low-maintenance, long-lasting products and
sustainably-built structures and incorporate art and design
elements wherever possible in redevelopment and new
development projects.
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City of Edmonds Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan
7.JDevelop all park project budgets based on lifetime projects costs Ï
capital costs plus operating and maintenance costs. Estimating cost
from this perspective prioritizes investment in quality that lengthens
lifespan and reduces maintenance needs.
Prioritization
Projects are included in the recommended projects and initiatives only if
they are aligned with the park system concept and are important to the
future of the system, and are noted in other planning efforts in the City ( i.e.
Strategic Plan). Limitations on resources, the certainty of changing conditions
and emerging opportunities require narrowing down from the full listing of
projects and initiatives to focus City efforts year-to-year. To remain useful
and relevant this plan recommends the formalization of a prioritization and
annual work planning process. This process is designed to be flexible while
staying true to the overall direction set with the input of the community. The
two major components are a set of criteria and the annual work plan.
Criteria
The following criteria are tied to the goals and objectives of the plan but are
also informed by operational considerations and the necessary flexibility to
pursue opportunities that can emerge quickly. Beneath each criterion are
questions posed to begin a discussion of how a specific project or initiative
fits in the prioritization scheme, mainly in relation to other projects. This
exercise is particularly useful as new ideas emerge that need to be sorted
into the CityÔs work plan.
AssessResourcesandCapacity
Is there capacity within the City staff and partners to manage and
coordinate?
Is the capital, operating funding identified or secured?
EmbraceOpportunity
Is a unique funding source available?
Can the project be piggybacked onto another nearby or related
project?
Is a new property available in a targeted area?
Is there a strong partner?
Does the project or initiative align with current community
politics?
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City of Edmonds Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan
ConnectandExpand
Does the project or initiative provide more access to recreation
activities?
Does the project or initiative enhance the experience of traveling
through Edmonds on foot or by bicycle?
Does the project or initiative create new recreation or cultural
opportunities?
EnhanceIdentity
Does the project or initiative extend the communityÔs identity
beyond downtown and the shore
Does the project or initiative support the connection to the
shoreline, to the arts and community culture
AdvanceBigIdeas
Does the project or initiative advance the projects that represent
the big future opportunities for Edmonds
Does the project or initiative create visible or reportable progress
toward these big ideas?
Activate
Does the project or initiative draw new people to parks, recreation
and cultural programs?
Does the project or initiative remove barriers to using a site?
Maximize
Does the project or initiative support or extend the usable life of
existing facilities?
Does the project or initiative build on existing assets to make
more or better use of a public investment?
Does the project or initiative increase the financial return on the
communityÔs investment in parks, recreation and open space?
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City of Edmonds Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan
WorkPlanning
In advance of the annual budget and capital improvement program
processes for the City, the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services should
hold an annual work planning discussion to check in on the status of current
projects and update the evolving list of projects the City is focused on.
Discussion
Projects and initiatives that will be completed
Measurable, visible or reportable progress toward larger projects
and initiatives
Changing conditions
New projects or initiatives
Work Plan
Projects/Initiatives in Progress
Actively Seeking Funding
Monitoring, holding
The resulting work plan will inform the proposals for the CityÔs capital
improvement budgeting process.
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City of Edmonds Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan
FUNDINGPLAN
CapitalProjects
The specific projects recommended in this plan are the result of applying the
recommendations to the City owned park sites in the Edmonds system,
potential partner sites and a few additional projects that are not specified at a
particular site. The projects each have an associated cost which is
summarized first by site and then across the entire system in Appendix C.
The costs included in this PROS plan are project level estimates that are
appropriate for this level of planning. These planning costs are developed
based on the combined experience of the team with the development of
features within parks and complete park sites. The costs are round numbers,
intentionally conservative, to cover the complete project cost. Details of the
assumptions are provided in Appendix C.
CapitalCostModel
The capital cost model presented in Appendix C is a snapshot of a flexible
tool that is designed to be useful during the plan development and review
process but also as the situation in Edmonds changes over the life of the
plan. Cost assumptions can be modified and project selections can be
changed easily to update the model to current realities or to run scenarios for
capital planning.
ProjectTypes
The assumptions in Appendix C are developed around a set of common
project types that emerged from the analysis of the system and the
development of recommendations. Descriptions of each project type are
provided in the assumptions section of Appendix C. Each represents a
recommendation that recurs at multiple sites in the system. The project types
are summarized below with the number of sites each is applied to and total
cost.
Table 5-1: Cost Summary by Project Type
ProjectTypeNumberofTotalPlanningLevel
ProjectsCost
AccessandEntryways
10$500,000
GatheringArea
5$750,000
SportsCourtAllowance
3$105,000
PlayAreaReplacement(Small)
1$125,000
PlayAreaAdd/Expand(Large)
3$1,500,000
NaturalPlayArea
6$450,000
NaturalResources/Habitat
15$150,000
Funding Plan 5-1
City of Edmonds Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan
ProjectTypeNumberofTotalPlanningLevel
ProjectsCost
Enhancement
RestroomSmall
3$750,000
RestroomLarge
2$1,000,000
SiteMasterPlan
3$450,000
SiteRenovation
7$682,500
Partnersitecontribution
9$1,200,000
Total68$7,662,500
In addition to these common project types, there is an ÑotherÒ category that
allows for the unique and often substantial projects that represent the major
steps in developing the system. The total of the ÑotherÒ capital projects is
summarized below.
Table 5-2: Cost Summary Other Projects
ProjectSiteTotalPlanning
LevelCost
Brackett'sLandingNorth$100,000
CivicCenterPlayfields&SkatePark$10,000,000
EdmondsFishingPier$1,000,000
EdmondsLibrary&PlazaRoom$100,000
EdmondsMarsh/Walkway$12,000,000
EdmondsMemorialCemeteryandColumbarium$100,000
FormerWoodwayHighSchool$12,000,000
H.O.HuttPark$75,000
HummingbirdHillPark$20,000
MaplewoodHillPark$50,000
MarinaBeachPark$1,000,000
MathayBallingerPark$30,000
MeadowdalePlayfields$2,000,000
PineRidgePark$75,000
SeaviewPark$250,000
SierraPark$100,000
SunsetAvenueOverlook$200,000
WillowCreekHatchery&InterpretiveCenter$50,000
YostMemorialPark&Pool$500,000
4thAvenueCulturalCorridor$800,000
IndoorAquatics/RecreationCenter(Alternative1)$25,000,000
IndoorLapPoolwithOutdoorRecreationPool
(Alternative2)$18,000,000
LandAcquisition$2,000,000
ReplaceParkMaintenanceBuilding$4,000,000
5-2 Funding Plan
City of Edmonds Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan
OngoingOperationalImpacts
The operational impact of implementing the recommendations in this plan
will vary based on the current costs of staffing, utilities and materials.
However, the critical consideration is the reality that there will be an
operational impact. As the system expands in size and program offerings
grow to serve the changing population, the resources committed must
expand as well. Recommendations under Goal 7 make an explicit reference
to the need for operational resources (staff, materials, equipment, etc.) to
scale up in relation to the additional number and type of sites and facilities
to maintain. Ongoing resources will also be needed to sustain the CityÔs role
as a hub of community partnerships and major funding coordinator. The
system concept is built on expanded partnerships and the funding will
include grant applications. Both of these efforts will require staff time and
leadership to be successful.
The capital cost model also reflects the operations and maintenance impacts
of a number of projects. For the common project types restrooms and new
types of play areas are called out for their impact to the annual operating
budget. In addition, numerous ÑotherÒ projects include an allowance for
future operations and maintenance resources. The operations and
maintenance costs included in the cost model are marginal costs, the
additional cost to add one more feature. These should be considered add-
ons to the CityÔs current park maintenance budget ($1,400,000 in 2013). As
the costs of adding and intensifying services within the CityÔs constrained
park system are more completely understood, the capital cost model is
designed to incorporate these changing assumptions and realities.
FundingStrategy
The City of Edmonds has remained committed to parks, recreation and open
space as a key factor in the quality of life, a commitment that is reflected in
the values and priorities of the community. However, even the most
dedicated community has trying moments. The great recession that
encompassed most of the prior PROS planning period resulted in cuts to City
services and Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services was not completely
spared. The impact of that instability in funding has been noticed in the
community, in spite of strategic efforts to minimize the impact (such as
planting more perennials to maintain the quality of the beautification areas
normally planted with annuals).
While the City will continue to make every effort to adequately fund the
park system, in order to sustain the level of quality expected by the
community while growing to meet future needs the primary funding strategy
the City should pursue is a dedicated, ongoing funding source. The
Funding Plan 5-3
City of Edmonds Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan
consideration of a Metropolitan Park District has been the subject of a
community task force, multiple City Council work sessions and updates, and
most recently a key question on the statistically valid phone survey
conducted as part of this process. The results of that survey indicate a strong
level of support for the establishment of a district with taxing authority to
take on the responsibility of providing parks and recreation services in
Edmonds. Specifically, 71% of respondents indicated that they would
strongly (33%) or somewhat (38%) support the creation of a district at a cost
of approximately $10 per month. Additional polling would still be required
to determine the best approach to passing the required ballot measure, but
this level of support with a specific funding request attached is a good
indication of the communityÔs position. A complete top line summary of the
survey is available in the technical supplement to this report, under separate
cover.
The most straight forward formation of a Metropolitan Park District would be
to match the boundary to the city limits and utilize the City Council as the
MPD Board. This method is allowed for to simplify the formation and reduce
the overhead that would be needed to support an independent board. The
enabling legislation for MPDs allows for taxing authority up to $0.75 per
thousand dollars of assessed valuation which can be utilized for any mix of
capital and operations expenditures. The mix of responsibilities that the
District would assume is also flexible but a clear understanding of what the
District will take over and the impact to both the cost and variety of services
will need to be a clear message to the voters.
One additional, supporting strategy that can be pursued in concert or
independently of the MPD is a local parks foundation. The demographics of
Edmonds show both a high overall income level and an older population.
The combination of these two creates an opportunity to explore planned
giving and other fundraising strategies through an independent foundation.
The foundation could also serve as a convener of a friends or advisory group
for the park system to work collaboratively with City staff to advance the
goals of the community.
Additional funding sources, including those the City is already utilizing, are
summarized in the next section.
5-4 Funding Plan
City of Edmonds Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan
FundingSources
A variety of funding sources are available for park construction and
operation, maintenance and programming in Washington. The funding
options on the following pages present potential resources for acquiring,
planning and developing parks, natural open space, trails and other
recreational areas. In limited cases the following funding sources may also
be used for maintenance, operations and programming. The sources listed
are in no specified order.
