Planning Comm PKT 05-03-2006
May 3, 2006
7:00 p.m.
City of Federal Way
PLANNING COMMISSION
City Hall
Council Chambers
AGENDA
1. CALL TO ORDER
2. ROLL CALL
3. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
4. AUDIENCE COMMENT
5. ADMINISTRATIVE REPORT
6. COMMISSION BUSINESS
. PUBLIC HEARING
2006 Parks, Recreation, & Open Space Plan Update
7. ADDITIONAL BUSINESS
8. AUDIENCE COMMENT
9. ADJOURN
Commissioners
Hope Elder, Vice-Chair
Dave Osaki
Merle Pfeifer
Pam Duncan-Pierce
Dini Due/os
William Drake
Lawson Bronson
Richard Agnew (Alternate #1)
City Staff
Kathy McClung, CDS Director
Margaret Clark, Senior Planner
E. Tina Piety, Administrative Assistant
253-835-2601
WI<W. citvofJr:dera1wav.com
K:\Planning COnmllssion\2006IAgenda 05-03-06.doc
CITY OF FEDERAL WAY
PLANNING COMMISSION
April 19,2006
7:00 p.m.
City Hall
Council Chambers
MEETING MINUTES
Commissioners present: Hope Elder, Dave Osaki, Merle Pfeifer, Dini Duclos, Lawson Bronson, and Pam Duncan-
Pierce. Commissioners absent: Bill Drake (excused). Alternate Commissioners present: Richard Agnew. Alternate
Commissioners absent: none. Staff present: Senior Planner Margaret Clark and Surface Water Manager Paul Bucich.
Vice-Chair Elder called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m.
ApPROVAL OF MINUTES
It was moved (and it was seconded) to adopt the March 15,2006, minutes. The motion carried.
AUDIENCE COMMENT
None
ADMINISTRATIVE REpORT
None
COMMISSION BUSINESS
STUDY SESSION - Surface Water Management Project Status
Mr. Bucich delivered a PowerPoint presentation (copies of which were given to Commissioners) on the Surface
Water Management Program and its projects.
ADDITIONAL BUSINESS
None
AUDIENCE COMMENT
None
ADJOURN
The meeting was adjourned at 8:30 p.m.
K:\Planning COnmllssion\2006\Meeling Summary 04-19-05.doc
~
CITY OF' _~
Federal Way
MEMORANDUM
April 28, 2006
FROM:
Hope Elder, Chair, City of Federal Way Planning Commission
Donna Hanson, Director of Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services \....,~
Betty Sanders, Parks, Planning and Development Services Coordinator ~
To:
SUBJECT:
2006 City of Federal Way Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Plan Update
MEETING DATE: May 3, 2006
I. BACKGROUND
The Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Services Department is in the process of updating the City's Parks,
Recreation, and Open Space Plan (Parks Plan), which is a component of the Federal Way FWCP
(FWCP). The Parks Plan is updated every six years, in compliance with the Washington State Growth
Management Act (GMA). The FWCP is updated on an annual basis. At the time that the FWCP is
updated later this year, the updated Parks Plan will be incorporated by reference. In addition Chapter 6,
"Capital Facilities," ofthe FWCP will be amended to reflect the changes made in the Parks Plan.
II. REASON FOR PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION
Federal Way City Code (FWCC) Chapter 22, "Zoning," Article IX, "Process VI Review," establishes
a process and criteria for FWCP amendments. Consistent with Process VI review, the role of the
Planning Commission is as follows:
1. To review and evaluate the requests for FWCP amendments;
2. To determine whether the proposed FWCP amendments meets the criteria provided by
FWCC Sections 22-529 and 22-530, and 22-488(c); and,
3. To forward a recommendation to the City Council regarding adoption of the proposed
FWCP amendments.
III. PROCEDURAL SUMMARY
April 22, 2006 Issuance of Determination of Non significance pursuant to the State
Environmental Policy Act (SEPA)
May 8, 2006 End of SEP A Comment Period
May 22, 2006 End of SEP A Appeal Period
May 3, 2006 Public Hearing before the Planning Commission
IV. PROPOSED AMENDMENTS TO THE PARKS PLAN
1. Planning Process
The planning process has included an extensive assessment of the City's existing parks and open
spaces, and its recreation programs. It has also included efforts to determine the needs and
desires of the community using a series of different approaches. These included public opinion
surveys, open house meetings, meetings with a stakeholders group (made up of individuals
representing organizations that have an interest in the future of the City's park system), and
briefings and working sessions with the Parks and Recreation Commission and the Parks,
Recreation and Public Safety Committee of the City Council.
2. Characteristics of the Plan
The City last updated the Parks Plan in September 2000. This updated plan differs from the
2000 Plan in several ways. The 2006 Parks Plan has:
. Less emphasis on acquiring land for neighborhood parks; more emphasis on
improving existing facilities
. Less emphasis on quantity of park land (and a numeric level of service standard),
and more emphasis on their future development
. A detailed assessment of each individual park and open space site
. A focus on meeting a variety of social and recreational needs, including the need
for community gathering spaces and for a diverse community
v. COMPLIANCE WITH FWCC SECTIONS 22-529 AND 22-530
1. FWCC Section 22-529. Factors to be Considered in an FWCP Amendment - The City may
consider, but is not limited to, the following factors when considering a proposed amendment to
the FWCP:
(I) The effect upon the physical environment.
Updating the Parks Plan is a non-project action and would have no direct effect on the
physical environment. Future development of parks will be subject to environmental review
as required by the SEP A Rules, and will be evaluated in accordance with all plans, policies,
rules, and regulations adopted as a basis for the exercise of substantive authority under
SEP A to approve, condition, or deny proposed actions.
(2) The effect on open space, streams, and lakes.
Updating the Parks Plan is a non-project action, which has no effect on open space,
streams, and lakes. There are several surface water bodies within the City limits and the
P AA. Known locations of existing streams, lakes and wetlands are shown on Map IX-6
(Surface Water Resources) of the FWCP. If future park development is proposed in the
vicinity of any streams or lakes, compliance with FWCC Chapter 22, Article XN, "Critical
Areas," will be required, and such compliance will result in mitigation of any potential
adverse impacts.
In addition, implementation of the Parks Plan may increase the acres of open space or
improve the quality of existing open space.
Planning Commission Memorandum
2006 City of Federal Way Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Plan Update
April 28, 2006
Page 2
(3) The compatibility with and impact on adjacent land uses and surrounding neighborhoods.
Updating the Parks Plan is a non-project action that will have no direct effect on land uses
and neighborhoods within the City. In general, parks are perceived as a desirable adjacent
land use and improve the livability of surrounding neighborhoods.
(4) The adequacy of and impact on community facilities including utilities, roads, public
transportation, parks, recreation, and schools.
Updating the Parks Plan is a non-project action. Therefore, there would be no impact to
community facilities such as utilities, parks, recreation, and schools.
(5) The benefit to the neighborhood, city, and region.
Updating the Parks Plan is a non-project action that would have no direct impact to the
neighborhood, city, or region. However, implementation of the "core values" of the Parks
Plan, such as retaining and improving existing open spaces and facilities; encouraging
walking and biking through an integrated Trail and Sidewalk Network; providing areas for
friends and neighbors to gather, meet, and socialize; and providing a balance of services for
a diverse population will benefit the neighborhood, city, and region.
(6) The quantity and location of land planned for the proposed land use type and density and
the demand for such land.
Updating the Parks Plan is a non-project action, which will not in itself affect land uses. At
1.8 acres per 1,000 population, the City currently exceeds its level of service standard for
neighborhood parks, which is 1.7 acres per 1,000 population. It is estimated that there will
be a need for 1.5 acres of additional neighborhood parkland by 2012.
(7) The current and projected population density in the area.
Please see response to No.6 above.
(8) The effect upon other aspects of the FWCP.
The updated Parks Plan will be incorporated by reference into the FWCP. In addition
Chapter 6, "Capital Facilities," of the FWCP will be amended to reflect the changes made
in the Parks Plan.
2. FWCC Section 22-530. Criteria for Amending the FWCP- The City may amend the FWCP
only if it finds that:
(1) The proposed amendment bears a substantial relationship to public health, safety, or
welfare;
The proposed amendments to the Parks Plan reflect the results of public opinion surveys,
open house meetings, meetings with a stakeholders group (made up of individuals
representing organizations that have an interest in the future of the City's park system), and
briefings and working sessions with the Parks and Recreation Commission and the Parks,
Recreation and Public Safety Committee of the City Council. The amendments, therefore,
respond to citizen concerns and bear a substantial relationship to public health, safety, and
welfare.
And
Planning Commission Memorandum
2006 City of Federal Way Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Plan Update
April 28, 2006
Page 3
(2) The proposed amendment is in the best interest of the residents of the city.
Please see response under (1), above.
And
(3) The proposed amendment is consistent with the requirements of RCW 36. 70A and with the
portion of the city's adopted plan not affected by the amendment.
The Parks Plan is an element of the FWCP. Pursuant to RCW 36.70A.130, each
comprehensive land use plan and development regulations shall be subject to continuing
review and evaluation by the county or city that adopted them. Therefore, updating the
Parks Plan is consistent with the requirements ofRCW 36.70A and with the remainder of
the FWCP.
VI. STAFF RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the updated City of Federal Way Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Plan
(Exhibit A) be approved.
VII. PLANNING COMMISSION ACTION
Consistent with the provisions of FWCC Section 22-539, the Planning Commission may take the
following actions regarding the proposed FWCP amendment:
1 Recommend to City Council adoption of the proposed FWCP amendments as
proposed;
2. Recommend to City Council that the proposed FWCP amendments not be adopted;
3. Forward the proposed FWCP amendments to City Council without a recommendation; or
4. Modify the proposed FWCP amendments and recommend to City Council adoption of
the amendment as modified.
LIST OF EXHIBITS
Exhibit A City of Federal Way Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Plan
1:\2006 PARKS PLAN UPDATE\Report to Planning Commision.doc/05/01/2006 3:59 PM
Planning Commission Memorandum
2006 City of Federal Way Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Plan Update
April 28, 2006
Page 4
~ Federal Way
CITY HALL
33325 8th Avenue South · PO Box 9718
Federal Way, WA 98063-9718
(253) 835-7000
www.cityoffederalway.com
To:
From:
Date:
Topic:
Planning Commission
B Sanders, Park Planning and Development Coordinator
April 26, 2006
Update of Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan--2006
The Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Department is in the process of updating the City's
Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan, which is a component ofthe City of Federal Way
Comprehensive Plan. This is done every six years, in compliance with the Washington State Growth
Management Act (GMA). The purpose of the Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan is to express
the community's values and vision in these areas and to periodically assess implementation progress,
identify needs for the future, and develop plans and funding strategies for future programs and
improvements. A public hearing before the Planning Commission is a required part of the adoption
process for this plan.
The City last updated the Parks, Recreation andOpen Space Comprehensive Plan 2000 in September
2000. Adoption is scheduled for June of this year, to be eligible for grant funding from the
Washington Interagency Committee for Outdoor Recreation (lAC).
Planning Process
The planning process has included an extensive assessment of the City's existing parks and open
spaces, and its recreation programs. It has also included efforts to determine the needs and desires of
the community using a series of different approaches. These have included public opinion surveys,
open house meetings, meetings with a stakeholders group (made up of individuals representing
organizations that have an interest in the future of the City's park system), and briefings and working
sessions with the Parks and Recreation Commission and the Parks, Recreation and Public Safety
Committee of the City Council.
Accomplishments Since 2000 Plan
Substantial achievements have been made since the last plan was prepared. This includes acquisition
of several properties, including West Hylebos Wetlands State Park, the site for Madrona Park (the
former Armstrong property), and several parcels in the Hylebos Basin. Purchase of Camp Kilworth,
an existing Boy Scout Camp with Puget Sound waterfront, is in process. Facility improvements
include development of Madron a Park, BP A trail extensions, new playground equipment and
improvements in several parks, phase one of site restoration at Dumas Bay Centre, and installation of
an artificial turf soccer field at Steel Lake Park. The largest project undertaken during this period is
the planning and design of the new Federal Way Community Center. Construction on this project is
expected to be completed in late 2006.
Community Direction
A set of "Core Values" emerged from a consensus of ideas and opinions expressed through the public
outreach efforts. These core values have been used to guide the concepts and proposals developed
throughout the planning process. These are outlined briefly below:
Core Value #1: Improve Existing Facilities and Provide Multiple Functions in Parks
Public input indicated that there is strong community desire to focus on improving the resources
the City currently owns, rather than acquiring additional property. With future improvements the
City is encouraged to provide a variety of uses and facilities at each park site to appeal to a wider
range of user groups, and to serve different ages within a family.
Core Value #2: Develop a Walking and Biking Community through an Integrated Trail and
Sidewalk Network
According to survey results, walking, hiking, and walking dogs are some of the activities people
participate in most frequently. Having an improved system of loop trails, or an interconnected
network of sidewalks and trails that connect to parks, schools and other destinations, will provide
additional recreation and nonmotorized transportation options for Federal Way residents.
