Consultants from MIG updated the Richland City Council on Oct. 28 on the city’s Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan, saying the process is “about halfway through” and that findings from community outreach will shape recommendations on projects, funding and maintenance.

The consultants — John Phoenix, planner and project manager, and Lauren Scott — told council members the plan is intended to meet minimum state expectations for a six‑year horizon while informing longer-term priorities. “This is the year of the plan,” Phoenix said, adding the finalized plan will help the city qualify for Recreation and Conservation Office grants.

The consultants summarized outreach completed in phases 1 and 2: focus groups, ambassador toolkits, two Parks and Recreation Commission workshops and an online survey promoted across city channels. Scott said about 1,159 people clicked into the survey and 818 completed it. That input and stakeholder interviews produced recurring themes: strong support for the riverfront and natural areas; demand for improved trail connections and safer walking or biking routes; concern about safety and cleanliness in some parks; and appetite for more comfort amenities such as shade and restrooms.

Survey and participation metrics presented by the team underscore current usage: 76 contracted large outdoor special events in 2024, 23 sports tournaments, about 11,000 community‑center drop‑ins and roughly 6,000 pool drop‑ins, according to Phoenix. In an open‑ended question about reasons to visit parks, Scott said 57% of respondents picked “being surrounded by trees, plants and wildlife” as a top reason.

Council members pressed staff and consultants on priorities. Councilmember Meyer said he welcomed the emphasis on reinvestment in worn neighborhood facilities and gave Jason Lee Park’s soccer goals as an example of an “easy win.” Councilmember Jones urged inclusion of nonprofit trail partners in long‑term plans; Phoenix and staff cited work underway with groups such as the Tapteel Trail partners. Several councilors, including Kent and Van Dyke, asked whether survey turnout was sufficient; Phoenix noted the effort was intentionally not a statistically validated telephone poll and that a roughly 70% completion rate among respondents who started the survey is high for this type of outreach.

Consultants outlined three “building blocks” for project thinking: connecting ridges to rivers to neighborhoods (trails and public access), high‑quality reinvestment in existing parks (restrooms, shade, ADA improvements), and a “uniquely Richland” strand — signage/wayfinding, public art and thematic play areas similar to the new Howard Amon play area. Phoenix also said the plan will include a first‑time city review of tree canopy and strategies for improving shade and ecosystem services.

Council members recommended using volunteers and commissions to extend outreach and implementation, and encouraged the consultants to prioritize projects that improve connectivity between neighborhoods and the riverfront. No formal action was taken; consultants will incorporate feedback as they develop capital recommendations, cost estimates and implementation steps for presentation later this winter and into early 2026.

Ending: Staff said the consultants will return with specific recommendations and project lists that include capital costs, operations needs and potential grant strategies, and invited council and community input as the plan advances.