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Council signals support for a dedicated inclusive park; staff told to fold idea into PROS update and explore Steel Lake options
Summary
Federal Way — Parks staff and councilors discussed creating a dedicated inclusive park with fully accessible play elements and directed staff to include it in the PROS plan update and evaluate Steel Lake and downtown options.
Federal Way — Councilors and Parks Director John Hutton discussed establishing a dedicated ‘‘inclusive’’ park designed so people with physical, sensory and cognitive disabilities can play and gather alongside other residents. The council asked staff to include inclusive‑park planning in the ongoing updates to the city’s Parks, Recreation and Open Space (PROS) plan and to evaluate candidate locations such as Steel Lake Park and downtown sites.
Hutton outlined features commonly included in inclusive parks: smooth, accessible pathways; rubberized or other wheelchair‑compatible surfacing rather than loose wood chips; ramps and grade transitions; adaptive play features, harnessed swings and sensory panels; lighting, shade, seating and accessible restrooms; and parking and circulation that let people with limited mobility access play areas without long walks.
Why it matters: Council members and commissioners said a destination inclusive park could serve local families, children with special needs, and riders coming by regional transit — and could attract visitors from outside the city. Councilor Lydia emphasized that families sometimes must travel long distances to reach such facilities; Councilor Susan said she had spoken with residents who would have used an inclusive park if one were available locally.
Staff direction and next steps: Parks staff said inclusive elements are already part of most newer playground projects; Family Fun Land at Steel Lake was cited as an example of inclusive components on an established site. Council directed staff to: fold inclusive‑park planning and a line item into the PROS plan update (targeting draft adoption later in 2025), evaluate candidate locations including Steel Lake and downtown parcels, explore energy‑efficiency and other grant opportunities (Puget Sound Energy and federal/state grant programs), and estimate scope and cost options for phased or full development.
Estimated costs and timeline: Hutton said renovating existing parks with added inclusive elements ranges widely — staff gave a rough $1 million–$5 million band depending on scale and site work. He noted that Steel Lake has parking and a high level of use but that circulation from the main lot to the existing playground involves a steep walk; designers would need to build better approaches if Steel Lake were chosen.
Bottom line: Council members supported adding an inclusive‑park line into the PROS update and asked staff to report back with costs, site analyses and funding paths.
Selected quote: “An inclusive park is a space designed so everyone feels like they belong and everyone can play,” said Councilor Lydia.