GeneralFund
The General Fund is the cityÔs primary source for operating revenue. Most of
this revenue comes from taxes levied on property, the sale of merchandise,
business licensing and utilities. From time to time the City may opt to pay for
a capital project directly from the General Fund. Furthermore, the general
fund is the primary ongoing source of operations and maintenance funding.
The level of General Fund dollars committed to a project or program reflects
an investment of the communityÔs collective resources.
RealEstateExciseTax(REET)
Real Estate Excise Tax (REET) is a tax levied on all real estate sales and is
levied against the full value of the property. Edmonds is allowed under the
statutes to levy 0.5% in addition to the State of Washington tax. These funds
can only be used for projects identified in the Capital Facilities Plan Element
of the CityÔs Comprehensive Plan. REET 1 (the first 0.25%) is generally
designated for parks acquisition above and beyond the CityÔs existing debt
service. The main source of capital funds for parks projects is the second
0.25% (REET 2) of which the first $750,000 is used to match grants and fund
projects.
HB 1953 provides Washington cities and counties with the option to use
$100,000 per year, or up to 35 percent of their annual REET revenues
(whichever is greater, to a maximum of $1,000,000/year) toward operating
and maintenance cost of existing capital facilities. This is a temporary
measure, intended to support park systems through the economic downturn,
and is due to sunset at the end of 2016.
MetropolitanParkDistrict(MPD)
A metropolitan park district (MPD) is a junior taxing district that has the
authority to regulate and manage the public park system. Districts have two
regular property tax levies available: one of 50 cents per thousand dollars
assessed valuation (AV) and one of 25 cents. They are considered as one
Funding Plan 5-5
City of Edmonds Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan
1
levy for the purposes of the levy limits in chapter 84.55 RCW. A
metropolitan park district may include territory located in portions or in all
of one or more cities or counties, when created or enlarged. There are two
ways to initiate the formation of a park district: by petition and by a
resolution of the governing body or bodies within which the district is to be
located. A board of commissioners governs the district, the composition of
which is dependent on the design of the district boundary.
ParksFoundation
Parks foundations are non-profit public charity organizations that support
public parks by raising funds through public and private partnerships.
Foundations create or continue relationships with donors, administer grants
and establish special funds that are directed back to public parks. Such an
organization provides an effective way to leverage support for parks by
pursuing private funding in ways that are not possible by local government
agencies such as cash or land donations, charitable funds and fund raising
campaigns. For example, the Greater Metro Parks Foundation in Tacoma led
a successful capital campaign, raising money specifically for the
redevelopment of a local park. There are many different parks foundations
throughout Washington, including examples near Edmonds such as the King
County Parks Foundation, Seattle Parks Foundation and Friends of SeattleÔs
Olmstead Parks.
ImpactFees
Impact fees are charges assessed against newly-developing property to
recover the cost incurred by a local government in providing public facilities
to serve the new development. Similar to impact fees that the City imposes
for streets, schools and fire protection, revenue can only be directed towards
impacts caused by the new development. RCW 82.02.050-.110 authorizes
establishment of impact fees which are also provided under the State
Environmental Policy Act (43.21C RCW). Impact fees do not recover the full
cost of a new facility since these fees must be directly and proportionately
related to new development. The City of Edmonds recently enacted Park
Impact Fees on both residential and commercial development.
Bonds
There are three primary types of bonds available to Edmonds: general
obligation, limited tax (councilmatic) and revenue.
GeneralObligationBonds
These are voter-approved bonds paid off by an assessment placed on real
property. The money may only be used for capital improvements. Passage
1
Municipal Research and Services Center of Washington,
http://www.mrsc.org/subjects/parks/spd-mpdtax.aspx.
5-6 Funding Plan
City of Edmonds Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan
requires approval by 60% of voters, and the tax is levied for a specified
period of time (usually 15-20 years). Major disadvantages of this funding
option are the voter approval requirement and the interest costs.
LimitedTax(Councilmatic)Bonds
Also known as councilmatic bonds, these bonds are paid directly out of the
general fund and require no additional taxation. Therefore no authorizing
vote is necessary. However, the City must have the ability to repay the
bonds prior to bond issuance. These bonds may be used for any purpose
(not only capital).
RevenueBonds
Revenue bonds fund municipal projects that generate income. The income
generated by these projects pays revenue bondholders their interest and
principal. Projects funded by revenue bonds serve only those in the
community who pay for their services. The City directs revenue into a
specific revenue fund and uses funding to pay for operations, then payments
to bondholders. Because they are not backed by the full faith and credit of a
municipality, these bonds carry a somewhat higher default risk for which
they offer higher interest rates.
LevyLidLift
This type of funding program allows cities to increase property taxes by more
than one percent, plus taxes on new construction and increases in state-
assessed utility valuation. There are two different options for a levy lid lift,
with each having different provisions and advantages. The first option asks
voters to increase taxes for a specific purpose and can be for any amount of
time or made permanent. With this option, the City need not specify the
specific purpose for the lift which allows for greater flexibility when funding
projects. If made permanent, the City can use the funds for ongoing
operating expenditures without the need to return to voters for another lid
lift. The second option asks voters to increase taxes for any purpose and can
be Ñbumped upÒ each year for up to six years. This option limits use of funds
only towards the specific purpose stated on the ballot.
Grants
Following the CityÔs own resources, the largest funding source for park and
recreation projects are grants from State and Federal agencies. Most grant
programs require a portion of the project cost to be provided by a local
partner as match funding. In most cases granting agencies will not fund more
than 75 percent of a projectÔs cost. These programs also require training,
tracking and other staff attention throughout the year to maximize success.
Funding Plan 5-7
City of Edmonds Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan
State
The State of Washington Recreation and Conservation Office (RCO) is
responsible for administering a wide variety of public funds and provides
technical assistance and policy development in addition to preparing
statewide plans on trails, boating facilities, habitat preservation and off-road
vehicles.
BoatingFacilitiesProgram(BFP)
This grant program is funded by boatersÔ gasoline taxes and administered by
the RCO. Projects eligible under this program include acquisition,
development, planning and renovation projects associated with launching
ramps, transient moorage and upland support facilities. RCO allocates up to
$200,000 for planning projects and up to $1,000,000 for acquisition,
development or projects that combine planning with acquisition or
development. Grants are distributed on an annual basis and require a
minimum of 25 percent matching funds by a local agency.
LandandWaterConservationFund(LWCF)
This is a federal grant program that receives its money from offshore oil
leases. The money is distributed through the National Park Service and is
administered locally by the RCO. In the past, this was one of the major
sources of grant money for local agencies. In the 1990s, funding at the
federal level was severely cut, and now funding varies from budget to
budget. The funds can be used for acquisition and development of outdoor
facilities and require a 50 percent match.
WashingtonWildlifeandRecreationProgram(WWRP)
There are two accounts under this program: 1) Habitat Conservation; and 2)
Outdoor Recreation. Projects eligible under this program include acquisition
and development of parks, water access sites, trails, critical wildlife habitat,
natural areas and urban wildlife habitat. Applicants must provide a minimum
of a 50 percent non-RCO match. Local park projects have maximum
requests of $300,000 for development and $500,000 for acquisition costs.
There are no maximum request levels in the following categories: urban
wildlife habitat, trails and water access.
YouthAthleticFacilities(YAF)
The Youth Athletic Facilities is a grant program designed to provide funding
for new, improved and better maintained outdoor athletic facilities serving
youth and communities. This program was established by State Statute (RCW
79A.25.800-830) as part of the State Referendum 48, which provided
funding for the Seattle Seahawks Stadium. The program is administered by
the RCO and applicants must provide matching funds of at least 50 percent.
5-8 Funding Plan
City of Edmonds Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan
The grant amounts vary by use from a minimum of $5,000 for maintaining
existing facilities to a maximum of $150,000 for developing new facilities.
AquaticLandEnhancementAccount(ALEA)
This program is administered by the RCO and supports the purchase,
improvement or protection of and access to aquatic lands for public
purposes. Grant applications are reviewed once every two years for this
program. Applicants must provide a minimum of a 50 percent match.
SalmonRecoveryFundingBoard(SRFB)
Salmon recovery grants are awarded by the Salmon Recovery Funding
Board, from state and federal sources, to protect and restore salmon habitat.
The board funds projects that protect existing, high quality habitats for
salmon and that restore degraded habitat to increase overall habitat health
and biological productivity. The board also awards grants for feasibility
assessments to determine future projects and for other salmon related
activities. Projects may include the actual habitat used by salmon and the
land and water that support ecosystem functions and processes important to
salmon. The program funds acquisition, restoration, design and non-capital
projects with no project limit. Local agencies are required to match 15% of
grant funds.
BoatingInfrastructureGrantProgram(BIG)
The Boating Infrastructure Grant Program provides funding to develop and
renovate boating facilities targeting recreational boats 26 feet and larger.
Grants also may be used for boater education. This program is funded by the
Aquatic Resources Trust Fund and administered by the RCO. The local
agency match requirement is 25% and projects are split into two categories:
projects under $95,000 and those over $100,000.
Federal
There are two primary Federal grants that provide funding for parks,
recreation and open space.
RecreationalTrailsProgram(RTP)
The Recreational Trails Program, funded by federal gas taxes and
administered by RCO, provides funds to rehabilitate and maintain
recreational trails and facilities. These grants support a backcountry
experience, which means that the trailÔs physical setting, not its distance
from a city or road, should be predominately natural. For example, a
backcountry trail can provide views of cities or towns. Backcountry also
means that the user will experience nature as opposed to seeing or hearing
evidence of human development and activity. Under limited circumstances,
Funding Plan 5-9
City of Edmonds Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan
new ÑlinkingÒ trails, relocations and education proposals are also eligible.
Grants require a 20% match from local agencies.
U.S.FishandWildlifeService(USFW)
USFW provides technical assistance and administers funding for projects
related to water quality improvement through debris and habitat/vegetation
management, watershed management and stream bank erosion, and
sediment deposition projects. Priority is placed on projects that benefit
species of greatest conservation need. Grant funds must be used to address
conservation needs such as research, surveys, species and habitat
management, and monitoring, identified within the StateÔs Comprehensive
Wildlife Conservation Strategy.
LocalFoundations
VerdantHealthCommission
Verdant Health Commission provides a variety of programs to support the
general health and well-being of residents in south Snohomish County.
Funded through a local hospital district, the organization funds programs
specific to Edmonds such as the upgraded fitness equipment at the Frances
Anderson Center and the third grade swim lesson program. The Commission
sets guidelines and eligibility criteria to rank grant applications through four
general types of funding categories. The Commission reviews applications
on a monthly basis as they are received.
Building Healthy Communities Fund: Supports projects in south
Snohomish County that increase opportunities for residents to live
active and healthy lives.
