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Consultant presents parks and recreation needs assessment; residents prioritized trails, community center and youth programs
Summary
BerryDunn presented an 80%‑complete parks and recreation master plan for Washington County, reporting 722 engagement participants and recommending priorities including walking/biking trails, a county community center, athletic fields and programs for youth and active adults.
BerryDunn consultant James Mickle presented preliminary findings of Washington County’s parks and recreation master plan at the Jan. 28 Board of Supervisors meeting, saying the project is about 80% complete and that the final draft will be delivered for county review in the coming weeks.
Mickle said the consultant team began work in August 2024 and used a mixed‑methods engagement strategy that produced 722 participants across surveys, listening sessions and stakeholder interviews. “We began this project in August of 20 24, and we plan to conclude in February of 20 25. We're currently at around 80% tile of completion,” Mickle said.
Key findings presented by the consultant included: - Demographics: Washington County population cited at about 53,624 in 2024, with an aging population and projected decline in youth cohorts over the next decade. Mickle cited a median household age of 48 and noted the 55–74 age band is the largest single group. - Engagement: 722 total participants (282 unique visitors to the engagement site, 236 survey respondents, 93+ listening session attendees, 14+ leadership interviews). - Facility and program priorities: High priorities included walking and biking trails, a community center with a gymnasium, more athletic fields, inclusive playgrounds and water access points. Program priorities included youth sports, active‑adult (55+) programming, and special events. - Inventory findings: County park acreage and amenities (playgrounds, fields, gymnasiums, pickleball courts) are below national averages; many playgrounds were described as in poor condition.
Mickle also relayed operational feedback that the county parks maintenance crew is small relative to the portfolio and that stakeholders want unified marketing, improved wayfinding, and stronger partnerships with towns and schools. He said the draft report would be submitted to the project team in about a week and a half and that the final draft would be formatted for the county’s review and for potential adoption by resolution.
No action was required; the presentation was informational. The county plans to review the draft and schedule next steps for adoption and implementation.
