Kenmore planners launch 2026 PROS plan update; residents object to new park fees

Kenmore Planning Commission members on Tuesday, June 10, received an introduction to the city's 2026 update to the parks, recreation and open-space plan (PROS) and reviewed early findings from stakeholder workshops and a public survey. At the start of public comment, Stacy Valenzuela urged the commission to drop proposed new park charges and press city leaders to collect unpaid rent and loan obligations from local clubs.

The presentation, led by Todd Hall, principal planner for Kenmore's Community Development Department, and Tom Beckwith of Beckwith Consulting Group, summarized outreach so far and a multi-month schedule of commission meetings, council briefings and public open houses through late 2025 and early 2026. Hall said the city deferred the parks element during last year's comprehensive-plan update while statewide PROS requirements were being revised and hired Beckwith's firm to run the update.

Why it matters: the PROS plan guides which park facilities the city will prioritize, how it manages limited waterfront and school-district assets, and how the city proposes funding maintenance and new facilities. Commissioners pressed staff on survey outreach, the cost and feasibility of pools and athletic fields, and funding options including levies, bonds and lease-purchase arrangements.

Tom Beckwith told the commission the consultant team conducted multi-hour workshops with neighboring cities, school-district staff, user groups and state agencies,…