Project and Capital Support: Provides funding for project, capital and
one-time expenses tied to the Verdant Health CommissionÔs priorities.
Applicable uses of funds include events, expenses for one-time or
short-term needs in the community, equipment and capital
investments.
Multi-Year Health Program Support: Provides funding to support and
expand health and wellness programs in our district.
Community Health & Wellness System Improvements: Supports
innovative initiatives that improve health systems, neighborhoods,
organizations and networks.
OtherFoundations
Private corporations and foundations provide money for a wide range of
projects, targeted to the organizationsÔ mission. Some foundations do not
provide grants to governments, but will often grant to partner organizations.
Private grants can be difficult to secure because of the open competition and
the up-front investment in research and relationship building. Some
examples of private foundations that the City has received grants from are
5-10 Funding Plan
City of Edmonds Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan
Hubbard Family Foundation, Edmonds Arts Festival Foundation and the
Hazel Miller Foundation.
JointPublic/PrivatePartnership
Joint public/private partnerships allow public agencies to leverage the
resources of private businesses. The basic approach is for a public agency to
enter into a working agreement with a private corporation to help fund,
build and/or operate a public facility. Generally, the three primary incentives
a public agency can offer are free land to place a facility (usually a park or
other parcel of public land), certain tax advantages and access to the facility.
While the public agency may have to give up certain responsibilities or
control, it is one way of obtaining public facilities at a lower cost.
Donations
Cash contributions from private organizations can add up when successfully
managed. Donations can include individual park amenities or entire parks.
Options to purchase benches, playground equipment, trees and other items
are great ways to show that donations are making a difference. A donation
management program should be developed to organize contributions and
donor relations.
LandTrusts
Land trusts, such as the Trust for Public Land, Inc. and the Nature
Conservancy will acquire and hold land for eventual acquisition by a public
agency.
SharedFacilities
Other City services or public utilities may provide a benefit for or share in
the costs of park system improvements. One example is utility corridors; in
many cases, land used for water or power lines may make an excellent trail
corridor. In this situation, the utility may pay to develop a service road that
can also serve as a trail.
Volunteers
Property owners, advocacy groups, school groups, homeownersÔ and
neighborhood associations and businesses are all potential partners that can
help build and care for the park system. While some projects require design
and construction expertise, unskilled labor can be used for some types of
construction, routine and periodic maintenance, and even as volunteer
program staff. Skilled labor should be allowed on certain projects where the
City may lack the necessary expertise. All volunteer projects will require City
approval, management and oversight, and the use of volunteer resources
should be weighed against available City staff capacity for management.
Funding Plan 5-11
City of Edmonds Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan
BIBLIOGRAPHY
Documents
2013 Cemetery Price Comparison. 2/28/2013. Cliff Edwards.
2013 thru 2017 Parks Maintenance Projects and Goals. Rich Lindsay, City of
Edmonds Parks Manager. Updated December 2, 2013.
th
4 Avenue Arts Corridor Plan. City of Edmonds. Adopted 2006.
th
4 Avenue Cultural Corridor Design Implementation and Funding Plan. City
of Edmonds. Adopted October, 2009.
Capital Improvement Program 2013-2018. City of Edmonds. Est 1890.
City of Edmonds Parks, Recreation and Open Space Comprehensive Plan.
City of Edmonds 1890-1990. December, 2008.
City of Edmonds Community Cultural Plan. City of Edmonds. December
2008.
Community Cultural Plan. City of Edmonds, WA. Updated December 2008,
Original Plan December 1994.
Community Sustainability Element, City of Edmonds Comprehensive Plan.
City of Edmonds.
Comprehensive Plan. City of Shoreline.
Comprehensive Transportation Plan. City of Edmonds. November 2009.
Edmonds Center for the Arts/Edmonds Public Facilities District Strategic
Business Plan: 2013-17. Edmonds Center for the Arts. Adopted: April 25,
2013.
Edmonds City Park Master Plan. City of Edmonds Parks & Recreation
Division. 1992. Nakano-Dennis Landscape Architects.
Edmonds Complete Streets Ordinance No. 3842. City of Edmonds. June 21,
2011.
Edmonds Comprehensive Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan and
Community Cultural Plan. Scope of Work. May 8, 2013.
Edmonds School District #15. District Improvement Plan 2012-2013.
Executive Summary. October 15, 2012.
Edmonds Streetscape Plan. City of Edmonds, Department of Parks,
Recreation and Cultural Services. March 2006.
Executive Summary Ï Current Forecast. Changes in Fund Balance (REVISED).
City of Edmonds: Strategic Outlook. August 21, 2012.
Bibliography
Final Report. Aquatic Feasibility Study, City of Edmonds. September 7,
2009. NAC Architecture.
Parks Descriptions Update. Appendix of the City of Edmonds Parks,
Recreation and Open Space Comprehensive Plan. City of Edmonds.
2008.
Pine Ridge Park Master Plan. February 13, 1991. Adopted September 16,
1991. Gaynor Landscape Architects/Designers, Inc.
Project Charter for the 2015 Update of the Snohomish County
Comprehensive Plan. Snohomish County Planning and Development
Services. Terri Strandberg, Project Manager.
Rate Study for Impact Fees for Parks, Open Space, and Recreation Facilities
for City of Edmonds, Washington. City of Edmonds. Inc 1890. April 5,
2013. Henderson Young & Company.
Snohomish County Comprehensive Park & Recreation Plan. A component of
the GMA Comprehensive Plan. Effective January 13, 2007. Snohomish
County Parks & Recreation.
Strategic Action Plan. City of Edmonds. Adopted April 2, 2013.
Strategic Outlook, City of Edmonds, Total Revenues & Expenditures. 2010-
2018 Analysis in 000Ôs. May 20, 2013.
Strategic Plan 2013-2015. Edmonds Art Commission, April, 2013.
Wetland Inventory. City of Edmonds Community Services Department.
November 1992. Sheldon & Associates.
Willow Creek Daylighting DraftÐEarly Feasibility Study, Edmonds
Washington. Shannon & Wilson, Inc. April 12, 2013.
Update to Council, 7/23/13 from Metropolitan Park District {MPD}
Exploratory Committee. Metropolitan Park District Exploratory
Committee. July 23, 2013.
MAPS
Existing Plan. Edmonds Parks, Recreation & Open Space Comprehensive
Plan Update, 2008. City of Edmonds. Effective Date: December, 2008.
Map 1: Future Land Use. Snohomish County GMA Comprehensive Plan.
Snohomish County. Effective Date: November 10, 2012.
Plate #1-#6. Shoreline Master Program. City of Edmonds.
Recommended Plan, Facilities. Edmonds Parks, Recreation & Open Space
Comprehensive Plan Update, 2008. City of Edmonds. Effective Date:
December, 2008.
Bibliography
City of Edmonds Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan
Recommended Plan, Connections. Edmonds Parks, Recreation & Open
Space Comprehensive Plan Update, 2008. City of Edmonds. Effective
Date: December, 2008.
WEBSITES
City of Edmonds, WA Municipal Code. Current through Ordinance 3942,
passed September 24, 2013. City of Edmonds.
http://www.mrsc.org/wa/edmonds/index_dtSearch.html
Bibliography
APPENDIX A: EXISTING SYSTEM
City of Edmonds Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan
APPENDIX A: EXISTING SYSTEM
This appendix defines a current baseline of the parks, recreation and open
space system and services. It draws from existing planning documents, the
City’s Geographic Information System (GIS) files, City budgets and other
community and park system documents to provide key facts and data that
were used in the planning process including categories, definitions,
examples, counts and context.
Lands
The City of Edmonds has a long-established set of categories for the types
of park land in its parks, recreation and open space system. The
descriptions that follow provide updated definitions of these categories
based on a renewed look at the state of the system.
Neighborhood Parks
Neighborhood parks are smaller sites between one and six acres in size
that serve nearby residents, generally within walking distance (½ mile from
users). These parks are designed primarily for non-supervised, informal
recreation activities and provide basic recreational amenities such as
places to play, walk or bike and can also offer fields and/or courts to
practice sports. Theseparks support neighborhood and family gatherings,
and provide access to natural amenities. Some of the more popular
neighborhood parks can also feature portable restrooms.
Community Parks
Community parks are larger sites intended to serve multiple
neighborhoods or the entire city, within walking, biking or short driving
distance from most users. These parks are between 20 to 50 acres in size
and offer a range of recreational features to provide for the community’s
different interests. Community parks provide places to play,walk and bike,
and to participate in organized sports, large gatherings and community
events. Since community parks generally include facilities that attract a
large number of people from a wide geographic area, these sites include
off-street parking and restrooms.
Appendix A: Existing System A-1
City of Edmonds Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan
Regional Parks
Regional parks are sites that provide access to the water and are intended
to serve residents and visitors. These sites provide scenic viewsof the
Sound and shoreline with viewpoints, and public access for beach walking
and non-motorized boating. Regional parks can provide permanent or
portable restrooms.
Special Use Areas
Special use areas are miscellaneous park lands or stand-alone recreation
sites designed to support a specific, specialized use. Special use areas
provide a unique benefit to users not commonly found in other parks.
Some of the facilities in this classification are public plazas, viewpoints,
community centers, community gardens, aquatic centers, historic sites, or
sites occupied by buildings.
Open Space
Open space includes wetlands and shoreline habitat, water bodies, inland
forests and grass lands that are valued by the city. These spaces are left
more or less in a natural state with recreation use as a primary or
secondary objective. These areas can provide opportunities for passive and
active outdoor recreation, such as jogging, wildlife viewing and nature
photography. Open spaces promote health and wellness by providing a
natural physical and mental refuge from an ever urbanizing built
environment, but not all may provide public access. In some cases, these
are environmentally sensitive areas and can include wildlife habitats, or
unique and/or endangered plant or animal species.
Connections
Connections include pedestrian and bicycle routes and visual connections
through identification markers, scenic corridors, overlooks, beautification
areas and linear parks. These resources are part of an overall non-
motorized transportation system that provides connectivity throughout
the community. Connections contribute to the City’s ability to preserve
and protect natural areas, ecological features and cultural assets including
historic and public art features.
Gateways/Entrances
These are landscaped areas with signage marking both perceived entry
“nodes” and actual political boundaries of the community. Edmonds
A-2 Appendix A: Existing System
City of Edmonds Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan
currently has three developed gateways and additional locations and
design parameters are outlined in the City of Edmonds Streetscape Plan.
The Plan suggests additional gateway/entrance intersections that could be
enhanced.
Beautification Areas
Beautification areas include landscaped features located along street right-
of-ways, intersections, and medians. Over one hundred thirty hanging
flower baskets are also included in beautification areas. The importance of
beautification areas, their contribution to creating a pedestrian friendly
community, and the opportunities for integration of public art elements is
also addressed in the Streetscape Plan and in the Community Cultural
Plan.
