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Parks (PROS) plan aims to unlock grants; commissioners debate priorities including indoor pool and public‑works campus
Summary
BHC consultants presented the PROS plan and a six‑year CIP that would make Leavenworth eligible for RCO grants; commissioners supported many goals but asked for clearer maps that show barriers, stronger pavement/ADA language, and clearer prioritization for projects such as an indoor pool, trail access north of US‑2, and public‑works facility planning.
Rachel Chen, a planner with BHC Consultants, presented the parks and recreation (PROS) plan and the capital facilities element to the Leavenworth Planning Commission on May 6. Rachel said outreach generated about 245 survey responses; respondents prioritized additional trails and an indoor pool, plus improvements to ADA access, shade and restroom maintenance.
The PROS plan, which will be submitted to the Washington Recreation and Conservation Office (RCO) for certification, includes a six‑year capital improvement program (CIP) required by RCO and an estimated operations/maintenance schedule that supports grant eligibility for six years after adoption. Rachel emphasized that RCO certification would make the city eligible for state recreation and conservation grants that could fund projects in the CIP.
Commissioners largely supported the recommendations but requested several clarifications before adoption: fix the parks accessibility/walkshed map so it shows barriers posed by Highway 2 and Ski Hill Road; strengthen pavement‑quality policy language to address safety for cyclists and people who roll (wheelchairs); clarify how trails through private property or over easements would be pursued and whether the city could partner with the Forest Service or nonprofit trail stewards; and call out a public‑works campus and the Cascade Medical facilities/lot purchase in the capital facilities policy where appropriate.
Commissioners also flagged a $45 million parking garage line item in the project list and sought cleanup to make funding status and policy alignment clear. Staff said the PROS draft needs to be in final draft form by May 27 so consultants can prepare materials for a June public hearing and so the city’s recreation/tourism manager can pursue a time‑sensitive grant; commissioners were asked to submit written comments to consultants to be incorporated before hearings.
Next steps: Commissioners will submit written comments; consultants will revise the PROS/CIP documents and fix maps; staff will coordinate public‑works and hospital follow‑up and prepare the plan for the scheduled hearings.