Core Value #3: Retain and Improve Our Open Spaces
The City of Federal Way owns more than 500 acres ofland categorized as open space. These
open spaces provide a valuable amenity and resource in the community. A balance between
protecting and improving the ecological health of these areas and providing opportunities for the
community to enjoy and use them is essential. A particular challenge facing the City and the
region is the rapid spread of invasive plant species, such as ivy, blackberry and Scot's broom.
Core Value #4: Create Community Gathering Places and Destinations
One of the consistent messages heard from the public is that the City lacks places to gather, meet
with friends and neighbors, and socialize. Creating community gathering places is especially
important as the City Center develops, and as parks are designed (or redesigned) and developed.
Core Value #5: Provide a Balance of Services for a Diverse Population
The City should offer a diversity of facilities, services and programs to accommodate a variety of
age groups, interests, income levels, and abilities. Public input encouraged special consideration
be given to youth, seniors, and persons with special needs. With an increasingly diverse
population, the City should continue to be pro-active in assessing recreational trends and needs.
Plan Components
The Core Values listed above were used in developing the heart of the Parks, Recreation and Open
Space Plan:
. Assessment of recreation programs and recreation trends-Chapter 4
· Needs assessment and level of service standards-Chapter 5
. Goals and Policies-Chapter 6
. An implementation plan-Chapter 7
· Individual park and athletic facility assessments-Appendices
Changes in this Plan
This updated plan differs from the 2000 Plan in several ways. The 2006 Plan has:
. Less emphasis on neighborhood parks
· Less emphasis on quantity of park land (and a numeric level of service standard), and more
emphasis on their future development
. A detailed assessment of each individual park and open space site
. A focus on meeting a variety of social and recreational needs, including for community
gathering spaces, and for a diverse community
Action
Planning and adoption of the Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan is moving quickly due to the
need to be eligible for grant funding this year. This plan was reviewed April 25th with the Parks and
Recreation Commission, who made some suggestions for the final implementation chapter.
Therefore, the final capital improvements plan (CIP) list will be provided to the Planning
Commission on May 3rd.
It is desirable for the Planning Commission to take action at the May 3rd meeting in order to stay on
schedule for adoption in June. The remaining schedule includes:
May 4--Final review and recommendation by Parks and Recreation Commission
May 8-Council Committee: Parks, Recreation and Public Safety
June &-City Council: 1 sl Reading of Ordinance
June 20--City Council: 2nd Reading of Ordinance and Adoption
June 22- Transmittal to Washington Interagency Committee for Outdoor Recreation(IAC)
City of Federal Way
Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Plan
~.df4~';~i;~i~~*~~;~:la~~t;~~~~~t~~;,~~:~':~~(-'~"",'~ ",' ::~\~':" ":-, j
April 26t 2006
City of Federal Way
Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Plan
Planning Commission Review Draft
April 26, 2006
Acknowledgements
City Council
Mike Park, Mayor
Jim Ferrell, Deputy Mayor
Jeanne Burbidge
Jack Dovey
Eric Faison
Linda Kochmar
Dean McColgan
Parks and Recreation Commission
C. T. Purdom, Chair
George Pfeiffer, Vice-Chair
Don Dennis
Cindy Dodge
Ade Bright
Marie Sciacqua
Fred Konkell
David Talcott
Joel Howitt
Tom Medhurst, Alternate
Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Plan Stakeholder Group
C.T. Purdom, Parks Commission Chair
Don Dennis, Parks Commissioner
David Osaki, Planning Commissioner
Sarah Kirsch, Youth Commission
Mary Ehlis, Camp Kilworth support group
H. David Kaplan, Former Parks Commissioner
000 Bang Kim, Senior Korean Services
Harry Schreiber, Director, Federal Way Senior Center
Lou Olmstead, Federal Way Historical Society
Rod Leland, Federal Way Public Schools
Greg Flynn, Federal Way Public Schools
Chris Carrel, Friends of the Hylebos Wetlands
Kevin Morris, Off-Leash Dog Park Advocate
Cathy Pearson, Youth Sports Representative
City Staff
Donna Hanson, Director Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Department
Betty Sanders, Park Planning & Development Coordinator
Steve Ikerd, Parks and Facilities Manager
Mary Faber, Recreation Superintendent
John Hutton, Recreation Supervisor, Athletics
Mary Jaenicke, Parks, Recreation & Cultural Services Administrative Assistant
Margaret Clark, Senior Planner
Mike Strong, GIS
Consultant
AHBL, Inc.
Table of Contents
CHAPTER 1: INTRODUCTION
1. Plan Purpose
2. Plan Objectives
Community Defined Direction
Maintain Funding Eligibility
Consistency with State and Local Requirements
Responsiveness
Guidance
3. Accomplishments Since 2000 Plan
Land Acquisition
Facility Improvements
Park Planning
Trail Improvements
Projects Planned for 2006
4. Plan Process
5. Public Involvement
Community Survey
Community Open Houses
Stakeholder Group
Public Hearings/Adoption and Approval Process
6. Core Values
7. Draft Vision
8. Plan Organization
1
1
1
1
2
2
2
3
3
3
3
4
4
4
4
5
6
6
6
7
7
10
11
CHAPTER 2: COMMUNITY PROFILE
1. Regional Location
Planning Area
2. Population Characteristics
Current Population
Projected Population and Urban Form
Age Distribution
Population Diversity
3. Natural and Physical Features
13
13
13
13
15
15
16
17
18
CHAPTER 3: EXISTING PARK AND OPEN SPACE SYSTEM
19
1. Overview and Inventory of Federal Way Park and Open Space System
Community Parks
Neighborhood Parks
Open Spaces
Trails
Other City-Owned Facilities
2. Parks and Facilities Not Owned by Federal Way
Potential Annexation Area Park Inventory
State Park Inventory
Other Facilities
19
19
22
25
27
27
29
29
31
31
Table of Contents cont.
CHAPTER 4: RECREA TlON AND CUL TURAL ARTS PROGRAMS
37
1 . Overview
2. City Recreation Programs
Youth and Adult Athletics
Fitness
Dance, Creative Movement, Visual Arts
Theatre Programs
Pre-school Education
Seasonal, Specialty and Summer Camps
Aquatics
Inclusive Recreation
Senior Services
The Klahanee Lake/Senior Center
Community Events
Rentals and Retreat Facilities
4. Recreation Demand
State and National Trends
Community Feedback on Recreation Programs
37
37
38
41
41
42
42
42
43
43
43
43
44
44
48
49
49
CHAPTERS: NEEDS ASSESSMENT AND RECOMMENDATIONS
,53
1. Introduction
2. Needs Assessment
Level of Service Standards
Park Classifications and Level of Service
Regional Parks
Community Parks
Neighborhood Parks
Open Spaces
Trails
System-wide level of service
System-Wide Recommended Actions
53
53
53
55
55
56
57
60
61
62
63
Core Value 1: IMPROVE EXISTING FACILITIES & PROVIDE MULTIPLE FUNCTIONS IN PARKS 64
Community Parks 65
Neighborhood Parks 66
Maintenance Program 72
Core Value 2: CREATE COMMUNITY GATHERING PLACES AND DESTINATIONS 72
Core Value 3: RETAIN AND IMPROVE NATURAL OPEN SPACES 75
Core Value 3: DEVELOP A WALKING AND BIKING COMMUNITY THROUGH AN INTEGRATED TRAIL AND
SIDEWALK NETWORK 78
Core Value 5: PROVIDE A BALANCE OF FACILITIES & SERVICES FOR A DIVERSE POPULATION 82
Table of Contents cont.
CHAPTER 6: GOALS AND POLICIES
87
Core Value #1: Improve Existing Facilities and Provide for Multiple Functions in Parks
A. Community Parks
B. Neighborhood Parks
C. Park Activation
D. Parks and Recreation Financing
E. Public Awareness/Outreach
F. Maintenance
G. Coordination/Partnerships
H. Acquisition/Surplus of Properties
Core Value #2: Create Community Gathering Places and Destinations
I. City Center/High Density Areas
J. Neighborhood Gathering Places
K. Special Use Parks
Core Value #3: Retain and Improve Our Open Spaces
L. Environmentally Sensitive Areas
M. Environmental Education
N. Privately Owned Open Space Lands
O. Shoreline Access
P. Maintenance of Open Space
Core Value #4: Develop An Integrated Trail & Sidewalk Network
Q. Walking System and Programs
Core Value #5: Provide a Balance of Services For a Diverse Population
R. Social Interaction
S. Sports and Recreation
T. Active Living Recreation
U. Arts, Culture, and Recreation Programming
V. Community Stewardship
87
87
88
88
89
89
90
91
91
92
93
93
94
94
95
95
96
96
97
98
98
99
99
100
100
100
101
CHAPTER 7: IMPLEMENTATION
Phasing of Implementation
Near Term Implementation (2006-2009)
Mid-Term Implementation (2010-2012)
Long Term Implementation (2013-2026)
Six Year Capital Improvement Plan
[Note: to be completed}
Potential Funding Sources
[Note: to be completed}
INSERT CIP MATRIX
INSERT CITY's Park Acquisition/DevelopmenVRenovation Criteria
105
105
105
108
109
110
110
110
110
110
110
Chapter One
Introduction
Chapter 1: Introduction
1. Plan Purpose
This Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Plan expresses the
community's values and vision for the City's parks, recreation and
open space system for the near and long term. It has been six
years since the 2000 Comprehensive Parks, Recreation and Open
Space Plan was adopted. It is important for the City of Federal Way
to periodically assess implementation progress, determine how
community needs are being met, how well the current system works,
identify areas that can be improved or enhanced, and respond to
emerging needs as the community grows and changes. This ensures
that the City is being responsive to the current needs of the community
and pro-active in planning for the needs of future generations.
Since 2000, there have been a number of changes in the
community-residential and employment growth, an increasingly
diverse population, new recreation facilities such as the Community
Center (opening in 2007), land acquisitions, and recreation program
additions and changes. Parks and open space become increasingly
important as the City builds out, recreation trends evolve, and the
community becomes more dense in response to growth management
planning. Having an up-to-date plan positions the City to implement
the vision through phases and to respond to opportunities as they
arise.
2. Plan Objectives
The objectives of the Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Plan are:
· To provide community defined direction for the future of
the City's parks and open spaces as well as recreation
programming
· To maintain funding eligibility
· To ensure consistency with state and local requirements;
· To respond to opportunities as they arise
· To provide guidance for effective management of the City's
parks, recreation, and open spaces
Community Defined Direction
One of the primary objectives of this plan update was to gather
community input and direction to establish priorities for future of the
PLANNING COMMISSION REVIEW DRAFT
APRIL 26, 2006 I 1
City's parks and open space system. Input given by the community
at various points throughout the update process established a refined
long-term vision for the City's parks, recreation, and open space
resources, and gives near-term direction to how the city will allocate its
parks and recreation funding. This ensures that the City's park system
is responsive in meeting the needs of the community.
Maintain Funding Eligibility
The City relies on grant funding for many of its parks facilities and
programs. Most funding sources require periodic updates to parks and
recreation plans in order to remain eligible for their funding programs.
For example, most funding sources require that funded projects be
identified within a jurisdiction's park plan, and that the goals and
policies contained within support the proposed project. It is critical that
the City continue to successfully compete for outside funding to ensure
the development and maintenance of a high quality park system now
and into the future.
Consistency with State and Local Requirements
The Washington State Growth Management Act (GMA) requires state
and local governments to manage Washington's growth by identifying
and protecting critical areas and natural resource lands, designating
urban growth areas, preparing comprehensive plans and implementing
them through capital investments and development regulations. One
of the GMA's 14 goals is to "retain open space, enhance recreational
opportunities, conserve fish and wildlife habitat, increase access to
natural resource lands and water, and develop parks and recreational
facilities" (RCW 36.70A.020(9)). As such, cities and counties are
encouraged to develop a parks and recreation element to their
Comprehensive Plan. A new requirement of the State Growth
Management Act is for cities and counties to plan for the promotion of
physical activity in their communities.
In addition, recommendations, goals, policies, and implementation
actions within this plan must support and be consistent with the
policy direction in the City's Comprehensive Plan and capital facilities
planning.
Responsiveness
This Plan sets the framework for future improvements to the City's
parks and open space system. The Plan will provide guidance to
2 I
CITY OF FEDERAL WAY
PARKS, RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE PLAN
decision makers and will set the stage to make informed decisions
about the future of the City's parks and recreation facilities and
programs. As the City continues to grow, new development will occur,
and new jobs will be created in Federal Way, creating additional
recreation demands. This plan will help prepare the City to be poised
to act should future opportunities arise, and thus allows the City to
pro-actively address the recreation needs of a diverse and growing
community.
Guidance
This Plan provides guidance to the City's Parks, Recreation and
Cultural Services Department for the next six years and beyond. The
plan is a tool for the City to manage its existing park and open space
resources. The Plan includes an inventory of existing facilities, and
assesses the current and future needs and demands of Federal Way
residents. This Plan establishes goal and policy direction, level of
service standards and a phased implementation strategy. This Plan
update will also provide the basis for parks and open space funding in
the City's six-year Capital Improvement Program (CIP).
3. Accomplishments Since 2000 Plan
This section summarizes the City's accomplishments achieved since
the implementation of the 2000 Comprehensive Parks, Recreation,
and Open Space Plan.
