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Council to consider PROS‑plan amendment to acquire adjacent parcels at Kobayashi Preserve and Adriana Hess Wetland
Summary
Staff proposed a PROS‑plan amendment Sept. 15 to add the acquisition of parcels adjacent to Kobayashi Preserve and Adriana Hess Wetland Park and to list parking and trail improvements as recommended capital projects.
City staff presented a study‑session proposal Sept. 15 to amend University Place’s Parks, Recreation and Open Space (PROS) plan to include acquisition and facility improvements for parcels adjacent to Kobayashi Preserve and Adriana Hess Wetland Park. Council did not take final action; staff intends to hold a public hearing at the next council meeting and return with a resolution and project details.
Jack Eklund, Public Works director, told council the PROS plan (last updated in 2020) already identified needs for parking and trail improvements at both parks. Recent opportunities to acquire parcels immediately adjacent to those parks prompted the proposed amendment. For Kobayashi Preserve staff recommended adding Parcel 0220262017 (to the south) to allow construction of additional parking and trail improvements and to expand trail connectivity. For Adriana Hess Wetland Park staff recommended adding Parcel 9435000077 (to the north), also to allow parking, trail connections and amenities. Eklund said the amendments would also add probable cost estimates to the PROS CIP table so the city can seek grant eligibility and plan future capital work.
Council members asked about restroom upgrades, ADA accessibility and grant prospects. Eklund said funding for the parcel acquisitions has been identified from park impact fees and one‑time additional revenues uncovered in the recent budget cycle; amenities and construction would be scheduled in future budget cycles. He noted some amenities (including restroom needs at Adriana Hess) had already been identified in the prior plan update; other items will be evaluated during the PROS plan overhaul scheduled for early next year. Council members raised environmental and habitat considerations tied to the Chambers Creek corridor, asked staff to coordinate with Pierce County and state Fish and Wildlife where design work affects stream and riparian areas, and requested consultation with the local nature‑center partner about potential use rules and dog access in sensitive areas.
Staff said the immediate priority is acquisition; design and construction would follow if acquisitions close. Eklund asked the council for direction to proceed with a public hearing at the next meeting; council indicated support to move forward and asked staff to bring funding and design clarifications back as part of the public‑hearing record.
