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 responses with open-house input to produce recommendations for the 20-year capital plan.

Board members probed details about how results were weighted and how staff will translate mixed priorities into projects. Jill said the consultant specializes in parks planning and that the open-house results are not given extra numeric weight over survey responses but do inform follow-up questions and priorities. She told the board the next public open house tied to the board’s November meeting will be Nov. 10.

Survey findings discussed in the meeting included: frequent park visits by residents (38% reported visiting parks at least once a week), strong interest in trails and sidewalks (including ‘rustic’ trails for running), and repeated requests for more lake access and more docks. Open-house participants prioritized additional sports courts, and several board members noted the recent growth of pickleball as a factor.

Board members and staff discussed trails at specific sites. Jill said Eagle Ridge has steep slopes, wetlands and stream channels that limit trail layout and would require engineering, wetland studies and capital funding to build loops there; the parks department is completing a GIS mapping project of existing trails to make current assets more visible to the public. The department also described small, near-term steps such as trailhead maps, wayfinding and minor trail repairs that could be completed in-house or by volunteers.

Funding and project updates included: a $500,000 legislative appropriation from the state Department of Commerce to advance Bayview Trail phase 1 design from 30% to 100% and acquisition, and a Frontier Heights Park phase 2 contract that will proceed to city council for award. Jill summarized phase 2 elements shown in packet materials: a synthetic-turf multiuse field, four pickleball courts, a sensory garden, parking and associated drainage work.

Board members raised questions about school-site access for courts and fields. Jill said many elementary school yards and some middle-school outdoor courts are open to the public after school hours, and that access policies vary by school and are being reviewed further. The board asked a member to follow up with schools and report back at the next meeting.

On safety and regulation, Jill said the city allows pedal-assist electric bicycles on trails but that higher-powered, throttle-only devices are treated as motorized and are not allowed on trails; she said the police department is preparing guidance because classifications vary. The department also cited Lake Stevens municipal code requiring helmets for minors for bicycles and similar devices.

Other operational updates included dock and beach assessments (Davies Beach structural assessment pending detailed report), restroom replacements on the capital plan for older restrooms at Lundin and Davies, removal and repurposing of a playground “jungle dome” from Frontier Heights to Timberlake Park because of Seattle City Light height restrictions, and a review of park mitigation and impact fees as principal funding sources for many park projects.

Upcoming events noted by staff included Going a Viking at Lundeen Park on Sept. 20, a Harvest Market at North Cove on Oct. 11 and HarvestFest on Oct. 31. The parks department also plans another open house for the PROS plan at the board’s November meeting.

Votes at a glance

• Approval of July 14, 2025 meeting minutes — motion to approve was made and seconded; the board approved the minutes by voice vote (individual roll-call tallies were not recorded in the transcript).