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Fife plans in‑house update to parks plan with emphasis on maintenance, trails and public outreach
Summary
Assistant City Manager Gendrick told council the PROS plan must be adopted by February 2028 to retain state funding eligibility; staff propose an in‑house approach with extensive outreach, a small consultant budget, and councilors pressed for maintenance, trails access and realistic cost context in surveys.
FIFE — The City of Fife will update its Parks, Recreation and Open Space (PROS) Plan in‑house and focus outreach on maintenance, trails and equity of access, Assistant City Manager Gendrick told the council at its April 21 study session.
Gendrick said state Recreation and Conservation Office (RCO) rules require the city to adopt a new PROS Plan by February 2028 to remain eligible for certain grants. Rather than hiring an outside consultant at an estimated $125,000–$150,000, staff proposed producing the plan in‑house with a small third‑party assessment budget of roughly $5,000 for an objective park assessment.
The PROS process will include a park inventory, demand and needs analysis, a public‑involvement plan, and a capital improvement program through 2034. Gendrick described outreach that will include surveys (with ZIP‑code identification so staff can separate nonresident responses), pop‑up events in neighborhoods, focus groups and workshops with the park board.
Councilors pressed staff to prioritize maintenance and preservation of existing parks, shade structures and permanent restrooms, and a focus on trails and access for apartment residents. Council member Dominique and others recommended presenting survey items with cost cues (for example, cheaper vs. expensive options) so respondents understand tradeoffs; Deputy Mayor Murphy proposed QR‑code placards at parks to solicit on‑site feedback.
Gendrick said Sheffield Trail remains a top priority, noting 107 letters of support and existing right‑of‑way progress; staff will continue design and funding work to preserve right‑of‑way easements. She also said park design will incorporate sight‑lines, lighting and shrub‑height plans and that staff will consult the police department on safety elements.
Staff will return with a public‑involvement schedule and draft questions; the plan will be brought back for park‑board review and eventual council adoption ahead of the RCO deadline.
