Parks board advancing updated parks element and plans for a detailed parks plan

The parks advisory board is reviewing the parks element of the comprehensive plan and plans to develop a detailed parks plan to support future park acquisitions and grant applications, a speaker said at the July 15 meeting. Why it matters: A detailed parks plan is typically required for many grant programs and specifies facility needs and locations, which the board said would help the city pursue funding for specific projects. A parks representative told commissioners the current comprehensive-plan parks element contains goals and policies but that a separate, detailed plan is needed to apply for grants or buy park land. The speaker said the last detailed parks plan was completed in February 2017 and the parks advisory board will begin updates in August; specific needs mentioned included pickleball courts, basketball courts, pocket parks and planning for a large property identified for future park use. Planning staff encouraged commissioners and community members to submit specific ideas for the detailed plan. Lynn Roy, recreation coordinator for the City of Yelm, was identified in the meeting as taking a larger role in planning next year’s Arbor Day celebration. Discussion versus decision: This was an informational update; no formal adoption occurred. The parks board reported it will return recommended text and the parks plan timeline to staff before the next commission meeting. Ending: Commissioners were invited to provide input to the parks advisory board as it begins the detailed parks planning process.