Title
Olympia 2045 - Parks, Arts and Recreation Chapter of the Comprehensive Plan Update
Recommended Action
The Social Justice and Equity Commission, Olympia Planning Commission and Parks and Recreation Advisor Committee recommend the City Council receive a briefing on the Parks, Arts and Recreation Chapter of the Olympia Comprehensive Plan.
City Manager Recommendation
Receive a briefing on the Parks, Arts and Recreation Chapter of the Olympia Comprehensive Plan.
Report
Issue:
Whether to receive a briefing on the Parks, Arts and Recreation Chapter of the Olympia Comprehensive Plan.
Staff Contact:
Sylvana Niehuser, Director of Parks Planning and Maintenance, Parks, Arts & Recreation, 360.753.8068
Presenter(s):
Sylvana Niehuser, Director of Parks Planning and Maintenance, Parks, Arts & Recreation
Background and Analysis:
The Comprehensive Plan outlines the long-term vision and goals for Olympia, projecting 20 years into the future. First adopted over fifty years ago, the plan encompasses the Olympia City Limits and Urban Growth Area, addressing a broad spectrum of issues, including housing, land use, transportation, parks and open spaces, utilities and public services, and economic development. The plan also reflects the community’s values, such as public participation, climate change action, and equity.
The Parks, Arts, and Recreation (PAR) Chapter is a key component of the Comprehensive Plan, offering a framework for how the city will develop its parklands, recreational facilities, and cultural amenities to meet the needs of the growing population.
Updates to this chapter are driven by several factors:
• 2022 Parks, Arts, and Recreation Plan (Adopted Master Plan)
• Growth Management Act (GMA) requirements
• Public engagement feedback (emails, surveys, public meetings)
• Input from various community groups and government agencies, including:
o Olympia Planning Commission
o Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee
o Social Justice and Equity Commission (SJEC)
o Arts Commission
o City staff
o Squaxin Island Tribe
o City of Lacey
o Puget Sound Energy (PSE)
Climate Analysis:
The 2025 Comprehensive Plan incorporates climate change considerations within the Parks chapter as well as in a dedicated climate resilience and adaptation chapter. These policies will guide the city in adapting to climate impacts and mitigating the effects of climate change, ensuring Olympia remains resilient to future environmental challenges.
Equity Analysis:
Equity is addressed throughout the 2025 Comprehensive Plan, with a particular focus on Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (EIB). The proposed updates to the Parks, Arts, and Recreation chapter reflect the EIB principles outlined in the 2022 Parks, Arts, and Recreation Plan. These include goals and policies that aim to reduce equity gaps and ensure all residents have equal access to public spaces, services, and recreational opportunities.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
Public input through a variety of engagement efforts has revealed several key themes that have been incorporated into the chapter updates. These themes reflect the community’s priorities and include:
• Trail connectivity: Strong support for expanding and improving the city’s trail network to enhance mobility and recreational opportunities.
• Equity in access to services and public spaces: A call for more equitable access to parks, recreational facilities, and services, especially in underserved communities.
• Safety in parks: Emphasis on improving safety measures in parks
• Support for sports facilities: A desire for more and improved sports infrastructure, catering to a range of recreational needs not currently being met.
• Land acquisition for future parks and conservation: Interest in securing land for future parks and preserving natural areas for conservation.
• Climate adaptation and resilience: A desire for policies that address climate impacts and enhance the city’s environmental sustainability.
Financial Impact:
The financial impact of updating the Parks, Arts, and Recreation Chapter has been absorbed within the department’s existing budget. Detailed financial planning for the implementation of the proposed goals and policies will be addressed in subsequent strategic plans, such as the Capital Investment Strategy, Capital Facilities Plan, and the Parks, Arts, and Recreation Plan.
Failure to adopt the updated Comprehensive Plan by 2025 would result in non-compliance with the Growth Management Act (GMA), which could jeopardize access to critical funding sources, including grants.
Options:
1. Receive the briefing.
2. Do not receive the briefing.
3. Receive the briefing at another time.
Attachments:
Draft Parks, Arts and Recreation Chapter
Goals and Policies 2014 vs 2024
Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee Recommendation Letter
Social Justice and Equity Commission Letter
Olympia Planning Commission Recommendation Letter
Presentation