Land Acquisition
· Camp Kilworth (in process)
· 3 properties from King County
· Land for Madrona Park
· West Hylebos Wetlands State Park
· Hylebos Basin Open Space
· ----.2L parcels acquired through development process
Facility Improvements
· Steel Lake Park (Funland and Skate Park addition, artificial turf
soccer field)
· Klahanee Lake Community Center
· Lake Killarney Park
· Wedgewood Park (new play structure)
· West Hylebos Wetlands Park (trail to historic log cabins,
parking lot design)
PLANNING COMMISSION REVIEW DRAFT
APRIL 26, 2006 I 3
· Olympic View (new play equipment)
· Dumas Bay Centre (landscaping, surface water infiltration
improvements)
· Palisades Park (new play structure)
· Madrona Park (play structure, trails, landscaping)
· Celebration Park (additional play structure)
· Sacajawea Park (artificial turf on soccer field)
Park Planning
· Master Plans for Lakota Park and Sacajawea Park
· Design and Construction of the Federal Way Community
Center (opening 2007)
· Thompson Park (design)
· City Center open space visioning
Trail Improvements
· BPA trail phases II, III, IV (extending trail 2.61 miles)
Projects Planned for 2006
· Celebration Park (addition of maintenance storage building)
· Community Center (construction)
· Thompson Park (construction)
· Historic Cabins/West Hylebos Wetlands Park (parking lot for
historic cabins and a trailhead)
4. Plan Process
Figure 1.1 shows the general planning process for the Parks,
Recreation, and Open Space Plan.
· Inventory Existing Conditions - Collect and analyze existing
facility and program information, demographics, and future
population growth assumptions.
· Vision, Values, & Plan Priorities - Determine community
values and vision for the future of the parks, recreation, and
open space system. Identify what is important to the
community and develop priorities for future improvements
based on those values and future vision looking at both the
near-term (0-6 years) and long-term (20 years).
· Needs Assessment - Analyze the current and future needs
for the City's existing parks and open space facilities and
recreation programs.
4 I
CITY OF FEDERAL WAY
PARKS, RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE PLAN
FIGURE 1.1: PLAN PROCESS DIAGRAM - 2006
January. February
March. AprIl
February. March
~
III
~
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o
i'
~
Data Collection
& Park Inventory
Establish VISion &
Plan Priorities
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House 11
· Stakeholder
Meeting #1
(Feb. 8, 2006)
;Htii~'
House n
· Parks Commlsson
Briefing
(Mar. 2, 2006)
. Stakeholder
Meeting #2
(Mar. 8, 2006)
~~!'!i!~!I'j'lj
MeetIng 13
(Mar. 29, 2(06)
· Parks Commission
(April 6, 2006)
· Parks Commission
Work Session
(April 25, 2006)
· Planning Commission
(May 3, 2006)
(May 4, )
· City Council
Committee (May 8)
· City Council Briefing
(May 16, 2006)
. City Council
(June 6, 2006)
· Develop Strategies & Recommended Actions - Develop
recommendations for the City's community parks,
neighborhood parks, open spaces, trails, and recreation
programs.
· Prepare Plan- Develop goals and policies,
level of service standards, and implementation strategy
including identifying potential funding sources.
· Finalize Plan - City Council approval and adoption process.
Throughout the planning process there were multiple opportunities for
public input, feedback, and comment as described below.
5. Public Involvement
As part of the Plan effort, the City initiated a public outreach process
to engage community members in a dialogue about the future of
PLANNING COMMISSION REVIEW DRAFT
APRIL 26, 2006 I 5
Residents give feedback on specific
park issues at open house #1.
- -
, .~/i".:.:l> t
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Residents examine displays and write
down comments at public open house
#2.
the City's parks, open spaces, and recreation programs. The public
outreach process included numerous opportunities for public input
such as three meetings with stakeholders (representing various park
user groups and decision-makers), a citizen survey made available at
city facilities as well as on the City's website, and several public open
houses where ideas were presented and public feedback encouraged.
Community Survey
During February-March 2006, the City gathered input from residents
through a parks and recreation survey. This survey was posted on
the City's website, as well as handed out to various community groups
and made available at public facilities such as City Hall. This survey
asked questions about the park facilities respondents use, why they
use them, the types of recreational activities they do at parks, and
priorities for future improvements.
Community Open Houses
Two open houses were held to listen to residents and gather insights
into community parks and recreation needs. Information from these
events helped shape the vision for the future of parks and recreation
facilities and programs offered in Federal Way. The meetings are
summarized below:
Open House #1: February 8, 2006. The primary goal of this first open
house was to explain the Plan update process, highlight opportunities
for input and feedback, and determine what was important to the
community. The open house was set up as a self guided "tour"
through various displays, each with exercises set up to elicit
responses both about the general importance of park related issues
and to generate ideas specific to each park.
Open House #2: March 6, 2006. The goal of this open house was to
present the key themes that were distilled from responses received
during open house #1, the stakeholder group, and the citizen survey.
Strategies based upon these key themes or concepts were also
presented. Attendees were asked to provide feedback, including what
they liked and didn't like about the concepts presented.
Stakeholder Group
A stakeholder group was also formed to provide guidance for the Plan.
Each member of the stakeholder group represented organizations
6 I
CITY OF FEDERAL WAY
PARKS, RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE PLAN
that have an interest in the future of the City's park system, enabling
the City to more effectively reach a broader population by working
with these local organizations, sports associations, and service clubs.
In addition, these groups have an intimate knowledge of the City's
parks and open space facilities and recreation programs and can
provide insights and detail to the planning process. Members of the
stakeholder group are identified on the acknowledgements page.
JIiIIiIIi>>
Stakeholder Meeting #1: February 8, 2006. Overview of the plan
update process, stakeholder roles, and plan vision.
--'" -
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Three stakeholder meetings were held during the planning process:
Stakeholder Meeting #2: March 8, 2006. Continue discussion
regarding Plan vision, summary of public input to date, presentation of
draft strategies for active recreation parks, neighborhood parks, open
spaces, and recreation programs.
Stakeholders discuss their vision
for parks and recreation at the first
stakeholder meeting.
Stakeholder Meeting #3: March 29,2006. Plan priorities and draft
plan recommendations.
In addition to stakeholder meetings, individual interviews were
conducted with stakeholder group members during the week of March
13-17, 2006 to gather additional input and confirmation on core values.
Public Hearings! Adoption and Approval Process
In addition to the stakeholder meetings and public open houses,
several briefings, working sessions, and public hearings with the
Parks Commission, Planning Commission, and City Council will be
conducted as part of the Plan adoption and approval process.
6. Core Values
An integral part of the Parks, Recreation, & Open Space Plan is
to understand what is most important to the community. The core
PLANNING COMMISSION REVIEW DRAFT
APRIL 26, 2006 I 7
,j
Children play at Funland in Steel Lake
Park.
- ,.. ""~"iJ:i..!W"'.
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Steel Lake Park picnic shelters are vel}'
popular with residents.
The SPA Trail cuts through the middle
of Federal Way, tying together
several parks, open spaces, and other
destinations.
values which shape the Federal Way Parks and Open Space Plan
recommendations builds upon the following extensive public input and
sources:
· Two Public Open Houses
· Parks Plan Survey
· Public Open Space Visioning for the Federal Way City Center
· Stakeholder Meetings & Interviews
· Community Center Public Process (survey, meetings, ete)
· Comprehensive Plan Goals and Policies
· City Council Goals
· State and National Trends
Based on this input, the following 5 core values emerged:
Core Value #1: Improve Existing Facilities and
Provide Multiple Functions in Parks
The City has a wide range of properties and assets in its parks and
recreation system, which are distributed throughout the city, including:
· Open space and natural areas that provide wildlife habitat,
protection of environmentally sensitive areas, and passive
recreation opportunities
· Trails
· Neighborhood parks located in residential neighborhoods,
· Community recreation facilities
· A wide variety of recreation programs and facilities
Public input indicated that there is a strong community desire and
emphasis focusing on improving the resources the City currently
owns and maintains. This approach promotes better use and efficient
management of available resources. The Plan also addresses the
multi-use function of each park and open space. Parks that have
a variety of uses and facilities at each site appeal to a wider range
of user groups, serve different ages within families, and are an
efficient means of providing parks and recreation services. As future
improvements are made to each park or open space, the City should
strive to design and operate each facility with the multiple functions in
mind. The city has made significant progress in the past decade to
enhance the active recreation facilities in the community parks and the
development of new neighborhood parks in under served areas. In
addition, the City has acquired a number of undeveloped parcels as
open space or potential future park locations. Many of these facilities
are not widely known or used by the community.
8 I
CITY OF FEDERAL WAY
PARKS, RECREATION ANQ OPEN SPACE PLAN
Core Value #2: Develop a Walking and Biking
Community Through an Integrated Trail and Sidewalk
Network
A network of trails and non-motorized facilities is a priority for Federal
Way's future. According to the survey results, walking, hiking, and dog-
walking are some of the most common activities residents participate
in at local park facilities. In fact, walking is one of the easiest means
for people to get daily physical activity. For example, the SPA Trail is
one of the most highly used facilities in the City. However, an often
heard comment is that the SPA Trail does not connect to many other
locations or places. A system of loop trails or an interconnected network
of sidewalks and trails will provide a series of routes and options for the This sign is building awareness about
Federal Way community. These trails should also connect to the trail Federal Way's natural assets.
system located within existing parks and open spaces.
Core Value #3: Retain and Improve Our Open Spaces
Open spaces and natural areas in the City provide an array of benefits to
people and wildlife and can contribute to enhancing water quality in the
community. These spaces provide pockets of natural areas within the
City, wildlife habitat, native plants and trees, and protect environmentally
sensitive areas from development. The City's open spaces include
wooded areas, ravines, wetlands, and shoreline environments. These
open spaces help to define Federal Way's community character. Many
of these open spaces contain trails and other opportunities to experience
nature close to home.
Protecting Federal Way's natural systems is critical to preserving the
quality of life in the community. The City should continue to protect and
maintain its open spaces and natural resources. These open spaces
provide a valuable amenity and resource in the community to be able to
both experience and enjoy natural areas. A balance between protecting
these areas and providing opportunities for the community to enjoy and
use the facilities is essential. The City has an obligation to not only be
environmental stewards of these lands, but to also educate and promote
community awareness of the benefits of these open spaces. An open Residents gather for Summer Sounds
space management program that balances environmental protection, at Steel Lake Park.
education, invasive species management, and low impact public access
opportunities will provide the greatest benefit to the community now and
into the future.
PLANNING COMMISSION REVIEW DRAFT
APRIL 26. 2006 I 9
Core Value #4: Create Community Gathering Places
and Destinations
One of the consistent messages heard from the public is that the City
lacks adequate community gathering places or destinations. There
are very few places for the community to gather, meet with friends and
neighbors, and socialize. Community parks such as Celebration Park
and Steel Lake Park currently serve as community gathering places,
especially during the summer months. Retail areas also serve this
role in the City, though most of the retail areas are strip commercial
located along major arterials, not necessarily destination locations like
you would find in a Downtown or a neighborhood commercial district.
Creating community gathering places is especially important as the
City Center develops. People need comfortable places to linger and
congregate for community events. The City's parks can continue to
fulfill the role as community gathering places, especially if they include
amenities, multiple functions, and are safe and comfortable for the
public's use. Ensuring that trail and non-motorized improvements
connect popular destinations in the City will also encourage increased
use of these facilities.
Core Value #5: Provide a Balance of Services For a
Diverse Population
Understanding the population being served and providing programs
and opportunities that meet all residents' needs and interests is a
major goal of the Plan. Federal Way's park system should serve all
sectors of the population, providing a variety of options for active and
passive recreation opportunities. The City should offer a diversity
of facilities and services to accommodate a variety of age groups,
interests, income levels, and abilities. Special considerations
should be given to youth, seniors, and persons with special needs.
Additionally, Federal Way is becoming increasingly diverse with
residents from different backgrounds and cultures. The City should
continue to strive to be pro-active in assessing recreational trends
and provide services to reflect changing demands in a timely fashion.
7. Draft Vision
A vision expresses the community values, goals and priorities for the
future of the parks and recreation system. It conveys the park, open
space, and recreation qualities desired in the community now and into
the future.
10 I
CITY OF FEDERAL WAY
PARKS, RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE PLAN
Federal Way's unique landscape of hills, lakes, views, and Puget
Sound shoreline is enjoyed by the community through its linked
network of parks, open space, and gathering spots. Quiet green
places, vibrant gatherings, and diverse recreation and culture all
celebrate Federal Way's character and identity.
Our parks are clean, safe, and offer a variety of opportunities for
people of all ages and abilities to recreate and be healthy. Vibrant
public spaces in the City Center host a variety of public and cultural
events. Open spaces protect functioning ecosystems in tandem with
supporting public use, enjoyment, and environmental education about
the community's natural systems. Active, healthy living is supported
by an extensive walking network which links people to parks close
to home and community activities and events - community centers,
schools, public spaces, the City Center, and other destinations.