Other Park, Recreation and Cultural Sites
In addition to City-owned properties, there are lands owned by other
private and public entities that contribute to the recreational and cultural
opportunitiesin and around Edmonds. These lands include property
owned by the Edmonds School District, Snohomish County, the Edmonds
Public Facilities District and State and Federal agencies.
Appendix A: Existing System A-3
City of Edmonds Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan
Table A-1. Edmonds Parks Inventory
Sports CourtsSports Fields
Walking Trail / Pathway (mi)
Outdoor Performance Space
Youth Baseball/Softball (ea)Outdoor Pool or Water Play
Hand Boat Launch (ramp)Restrooms - Portable (ea)
View Corridor/Point (ea)
Community Center (ea)
Volleyball - sand (ea)
Picnic Shelters (ea)
Baseball Adult (ea)
Football (ea) Youth
Soccer Youth (ea)
Softball Adult(ea)
Soccer Adult (ea)
Gymnasium (ea)
Playground (ea)
Restrooms (ea)
Skate Park (ea)
Basketball (ea)
Land (acres)
Tennis (ea)
Ownership
Neighborhood Park
Elm Street ParkCoE1.85
Frances Anderson Center FieldCoE1.94111
Haines WharfCoE0.6911
Hickman ParkCoE5.60111
Hummingbird Hill ParkCoE1.22111
Mathay Ballinger ParkCoE0.5112
Pine Street ParkCoE1.47111
Seaview ParkCoE6.0510.512111
Sierra ParkCoE5.5210.51111
Subtotal24.8571.0502004005000000015
Community Park
City ParkCoE13.962111132
Yost Memorial Park & PoolCoE44.1411.01211
Subtotal58.1031.0102001001002000330
Regional Parks
144 Railroad Avenue TidelandsCoE0.90
Brackett's Landing NorthCoE5.110.511
Brackett's Landing SouthCoE2.220.51
Edmonds Senior CenterCoE2.630.511
Marina Beach ParkCoE3.3710.51113
Olympic Beach ParkCoE2.820.511
Subtotal17.0512.50100000000100015023
Special Use Parks
Centennial PlazaCoE0.08
Dayton Street PlazaCoE0.35
Edmonds Library & Plaza RoomCoE1.2911
Edmonds Memorial Cemetery and ColumbariumCoE6.631
Frances Anderson CenterCoE1.621118
Hazel Miller PlazaCoE0.091
Interurban TrailCoE4.88
Lake Ballinger AccessCoE0.191
Meadowdale Community ClubhouseCoE0.99111
Richard F. Anway ParkCoE0.171
Ocean Avenue ViewpointCoE0.201
Point Edwards Scenic OverlooksCoE (easement)0.101
Stamm Overlook ParkCoE0.361
Sunset Avenue OverlookCoE1.140.51
Willow Creek Hatchery & Interpretive CenterCoE1.680.0
Subtotal19.7710.50000000000101250120
Open Space
Edmonds Marsh/WalkwayCoE23.370.51
Edmonds Marsh EastCoE0.85
H.O. Hutt ParkCoE4.530.5
Haines TidelandsCoE0.44
Maplewood Hill ParkCoE9.9610.5
Meadowdale Natural AreaCoE1.07
Olympic View Open SpaceCoE0.49
Pine Ridge ParkCoE23.781.0
Seaview ReservoirCoE1.31
Shell Creek Open SpaceCoE1.04
Wharf StreetCoE0.121
Willow Creek ParkCoE2.25
Subtotal69.2112.50000000000000002000
Other Parks and Facilities in the Edmonds System
Chase Lake Elementary SchoolESD10.26
Chase Lake Environmental Ed./ESD Natural AreaESD/ Sno Co10.800.2
Civic Center Playfields & Skate ParkESD7.9210.32211112
Edmonds Center for the ArtsPFD2.541
Edmonds Elementary SchoolESD8.58
Edmonds Fishing PierWDFW0.611
Edmonds Underwater Park & Higgins TrailsDNR33.21
Edmonds Woodway High School ESD30.19
Former Woodway High SchoolESD39.75
Log Cabin Visitor CenterCoE0.03
Lynndale Skate ParkCoL4.771111
Madrona Elementary SchoolESD40.77
Maplewood CenterESD7.41
Meadowdale PlayfieldsESD24.0911121
Seaview ElementaryESD8.28
Sherwood Elementary SchoolESD13.19
South County Historical MuseumCoE0.09
Southwest County ParkSno Co118.552.0
Wade James TheatreCoE2.34
Westgate Elementary SchoolESD8.34
Subtotal371.7232.54021210202001000032
Other Parks and Facilities Near Edmonds
Ballenger Playfield and Former Golf CourseMLT52.591111
Esperance County ParkSno Co9.5910.211
Meadowdale Beach County ParkSno Co144.342.0
Meadowdale Elementary SchoolESD8.78
Meadowdale High SchoolESD39.56
Meadowdale Middle SchoolESD19.38
Subtotal221.6512.20000010010000000000
Appendix A: Existing SystemA-5
City of Edmonds Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan
City Facilities
Frances Anderson Center
The Frances Anderson Center is the “home” of the majority of Edmonds
Parks, Recreation & Cultural Services programming. The Center has
classroom spaces, a drop-in weight room, a gymnasium and dedicated
gymnastics space. The Frances Anderson Center also houses six tenants
who provide a wide range of activities that augment and enhance the
Department’s mission, including a ballet theater and school, youth club,
Montessori school, studio space and gallery.
Yost Pool
Yost Pool is located within Yost Park and was built by the City in 1972. The
facility is an ADA-accessible seasonal pool, with a 25 meter x 25 yard pool
and spa. Yost Pool is currently open 92 days per year. Capacity for
programming is limited due to the short outdoor aquatics season.
Park Facilities
Within Edmonds park sites and the other park, recreation and cultural
sites, the City provides various facilities to support recreation activities.
Appendix XX provides a complete list of these resources.
Other Public, Private and Non-Profit Facilities
Along with City-sponsored facilities, other organizations, neighboring
communities and public schools expand the number of park and
recreation related benefits available to Edmonds residents.
Arts, Museums and Theaters
Edmonds Center for the Arts
The Center for the Arts is a multi-purpose performing and visual
arts facilityowned by the Edmonds Public Facilities District. In
addition to the 704-seat auditorium, the center contains several
flexible spaces including the theatre lobby, three multi-purpose
meeting rooms and a full-size basketball gymnasium available for
sporting events and special events.
Appendix A: Existing System A-7
City of Edmonds Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan
ArtWorks
Operated by the Edmonds Arts Festival Foundation and housed in a
City owned building, thisfacility provides two warehouse type
spaces for arts workshops, special exhibitsand meetings.
Wade James Theater
Located on City property, the220 seat theater was built and is
operated by the nonprofit Driftwood Players.
Edmonds Historical Museum
Housed in the historic Carnegie Library, the museum building has
two floors. The facility features an exhibit gallery, administrative
office, work rooms, a local history library and an extensive
photography archive. The building is owned by the City of Edmonds
and operated by the Edmonds South-Snohomish County Historical
Society.
Schools
Edmonds School District and Edmonds Community College provide a
range of recreational opportunities for students and the public. The district
offers sports fields, playgrounds, outdoor basketball courts, and
gymnasiums. Public access is limited to times when school is not in session
and when there are no competing demands from school-related activities.
The City has developed neighborhood or community park elements in
partnership with several school sites and has developed aconceptual plan
for a regional athletic facility at the Former Woodway High School site.
Edmonds Community College owns and operates the Edmonds
Conference Center in downtown Edmonds. The structure provides space
for arts events, community gatherings and private rentals, including art
exhibit spaces. The campus also includes a satellite campus of Central
Washington University.
Youth and Senior Organizations
Edmonds Boys and Girls Club and Edmonds Senior Center provide
additional recreational options and social activities for area residents. The
Edmonds Boys and Girls Club offers before and after school programs for
children and youth between the ages of 5 and 18 at its main location,
adjacent to the Civic Center Playfields. The organization also offers “super
school programs” at five off-site locations. Edmonds Senior Center hosts a
A-8 Appendix A: Existing System
City of Edmonds Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan
broad variety of classes, activities and special events. This facility is owned
by the City of Edmonds and operated by an independent non-profit.
Other Cities
Lynnwood Recreation Center and Pool
The Recreation Center and Pool in neighboring Lynnwood offers
five different pools at five different temperatures (including a
recreation pool, family hot tub, wellness pool, lap pool and adult
hot tub) as well as a sauna. The facility offers equipment to make
pool use accessible, including an aquatic wheelchair, poolside lift,
floating fitness equipment and life jackets.
MLT Recreation Pavilion
The Recreation Pavilion is Mountlake Terrace's community center. It
houses an indoor pool, dance programs, preschool, and before and
after-school care programs, and acts as “home base” for MLT’s
athletics department. It also features an indoor playground,
racquetball courts, spa, sauna, and espresso stand.
Programs
The Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Department provides a wide
range of recreational, arts and cultural programs. These are held at Yost
Pool, the Frances Anderson Center and a network of other locations
throughout Edmonds.
Arts
Arts programs provide recreational opportunities for learning and self-
expression through artistic media. Class subjects range from visual arts
such as photography, painting and drawing to literary arts such as poetry
and autobiography to craft arts such as jewelry-making.
Aquatics
During the summer months, the Aquatic Program at Yost Pool offers a full
schedule of public swim, lap swim, swim team, dive club, fitness classes
and swim lessons for ages 6 months and up. The pool is also available for
rent.
Appendix A: Existing System A-9
City of Edmonds Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan
Environmental Education
Various environmental education activities and programs are offered to
schools, scout groups, community organizations and the general public
through the Discovery Programs Office. Discovery Programs provide
interpretive and environmental education opportunities for citizens,
school-age children, and visitors to our parks and beaches; and promote
stewardship of Puget Sound, its shoreline, and the surrounding watershed.
Athletics
Athletic programs focus on practice and play of organized, competitive
sports. Adult competitiveleagues include pickleball, volleyball, basketball,
softballand tennis. Youth programs include soccer and summer sports
camps. The Athletic Program is responsible for managing and scheduling
the City’s thirteen ball fields throughout the year.
Fitness
Fitness programs focus on physical wellness and health through activity
and movement. A variety of fitness classes are offered at the Frances
Anderson Center, from gentle movement exercises such as Feldenkrais®
to martial arts such as kendo. Drop-in facilities include a weight room and
open gym, and patrons can sign up to work with a physical trainer.
Children and Youth
Children and youth programs focus on education and activities for ages 0-
18. Class types include arts and crafts, nature/science, gymnastics, youth
fitness and parent participation classes. Preschool is offered for ages 4-5
and day camps are offered for school-aged children.
