Newcastle council adopts 2026 Parks and Trails Plan to preserve RCO grant eligibility and guide projects
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Summary
The City Council unanimously adopted Resolution No. 2026‑1084 to approve the 2026 Parks and Trails Plan; the plan preserves Recreation and Conservation Office grant eligibility, uses a 10‑minute walk‑shed to identify access gaps and will guide CIP phasing and grant applications.
The Newcastle City Council adopted the 2026 Parks and Trails Plan by unanimous vote on Feb. 17, approving a framework staff says will preserve grant eligibility and prioritize parks, trails and connectivity projects.
Deputy Mayor Charbonneau moved adoption of Resolution No. 2026‑1084; the motion carried 7–0. Planner Brendan Hutchins told the council the plan’s principal purpose is to maintain eligibility for the Washington Recreation and Conservation Office (RCO) grant programs, consolidate existing master plans, and set data‑driven and community‑feedback priorities.
Hutchins highlighted a new 10‑minute walk‑shed analysis adopted in the city’s 2025 comprehensive plan that maps current and future walking access to parks; staff will use the tool to identify access gaps and prioritize trail and sidewalk connections, potential new parks and phased athletic‑field development. Hutchins said the plan is a flexible, “living” framework intended to inform the capital improvement program and upcoming grant applications, noting an estimated 408 survey responses had guided early phasing decisions for Park at 95th.
Council members asked about specific projects including Lake Boren promenade improvements and how the walk‑shed would guide phasing in areas described as park deserts (Lehi area discussed). Hutchins said additional community outreach is planned for underserved areas and that some survey links are closed but more input will be sought prior to committing capital resources. Staff will submit the adopted plan to the RCO for grant‑eligibility confirmation and to support grant proposals.
