Parks commission urges action on master plan, greenbelt to Eagle Island connection

Michael Huffaker, chair of the Parks, Pathways and Recreation Commission, told the council the commission supports moving forward on a parks/trails/open-space master plan and urged the council to use the $100,000 already in the FY25 budget to commission work. Huffaker described a multi-part approach: inventory existing parks and trails, assign staff responsibility, and bid the master plan work out to consultants.

Huffaker also highlighted long-standing connectivity goals: the commission has advocated for an easement and trail connection from the end of the city’s greenbelt to Eagle Island State Park, which would extend regional access and be a lasting legacy for the council. He said previous efforts nearly gained required signatures but stalled, and recommended renewed staff and council involvement to negotiate easements or partnerships.

Other priorities included improving bicycle infrastructure on east–west corridors Beacon Light and Floating Feather, and addressing a lack of parks on the city’s west side even as new developments add residential populations. Council members supported a phased approach and asked staff to coordinate more frequent commission updates and to bring a plan and cost estimate back for capital planning purposes.

The commission asked council to treat the item with urgency: without a current master plan and dedicated staff time, the commission said it will be difficult to implement open-space and trail improvements at the pace development is occurring.