Outdoor Recreation
Outdoor recreation programs include field trips to diverse outdoor
learning venues in and around Edmonds. These field classes range from
low-impact activities such as backyard bird watching and mason bee
husbandry to high-energy outings such as hiking and whitewater rafting.
Cultural
The Edmonds Arts Commission (EAC) offers programs in visual, literary,
and performing arts, youth arts education, technical assistance, and
funding for cultural tourism promotion.
A-10 Appendix A: Existing System
City of Edmonds Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan
Special Events
The Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Department hosts and
supports special events through a variety of means, from sponsorshipand
planning to providing venues and facilities.
Budget
The improvements, services and programs in the parks, recreation and
open space system are funded through a combination of investing
community tax dollars, State, Federal and foundation grants and private
donations. There are two major divisions of the budget: the capital
investments that acquire, build and renovate/restore parks, open spaces
and facilities and the ongoing operating expenditures that fund the
management, maintenance and operation of parks and programs in
Edmonds.
Operating Budget
Over the past five years the overall City budget has experienced a decline
and slight recovery. During this time, the share of the general fund
dedicated to parks and recreation has remained fairly constant, reflecting
City Council’s commitment to these services.
The current year’s budget is summarized in Table 6, below showing the
amount and percentage of the total Parks and Recreation budget by cost
center.
Table A-2: 2013 Parks and Recreation Budget by Cost Center
Cost Center Total Percent
Administration $449,79513%
Rec. & Cultural Services $907,87927%
Discovery Programs $51,582 2%
Aquatics $123,908 4%
Athletics $91,362 3%
Day Camp $73,849 2%
Fitness $72,539 2%
Gymnastics $132,290 4%
Meadowdale Preschool $32,638 1%
Parks Maintenance $1,416,667 42%
Flower Program $8,394 0.2%
Department Total $2,911,108 100%
Appendix A: Existing System A-11
City of Edmonds Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan
The largest portions of department budget are the maintenance of the
system and the Recreation and Cultural Services, which is responsible for
most of the programming in the system.
Offsetting the investment in park and recreation operations, services and
maintenance is the revenue generated from Cultural and Recreation
programs, which totals approximately $1 million. This translates to an
overall cost recovery rate of approximately 30%.
Capital Planning
With projects taking years to prepare and execute, long-term capital
planning is essential to balancing City priorities and limited funding. The
City’s Capital Improvement Program (CIP) plans the next five years of
projects and funding. Input into the CIP will be one of the critical
outcomes of the PROS plan update. As a starting point, it is useful to
examine the park, recreation, open space and related projects (such as
pedestrian improvements and building maintenance) to understand the
magnitude of investment planned across the system.
Table A-3: Capital Improvement Plan Projects (selected categories) 2013-2018
Category Planned Investment
(5-Year Total)
Park Development $3,545,000
City-wide Park Improvements $507,000
Trail Development$30,000
Planning $210,000
Leveraged Grant Funding (secured or sought)1 $12,492,500
5-Year Total in Parks CIP $16,784,500
Non-Motorized Transportation $6,367,000
Building Maintenance –Anderson Center$945,000
Meadowdale Clubhouse $75,000
Senior Center $210,000
Grandstand Exterior and Roof $50,000
5-Year Total Other CIP Categories $7,647,000
1
Approximately $572,000 is secured funding from a variety of granting sources. Large
portions of the unsecured (sought) grant funding are targeted to 4Avenue Corridor
th
Enhancement and the Downtown Waterfront Public Market projects.
A-12 Appendix A: Existing System
City of Edmonds Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan
Capital Investments
Edmonds invests in new and renovated parks and facilities from several
sources. The largest of these sources is the real estate excise tax (REET)—
two separate quarters of 1% on real estate transactions (known as REET 1
and REET 2) are divided among several purposes including paying debt
service for major facilities and park improvements. REET 1 funds are
committed to debt service to repay investments in major facilities, while
the park improvement fund receives the first $750,000 of REET 2. Over the
past five years, Edmonds has spent nearly $7 million of REET 2 funding,
which includes funds accumulated over prior years. Other funds utilized as
the City’s contribution to projects include gas tax (for transportation
projects such as trails) and the General Fund.
City funds are often used as the local matching funding for grant
programs that can greatly enhance the total amount of funding invested in
the system. In 2011 (the most recent year reporting actual numbers) the
total of City, grants and other sources invested in park construction was
$1,567,435, over $1,000,000 of which was from grants. This represents
nearly a tripling of the City’s investment.
Appendix A: Existing System A-13
City of Edmonds Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan
Park profiles
The following pages provide description and recommendations for each of
Edmond’s park sites. The park profiles are organized by park classification
established in Chapter 2 of the Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan.
Each profile includes an air photo of the site as well as recent site photos if
available.
A-14 Appendix A: Existing System
City of Edmonds Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan
144RailroadAvenueTidelandsRegionalPark
ParkFeatures
0.90 Acres
Tidelands access
Pedestrian walkway above retaining wall
Siteconsiderations
Zoned commercial waterfront
Site protected as a public park through deed of
Snohomish County Conservation Futures Fund
Matching Grant
PlannedImprovements
None
A-14 Appendix A: Existing System
City of Edmonds Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan
BracketsLandingNorthRegionalPark
ParkFeatures
5.11 Acres
0.5 miles walking trail/pathway
View point (1)
Restrooms (1)
Tidess
lands acce
Access point to Edmonds Underwater Park
Siteconsiderations
Adjacent to DNR Public Waters
Zoned Commercial Waterfront
Parking impacts ferry patrons
2001 Washington Park & Recreation Landscape
Design Award
PlannedImprovements
Natural Resource/Habitat Enhancement
Large Restroom
Site Renovation, including parking lot resurfacing
and jetty repair
Appendix A: Existing System A-15
City of Edmonds Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan
BracketsLandingSouthRegionalPark
ParkFeatures
2.22 Acres
0.5 miles of waterfront walking trail
View point, beach Access and tidelands
Interpretive area and public art
Bus stop
Siteconsiderations
Zoned Commercial Waterfront
Marine Protected Area
1997 National League of Cities Urban Enrichment
Award
Protected as a public park through deed-of-right.
Acquired through partnership grants from the
IAC/WWRC account, Snohomish County
Conservation Futures funds and Community
Transit matching grants.
PlannedImprovements
None
A-16 Appendix A: Existing System
City of Edmonds Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan
CentennialPlazaSpecialUsePark
ParkFeatures
0.08 Acres
Japanese garden
Public flag plaza, memorial bricks, annual livig
Christmas tree
Time capsule placed in 1990 to celebrate 100
years for City of Edmonds
Siteconsiderations
Adjacent to City Hall and Maxwell/McGinness
Safety Complex
PlannedImprovements
None
Appendix A: Existing System A-17
City of Edmonds Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan
CityParkCommunityPark
ParkFeatures
13.96 Acres
Playgrounds (2)
Soccer field (1 youth)
Baseball/softball field (1 youth)
Outdoor wading pool
Outdoor performance space
Picnic shelters (3), Restrooms (2)
Open lawn, horseshoe pits, natural area
Siteconsiderations
Zoned Public
Used for community events, sports and concerts
PlannedImprovements
Access and entryway improvements
Field renovation
A-18 Appendix A: Existing System
City of Edmonds Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan
CivicCenterPlayfields&SkateParkOtherParksandFacilities
ParkFeatures
7.92 Acres
0.3 miles of walking trail
Playground
Basketball courts (2)
Tennis courts (2)
Football field (1 youth)
Soccer fields (1 adult, 1 youth)
Skate park
Portable restrooms (2)
Siteconsiderations
Owned by Edmonds School District
Operated by City of Edmonds
Zoned Public Use
PlannedImprovements
Acquisition, master planning and development
Add large play area
Appendix A: Existing System A-19
City of Edmonds Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan
DaytonStreetPlazaSpecialUsePark
ParkFeatures
0.35 Acres
Siteconsiderations
Adjacent to water treatment plant
PlannedImprovements
Redevelop plaza
A-20 Appendix A: Existing System
City of Edmonds Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan
EdmondsLibrary&PlazaRoomSpecialUsePark
ParkFeatures
1.29 Acres
View point
Restrooms (1)
Public rental event space
Bus stop
Siteconsiderations
Zoned Res Single-family 8,000 sq ft lot (RS-8)
Park Department serves as liaison to Edmonds
Library Board
Library Plaza room is scheduled and maintained
by Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services
PlannedImprovements
Landscape rennovation
Appendix A: Existing System A-21
City of Edmonds Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan
EdmondsMarshEastOpenSpace
ParkFeatures
0.85 Acres
Siteconsiderations
No developed public access
PlannedImprovements
None
A-22 Appendix A: Existing System
City of Edmonds Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan
EdmondsMarsh/WalkwayOpenSpace
ParkFeatures
23.37 Acres
0.5 miles of interpretive walking trail and
boardwalk
View point
Wetlands, salt and fresh water marsh habitat,
extensive bird population
Siteconsiderations
Zoned Open Space
Designated Bird Sanctuary
PlannedImprovements
Willow Creek daylighting salmon habitat and
stormwater management project
Appendix A: Existing System A-23
City of Edmonds Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan
EdmondsMemorialCemeterySpecialUsePark
ParkFeatures
6.63 Acres
Restroom (1)
Grave sites
Siteconsiderations
Zoned Public
Managed by Edmonds Memorial Cemetery Board
through Parks and Recreation
Given to the City in 1982 by Larry Hubbard
Historic Independent Order of Oddfellows (IOOF)
site
PlannedImprovements
Cemetery mapping project
A-24 Appendix A: Existing System
City of Edmonds Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan
EdmondsSeniorCenterRegionalPark
ParkFeatures
2.63 Acres
0.5 miles of walking trail
Community senior center
View point
Beach access, tidelands
Parking
Siteconsiderations
Zoned Commercial Waterfront
Leased by South County Senior Citizen Board of
Directors
Purchased with federal Neighborhood
Improvement Grant
PlannedImprovements
Replace, renovate or relocate, pending partner
funding.
