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Plan finds park-access gaps: about half of Bothell residents outside 10-minute walk to a park
Summary
City staff told the Parks Board that roughly half of Bothell residents do not live within a 10-minute walk of a park; the analysis shows a geographic disparity with most accessible residents in King County and larger gaps in the Snohomish County portion of the city.
A presenter summarized a walkshed analysis showing that roughly 50% of Bothell residents live within a 10-minute walk to a city park or open space, and that of those who do live in a walkshed, about 90% are located in King County while only 10% are in the Snohomish County portion. "Approximately 50% of Bothell residents live within a 10 minute walk to a city park or open space," the presenter said while describing the maps.
The analysis also found differences by housing density: 57% of residents in high-density areas are within walking distance of a park compared with 42% in low-density areas. Staff told the board these gaps informed proposed acquisition and prioritization maps that highlight general areas (not parcel-level boundaries) for potential parkland and open-space purchases. Board members asked whether schools could be used to expand access; staff said the plan recommends exploring partnerships with school districts and local colleges to better use existing facilities after hours.