8. Plan Organization
This plan is organized according to the following breakdown:
Chapter 1: Introduction
Chapter 2: Community Profile
Chapter 3: Existing Park and Open Space System
Chapter 4: Recreation and Cultural Arts Programs
Chapter 5: Needs Assessment and Recommended Actions
Chapter 6: Goals & Policies
Chapter 7: Implementation
PLANNING COMMISSION REVIEW DRAFT
APRIL 26, 2006 I 11
Chapter Two
Community
Profile
Chapter 2: Community Profile
1. Regional Location
Federal Way is located in the South Central Puget Sound Region,
between Seattle and Tacoma. Federal Way is approximately 25 miles
south of Seattle and 8 miles north of Tacoma's City Center.
Federal Way is served by Interstate 5, State Route 18 and State Route
167. The major arterials are Pacific HighwaySouth (HWY 99), South
320th Street, South 336th Street, South 348th Street (Campus Drive),
21st Avenue Southwest, State Route 161 (Enchanted Parkway),
Military Road, and State Route 509 (Dash Point Road). King County
Metro is the primary transit service provided within the City. Figure 2.1 Celebration Park
is a vicinity map showing the City in its regional context.
Planning Area
Federal Way is composed of 13,568 acres of land (21.5 square miles),
stretching from South 272nd to the north and the Tacoma/Pierce
County border to the south, Military Road to the east and Puget Sound
to the west. The planning area includes current City limits as well as
the Potential Annexation Area (PAA), which is the unincorporated
King County area east of 1-5. The PAA is included in the planning
area because it is assumed that eventually it will be annexed to the
City, and thus, the City must plan for the population's future parks and
recreation needs. This plan identifies existing park facilities in the PAA
and will provide policy direction on these areas. The City currently SPA Trail at Panther Lake Open
owns and maintains one property within the PAA' Camelot Open Space
Space. Any reference made to other parks and open spaces within the
PAA is solely for planning purposes- it does not imply city ownership
or current responsibility for management.
2. Population Characteristics
Federal Way is changing and growing. Who makes up the population
within the city of Federal Way in terms of age, income, ethnicity
and household composition are major determinants of recreational
interests and demand.
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Happy summer campers pause their play
to pose for the camera.
PLANNING COMMISSION REVIEW DRAFT
APRIL 26, 2006 113
FIGURE 2.1
CITY OF FEDERAL WAY VICINITY MAP
~
PugetSound
14 I CITY OF FEDERAL WAY
PARKS, RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE PLAN
Current Population
The City of Federal Way is a growing community, experiencing many
changes both in its population characteristics and its built form.
According to the Washington Office of Finance and Management
(OFM), the city's 2005 population was estimated at 85,800 persons
(OFM, 2005) living in 27,250 households (OFM, 2003).
FIGURE 2.2: FEDERAL WAY POPULATION GROWTH
100,000
90,000
80,000
c 70,000
:8 60,000
~ 50,000
go 40,000
a.. 30,000
20,000
10,000
o
1990
2000
2005
Source: Federal Way Comprehensive Plan, OFM 2005
Year
City Population
Since incorporation (1990) the city has experienced a 25% increase
in population, which is approximately 11 % higher than the population
growth that has occurred in King County as a whole since that
time. Since 2000, the City of Federal Way has added almost 9,000
residents. Projections from the Office of Finance and Management
(OFM) show that population growth will continue.
Potential Annexation Area (PAA) Population
The PAA has a current population of approximately 21,000 residents.
Assuming that the PAA will be incorporated into the city by the year
2010 there will be a 43.8% increase in population within the city
according to Puget Sound Regional Council projections.
Projected Population and Urban Form
Population and employment growth targets identify the City's fair share
of regional growth for the next twenty years. According to the City's
Federal Way Key Facts
Average household size:
Federal Way: 2.63
King County: 2.39 .
Median household income:
Federal Way: $49,276
King County: $53,137
Percentage of single-family
residences: 53.0%
Percentage of multi-family
residences: 42%
Percentage of foreign born
residents:
Federal Way: 17.5%
King County: 15.3%
Percentage of residents under
age 18: approximately 30%
"Baby Boomer" population: 29.7%
Median Age: 32.5
Source: 2000 U.S. Census, Federal
Way Comprehensive Plan
PLANNING COMMISSION REVIEW DRAFT
APRIL 26, 2006 I 15
-
Children participate in art activities on
Kid's Day.
Senior residents participate in a
community dance class.
::'~
.,
Comprehensive Plan, Federal Way will need to accommodate 6,188
new residential units and 7,841 new jobs within this time period. This
equates to a total population of approximately 102,074 residents by
2022, or a 20% increase. The City is also an employment center, with
the majority of employers located in the City Center, along Highway
99, and the West Campus area. If growth projections for the PAA are
included in the projected population figures, it is anticipated that the
future population will be 132,028 in 2020.1
Since most of the City is built out and there is limited vacant land
remaining in the City, much of this population growth will occur in
denser infill development, particularly in the City Center and along
Highway 99, which is an important factor to consider in siting future
park and recreation facilities, and providing a continuous sidewalk
and trail network. Planning for population growth and the anticipated
development type and location means the City is pro-actively
addressing the community recreation needs now and into the future.
Age Distribution
It is also important to understand the age distribution in the community
as each age group tend to have different demands for parks and
recreation facilities and programming. For example, youth tend to
be more active than other groups. They participate in competitive
sports and activities such as baseball, soccer, basketball, football,
FIGURE 2.3: AGE DISTRIBUTION
35.00%
30.00%
25.00%
20.00%
15.00%
10.00%
5.00%
0.00%
~ ~ "Q> ~ ~ ~ ~x
'00<" <r.f ~ ~ I),<r.f ";)<r.f ~
.v~
. Federal Way 1990
. Federal Way 2000
o King County 1990
o King County 2000
1 Source: Puget Sound Regional Council, Projected Population in 2020, FAZ
level (includes area outside city limits for city level).
16 I
CITY OF FEDERAL WAY
PARKS, RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE PLAN
'.' -,;~
:;[;j
':~!
swimming, etc. Young adults (ages 18-35) are also an active age
group and form the core of adult competitive sports. Seniors (age
55+) are increasingly participating in active recreation programs and
activities. This will continue to be the trend as the baby boomers enter
this age bracket. According to Census data, approximately 30% of
the Federal Way population is under the age of 18. Roughly 30% of
the population is part of the "baby boomer" generation, or between the
ages of 42 and 60. These numbers imply that parks and recreation
planning needs to respond to an aging population while also providing
the facilities and programming that are attractive to families.
Population Diversity
The ethnic and cultural composition of a community is another
major factor to consider in determining what kinds of recreational
and leisure activities may be in demand. Parks and open spaces as
well as cultural and recreational programming should address the
different values and interests of the various ethnic groups living in
the community. The 2000 U.S. Census data indicate the majority of
the population in Federal Way is Caucasian (66.1 %), a decline in
the overall population since 1990. However, the percentage of racial
minorities in the City has increased over the past decade. Persons of
FIGURE 2.4: RACIAL DISTRIBUTION
100.00%
1_19901
_2000
90.00%
8O.00"A.
70.00%
80.00%
50.00%
40.00%
30.00%
20.00%
10.00"A.
0.00%
c
~~ 6?<ll-., "'ol}' .
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Federal Way teens enjoy a day at the
park.
Kids run on the track at Sacajawea
Park.
PLANNING COMMISSION REVIEW DRAFT
APRIL 26, 2006 I 17
Shoreline at Dumas Bay Park
West Hylebos Wetlands Park
F;shers Pond Open Space
Asian descent make up 12.2% of the population while 7.7% is African
American, 7.6% Hispanic or Latino, 1 .0% is Hawaiian or Other Pacific
Islander, 0.8% is American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.2% some
other race, and 4.4% are two or more races. In addition, approximately
17.5% of residents were born in another country. These numbers
clearly indicate that the City of Federal Way is becoming more diverse
and will likely continue to diversify. The City will continue to monitor
trends regarding population diversity in the community to ensure it
is pro-actively addressing future population needs that reflect the
diversity of the community.
3. Natural and Physical Features
The richness of Federal Way's natural features and variety in its
physical form provide an ideal setting for parks and recreational
opportunities. The quality of the City's hydrologic features, forested
areas, and scenic vistas is one of the primary reasons that many
individuals and families live in Federal Way. The City's natural
environment is composed of a wide variety of landforms, soils,
watercourses, and vegetation. Its terrain ranges from steep hills and
ridge lines to plateaus and lakes.
The City of Federal Way is located within the Hylebos Creek, Lower
Puget Sound, and Mill Creek drainage basins. These basins contain
an integrated system of lakes and streams that provide a natural
drainage system for over 36 square miles of southwest King County
and northeast Pierce County.
Critical areas such as wetlands, steep slopes, streams, and shorelines
provide valuable natural functions such as water purification and
wildlife habitat as well as opportunities for passive recreation such
as walking and bird watching. Federal Way contains several types of
wetlands, including marshes, bogs, ponds, forested and scrub-shrub
wetlands. Each wetland type plays a valuable role in the hydrological
system and offers unique wildlife habitat and human open space
values.
Federal Way has eight miles of shoreline and stunning views of the
Puget Sound, the Olympic Mountains, and Mt. Rainier.
18 I
CITY OF FEDERAL WAY
PARKS, RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE PLAN
Chapter Three
Existing Park
and Open Space
System
~
~
Chapter 3: Existing Park and Open Space System
Currently, the City has a range of community parks, neighborhood
parks, open spaces, trails, and other special use facilities. This chapter
describes the existing parks and open space system in Federal Way
today, including park facility conditions and needs. It also describes
facilities owned by other entities, which are located within the City (see
Tables 3.2 - 3.6).
1. Overview and Inventory of Federal
Way Park and Open Space System
The existing parks and recreational areas are divided into six categories.
Each category represents a distinct type of recreational activity or
opportunity. Figure 3.1 shows the parks and open spaces in the City.
Table 3.1 provides a summary of the existing park acreage by category.
Detailed park inventory sheets for each park and open space facility,
including the specific needs assessment are located in Appendix A of this
chapter.
TABLE 3.1
FEDERAL WAY PARK ACREAGE BY CATEGORY
Community Parks
Neighborhood Parks
Linear Parksrrrails
Special Use Areas
Total Developed Acreage
Open Space Acreage
222.3
158.4
118.0 (5.82 miles)
25.79
524.49
543.46
Community Parks
Community parks are the primary active recreation facilities in the City,
providing active and structured recreation opportunities for the community.
Three of these community parks are located adjacent to middle schools.
Community parks have a large service area, ranging from a minimum 2-
mile radius to the entire city, depending on if there is a unique attraction.
These parks range in size from 10 to 50+ acres. Many of the existing,
PLANNING COMMISSION REVIEW DRAFT
APRIL 26, 2006 I 19
community park facilities are designed for organized activities and sports,
although individual and family activities are also encouraged. Table 3.2
lists Federal Way's community parks' acreage and key features. Figure 3.1
shows where these facilities are located.
Since incorporation (1990), the City has made significant effort on
developing new and upgrading existing active recreation facilities at
Community Parks. Community parks are:
· Community-wide destinations
· Often the most popular and frequently visited parks in the
system
· Locations with multiple active recreation opportunities
· The most effective and efficient to maintain and manage,
especially for programming sports leagues and team events
TABLE 3.2
INVENTORY OF FEDERAL WAY COMMUNITY PARKS
Celebration Park 83.5 Soccer fields, Baseball/Softball
fields, Play area,
Wetland nature area,
Hiking/Walking Trails in Park,
Adjacent to Phase I paved BPA
Trail (Walk/Bike), Picnic area, 2
Restroom/Concession Buildings
Lakota Park 52.1* Soccer fields, Baseball/
Softball fields, Track, Wetland,
Restrooms
Sacajawea Park 18.3 Soccer field, Baseball/Softball
fields, Track,
Tennis court, Play area,
Hiking/Walking trail, Restrooms
Saghalie Park 16.4 Softball/baseball fields,
All-weather soccer field, Soccer/
Football field, Track, Basketball
court, Tennis courts, Volleyball
court, Walking/Biking trail,
Play area, Restrooms
Steel Lake Park 52.0 Soccer field, Baseball/Softball
fields, Basketball court,
Volleyball court, Horseshoe pit,
Skateboard park, Walking trail,
Swimming beach, Play area,
Restrooms
20 I
CITY OF FEDERAL WAY
PARKS, RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE PLAN
Legend
\-,
~ _ Community Parks
\: . Other City Owned
.~ Parks Open Space
~ D Parks Not Owned
By City
. . Community Reereatlon
Facility
D Federal Way City Limits
["""I Potential Annexation
- Area
FIGURE 3.1
FEDERAL WAY COMMUNITY PARKS
(
+
PugefSound
PLANNING COMMISSION REVIEW DRAFT
APRIL 26, 2006 I 21
Neighborhood Parks
The system currently includes 19 neighborhood parks located in the
City, primarily in single family residential areas. Neighborhood parks
are designed primarily for non-supervised, non-organized recreation
activities. They generally range in size from 2-10 acres and are
intended to serve an area of approximately one-half mile radius.
