Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Parks Recreation Open Space topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Bothell staff present PROS draft findings; walk‑shed gaps concentrated in Snohomish County
Summary
Parks staff reported key findings from the six‑year Parks, Recreation and Open Space (PROS) plan: strong park use but walk‑shed gaps (only about 50.7% of residences are within a 10‑minute/half‑mile walk to a park), demand for an indoor year‑round facility and expanded acreage, and target projects including Shelton View Forest acquisition and work on Wayne Open Space.
Parks and Recreation staff presented preliminary findings on April 21 for Bothell’s six‑year Parks, Recreation and Open Space (PROS) plan and sought council feedback on priorities and capital projects.
Director Nick Stroup (speaker 27) and the parks team summarized an engagement effort that included 756 survey responses, eight pop‑up events, focus groups and an open house. Staff said system use is high — many residents visit parks weekly or on weekends — and the community supported acquiring additional parkland, improving trails and developing an indoor facility for year‑round programming.
Planning and capital projects assistant Kai Patnode (speaker 30) presented a walk‑shed analysis showing 50.7% of Bothell residences are within a half‑mile or 10‑minute walk to a city park; gaps are concentrated in the Snohomish County portion of the city. Staff said maintaining current levels of service will require about 10.5 additional acres by 2029 and roughly 100 more acres by 2044 if population projections hold.
Council and staff discussed acquisitions, including the 25‑acre Shelton View Forest (actively being pursued) and Wayne Open Space parcels; staff said King County may transfer about 5 acres to the city at no cost, and that some acquisitions are being pursued as opportunities arise. Council raised acquisition strategy questions — what characteristics make a desirable parcel, how to prioritize underserved neighborhoods, and whether a levy or use of park‑impact fees is appropriate — and staff said acquisition criteria and strategy would be brought forward as part of capital facilities planning.
Staff also outlined funding and timing next steps: the PROS plan will return to the Parks and Recreation Board (May 14), planning commission review (May 20), a final council review (June 2), a public hearing on the final draft (June 16) and a target adoption date of July 7. Staff said they will also provide capital facilities plan details and updated cost estimates in upcoming budget discussions.
