Title
Parks Plan Public Engagement Discussion
Recommended Action
Discuss ideas for public engagement in development of the 2028 Parks Plan
Report
Issue:
How to best engage the Olympia community in development of the Parks Plan update.
Staff Contact:
Laura Keehan, Director of Parks Planning & Maintenance, 360.570.5855, lkeehan@ci.olympia.wa.us
Background and Analysis:
Every six years the City of Olympia must adopt a Parks, Arts and Recreation Plan (Parks Plan) in order to be eligible for Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office (RCO) grants. Olympia adopted its current plan in 2022, therefore a new plan will be due by March 1, 2028.
Due to significant community interest in Olympia’s park system, staff has proposed a two-year planning process to develop the 2028 Parks Plan. A proposed plan for public engagement in the planning process is outlined in the attached timeline document, along with an overview of the general process steps for developing the plan.
At PRAC’s meeting on the 19th, staff will discuss ideas for public engagement and solicit ideas from committee members about how PRAC can be involved in the process.
Climate Analysis:
Implementation of the public engagement plan does not have a significant climate impact.
Equity Analysis:
Inclusion is one of OPARD’s core values. In an effort to hear from underrepresented communities during the Parks Plan development process, the department proposes to utilize focus groups and targeted outreach methods tailored to specific groups, such as youth engagement at summer camps.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
Historically the Parks Plan update is of wide community interest. The department utilizes various public engagement techniques over the two year planning process in order to hear from all interested community members.
Options:
Provide ideas and feedback to staff on the Park Plan’s proposed public engagement.
Financial Impact:
OMPD Funds will be used to implement public engagement techniques, such as the random sample community survey and focus groups.
Attachments:
Park Plan Engagement Draft
Timeline