Some of these parks are neighborhood level community gathering
places; others are little used. Neighborhood parks provide a diversity
of features and facilities close to where people live, including play
equipment, picnic areas, trails, open grass areas for passive use,
informal spaces, natural areas, and some limited active recreation
facilities such as outdoor basketball or tennis courts. Neighborhood
parks are described in Table 3.3 as well as in the park inventory in
Appendix A. Figure 3.2 shows where these facilities are located.
TABLE 3.3
INVENTORY OF FEDERAL WAY NEIGHBORHOOD PARKS
Adelaide 7.0 Play area, Swing set,
Wood play structure,
Spring toys, Tennis court,
Horse arena, Hiking/
Walking trail, Picnic tables
Alderbrook 35.0 Play area,
Hiking/Walking trail,
Wetland nature area,
Picnic table
Alderdale 2.0 Play Area, Basketball
court, Tennis court, Hiking/
Walking trail, Picnic table
Coronado 1.5 Play area, Basketball court
Dash Point Highlands 5.0 Playarea, Trail connecting
to Dash Point State Park
trail system, Picnic table
Dumas Bay Park 19.3 Wetland nature area,
Walking/biking trail,
Shoreline Access
English Gardens 3.4 Hiking/Walking trail,
Play Structure, Picnic
table
22 I
CITY OF FEDERAL WAY
PARKS, RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE PLAN
French Lake 10.0* Temporary Off-Leash
Area, Horseshoe pit,
Ponds,
Off-site parking, Picnic
tables
Heritage Woods 2.0 Walking trail, Play
structure
Lake Grove 5.0 Play area, Basketball
court, Hiking/Walking trail,
Picnic tables
Lake Killarney 11.0 Wetland nature area,
Walking/Biking trail, Picnic
table, Lakefront
Madrona 19.4 Playarea, Wetland nature
area, BPA Trail Phase IV
Benches
Mirror Lake 3.04 Play structure,
Hiking/Walking trail,
Picnic table
Olympic View 21.0 2 play areas, Informal trail,
Picnic tables
Palisades 4.5 Play area, Basketball
court, Walking/Hiking trail
Thompson 2.6 Play area, Trail, Picnic
Tables, 1/2 court
Basketball court, Grind rail
Due to be developed in
Summer 2006
SW 312 Sports 2.0 Basketball Court, Tennis
Courts Court, Pickleball Court
Wedgewood 2.0 Play area, Hiking/Walking
trail, Picnic tables
Wildwood 2.3 Play area, Hiking/Walking
trail, Picnic tables
PLANNING COMMISSION REVIEW DRAFT
APRIL 26, 2006 I 23
ii
FIGURE 3.2
FEDERAL WAY NEIGHBORHOOD PARKS
~
PugetSound
\
1. Other City Owned
~ Parks Open Space
D Parks Not Owned
By City
. D Federal Way City Limits
[-] Potential Annexation
..- Area
24 CITY OF FEDERAL WAY
PARKS, RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE PLAN
Open Spaces
Federal Way's natural systems of forests, wetlands, and riparian
corridors help define the City's character and make it unique. Open
space areas are defined as public lands that are in a near natural
condition, or designated for future park or open space use. City-owned
undeveloped lands/open space total approximately 544 acres. These
areas provide aesthetic relief and physical buffers, protect sensitive
areas from development, and help to define the character of Federal
Way's parks and open space resources. Many of the City's publicly
TABLE 3.4
INVENTORY OF FEDERAL WAY OPEN SPACES
Camelot 12.6 in PAA, wooded
Dumas Bay 2.4 wooded
Fishers Pond 13.0 pond, wetlands, wooded,
Federal Way Historic
Society
Heritage 6.54 open meadow
West Hylebos 119.9 (includes wetlands, wetlands, wooded, ravine,
Wetlands Park log cabins, blueberry farm) trails
Hylebos Basin 47.6 wooded
Kenwood 6.3 wooded
Lochaven 14.4 wooded, ravine
Madrona Meadows 16.2 meadows, wooded
Marlbrook 2.1 wooded
Panther Lake 78.72 wetlands, wooded, gravel
trails
Poverty Bay 59.5 wooded, ravine, shoreline
Spring Valley 45.4 wooded, wetlands
SW 363rd 7.7 wooded, wetlands
Twin Lakes Vista 3.9 wooded
West Campus 57.0 wooded, wetlands
Misc. Open Spaces 60.3 small, undeveloped open
spaces
PLANNING COMMISSION REVIEW DRAFT
APRIL 26, 2006 I 25
FIGURE 3.3
FEDERAL WAY OPEN SPACES
~
\..; Legend
~ _ City Owned
Open Space
U Other City Owned
~ Park Properties
o Parks Not Owned
By City
D Federal Way City Limits
[---I Potential Annexation
--. Area
~
PugetSound
26 CITY OF FEDERAL WAY
PARKS, RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE PLAN
owned, undeveloped lands are constrained for development due to
the presence of environmentally sensitive areas such as wetlands,
streams, lakes, steep slopes, and wildlife habitat. These areas offer
both the ability to protect and preserve natural areas, and provide low-
impact public access to nature in an urban setting.
Trails
Trails, often called linear parks, are routes for non-motorized traffic
(walking and biking) that generally follow a utility or stream corridor,
ravine or some other elongated feature, such as public rights-of-
way. Examples of existing trails within the city are the SPA and West
Campus trails, which comprise 118 acres and total 5.82 miles in trail
length. In addition, many of the City's parks and open spaces contain
a trail network within them, however most of the trail distances have
not been calculated within the parks. Table 3.5 lists the trails within
Federal Way.
TABLE 3.5
INVENTORY OF DEDICATED FEDERAL WAY TRAILS
Other City-Owned Facilities
Special use areas are miscellaneous public recreation facilities or park
land owned by the city, such as community centers, public plazas,
landscaped medians or sign areas, and the City's maintenance yard.
The City owns 25.79 acres of these special-use areas. Table 3.6
identifies the mayor community recreational facilities.
PLANNING COMMISSION REVIEW DRAFT
APRIL 26, 2006 I 27
TABLE 3.6:
MAJOR COMMUNITY RECREATION FACILITIES
Dumas Bay Centre/
Knutzen Family Theatre
3200 SW
Dash Point
Road
12.0
Retreat and conference facility including conference and
banquet rooms for business meetings, reunions, and weddings
with full service catering, overnight accommodations, 250-seat
Knutzen Family Theatre, landscaped grounds, views of Puget
Sound, and the Olympics Mountains. The Centre now has
wireless internet access available within the meeting rooms.
The City's Dance, Creative Movement, Visual Arts, and
Theatre programs are based out of this facility.
Kenneth Jones Pool*
30421 16th
AveS.
.5
Includes a T-shaped indoor pool 25 yards by 25 meters and a
one meter diving board. The facility is also available for pool
parties and rentals. The City's Aquatics Program is based out
of this facility.
Klahanee Community 33901 9th 7.0
Center/Senior Center** Ave.S
Steel Lake 31130 28th 4.25
Maintenance Facility Ave.S
penlng In ,t e new community center WI InC U e a
bay gymnasium, a fitness equipment room, multi-purpose
Federal Way Celebration rooms, lap and leisure pools, hot tub, sauna, game room,
Community Center Park climbing wall, senior room, childcare room, preschool
classrooms, locker rooms, catering kitchen, classroom outdoor
Federal Way Sign 2800 S 320th 0.2 Location of City entrance sign and landscaped area.
St
Dash Point Triangle 31200 SW
Park Dash Point 0.3 Location of City flagpole and landscaped area.
Rd
33325 8th Location of General City offices, Police Department and
City Hall Ave S 5.85 Municipal Court
*Note: The City currently leases this facility. This facility will no longer accommodate City programs after the Federal
Way Community Center opens in 2007.
**Note: Once the Community Center opens in 2007, ownership of this facility will transfer to Federal Way Public
Schools.
28 I
CITY OF FEDERAL WAY
PARKS, RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE PLAN
2. Parks and Facilities Not Owned by
Federal Way
Potential Annexation Area Park Inventory
In addition to the parks located within City limits, there are several
County parks located within the City's Potential Annexation Area
(PAA). Although the City does not own or maintain these parks, these
facilities serve the current population in the PAA as well as Federal
Way citizens who live east of 1-5. The City will assume ownership of
these facilities when these areas are annexed. Table 3.7 provides a
listing of the park facilities in the Potential Annexation Area.
TABLE 3.7
INVENTORY OF KING COUNTY PARKS AND FACILITIES IN
FEDERAL WAY AND POTENTIAL ANNEXATION AREA Bingamon Pond (Source: Visit Federal
Way)
Bingaman Pond Park 16.7 Hiking trail, natural areas
Camelot Park 18.0 Wetland, ravine
Tennis courts, basketball
court, swimming beach,
Five Mile Lake Park 31.9 gazebo, picnic area, fishing
pier, restrooms, concession
building, kitchen/picnic shelter,
open play area, walking, track
IS mg pier, piCniC s e ter,
Lake Geneva Park 18.6 open lawn area, soccer fields,
restrooms, lake access, boat
Puyallup Landfill 30.0 Meadow
Weyerhaeuser King Indoor pool, meeting/banquet
County Aquatic 11.1 room and parking area
Center*
South King County 24.6 Ball fields
Ballfields
TOTAL 150.9
*Located within city limits
PLANNING COMMISSION REVIEW DRAFT APRIL 26, 2006 I 29
FIGURE 3.4
PARK FACILITIES OWNED BY OTHER JURISDICTIONS
~
" 1 Legend
~ . County Owned Facility
~'... _ Parks/Open Space
Not Owned By City
~ City Owned Park
and Open Space
. 0 Federal Way City limits
[_oJ Potential Annexation
-- Area
..}
PugetSound
30 CITY OF FEDERAL WAY
PARKS, RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE PLAN
State Park Inventory
There are several State of Washington facilities located within
Federal Way or the Potential Annexation Area. Dash Point State
Park is a significant asset for Federal Way residents with its vast
natural setting, and shoreline amenities. Table 3.8 lists these State
facilities.
TABLE 3.8:
INVENTORY OF WASHINGTON STATE PARK, RECREATION,
AND OPEN SPACE AREAS IN FEDERAL WAY PLANNING
AREA
Dash Point State Park**
Camping, swimming,
beach, picnic area,
trails, small boat launch,
amphitheater
Lake fishing access
Boat launch, fishing pier
398
Lake Dolloff Fishing Access*
North Lake Fishing Access*
TOTAL
1.3
5.5
404.8
* Located in PAA
**Note: Only 230 acres are located within City Limits
Other Facilities
In addition to parks and recreation facilities and programs offered
by the City of Federal Way, there are numerous private businesses
and organizations, both within and in close proximity to the city, that
provide a range facilities. Private and public recreation facilities can
benefit one another by minimizing redundancies in services offered
as well as developing joint use agreements where appropriate.
Tables 3.9 and 3.10 list facilities provided by private businesses or
organizations:
Dash Point State Park
PLANNING COMMISSION REVIEW DRAFT
APRIL 26, 2006 I 31
'"
";J
TABLE 3.9
SUMMARY OF PRIVATE OUTDOOR RECREATIONAL
FACILITIES IN THE FEDERAL WAY AREA
Enchanted Village/Wild Waves
n/a
Amusement rides, wading pond, picnic areas,
miniature golf, water slides, wave pool
Tennis courts, pool
Campground for day camps, covered outdoor
sports arena for soccer and roller hockey,
classrooms
Marine Hills Rec. Assoc.
3.0
YMCA Norman Center
5.0+
Twin Lakes Golf Course
120.0
Golf course, pool, tennis courts, clubhouse
Bonsai garden, trail
Pacific Rim Collection
Rhododendron Species Botanical
Garden
0.5
24.0
Garden, trail
32 I
CITV OF FEDERAL W A V
PARKS, RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE PLAN
TABLE 3.10
SUMMARY OF PRIVATE INDOOR RECREATIONAL
FACILITIES IN FEDERAL WAY AREA
Curves
Fitness training
EX3 Teen Center (Boys and Girls Gym, climbing wall, open classroom, tech lab, learning
Clubs of King Co.) lounge
Bally Total Fitness
(20th Ave S)
Bally Total Fitness
(1 $I Ave S)
Racquetball, gym, aerobics, lap pool and weight room
Racquetball, gym, aerobics, lap pool and weight room,
indoor track
Brooklake Community Center
Lodge, meeting hall, dance floor, picnics
24 Hour Fitness
Fitness Training, weight room
Federal Way Senior Center*
Gymnastics Unlimited
Pattison's West Skating Center
Laser Quest
Secoma Bowling Lanes
Paranoid Paintball*
*Outside city limits
Meeting Hall and lunch room
Gymnastics training
Indoor roller skating rink
Laser Tag
Bowling lanes
Outdoor paintball
PLANNING COMMISSION REVIEW DRAFT
APRIL 26, 2006 I 33
?;:,>;
TABLE 3.11
SUMMARY OF EXISTING SPORTS FACILITIES
IN AND AROUND FEDERAL WAY
Baseball Fields
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
Todd Beamer High School
Decatur High School
Federal Way High School
Kilo Middle School*
IlIahee Middle School
Lakota Park
1 lighted, shared with
softball
1 lighted
1 lighted
Sacajawea Park
Saghalie Park
Thomas Jefferson High School*
South King County Ballfields*
Softball Fields
1
1
1
4
1
1
1
3
Todd Beamer High School
lIIahee Middle School
Kilo Middle School*
Celebration Park
Lakota Park
4 lighted
1 lighted, shared with
baseball
1 lighted
1 lighted
3 lighted
Sacajawea Park
Saghalie Park
Steel Lake Park
Little LeagueNouth Softball
3 Adelaide Elementary
4 Brigadoon Elementary
3 Camelot Elementary*
2 Federal Way American Little League Complex
Behind Sacajawea Middle
School
34 I
CITY OF FEDERAL WAY
PARKS, RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE PLAN
;,. '..
