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Duvall staff outline 10‑acre Big Rock Park expansion, wetlands limit development
Summary
City staff presented a 60%‑design update for Big Rock Park, describing newly annexed parcels, wetland constraints (85% deed-restricted conservation), and planned additions including a dual soccer/baseball Field 4 and a proposed synthetic turf conversion of Field 3 with lights. Funding will combine grants, county youth-sports dollars and development impact fees.
City staff told the Parks Advisory Commission they have annexed several parcels east of Big Rock Road and are advancing a 60% design for an expansion that would add roughly 3 miles of trails and a new dual-purpose Field 4. "We have purchased the 10 acres to the direct east…so we'll have over 3 miles of trail in and amongst all the light green spaces," said Sebastian, the presenting staff member.
Staff said parcels acquired with King County conservation‑futures dollars carry deed restrictions that limit development to about 15% of each property, requiring trails and passive uses rather than large new buildings. "Those lands now are deed restricted in 85% no development, and you can develop 15% of it," Sebastian said, noting that the design must integrate wetlands and include additional access points and parking.
The proposal would add amenities the city lacks today: a maintenance and operations center, another restroom building, a pump track, pickleball courts, lights for some courts and potential splash-pad elements. Staff flagged field scheduling and revenue: the two busiest fields currently generate about $180,000 a year in bookings; converting Field 3 to synthetic turf and adding lights could increase utility and support debt service for expansion.
On funding, staff listed a mix of grants (RCO and King County Youth Sports, both capped), county conservation funding and development impact fees. Sebastian explained the city's park impact fee methodology and indexing to construction costs, and said the team is pursuing grant opportunities while planning for a funding gap. Commissioners urged additional community engagement at the 60% design milestone. The department said construction likely could begin in mid‑next year if funding is secured.
