Lake Stevens parks survey draws 600 responses; board hears priorities on trails, lake access and courts

City parks staff on Monday updated the Lake Stevens Parks & Recreation Board on an ongoing parks, recreation and open-space (PROS) plan, reporting that more than 600 people responded to the city’s survey and that 97% of respondents called parks “important or essential” to quality of life in Lake Stevens.

The report, delivered by Jill, parks department staff, summarized the consultant-led outreach so far — a statistically valid mailed survey supplemented by a publicly available online questionnaire and an in-person open house held July 17. The board discussed emerging priorities from the combined outreach: maintain existing parks and facilities, expand walking and biking options, increase access to the lake, more docks, additional shade and seating, and more courts — most frequently cited as sports courts or pickleball courts.

Jill said, “Over 600 people responded to the survey,” and noted that “97% of respondents thinks the parks and recreation are important or essential to the quality of life in Lake Stevens.” She told the board the city used a statistically valid sample to reach parts of the city underrepresented in other outreach and that the consultant will combine those…