,-t;
.,
Table 3.11 cont.
Little League/Youth Softball (continued)
4
1
1
4
4
2
4
2
2
2
3
3
1
2
3
2
2
4
3
Near Winco Park
Federal Way National Little League Complex
Five Mile Lake Park*
Glendawn Baptist Bible Camp*
Lakota Park
Lake Dolloff Elementary*
Lake Grove Elementary
Lakeland Elementary*
Mark Twain Elementary
Mirror Lake Elementary
Nautilus Elementary
Olympic View Elementary
Panther Lake Elementary
Rainier View Elementary*
Sherwood Forest Elementary
South King County Ballfields*
Truman High School
Twin Lakes Elementary
Valhalla Elementary*
Wildwood Elementary
Soccer Fields
1
1
1
4
1
1
1
1
2
Adelaide Elementary
Brigadoon Elementary
Camelot Elementary*
Celebration Park
Enterprise Elementary
Glendawn Baptist Bible Camp*
Green Gables Elementary
Lake Dolloff Elementary*
Lake Geneva Park
4 lighted
APRIL 26, 2006 I 35
PLANNING COMMISSION REVIEW DRAFT
Table 3.11 cant.
Soccer Fields (continued)
1
1
3
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
2
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
Lake Grove Elementary
Lakeland Elementary*
Lakota Park
Mark Twain Elementary
Mastis Field
Mirror Lake Elementary
Nautilus Elementary
Olympic View Elementary
Panther Lake Elementary
Rainier View Elementary*
Sacajawea Park
Saghalie Park
Sherwood Forest Elementary
Silver Lake Elementary
Steel Lake Park
Truman High School
Twin Lakes Elementary
Valhalla Elementary*
Wildwood Elementary
1 all-weather field
1 lighted with artificial turf
2 lighted, 1 all-weather field
1 lighted with artificial turf
Football Fields
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
Decatur High School
Federal Way Memorial Field
1 Stadium with artificial turf,
1 natural turf field outside
stadium
Federal Way High School
Kilo Middle School*
lIIahee Middle School
Sacajawea Park
Saghalie Park
Thomas Jefferson High School*
1 lighted, field turf
1 lighted
36 I
CITY OF FEDERAL WAY
PARKS, RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE PLAN
Table 3.11 cont.
Tennis Courts
1
1
4
3
2
1
2
2
4
4
1
25
6
2
8
Public Tennis Courts
Alderdale Park
Adelaide Park
Decatur High School
Federal Way High School
Five Mile Lake Park*
IIlahee Middle School
Lakota Wastewater Treatment Plant
Sacajawea Park
Saghalie Park
Thomas Jefferson High School*
SW 312th Sports Court Park
Subtotal
Private Tennis Courts
Bally Total Fitness (1st Way S. Location)
Twin Lakes Golf Course
Subtotal
2 Lighted
4 Lighted
Plus one pickleball court
(Membership Required)
Swimming Pools
2 Bally Total Fitness
25 Meter Lap Pool
"Full size" Lap Pool
6 lane, 25 yard "T'
25 Yard Outdoor Pool
50 Meter Pool, 25 Meter
Pool, Diving Tank
25 Meter Outdoor
Pool
1 Federal Way Pool (Kenneth Jones Pool)
1 Marine Hills Recreation Association
3 Weyerhaeuser King County Aquatic Center
1 Twin Lakes Golf Club
1 Mar Cheri Association
APRIL 26, 2006 I 37
PLANNING COMMISSION REVIEW DRAFT
Table 3.11 cont.
Tracks
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
Todd Beamer High School
Decatur High School
Federal Way Memorial Field
Saghalie Middle School
Federal Way High School
Five Mile Lake Park*
Kilo Middle School*
lIIahee Middle School
Lakota Park
Sacajawea Park
Thomas Jefferson High School*
Private Tracks
Bally Total Fitness
1 synthetic
1
1
1 artificial
1
1 jogging trail
1 cinder
1 cinder
1 cinder
1 cinder
1 cinder
(membership required)
Basketball Courts
1 Alderdale Park
1 Coronado Park
1 Lake Grove Park
1 Palisades Park
1 Saghalie Park
1 Steel Lake Park
1 SW 312th St Courts
Private Basketball Courts
1 Bally Total Fitness
half court
(membership required)
Sand Volleyball Courts
1 Saghalie Park
2 Steel Lake Park
38 I
CITY OF FEDERAL WAY
PARKS, RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE PLAN
~
<l
Chapter Four
Recreation
And Cultural
Arts Programs
Chapter 4: Recreation and Cultural
Arts Programs
1. Overview
The Federal Way Recreation and Cultural Services Department
provides programs, services and special events designed to foster
community spirit, build individual self-confidence, and enhance quality
of life for Federal Way residents. The Department also manages
several recreation destination facilities such as the Dumas Bay Centre,
the Knutzen Family Theatre and the beach at Steel Lake Park. The
new Community Center (opening in 2007) will provide new spaces to
significantly broaden the range of cultural and recreation programming
opportunities available to the community.
The City's cultural and recreation programs served approximately
1,250 individuals in 2005. Programs with the highest unmet demand
were education, music, crafts and visual arts, and adult athletics,
however this varied depending on the time of year.
As of 2003-2004, the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services
Department consists of 30.4 full time equivalents (FTE's) with 13.1
FTEs in the Recreation and Cultural Services Operations Division. 1
2. City Recreation Programs
The City offers recreation programs in the following general
categories:
· Youth and Adult Athletics
· Fitness
· Dance, Creative Movement, Visual Arts
· Theatre Programs
· Preschool Education
· Seasonal, Specialty and Summer Camps
· Aquatics
· Inclusive Recreation
· Senior Services
· Community Events
· Rentals and Retreat Facilities
1 City of Federal Way Community Center Business Plan, December 2005.
I~":" . .,..".. .' '
.;- .. ~ i
. \" .;
~ \' .
. - \",,-
-.) '.;J . '".~/
~~~.. ~.
, ..,...
, . ----."
~_--t'~
Many Federal Way children participate
and enjoy Kid's Day.
The Summer Sounds at the Beach
Concert is attended by many.
PLANNING COMMISSION REVIEW DRAFT
APRIL 26, 2006 I 37
Each quarter, the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Department
produces the Recreational Programs brochure with a complete listing
of classes, programs, events and rental facilities. The City also offers
fee reductions and scholarships to assist individuals who meet certain
income guidelines for many programs and services.
According to the survey conducted as a part of this Plan,
approximately 30% of residents participate in City programs of some
kind. The majority of residents (70%) learn about City programs
through the Recreation brochure, which confirms the effectiveness of
this method for providing information.
Youth and Adult Athletics
The City provides a variety of adult and youth athletic programs.
The most popular adult athletics programs sponsored by the City
are softball, soccer, and volleyball. The City also offers adult health
and fitness classes such as yoga, pilates, and "step & flex." Most
youth athletic programs in Federal Way are run by alternative service
providers. The City provides support to alternative service providers
with access to city facilities such as fields and gyms. Primary service
providers for youth athletics include youth soccer, football and
baseball associations, YMCA and Boys and Girls Clubs. The City's
approach to youth athletics is to provide programs and fill needs within
the community not currently provided by alternative service providers.
Examples of youth athletic programs provided by the City include:
. Girls Basketball
. Youth Volleyball (to begin 2006)
. Youth Tennis lessons.
Although tennis participation nationwide is trending down, youth tennis
lessons in Federal Way continue to be popular due to the instructor
and quality of instruction.
The City does not currently have plans to develop additional youth
athletic programs since other providers are doing an effective job
meeting the youth athletic program needs of the community. Table
4.1 summarizes the youth sports associations in Federal Way.
38 I
CITY OF FEDERAL WAY
PARKS, RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE PLAN
TABLE 4.1
YOUTH SPORTS ASSOCIATIONS
Baseball
District 10 Little League:
Federal Way American Little
League; Federal Way National
League
Steel Lake Little League
Boys and Girls Club
YMCA T -Ball
Basketball
Boys and Girls Club
YMCA
Football
Federal Way Junior Football
(Hawks)
In-line Hockey League
YMCA
Soccer
Federal Way Soccer
Association
Boys and Girls Club
Washington State Soccer
Association
Washington State Women's
Soccer Association
YMCA Soccer
Softball
Federal Way Girls' Fast Pitch
Association
Ages 5-18
Ages 5-16
1 st to 6th grade
Pre-school to 2nd grade
1 st to 10th grade
Pre-school-6th grade
Ages 7-14
Kindergarten to adult
Ages 5-18
1 st to 6th grade
Adults
Adults
Pre-school to Middle School
Youth, Teen
APRIL 26, 2006 I 39
PLANNING COMMISSION REVIEW DRAFT
Table 4.1 cont.
Steel Lake Little League (Boys
and Girls)
Swimming
Valley Aquatics Swim Team
Pacific Waves Synchronized
Swimming
KING Aquatics
Fast pitch ages 7-14
Youth, Teen
Youth, Teen
Youth, Teen
South Sound Titans
Youth, Teen
Pacific Northwest Diving
Youth, Teen
Ages 5-18
The City currently offers limited teen focused programs and services.
The City does not have a designated staff or budget for developing
teen programs. Currently, the Youth Commission activities are
facilitated by a Recreation Coordinator with multiple areas of
responsibility. The City does offer a teen camp in the Summer. The
Boys & Girls Club currently serves the teenage group, offering a broad
range of programs in the community including the Teen Center at the
EX3 facility. The new EX3 facility includes a technology and computer
lab, climbing wall, gymnasium, and teen lounge area. A variety of
programs are offered at EX3 including men's basketball league,
volleyball league, tutoring and educational programs, art, and Tae
Kwon Do.
According to the 2006 parks survey, teen programs were listed
as a priority for the community. However, as most of the survey
respondents were 45+ years of age, it is unclear whether it is the
teens themselves who want more programs. Today, teens tend to
look for opportunities for unstructured social interaction or specialized
40 I
CITY OF FEDERAL WAY
PARKS, RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE PLAN
class/training like computers, media, etc. Thus, whether the City
should be offering additional teen programming above and beyond
what is currently provided by the City and others and may be an area
for further review. After the Community Center is built, there will be
amenities that may draw teens such as the Game Room, climbing
wall, and leisure/drop in spaces.
Fitness
Health and fitness classes include yoga, step and flex, Pilates,
water exercise and martial arts such as judo and tai chi. In general,
enrollment in fitness classes is declining. There are several reasons
for this - the City currently schedules these activities in schools and
is subject to being cancelled for other activities or for school closures
and maintenance periods. Secondly, there are a number of private
fitness providers that offer quality health and fitness with competitive
rates. However, interest in health and fitness related classes may
rise with the opening of the new Community Center in 2007. The
new community center will include an aerobics room; gymnasiums;
a leisure pool, lap pool, sauna and steam room; a fitness center, and
additional classroom space.
Dance, Creative Movement, Visual Arts
The City offers some craft and visual arts classes such as
photography for beginners, and scrap booking. The crafts and visual
arts programs are less popular than some of the other programs
offered by the City. The craft/visual arts programs that tend to be most
popular are those in which people learn a skill-such as photography
or ceramics. However, the City does not currently have the facilities
for those types of arts and media programs (i.e. facilities currently lack
a dark room, kiln, etc). The City does not currently have a facility in
which to offer additional visual media programs. However, the new
Community Center will have sufficient classroom space to offer arts
and crafts that do not require specialized equipment or spaces. Dance
classes range from toddler dance classes, ice skating lessons, hip hop
dance, and cheerleading. Music classes include private and group
instruction for guitar and piano, as well as toddler music programs.
A resident joyfully crosses the finish line
at the triathlon.
- ...
Kids enjoy the arts and crafts program.
PLANNING COMMISSION REVIEW DRAFT
APRIL 26, 2006 I 41
Dance classes and gymnastics are held at Dumas Bay Centre, where
there is a stage, a creative movement room, and a visual arts room.
Music classes, such as guitar and piano, are held at Saghalie Middle
School or Dumas Bay Centre. Gymnastics will likely move to the
Community Center when it opens. Dance Classes tend to be large and
popular, especially the pre-school age and special interest classes.
. Toddlers/young age dance classes are well attended such as
toddler tap, youth tap and ballet.
. Adult Ballroom Dance is popular; however class sizes tend to
fluctuate in size.
