Consultants present parks and open-space master plan progress; outreach, definitions, and heat maps highlighted

City planning staff and consultants presented early findings of a paired Parks Master Plan and Open Space Master Plan, summarizing public outreach, mapping and definitions the team will use to produce draft recommendations this fall.

"We had about 400 responses to our online, public survey," said a consultant, noting the team also hosted an April 7 open house that drew more than 120 attendees and a "meeting in a box" process used to gather input at community events. The consultants said they are wrapping up an existing-conditions analysis and will move into drafting recommendations and park-by-park concept diagrams in the next month.

The presentation, led by Drew and Carolyn of consultant SiRO with city staff Kelsey and Adam participating, emphasized four themes drawn from a plan audit of 57 prior city planning documents: connectivity (trails and active transportation), accessibility and equity, environmental sustainability and habitat connectivity, and balancing recreation with conservation. The team has been meeting monthly with an advisory group that includes members of the Recreation & Parks Committee, the Natural…