Committee outlines 2025 work plan: parks oversight, CPTED, traffic-calming and permitting briefings

The Parks and Built Environment Committee used its Feb. 12 meeting to begin shaping a 2025 policy work plan that will include park safety and maintenance issues, pedestrian and traffic-safety projects, and an informational briefing on permitting and economic development supports.

Members suggested a series of specific agenda items and next steps: a CPTED (crime prevention through environmental design) 101 workshop to review existing city policy and practice; continued attention to pedestrian safety on Everett Mall Way and Evergreen as part of Vision Zero/transportation planning; updates on the parks, recreation and open-space plan and upcoming playground replacements; and a briefing from permitting staff on recent process improvements intended to reduce applicant confusion and cycle times.

Parks matters discussed included seasonal restroom closures, electronic keypad or programmed locks for some restrooms, and the operational gap left by the elimination of the Park Ranger program; staff said some restrooms are closed for winter while others remain open and that custodian support or keypad access is used at rental facilities. Committee members recommended returning with clearer status updates and, where appropriate, policy recommendations to manage restroom access and custodial support.

Why it matters: committee members framed these topics as citywide functions that affect daily life — from safe crossings and sidewalks to usable park facilities for families — and emphasized coordinating with Vision Zero planning and transportation advisory committees where appropriate.

Direction and next steps: the committee agreed to include CPTED education, Everett Mall Way pedestrian safety and a permitting process briefing on upcoming agendas. Members asked staff to coordinate with the Transportation Advisory Committee and to consider bringing the permitting briefing (permitting department staff and Senior Executive Director Templeman were cited) to a future meeting; if permitting staff cannot attend, the committee suggested using the storefront vacancy discussion as a backup.

Background and context: members said Vision Zero (described in the meeting as an 18‑month grant-funded planning process) is roughly six months in and may produce decision points toward the end of the year. Members also noted growth and redevelopment near Everett Mall Way and other corridors and asked that traffic-calming be considered in the context of arterial design and crossing distances.

The committee did not take formal votes on ordinances or budget items during the meeting. Instead, members prioritized topics for staff briefings and stakeholder engagement across parks and built-environment functions for the coming year.