Appendix A: Existing System A-25
City of Edmonds Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan
ElmStreetParkNeighborhoodPark
ParkFeatures
1.85 Acres
Open turf area
Siteconsiderations
Owned and operated by the City of Edmonds
Small site
PlannedImprovements
Access and entryway improvements
Gathering area
Sports court
Natural play area
Natural Resource/Habitat Enhancement
A-26 Appendix A: Existing System
City of Edmonds Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan
FrancesAndersonCenterSpecialUsePark
ParkFeatures
1.62 Acres
Gymnasium
64,000 sf community center
Park Dept administrative offices
Community meeting rooms
Daycare
Restrooms (8)
Siteconsiderations
Zoned Res Single-family 8,000 sf lot (RS-8)
Hosts recreation programs
Serves as part of site for Edmonds Arts Festival
PlannedImprovements
None
Appendix A: Existing System A-27
City of Edmonds Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan
FrancesAndersonCenterFieldNeighborhoodPark
ParkFeatures
1.94 Acres
Playground
Soccer field (1 youth)
Baseball/Softball (1 youth)
Picnic area, picnic tables
Ampitheater and covered stage
Basketball court
Restroom, public art
Siteconsiderations
Zoned Open Space
Serves as part of the site for the Edmonds Arts
Festival
PlannedImprovements
Access and entryway improvements
Large play area (add or expand)
Site renovation
A-28 Appendix A: Existing System
City of Edmonds Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan
H.O.HuttParkOpenSpace
ParkFeatures
4.53 Acres
0.5 miles of walking trails
Old growth timber
Siteconsiderations
Zoned Public
Deed restriction
PlannedImprovements
Natural play area
Natural Resource/Habitat Enhancement
Trail development and interpretation
Appendix A: Existing System A-29
City of Edmonds Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan
HainesTidelandsOpenSpace
ParkFeatures
0.44 Acres
Tidelands access
Siteconsiderations
Zoned Commercial Waterfront
Difficult public access due to BNSF railroad
crossing
PlannedImprovements
None
A-30 Appendix A: Existing System
City of Edmonds Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan
HainesWharfNeighborhoodPark
ParkFeatures
0.69 Acres
Siteconsiderations
Developed 2012
PlannedImprovements
None
Appendix A: Existing System A-31
City of Edmonds Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan
HazelMillerPlazaSpecialUsePark
ParkFeatures
0.09 Acres
Outdoor performance space
Art fountain
Historic interpretive signage
Siteconsiderations
PlannedImprovements
None
A-32 Appendix A: Existing System
City of Edmonds Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan
HickmanParkNeighborhoodPark
ParkFeatures
5.60 Acres
Basketball courts (2 half)
Picnic shelter
Playground
Portable restr
oom
Walking loop
Baseball/softball field (1 youth)
Fitness stations
Siteconsiderations
Water/sewer for permanent restrooms available
PlannedImprovements
Restroom (Small)
Appendix A: Existing System A-33
City of Edmonds Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan
HummingbirdHillParkNeighborhoodPark
ParkFeatures
1.22 Acres
Playground
Basketball court (1)
Portable restroom (1)
Siteconsiderations
Limited access points
PlannedImprovements
Access and entryway improvements
Gathering area
Resurface sport court
Install new asphalt pathway
A-34 Appendix A: Existing System
City of Edmonds Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan
InterurbanTrailSpecialUsePark
ParkFeatures
4.88 Acres
Siteconsiderations
Segment of regional trail
PlannedImprovements
None
Appendix A: Existing System A-35
City of Edmonds Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan
LakeBallingerAccessSpecialUsePark
ParkFeatures
0.19 Acres
Hand boat launch (ramp)
Siteconsiderations
Non-motorized boat access only
PlannedImprovements
None
A-36 Appendix A: Existing System
City of Edmonds Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan
MaplewoodHillParkOpenSpace
ParkFeatures
9.96 Acres
0.5 miles of walking trail
Playground
Picnic area
Siteconsiderations
Zoned Public
Pedestrian access off Puget Way
PlannedImprovements
Natural play area
Natural resource/habitat enhancement
Trail development
Appendix A: Existing System A-37
City of Edmonds Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan
MarinaBeachParkRegionalPark
ParkFeatures
3.37 Acres
0.5 Miles walking trail
Playground
Sand vollyball court
Hand b
oat ranch (ramp)
View point
Portlable restrooms (3)
Shoreline acces, gravel beach
Off-leash dog area
Siteconsiderations
Zoned Commercial Waterfront
Marine Protected Area
130 additional parking stalls provide by Port of
Edmonds under SEPA/SMP approval permit
Likely to be improved by creek daylighting
PlannedImprovements
Site master plan and implementation
Restroom (large)
Replace play area (large)
A-38 Appendix A: Existing System
City of Edmonds Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan
MathayBallingerParkNeighborhoodPark
ParkFeatures
0.51 Acres
Playground
Basketball courts (2)
Siteconsiderations
Limited visibility
Limited parking
PlannedImprovements
Access and entryway improvements
Gathering area
Restroom (small)
New asphalt pathway
Appendix A: Existing System A-39
City of Edmonds Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan
MeadowdaleCommunityClubhouseSpecialUsePark
ParkFeatures
0.99 Acres
Playground
Community center
Community meeting rooms
Restrooms (1)
Parking
North Edmonds preschool
Siteconsiderations
Zoned Res Sinlge-family 20,000 sf lot (RS-20)
PlannedImprovements
Replace play area (small)
A-40 Appendix A: Existing System
City of Edmonds Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan
MeadowdalePlayfieldsOtherParksandFacilities
ParkFeatures
27.00 Acres
Playground
Basketball court (1)
Lighted sand soccer field (1 adult)
Lighted softball fields (2 adult)
Restrooms (1), parking
Picnic area, public art
Siteconsiderations
Owned by Edmonds School District
Used for City athletic programs
Deveoped by Edmonds School District,
Snohomish County, and Cities of Lynwood,
Edmonds
Funded with Interagency Committee for Outdoor
Recreation / Land & Water Conservation Funds
PlannedImprovements
Update all-weather soccer and softball fields (in
partnership with Lynnwood, Snohomish County)
Appendix A: Existing System A-41
City of Edmonds Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan
OceanAvenueViewpointSpecialUseParks
ParkFeatures
0.20 Acres
View point
Parking
Xxx
xxx
Siteconsiderations
Zoned Res Single-family 12,000 sq ft lot / ROW
Street right-of-way
PlannedImprovements
None
A-42 Appendix A: Existing System
City of Edmonds Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan
OlympicBeachParkRegionalParks
ParkFeatures
2.82 Acres
0.05 miles of walking trail
View point
Restroom (1)
Picnic area
Parking, public art
Access to fishing pier
Shoreline access, tidelands
Siteconsiderations
Zoned Commercial Waterfront
Marine Protected Area
Aquired with LWCF through IAC (Dayton Beach
Park). Protected as a public park through deed-of-
right.
PlannedImprovements
None
Appendix A: Existing System A-43
City of Edmonds Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan
OlympicViewOpenSpaceOpenSpace
ParkFeatures
0.49 Acres
Siteconsiderations
No developed public access
PlannedImprovements
None
A-44 Appendix A: Existing System
City of Edmonds Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan
PineRidgeParkOpenSpace
ParkFeatures
23.78 Acres
1.0 miles of walking trail
Parking
Wetlands, old growth forest, wildlife habitat
Siteconsiderations
Zoned Public
PlannedImprovements
Access and entryway improvements
Natural play area
Natural resource/habitat enhancement
Forest management study
Resurface parking
Appendix A: Existing System A-45
City of Edmonds Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan
PineStreetParkNeighborhoodPark
ParkFeatures
1.47 Acres
Playground
Baseball/softball field (1 youth)
Portlable restroom (1)
Open lawn
Parking
Siteconsiderations
Zoned Public
PlannedImprovements
Access and entryway improvements
Gathering area
A-46 Appendix A: Existing System
City of Edmonds Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan
RichardF.AnwayParkSpecialUsePark
ParkFeatures
0.17 Acres
Restroom (1)
Concessions
Lawn, beautification area, public art
Siteconsiderations
Zoned Business Commercial
Site donated to City by Washington State Dept. of
Transportation with improvements to ferry
holding lane
Serves as a resting point for ferry patrons
Formerly known as ÑMini ParkÒ
PlannedImprovements
Partial site rennovation
Appendix A: Existing System A-47
City of Edmonds Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan
SeaviewParkNeighborhoodPark
ParkFeatures
6.05 Acres
0.5 miles walking trail
Playground
Basketball court (1)
Tennis courts (2)
Soccer field (1 youth)
Baseball/softball field (1 youth)
Restroom (1), parking
Open lawn, picnic area
Siteconsiderations
Zoned Public
Aquired and developed with LWCF funds through
IAC. Protected as a public park through deed-of-
right.
PlannedImprovements
Access and entryway improvements
Gathering area
Renovate fields
Resurface tennis courts
Parking improvements
A-48 Appendix A: Existing System
City of Edmonds Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan
SeaviewReservoirOpenSpace
ParkFeatures
1.31 Acres
Public Works underground water tank site
Open grass field
Siteconsiderations
PlannedImprovements
None
Appendix A: Existing System A-49
City of Edmonds Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan
ShellCreekOpenSpaceOpenSpace
ParkFeatures
1.04 Acres
Siteconsiderations
No developed public access
PlannedImprovements
Natural resource/habitat enhancement
A-50 Appendix A: Existing System
City of Edmonds Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan
SierraParkNeighborhoodPark
ParkFeatures
5.52 Acres
0.5 miles walking trails
Playground
Basketball court (1)
Soccer field (1 youth)
Baseball/softball field (1 youth)
Portable restroom (1)
Picnic area
Braille interpretive trail
Parking
Siteconsiderations
Zoned Public
PlannedImprovements
Access and entryway improvements
Install ballfield drainage system
Renovate park for the blind
Appendix A: Existing System A-51
City of Edmonds Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan
StammOverlookParkSpecialUsePark
ParkFeatures
0.36 Acres
View point (1)
Parking
Siteconsiderations
Zoned Res Single-family 12,000 sq ft
Residential neighborhood
PlannedImprovements
None
A-52 Appendix A: Existing System
City of Edmonds Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan
SunsetAvenueOverlookSpecialUsePark
ParkFeatures
1.14 Acres
0.5 miles walking trail
View corridor
Picnic area
Siteconsiderations
Zoned Residential Single-family 6,000 sf lot
Owned by Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad
with annual lease to the City of Edmonds
Illegal access across railroad
PlannedImprovements
Walkway and viewpoints
Appendix A: Existing System A-53
City of Edmonds Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan
WharfStreetOpenSpace
ParkFeatures
0.12 Acres
View point
Siteconsiderations
Zoned Res Single-family 12,000 sq ft lot / ROW
Illegal access across railroad
PlannedImprovements
None
A-54 Appendix A: Existing System
City of Edmonds Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan
WillowCreekHatchery&InterpretiveCenterSpecialUsePark
ParkFeatures
1.68 Acres
Siteconsiderations
Volunteer operated fish hatchery
PlannedImprovements
Natural resource/habitat enhancement
Utility work
Connected to Edmonds Marsh projects
Appendix A: Existing System A-55
City of Edmonds Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan
WillowCreekParkOpenSpacePark
ParkFeatures
2.25 Acres
Wetland
Trail
Stream corridor
Siteconsiderations
Zoned Res Multi-family 1,500 sf lot
No developed public access
PlannedImprovements
Natural resource/habitat enhancement
A-56 Appendix A: Existing System
City of Edmonds Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan
YostMemorialParkandPoolCommunityPark
ParkFeatures
44.14 Acres
Playground (1)
1.0 miles of walking trail
Tennis courts (2)
r p
Outdooool (1)
Restrooms (1)
Meeting area
Creek corridor
Parking
Siteconsiderations
Used for environmental education programs
PlannedImprovements
Access and entryway improvements
Sports courts
Natural play area
Natural resource/habitat enhancement
Site master plan and renovation
Appendix A: Existing System A-57
APPENDIX B: COMMUNITY INPUT PROCESS
City of Edmonds Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan
APPENDIXB:COMMUNITYINPUTPROCESS
The integrated planning process for the Edmonds Parks, Recreation and
Open Space Plan and Community Cultural Plan included multiple methods
for community members to provide input about their preferences, needs and
priorities.
