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Parks staff update city map that identifies remaining gaps in park access
Summary
An updated park areas‑of‑need analysis refined a 2022 map by adding regional trails, school playgrounds and cross‑boundary parks; staff identified three remaining gap zones for future monitoring and potential acquisition.
Staff presented an updated park areas‑of‑need analysis that refines the 2022 Parks, Open Space and Trails plan. The updated map adds several new criteria — regional trails, park‑like school playgrounds, and park access across city boundaries — and accounts for major roadways as barriers to walkability.
Results and implications The refined analysis reduces the number of priority gaps to three areas (northeast, southeast and a large eastern zone) after accounting for nearby park assets outside the city and regional trail corridors. Staff said some gaps remain difficult to address because of wetlands, private ownership and other constraints; they recommended the board treat the tool as a continuing reference for possible land‑acquisition opportunities or donor interest.
Board direction Members asked how the updated map can be elevated into decision‑making so the identified gaps do not become a lower priority in practice. Staff suggested incorporating the map into the board’s strategic plan or using it as a screening tool when acquisition opportunities arise.
Next steps Staff will keep the map adjacent to the formal Parks, Open Space and Trails plan and present it for use in future strategic discussions and potential acquisitions. Board members suggested on‑the‑ground visits to better understand site constraints before moving from a planning map to acquisition or development proposals.
