Planning commission presents PROS and capital facilities amendments; commissioners flag indoor‑facility deficit and funding limits

Kenmore’s planning commission presented draft amendments to the Parks, Recreation and Open Space (PROS) element and to the Capital Facilities element of the comprehensive plan, and discussed policies intended to guide future park acquisition, facilities and programming.

City staff and the planning commission outlined several updates included in the draft: an updated inventory of park facilities and amenities, revised level‑of‑service considerations, new sections addressing walkability, heat‑index considerations and social equity, updated maps, and revised goals, objectives and policies. The capital facilities element update focused on the parks capital improvements table required by the comprehensive plan and included a 20‑year list of capital projects.

Planning Commission Chair Tracy Banashinsky and commissioners said Kenmore has made progress on waterfront access but faces a persistent shortage of indoor facilities such as an aquatic center, a modern senior/community center and a cultural arts space. Commissioners and staff emphasized that projected population growth, limited developable land and an aging population will change park use and increase demand for both indoor and outdoor amenities.

Commissioners urged a two‑step approach: identify what Kenmore residents say they want, then conduct a needs‑based analysis of what Kenmore should have given population, demographics and regional services, so that council can make explicit tradeoffs. Commissioners noted some proposed capital projects are conceptual placeholders intended to position the city to compete for grants if funding becomes available.

Council questions focused on technical points — the walkability and heat‑index maps (several council members asked that staff verify park polygons and walk‑shed assumptions), whether pier maintenance costs were included in the CIP or maintenance budget, and how levels of service should be used given the qualitative differences among parks. Staff said the draft will return for further council direction on November 10; if council directs substantive changes a public hearing will be required before ordinance adoption, tentatively scheduled for December 8.

Commissioners and staff asked council to review the draft carefully and submit any substantive change requests in advance of the next meeting to allow staff and consultants to prepare responses and materials for the November 10 session.