This appendix summarizes the outreach opportunities and key themes drawn
from the aggregated data. Under separate cover, a Technical Supplement
includes a compilation of individual summaries from each outreach
opportunity.
OutreachOpportunities
The Project Team designed, facilitated and recorded a wide variety of
outreach activities specifically designed to maximize representation of the
community and provide useful direction in guiding the future of the park,
recreation, open space and cultural system.
AdvisoryTeams
The PROS Advisory Team (PAT) served as a steering committee throughout
the plan update process, and coordinated with the Community Cultural
Advisory Team (CCAT) who served in a similar role for the update of the
Community Cultural Plan. The PROS Advisory Team convened four times
during the planning process.
WebPage
The City hosted a project web page throughout the process on the Parks,
Recreation & Cultural Services home page where any interested party could
check in on the project. The web page content was regularly updated and
included a description of the project, the latest meeting and analysis
summaries, contact information and the link to the online questionnaires
(during the collection period).
EdmondsArtsSummit
The Arts Summit, convened on June 29, 2013 at the Edmonds Arts Center,
provided a unique opportunity to discuss the future of arts in Edmonds,
through informative presentations and interactive discussions among
different organizations and interests. The all day event allowed participants
to identify some of the opportunities, issues and challenges facing the future
of arts in Edmonds.
Appendix B: Community Input Process B-1
City of Edmonds Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan
InterceptEvents
Intercept events capture information and ideas from the public by going to
where people are, such as to community events, and asking for quick
participation. During August and September 2013, the City of Edmonds
brought five interactive display boards to popular public events to gather
information for the Parks, Recreation and Open Space (PROS) Plan and the
Community Cultural Plan. The boards posed questions and provided answer
choices that participants selected using colored sticky dots. There were
seven events held:
Yost Pool Ï August 21, 2013
City Park Ï EAC Concert, August 25, 2013
Waterfront Ï Olympic Beach, August 26, 2013
Edmonds Senior Center Ï August 27, 2013
Main Street Ï September 10, 2013
Frances Anderson Center Ï September 13, 2013
Art Walk (Main Street) Ï September 19, 2013
FocusGroups
The City held three drop-in focus group meetings on August 15, 2013. The
structure of each meeting included introductions; a brief description of the
overall PROS Plan and Community Cultural Plan update process; a
facilitated group discussion to consider favored parks and programs,
challenges, opportunities, potential partnerships, and ways to increase
participation in the Parks System; an around the table opportunity for
participants to provide final thoughts; and a brief overview of the next steps
in the planning process. To tap into the extensive knowledge of the system
of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services staff, the planning team also
convened a focus group for all City department staff on October 17, 2013.
OnlineQuestionnaire
The questionnaire served as a tool for broadening and validating the input
received in other public involvement activities. The questionnaire was
available on the CityÔs website from August 19 to September 15, 2013. This
questionnaire was designed to be open and self-selecting to allow anyone
interested to respond and collect the largest number of responses and ideas.
There were 1,161 responses to the online questionnaire, comprising 968
complete questionnaires and 193 partials. The overwhelming number of
participants provided broad insight into the opinions of the community and
allowed for far more participation in the planning process than traditional
workshop meetings typically draw.
B-2 Appendix B: Community Input Process
City of Edmonds Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan
CommunityWorkshops
The City of Edmonds held two community workshops as part of the update
of the PROS Plan and Community Cultural Plan. The workshops were held
on consecutive days, at different times and in different locations, to provide
two options for Edmonds residents to participate. Building on the earlier
broad public outreach, these workshops were designed to get public input
on preferences around the character of development and renovation of
Edmonds parks, including how art can be integrated into public places, as
well as public priorities for services. The workshops included a Visual
Preference Survey, allowing participants to evaluate a series of potential park
element images, and a sustainable priorities exercise which asked
participants to provide feedback on parks, recreation and open space
services.
PlanningBoardVisualPreferenceSurvey
The City of Edmonds Planning Board members participated in the PROS Plan
and Community Cultural Plan Visual Preference Survey following the
community workshops, at their regularly scheduled meeting.
TelephoneSurvey
At the end of the plan development process, the project team fielded a
statistically valid telephone survey to validate directions and provide some
additional guidance to the draft plan review process. The survey was
thth
administered between November 20 Ï 25 2013 by EMC Research and
covered topics such as rating the functions and services provided by Parks,
Recreation and Cultural Services, ranking potential projects and testing the
interest in alternative funding.
KeyThemes
Reviewing all of the public involvement activity results, the planning team
synthesized a set of themes that describes the attitudes and beliefs of
Edmonds residents. These themes, along with supporting statements from
input activities, are presented below.
ArtisticandCulturalExpression
Public involvement results indicated that arts and cultural related
opportunities are highly valued by the Edmonds community. Exiting arts and
cultural programs and events have high participation rates, and the public
desires more of these types of activities.
Appendix B: Community Input Process B-3
City of Edmonds Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan
Members of the PAT and CCAT felt strongly that arts and culture are
critical to community identity. This character contributes towards the
local economy and makes Edmonds a destination for visitors.
According to questionnaire responses, artistic or cultural expression
(music, theatre, visual arts, public art, etc.) is the top rated activity
desired by respondents. Results also indicate that arts and culture
presentations or events have the highest participation rate. This
pattern was consistent with findings from the intercept results.
Results from multiple activities indicate that art in public spaces and
free, publicly accessible arts and culture events are important
elements of the public realm in Edmonds.
WalkingandBiking,HealthandWellness
There is a high level of interest in walking and biking, especially for health
and wellness reasons. Community engagement results confirm that walking
and biking are popular activities among Edmonds residents, consistent with
regional and national trends. In addition, safety appears to be a key concern
in developing the character and design of trail system improvements.
Walking and biking are popular, according to the questionnaire, and
are the types of activities that respondents participated in most
frequently. Respondents ranked expanding the trail network,
including bicycle and pedestrian connections to trails as the highest
priority project or service.
There is a high level of interest in expanding the trail network,
including bicycle and pedestrian connections to trails.
SocialGathering
Participants expressed a desire for more opportunities to gather as a
community. Popular gathering options include galleries and exhibits,
performances and arts or cultural festivals.
Social gathering had one of the highest participation rates according
to the questionnaire responses, and was also one of the most popular
of additional activities desired by respondents.
Focus groups participants noted that they value a variety of park
space and recreation opportunities, including spaces for unstructured
activities and community gatherings.
B-4 Appendix B: Community Input Process
City of Edmonds Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan
YouthandSeniorEngagement
Focus group participants and members of both Advisory Teams indicated
that youth and seniors are under-utilized as volunteers and creative assets,
and that these populations would also benefit from improved facilities and
programs.
Questionnaire respondents identified the highest priorities for arts and
culture services as engaging more youth and young adults in the arts
and having free publicly accessible arts and culture events.
According to focus group outcomes, youth and seniors are under-
utilized as volunteers and creative assets, and would benefit from
improved facilities and programs.
MaintenanceandStewardship
Participants indicated that they prioritize renovating existing parks,
upgrading existing facilities, and protecting more open space over
developing new parks and facilities.
The PAT members indicated that stewardship should be promoted
and expanded. Based on focus group outcomes, more environmental
education would support this value. Volunteers could be recruited
and deployed more effectively with improved communication
networks.
A majority of questionnaire respondents indicated that they prioritize
renovating existing parks and upgrading existing facilities over
developing new parks and facilities. Similarly, focus group
participants noted that aging infrastructure represents a significant
challenge facing the system.
According to intercept event outcomes renovating existing parks and
improving maintenance of existing parks are high priorities. Based on
results from city staff focus group, maintenance resources for parks
and facilities and aging structures limit what staff can accomplish.
71% of telephone survey respondents indicated they would
somewhat or strongly support the creation of a Metropolitan Parks
District as a stable funding source for parks, recreation and open
space.
Appendix B: Community Input Process B-5
APPENDIX C: CAPITAL COST MODEL
City of Edmonds Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan
APPENDIXC:CAPITALCOSTMODEL
The capital cost model presented below is a snapshot of a flexible tool that is
designed to be useful during the plan development and review process but
also as the situation in Edmonds changes over the life of the plan. Cost
assumptions can be modified and project selections can be changed easily to
update the model to current realities or to run scenarios for capital planning.
For each project type, the number of instances (facilities, allowances) is
indicated. The model calculates the total project cost based on the
assumptions for each project type. The assumptions sheet describes the
project types and assigns the planning level cost for capital and operations
impacts.
Appendix C: Capital Cost Model C-1
CostAssumptions:EdmondsPROSPlanCapitalCostModel
AnnualOperations
DescriptionCapitalUnitImpactUnit
Signage,entranceimprovements,vegetation,
AccessandEntrywaysfencing,etc.$50,000/Site
Allowanceforplazatypefeaturesorasmall
GatheringAreashelterfor1530$150,000/Each
Oneallowancewouldpurchaseasmallcourt,
suchasahalfbasketball,petanque,etc.2
allowanceswouldpurchaseafullcourtand4a
pairoftenniscourts.Somesitesmayrequire
SportsCourtAllowanceadditionalgradingtoaccommodatecourts.$35,000/Allowance
Playgroundequipmentages25andages612,
includingavarietyoffeaturessuchasclimbing
apparatus,swingsandsurfacing.Assumesthe
replacementofanexistingplayarea,newsites
PlayAreaReplacement(Small)willlikelyrequiremoresitepreparation.$125,000/Each
Largesizedorcustomizedplayenvironmentfor
PlayAreaAdd/Expand(Large)community,regionalorothersignaturesites.$500,000/Each$10,000/Each
Naturalfeaturesincorporatingclimbing,hiding,
balancing,etc.Smallscale,couldbeaddedto
NaturalPlayAreaotherplayarea$75,000/Each$5,000/Each
Allowanceforgeneralprojectsimproving
habitatareasorotherwiseenhancingthe
naturalenvironment.Couldincludeinvasive
speciesremoval,nativeplantings,waterquality
NaturalResources/projects,etc.Multipleallowancescanbeused
HabitatEnhancementtorepresentlargerefforts.