. The most popular music classes tend to be the private and
group lessons such as piano and guitar.
. Gymnastics is also quite popular, likely because children are
able to participate without parental supervision.
Theatre Programs
The City offers a variety of theatre arts programs for a range of age
groups. Classes include musical theater, private coaching, and
acting. Classes are typically held at the Knutzen Family Theater and
occasionally at other facilities such as Saghalie Middle School.
Pre-school Education
The preschool education programs, located at the Steel Lake Annex
are designed to promote children's social, physical and cognitive
growth in a secure, creative and stimulating environment, and to help
prepare children for kindergarten. The City offers parent participation
programs for those under three, and a variety of classes ranging from
two to eight hours per week for those ages three through five.
Preschool education programs fluctuate in popularity with the highest
attendance currently being in the classes based on trendy themes.
Preschool class numbers are expected to rise when moved to the
new community center due to increased visibility, new classrooms and
equipment, and the option for parents to enroll their child while they
use the pool or fitness room to exercise (the "one stop shop" idea).
Seasonal, Specialty and Summer Camps
The City currently offers a variety of camp programs throughout the
year, offered to children and teens, ages two to fifteen. The youth
summer day camp, for those ages six through twelve, is a popular City
program, and currently operates at capacity, with available camps size
42 I CITY OF FEDERAL WAY
PARKS, RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE PLAN
constrained by transportation (Le. two vans plus a shuttle equals the
maximum capacity of 35 kids). Camp is currently held at Sherwood
Forest Elementary for seven weeks of the summer, and at Steel Lake
Park for three weeks. Camp will move to the Community Center when
completed. If there is enough interest, the City could operate two
sites, one at Sherwood Forest and one at the Community Center. The
City is currently exploring other transportation options for the camp.
The City also offers Mid-Winter, Spring, and Winter holiday camps,
which vary in popularity. Field trips are currently the most popular
activity, and boost registration when they are scheduled as a large part
of camp. During the summer, the City also contracts out for specialty
camps such as martial arts, Lego workshops, and horseback riding
camps.
Aquatics
Aquatics programs are located at the Kenneth Jones Pool and include
public swim instruction, water aerobics, and pool parties. Kenneth
Jones pool directly competes with the King County Aquatic Center,
which has a variety of swimming programs available to the community.
The County provides a wider range of programs and services for
the pre-school and youth age groups. City programs such as water
aerobics are quite popular as well as private swim lessons (mommy
& me to adult age). In addition, other service providers offer classes,
lessons, and swim team at Kenneth Jones Pool. The new Community
Center will replace Kenneth Jones Pool and will include both lap and
leisure pools.
Inclusive Recreation
A program currently growing in popularity is the Recreation, Inc.
program, which is geared toward individuals with developmental
disabilities. The "Inc." stands for "inclusion," as the City is trying to
attract people of ALL abilities to programs. This program consists of a
variety of classes, trips, athletics and events which run throughout the
year.
Senior Services
The Klahanee Lake/Senior Center offers a variety of classes, trips,
and events for seniors. Generally, the more 'active' programs are
growing in popularity (tai chi, senior softball, etc). The less active
programs are in decline and less popular (Le. crafts, bingo, etc).
PLANNING COMMISSION REVIEW DRAFT
APRIL 26, 2006 I 43
_ . 'J ~
, ,"~~,
Often, the popularity of programs are instructor-based. When people
make a connection with the instructor they are likely to continue. Some
of the programs/services currently being provided include:
. Art classes
. AARP driver safety program
. Bridge
. Open Pickleball
. Excursions
. Tai Chi
. Bingo
. live music
. Hot Lunch Programs 4 days a week
. Meals on Wheels (serving 300-350 individuals/year)
. Senior softball
. Other services e.g., foot care, tax help, etc
Community Events
Community events are sponsored by the Recreation and Cultural
Services Division every month with the exception of: January, March,
April, May, and November. Community Events are typically free
or low-cost and to assist with the cost of providing events the City
seeks other government and corporate sponsorship. Community
Events tend to be very popular as they provide opportunities for
the participation for all ages, bring the community together, and are
financially accessible. Some of the large community events include:
Residents enjoying the music at Summer · Red, White and Blues Festival (Held on the 4th of July at
Sounds on the Beach. Celebration Park)
· Summer Sounds Outdoor Concert Series (Steel Lake Park)
· Fall Carnival (Community Center)
· Easter Egg Hunt (held at Saghalie Middle School)
· Teen Egg Hunt (Saghalie Junior High)
· Youth Fishing Derby (Steel Lake Park)
Rentals and Retreat Facilities
The Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Department manages
several rental facilities that require a fee and often a special use
permit. These facilities include picnic sites and shelter at Steel Lake
Park, conference rooms and retreat facilities at Dumas Bay Center,
event space and kitchen at Klahanee Community and Senior Center,
and party rooms at Kenneth Jones Pool. In addition, if Camp Kilworth
is purchased by the City, it is likely that the accompanying lodge will
be managed as a rental facility for special events.
44 I CITY OF FEDERAL WAY
PARKS, RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE PLAN
I,
3. Non-City Service Providers
In addition to the City of Federal Way's Recreation and Cultural
Arts programming there are other public, private, or non-profit
organizations and associations within the city, and in close proximity,
that offer complementary classes, facilities, and productions in dance,
art, and theater. Other recreation programming service providers are
summarized in Table 4.2.
Since incorporation, the City has closely coordinated with these
providers to ensure that the City is not duplicating services already
being provided by others. In this way, the Department can
concentrate on "filling in the gaps" and provide programs that others
do not currently provide.
TABLE 4.2
NON-CITY SERVICE PROVIDERS
King County Aquatic
Center
650 SW
Campus
Drive, Federal
Way
The Center at 4818 Nassau
Norpoint, MetroParks Ave NE,
Tacoma
EX3 Ron Sandwith
Teen Center
31453 28th
AveS.,
Federal Way
Federal Way Boys
and Girls Club
308 8th Ave.
S., Federal
Way
Swim instruction, exercise programs, pool parties, competitions
and events, drop-in swimming and lap swimming, banquet
facilities.
Youth basketball league, swimming/pool classes, personalized
fitness programs, ballet, fitness classes, yoga, child care, etc.
Men's basketball league, volleyball league, Tech Lab &
Learning Lounge, Youth Force, Tae Kwon Do, art classes,
tutoring and education programs.
PM Pals (after school program), Day Camp at Mirror Lake
Elementary, Summer Teen Camp, summer sports camps.
PLANNING COMMISSION REVIEW DRAFT
APRIL 26, 2006 I 45
Table 4.2 cont.
Federal Way
Norman Center
YMCA
33250 21 st
Ave SW,
Federal Way
100512th
Auburn Valley YMCA Street SE,
Auburn
Korum Family
Branch YMCA
Federal Way Senior
Center
Auburn Senior
Center
Twin Lakes Country
Club
Marine Hills Country
Club
Bally's
302 43rd Ave
SE, Puyallup
4016 S. 352nd
St., Auburn
808 9th Street
SE, Auburn
3583 SW
320th St
Federal Way,
WA 98023
3583 SW
320th St,
Federal Way,
W A, 98023
32828 pt Ave.
S.; 31701
20th Ave. S,
Federal Way
Services include: child care, summer day camp, sports
programs, and fitness classes.
Fitness programs and consultation, strength training, senior
fitness, martial arts, summer day camp, swim lessons, swim
team, teen programs, and pool parties.
rograms ,nc u e exercise c asses, Itness c asses or 0 er
adults, fitness orientations and consultations, personal fitness
program, indoor and outdoor adult sports including basketball,
volleyball, roller hockey, softball, ultimate Frisbee, golf and
soccer.
Arts and crafts, bingo, music, seated exercise, lunch program,
computer classes, Walk for Your Life weekly hikes/walks.
Variety of social, recreational, heath, and wellness, educational,
and nutritional services and programs.
swim lessons, lap swims
swim lessons, lap swim, swim team, water polo
Fitness class offering include aerobics, power cycling, yoga,
Pilates, Tae Kwon Do, spinning, kick boxing. Other facilities
include a swimming pool, whirlpool, running track, weight room
and cardiovascular and resistant training equipment.
46 I CITY OF FEDERAL WAY
PARKS, RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE PLAN
~ \..."
,
;',Ii
~'t
. .'
Table 4.2 cont.
Curves for Women
28839 Military
Road S;
1500 S. 336th
St, Ste 11.,
Federal Way
Circuit training workout equipment
24 Hour Fitness
2130 S. 314th
St. , Federal
Way
Aerobics and cycling programs, personal training, Kid's Club,
sauna, tanning, weight room.
LA Fitness
This facility is currently under construction. When open, it will
offer aerobics, personal training, a fitness room, cardia center
and weight room. Other facilities include a spa, swimming pool,
sauna, juice bar, basketball and racquetball courts.
ommuntty enter usmess an, ppen IX .
1115 South
348th Street
Ste 100/A
PLANNING COMMISSION REVIEW DRAFT
APRIL 26, 2006 I 47
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4. Recreation Demand
As a part of the planning effort for the Community Center, an analysis
of recreation trends was conducted to help understand local recreation
demand. The following general statements describe how various age
groups in the City tend to use parks and recreation facilities.2 The
percentages shown below indicate the percentage of the Federal Way
population in each age group:
· Under 5 years (7.8%) - This group represents users of
preschool and tot recreation programs and facilities. These
individuals make up the future users of youth recreation
programs.
· 5 to 14 years (16.1%) - This group represents current
youth program participants. The percentage indicates that both
youth and teen programs will continue to be in demand.
· 15 to 24 years (14.2 %) - This group represents teen/young
adult program participants moving out of the youth recreation
programs and into adult programs. This number is likely to
increase as the youth age group gets older, indicating continued
growth in the active recreation activities such as organized sports.
· 25 years to 34 years (15.9%) - This group represents
involvement in adult recreation programming. Trends show
that organized sports such as softball, volleyball, and
soccer will continue in their popularity with this age group. At the
same time this group has the characteristic of beginning long-
term relationships and establishing families, which competes with
being actively engaged in organized sports.
· 35 to 54 years (30.7%) - This group represents users of
a wide range of adult programming and park facilities. Their
characteristics extend from having children using preschool
and youth programs to becoming empty nesters. This group
typically has less time to devote to recreational activities. They
tend to use parks on weekends and the occasional evenings
both for active and passive activities.
· 55 years plus (15.3%) - This group represents users of
older adult programming exhibiting the characteristics
of approaching retirement or already retired and typically
enjoying grandchildren. This group generally also ranges from
very healthy, active seniors to more physically inactive seniors.
2 Source: City of Federal Way Business Plan, 2005; Age group percentages
based on Census 2000 figures.
48 I
CITY OF FEDERAL WAY
PARKS. RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE PLAN
\ii,
~
"~~
State and National Trends
National and state trends in recreational programming and recreation
activities, and participation levels people are doing can provide insights
into local recreation demands. According to the National Sporting Goods
Association Survey (2004), the top five recreational sports in 2004 were
exercise walking, camping, swimming, exercising with fitness equipment,
and bowling. Walking is consistently the number one exercise in which
Americans participate. Over the past ten years, participation in sports
such as basketball, football, softball, swimming, tennis, and volleyball
has declined while sports such as soccer and baseball have remained
relatively steady. 'Extreme sports' type activities such as skateboarding
have continued to grow in popularity. National recreation trends also
reflect a healthier and more fit senior population. Increasingly, seniors
are seeking activities that are more active, while more sedentary
activities are on the decline.
National trends are reflected at the state level as well. According to the
State Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Planning (SCORP) report3,
the most popular recreation activities are those that are close-to-home
and low cost, such as walking/hiking, walking a dog and bicycling.
Outdoor team and individual sports is the second most popular
recreation activity for Washington residents, followed by nature related
activities.
Community Feedback on Recreation Programs
According to the 2006 Parks survey, special events are the most popular
recreation program offered by the City, followed by organized sports and
athletics programs.
When respondents were asked how to prioritize future investments on
recreation programs, respondents indicated that future emphasis should
be placed on children and teen programs as well as senior programs.
In addition, the public outreach process identified a need to ensure that
recreation programming is serving the needs of the increasingly diverse
Federal Way community.
3 An Assessment of Outdoor Recreation in Washington State, October 2002.
PLANNING COMMISSION REVIEW DRAFT
APRIL 26, 2006 I 49
Chapter Five
Needs
Assessment
and
Recommendations
Chapter 5: Needs Assessment and
Recommendations
1. Introduction
The needs assessment and recommendations chapter focuses on the
research, analysis, and observations of the current and future parks
and recreation needs for the Federal Way community. The needs
assessment is based on analysis of:
· Public feedback,
· Community vision and values,
· Identified local trends in participation and use of facilities, and
· State/national recreation trends.
The recommendations coming out of the needs assessment inform the
development of goals and policies.
2. Needs Assessment
The needs assessment includes a system-wide evaluation of park,
recreation, and open space needs in the City of Federal Way. A key
aspect of the needs assessment is to identify and analyze current
service levels in the City's parks and open spaces. The level of
service analysis is based on the park's classification and existing
standards for each park type, size, and geographic location. This
analysis helps to identify existing and future projected needs based on
projected population growth.
