Parks staff described a framework and timeline to update Lakewood’s parks legacy plan and produce a six‑year capital improvement program that will guide parks capital projects and grant eligibility.

The staff presentation explained that the updated legacy plan will inform the parks department’s six‑year CIP and be used to prioritize projects. Staff outlined key outreach milestones: a refreshed website and public landing page before Parks Appreciation Day; convening a core stakeholder group to review document structure and questions; tailored presentations to neighborhood associations and community organizations; pop‑up events and targeted engagement at back‑to‑school nights; and an effort to summarize ‘‘who we heard from’’ in final outreach materials.

Why it matters: the legacy plan is the planning document that supports capital budgeting, prioritization and eligibility for certain grants. Staff emphasized the importance of broad outreach and of documenting participation to support future grant applications.

Scope, participants and timeline
Staff said the advisory board will review data and community feedback and help create prioritization criteria for the CIP. The stakeholder group will include community organizations, neighborhood associations and a parks advisory liaison; staff said the group will help refine engagement questions and identify events to reach under‑represented communities.

A preliminary timeline presented at the meeting targets a draft six‑year CIP and updated legacy plan for council review by next April. Staff said the update would be a ‘‘freshening up’’ rather than a wholesale rewrite, and that the plan is critical for eligibility for Recreation and Conservation Office (RCO) grants. Staff also noted the possibility of a longer (10‑year) implementation horizon for some items to improve clarity for residents and to set expectations for multi‑year projects.

Engagement methods and outreach
Staff outlined a mix of methods including mailed notices to abutting properties, social media, signs at parks and partner newsletters; targeted events could include bird or tree walks, pop‑ups in district centers, and meetings with the youth council, arts commission and planning commission. Staff proposed a ‘‘question of the day’’ interactive element at pop‑ups to boost responses and suggested preparing a community profiles summary showing participation counts, neighborhoods reached and gaps in representation.

Resources and coordination
Staff said internal teams (GIS, communications) will support mapping and public materials. The presentation listed potential stakeholder organizations, and staff asked the board for additions to the list. Staff also flagged that some neighborhoods and associations are in flux while boundaries are being reviewed, which will affect outreach lists.

Ending
Staff requested board input on additional stakeholder groups and said more updates will be provided as engagement events are scheduled. The parks advisory board will review drafts and recommendations before staff brings a final CIP to council.