$10,000/Allowance
2singleoccupantunitrestroom,pricemaybe
reducedifutilitiesalreadyexist.Maintenance
RestroomSmallassumeslowuseandonceweeklycleaning$250,000/Facility$5,000/Facility
5singleoccupantunits,forcommunityor
regionalpark,couldbereducedifutilitiesarein
place.Maintenanceassumeshighuseanddaily
RestroomLargecleaningduringhighseason.
$500,000/Facility$30,000/Facility
Fullsiteplanningeffortwithsitespecificpublic
outreach.Constructiondocumentstobe
SiteMasterPlanincludedwithproject.$150,000/Site
Replacementofsitefurnishingsandrenewalof
groundsandvegetationincludingsystemssuch
asirrigation.Fieldturfrenovationwouldalsobe
covered.Thisvalueismodifiedbythe
percentageofthesiteanticipatedtobe
SiteRenovationimpacted(primarilythedevelopedportion).$150,000/Acre
Allowanceforaninvestmentinpartnersites,
assumesownerretainsmaintenance
responsibility.Maybecompletedinseveral
Partnersitecontributionsmallstepsoverthelifeoftheproject$150,000/Site
Oneofformajorinvestmentswithunique
OtherdescriptionandcostN/AN/A
$320,000$5,000$0$250,000$5,000$0$480,000$5,000$0$0$0$0$0$0$0$0$0$0$0$0$0$0$0$0$0$0$0$0$0$0$300,000$5,000
$700,000$10,000$25,000$960,000$20,000$1,055,000$20,000$760,000$30,000$2,150,000$40,000$2,910,000$70,000$1,050,000$5,000
O&M
CapitalTotal
$0
$0$220,000$200,000improvements$450,000$187,500$95,000$0$0$0$0$0$150,000$100,000$100,000$0$0$0$125,000$75,000$0$0$0$200,000
$2,807,500
Total
Edmonds
master
new
blind
until
for
pending
funding
the
repair
with
courts
work
Pathway
pool
for
parking
associated
jettypartner
park
utility
allowance
tennis
maintain
Asphalt
lot,
renovate
plan,
courts,
resurface
pending
parking
project
to
improvements
master
exchanger
new
tennissystem,
relocate,
Installresurface
developed,
Major
pathway
following
resurface
viewpoints
Drainage
work,
heat
court
renovation
Additional
or
includes
asphalt
boiler,
renovate
development
DescriptionIs
Project
utility
fields,
Sport
center
Ballfield
and
Renovation
Additional
restroom.Landscape
newnew
Resurface
Renovate
Walkway
Replace,
Mapping
aquatics
InstallInstallInstall
Marsh
O&MOther
plan.
Site
CapitalOther
$20,000$30,000$250,000$100,000$500,00011100%$100,000$1,000,000$100,000$100,000$200,000$50,000
Other
contributionsitePartner
100%100%
25%30%150%50%
RenovationSite
11
PlanMasterSite
LargeRestroom
111
SmallRestroom
1.851111144.141214
EnhancementHabitat
Resources/Natural
AreaPlayNatural
11
(Large)Add/ExpandAreaPlay
1
(Small)ReplaceAreaPlay
AllowanceCourtSports
1.22110.51111.47116.0511
AreaGathering
1.9415.52113.961
EntrywaysandAccess
24.8558.1017.0519.77
0.695.600.905.112.222.633.372.820.080.351.296.631.620.094.880.190.990.170.20(easement)0.100.361.141.68
(acres)Land
Ownership
CoECoECoECoECoECoECoECoECoECoECoECoECoECoECoECoECoECoECoECoEColumbariumCoECoECoECoECoECoECoECoECoECoECoE
CenterCoE
Interpretive
Clubhouse
and
Overlooks
Tidelands
FieldRoom
Cemetery
Pool
Viewpoint
CenterCenter
Community
Plaza
NorthSouthOverlook&
Center
Hatchery
Park
Park
Park
Park
&AccessScenic
Avenue
Memorial
Park
Park
ParkPlaza
Park
&
LandingLanding
Hill
Parks
AndersonAnderson
Plaza
Ballinger
Anway
Park
Library
Overlook
SeniorPlaza
Trail
Park
Park
Memorial
Parks
Avenue
Beach
Neighborhood
Edwards
Avenue
StreetBallinger
Wharf
Beach
ParkHummingbird
Creek
Park
Meadowdale
Railroad
Miller
Community
Use
StreetCentennial
Park
Street
Interurban
F.
Brackett'sBrackett's
EdmondsEdmondsEdmonds
Regional
SubtotalSubtotalSubtotalSubtotal
Park
Hickman
Olympic
FrancesFrances
Mathay Special
Seaview
Richard
Marina
DaytonSunset
Haines
Willow
OceanStamm
Hazel
Sierra
Point
Yost
Lake
Pine
City
144
Elm
$0$0$160,000$5,000$0$135,000$5,000$0$0$220,000$5,000$0$0$0$0$12,565,000$15,000$0$0$0$0$0$0$12,000,000$50,000$0$0$0$0$0$0$0$0$225,000$5,000$0$0$26,775,000$90,000
$10,650,000$10,000$1,000,000$25,000
O&M
CapitalTotal
$10,000$0$10,000$10,000$0$10,000$0$10,000$150,000$0$0$0$0$0$0$150,000$150,000$150,000$150,000$0$0$0$150,000
$12,000,000$2,000,000
Total
subject
and
fields
Management
stormwater
cost
softball
lights
project
aside
and
resurfacing
and
direction.
and
Final
turf
soccer
set
habitat
artificial
site.
operational
interpretation
weather
parking
plan
develop
salmon
master
with
Study,
all
Creek,
and
complex
and
to
andand
project.pier
Plan
Management
update
developmentdevelopmentcost
Willow
Description
to
sports
Master
$1,000,000$25,000Improvements
management
acquisition
of
Daylighting
operations
share
field
Acquire,
Forest
O&MOther
TrailTrail
$12,000,000$50,000Four
City
to
CapitalOther
$12,000,000$75,000$50,000$75,000$10,000,000$2,000,000
Other
1111111
contributionsitePartner
RenovationSite
1
PlanMasterSite
LargeRestroom
SmallRestroom
11111111211
EnhancementHabitat
Resources/Natural
1
AreaPlayNatural
1
(Large)Add/ExpandAreaPlay
(Small)ReplaceAreaPlay
AllowanceCourtSports
AreaGathering
23.781
EntrywaysandAccess
Co118.55371.72
23.3769.2110.26Co10.8033.2130.1939.7540.7724.0913.19
0.854.530.449.961.070.491.311.040.122.257.922.548.58WDFW0.610.034.777.418.280.092.348.34
(acres)Land
Ownership
Sno
AreaESD/
TrailsDNR
CoECoECoECoECoECoECoECoECoECoECoECoECoECoLCoECoE
Sno
ESDESDPFDESDESDESDESDESDESDESDESDESD
System
Natural
Edmonds
Higgins
Park
Ed./ESD
School
the
Museum
School
School
Skate
School
School
School
School
Arts
&
in
EnvironmentalPark
Area
Marsh/Walkway
Facilities
Space
High
Center
Historical
the
&
SpacePlayfields
Park
Elementary
High
Underwater
PlayfieldsElementary
Natural
Pier
Elementary
EastElementary
Elementary
Theatre
Park
for
Elementary
WoodwayPark
Center
Open
Reservoir
County
Park
Woodway
TidelandsVisitor
OpenCenter
Fishing
Hill
and
Marsh
Park
Skate
Park
County
StreetCreek
MeadowdaleViewMeadowdale
James
Parks Center
Space
MaplewoodMaplewood
Creek
LakeLake
Southwest
Ridge
Sherwood
Hutt
EdmondsEdmondsEdmondsEdmondsEdmondsEdmondsEdmondsCabinWestgate
Madrona
SubtotalSubtotal
Lynndale
Olympic
SeaviewFormerSeaview
Haines
Wharf
Willow
Other
ChaseChase
Wade
South
Open Shell
H.O.
Civic
Pine
Log
$0$0$0$0$0$0$0$0$0$0$25,000,000$100,000$0$3,000
$18,000,000$200,000$49,800,000$300,000
O&M
CapitalTotal
$150,000$0$0$0$0$150,000$0$0$800,000$0
$2,000,000$4,000,000
Total
operations
operations
planningplanning
due
in
would
included
higher
beautification
needs.
center
sites
transportationtransportation
supplemental
site,
are
Park
additional
be
funding
combined
operations
will
determined
City
and
funding
operational
at
parks
ten
building
futurefuturea
require
for
center,
fund
development
beallowance
corridor,
fees
inin
to
acquisition
sites
maintenance
includedincluded
anuser
in
combined
$3,000
at
cultural
beautification
an
of
center
budgets
As
additionalnet
income.
bebe
approximately
based
maintenance.
Description
the
willwill
estimated
of
existing
use
Development
to
capital
costscosts
Opportunitymulti
Alternative
Additional
reduced
elements,
$4,000,000Replace
ProjectProject
Majoris
O&MOther
other
cost
andadd
to
$25,000,000$100,000$18,000,000$200,000$3,000
CapitalOther
$2,000,000$800,000
Other
11
contributionsitePartner
RenovationSite
PlanMasterSite
LargeRestroom
SmallRestroom
EnhancementHabitat
Resources/Natural
AreaPlayNatural
(Large)Add/ExpandAreaPlay
(Small)ReplaceAreaPlay
AllowanceCourtSports
AreaGathering
EntrywaysandAccess
Co144.34221.65
52.5939.5619.38
9.598.78
(acres)Land
Ownership
Co
CourseMLT
CoE
SnoSno
ESDESDESD
Pool
Edmonds
Recreation
Golf
CenterBuilding
School
Park
Near
sites)
Former
Outdoor
Enhancements
Corridor
School
County
Aquatics/Recreation
Maintenance
Enhancements
Facilities
School
Elementary(114
Park
and
Middle
with
Cultural
Areas
Beach Projects
Playfield
High
County
Acquisition
and Pool
Trail
Beautification
MeadowdaleMeadowdaleMeadowdaleMeadowdale
Park
Parks
Avenue
Additional
Route
Lap
Esperance
Ballenger
Walkway
SubtotalSubtotal
Replace
IndoorIndoor
Other
Land
Bike
4th