Level of Service Standards
Level of service standards are measures of the amount and quality
of park and recreation sites and facilities that must be provided to
meet a community's basic needs and expectations. 1 The benefit
of developing level of service standards is to set goals and provide
the community an opportunity to measure progress toward meeting
community needs and demands. Level of service standards provide a
benchmark for evaluating deficiencies in the existing system, and can
provide the justification for the need to develop additional park facilities
and improvements. Historically, the accepted practice for park level
of service standards has been to apply uniform national standards
1 Planning for Parks, Recreation, and Open Space in Your Community,
Interagency Committee for Outdoor Recreation and the Washington State
Department of Community, Trade, and Economic Development, February
2005.
PLANNING COMMISSION REVIEW DRAFT
APRIL 26, 2006 I 53
Upgrading play equipment is an
importantaspectofimpro0ngexffiffng
parks.
Steel Lake is a popular destination during
summer months.
(developed by the National Recreation & Parks Association) of amount
of park land per 1000 population or based on geographic distance of
residents from parks. However, no two communities are alike and the
concept of applying national standards to local conditions does not
allow for customization based on community preferences and values.
Current trends are moving away from uniform national standards
for parks. Most people recognize that nationally-based standards
may not yield what individual communities really want or need, nor
is it always feasible to build more parks to address numeric-based
demand. The focus is tending toward developing standards based
on local goals and priorities. This approach is particularly relevant
in built out communities, like Federal Way, where there is a limited
land base for new park development. In addition, many communities
are using qualitative measures to help determine whether community
needs and demands are being met. The focus for Federal Way is to
analyze analysis is much more focused on looking at the parks system
comprehensively to ensure that the system is addressing the types of
recreational activities people in the community are currently doing.
The focus for Federal Way is on how best to use the existing park
and open space land base to accommodate the activities residents
and employees are doing. Many of the recommendations and the
qualitative measures included within this chapter focus on efforts that
will help to add recreation facilities and also activate and enliven the
City's parks and open spaces. Efforts focus on cultivating "community
ownership", how parks and open spaces are being used, ways to
enhance use and activity levels, development of a City-wide walking
system, and how the parks and open spaces help to shape the image
and identity of Federal Way as a place with a high quality of life.
The level of service standards analyzed in this plan are the same
standards that were identified in the 2000 Comprehensive Parks,
Recreation, and Open Space Plan. The 2000 standards are shown
in Table 5.1. These standards are recommended because they serve
as a baseline for comparing service levels between 2000 and the
present conditions, and help identify potential future deficiencies in
service. In addition to these calculations, this Plan also recommends
that the current quantitative standards be layered with additional, more
qualitative approaches to help meet future parks and recreation needs
54 I
CITY OF FEDERAL WAY
PARKS, RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE PLAN
(as opposed to just building more parks or acquiring more land to meet
the number-based standard).
TABLE 5.1
LEVEL OF SERVICE STANDARDS FROM THE 2000 PARKS,
RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN
Regional Parks
Community Parks
Neighborhood Parks
2.6 acl1000 pop
2.8 acl1000 pop
1.7 acl1000 pop
.2 acl1000 or 0.2 miles/1000 pop
6.0 ac/1000 pop
The play area at Celebration Park has
many users.
Park Classifications and Level of
Service
The level of service calculations are based on six park categories:
regional parks, community parks, neighborhood parks, trails, open
space, and system wide. Table 5.2 depicts the LOS calculations for
the City and PAA population for both current and 2012 population
projections.
Regional Parks
Regional parks serve the City and surrounding area. They are often
large park facilities that include both passive and active recreation
uses. Dash Point State Park is the only regional park in the City.
Dash Point State Park maintains a large camping area, which draws
people from throughout the state.
Analysis
According to the level of service calculations, the City is currently
meeting its level of service standard of 2.6 acres/1000 population for
PLANNING COMMISSION REVIEW DRAFT
APRIL 26, 2006 I 55
~~~~~~
regional parks, and will continue to do so into 2012. These are not
facilities over which the City has jurisdiction. Nor can the City control
the addition of future regional parks in the area due to its built-out
condition.
Community Parks
Community parks are the primary active recreation facilities in the
City, providing active and structured recreation opportunities for the
community as well as passive recreation uses. Community parks
have a larger service area, typically a 2 mile radius. Most of the City
is served by a community park facility per this definition. Community
parks include Celebration Park, Lakota Park, Steel Lake Park,
Saghalie Park, and Sacajawea Park, totaling 222 acres. Community
parks offer a diversity of facilities and tend to be the more popular and
recognizable parks in the system because of the park size, range of
amenities, sports fields, and passive recreation areas. These parks
are also locations where members of the whole family can recreate,
participating in a variety of activities concurrently.
Analysis
According to the level of service calculations, the City is close to
meeting its level of service standard of 2.8 acres/1000 population for
the current population. The current service level is 2.6 acres/1000
population. For the projected 2012 population, an additional 36
acres would be necessary to meet the level of service standards for
community parks, or approximately one additional community park.
When the population and parks located within the PAA are included
in the analysis, then the current level of service for community parks
improves because there are three parks in the PAA that function
as community parks: Lake Geneva Park, Five Mile Park, and South
County Ball fields. If we address the population in the PAA, then the
parks that serve those areas should also be included in the area totals
(although the City is not currently responsible for those facilities). The
current level of service for community parks for both the City and
PAA is 2.8 acres/1000 population. For the 2012 projected population
(combined City and PAA) the level of service is 2.6 acres/1000, or a
future need of 24 additional acres.
The community parks in the system are well loved and used by
the community. Many are destinations in the community and the
56 I
CITY OF FEDERAL WAY
PARKS, RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE PLAN
location of large community events. Most of the facilities are in fair
to good shape, but could benefit from some strategic improvements.
Additionally, while Sacajewea and Lakota Parks have been master
planned, and Celebration Park and Saghalie Park have been recently
developed, Steel Lake Park has not been master planned or studied to
determine how to maximize utilization and benefits.
The primary issue raised by the community is the condition of the
outdoor athletic fields including soccer fields and softball/baseball
fields. Poor drainage on some of the fields that are not regulation size,
, and unlit fields limits the ability to program these spaces for year round
games and events that meet the needs of all users. Most of these
fields are programmed for leagues and organized sports. Upgrading
these athletic fields will substantially improve the usability of the parks
by increasing the number of games that can be programmed annually
in those facilities.
Additional input through the public process indicates that there is a
lack of unprogrammed fields in the City for informal groups that are
not associated with leagues or sports groups. Informal users of the
soccer, basketball, and baseball/softball fields compete with organized
sports associations and league play for the use of these facilities.
These informal users get 'bumped' from the fields when league play
need to use them. School grounds in the community often provide
an opportunity for unorganized use of the fields, although these fields
are also programmed for use by the schools and some of the local
recreation providers.
Neighborhood Parks
There are a total of 19 neighborhood parks within the City, located
primarily in single family residential areas. The City has made
significant progress in recent years in constructing new neighborhood
parks in under served areas as well as conducting phased
improvements at some of the older neighborhood parks. Most areas
in the City have a neighborhood park within a quarter to half mile of all
residents with the exception of limited areas in the southeast and north
part of the city.
Neighborhood parks serve a local purpose to the surrounding
residential neighborhood. The neighborhood parks range in character
and use. Some of the neighborhood parks are neighborhood level
An adult softball game at Steel Lake
Park.
Soccer field and track at Sacajawea Park
Picnic shelter at Steel Lake Park
PLANNING COMMISSION REVIEW DRAFT
APRIL 26, 2006 I 57
Play areas such as this one in Madrona
Park are popular with residents.
community gathering places, while others are tucked away and not
visible or regularly used.
Analysis
The City currently exceeds its level of service standard for
neighborhood parks (1.7ac/1 ,ODD), with an existing ration of 1.8
ac/1000 population. Future needs to 2012 indicate that the system will
need approximately 1 .5 acres of additional neighborhood park land by
2012.
When the population and parks located within the PAA are included
in the analysis, then the current level of service for neighborhood
parks is roughly the same, or 1.8 acres/1000 population. There
are two neighborhood parks in the PAA-- Bingaman Pond Park and
Camelot Park. Future neighborhood park needs for the City and PAA
combined is 2.2 acres, or roughly one additional neighborhood park.
AMENITY-BASED STANDARDS FOR NEIGHBORHOOD
PARKS
This plan recommends applying the level of service standards
from the 2000 Plan because they establish a good benchmark for
progress the City has made to date. Although the City is in good
condition regarding standards for quantity of neighborhood parks,
it became evident through the outreach process for this Plan that
many of the neighborhood parks are not well-known or well-used.
Some of the neighborhood parks have issues with poor visibility,
vandalism, or aging equipment. As the City has done an effective
job of providing a diversity of neighborhood parks in the system, the
most important need for neighborhood parks is to focus on ways to
enliven them and make them more usable places. Most of the future
need for neighborhood parks is amenity-based, to ensure that each
neighborhood park has a minimum or baseline of improvements.
Recommendations later in this chapter focus on the specific
improvements that will help to activate the neighborhood parks,
engage the local neighborhood in the design and stewardship of the
parks, and capitalize on the unique potential of each park.
Based on this analysis, the City should layer the current level of
service standard with an amenity-based standard for neighborhood
parks to ensure that the parks will be safer and more comfortable and
usable to park users. This would include:
58 I
CITY OF FEDERAL WAY
PARKS, RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE PLAN
TABLE 5.2
LEVEL OF SERVICE ANALYSIS FOR THE CITY OF FEDERAL WAY
AND THE POTENTIAL ANNEXATION AREA
Current City
Park Inventory in 0 222.3 158.43 118 5.82 543.46 1067.98
acres (City-owned
Pro erties Only
Park Inventory in
acres (all parks 398 222.3 158.43 118 5.82 543.46 1465.98
within Cit limits
Current City + PAA
Park Inventory in
acres (all parks 404.8 297.4 193.13 118 5.82 573.46 1612.58
located within City &
PAA)
Level of Service 0.2
Standard (per 1,000 2.6ac 2.8 ac 1.7 ac 2.2 ac 6.0 ac 10.9 ac
residents
Current Service
Level-City only 4.6 2.6 1.8 1.4 0.067 6.3 16.9**
2006
Comparison to
standard*** (City 2.0 -0.2 0.1 -0.8 -0.14 0.3 6.0
onl
Current Service
Levels City+PAA 3.8 2.8 1.8 1.1 0.05 5.3 14.9
2006
Comparison
to Standard 1.2 0.0 0.1 -1.1 -0.15 -1.0 4.0
Ci +PAA ***
Projected LOS
(based on projected 4.3 2.4 1.7 1.3 0.063 5.9 15.9
ity 2012 population
Need (in acres) to
meet LOS standard -157.99 36.17 -1.50 85.08 12.60 10.40 -459.8
Ci
3.5 2.6 1.7 1.0 0.051 5.0 14.0
-106.60
24.32
2.20
134.78
17.20
115.94
-360.2
PLANNING COMMISSION REVIEW DRAFT
APRIL 26, 2006 I 59
'. -".~
. Visible park entries with signage and other identifying
features such as landscaping, bollards, low fence, or
other identifiable civic treatments.
. Clear sight lines into and around the park to increase
the perception of safety.
. A play structure.
. Durable site furnishings such as benches, picnic tables
and trash cans.
. Seating and informal lawn areas for leisure and to
encourage use.
Open Spaces
Federal Way has an extensive system of open space lands, many of
which are unimproved or undeveloped lands. These open spaces
otter urban residents access to natural areas. Open spaces provide
value to people, animals and the environment. The City manages
a broad range of open spaces, each with varying constraints and
potential. Some open spaces have environmental constraints such
as wetlands or steep slopes, and function more as "breathing room"
open spaces. Some of the City's open spaces are small parcels that
do not have significant open space or habitat value. Others are larger
and provide trails within a well-intact natural setting. Some provide
shoreline access. Many of the City's open spaces have the potential
for educational and interpretive opportunities. Several open spaces
in the system may be appropriate for park development to meet the
recreation needs of the community in the future.
Analysis
Within the City there are a total of 543 acres of open space lands or
roughly 6.3 acres/1000 population, which exceeds the City's level of
service standard of 6.0 ac/1000 population. Future needs for open
space, based on a 2012 population is an additional 11 acres of open
space.
When the PAA is included in the analysis, the current level of service
for open spaces is 5.9 ac/1 000 population, or just slightly below the
City's level of service standard because there are not many publicly
owned open space areas in the PAA. Future open space needs for
the City and the PAA will require an additional 116 acres of open
space to meet the City's level of service standard, which could be
60 I CITY OF FEDERAL WAY
PARKS, RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE PLAN
difficult to attain given that there are limited undeveloped areas within
the City that are not already publicly owned. One option for meeting
the City's level of service standard for open space may be to add
partial open space credit for open spaces owned by other public
entities.
Trails
There are two major trails in the City that aren't within parks or
opens spaces: the BPA Trail and West Campus Trail. These trails,
particularly the BPA trail, are popular and widely used. However,
during the public outreach process, residents complained about the
inadequate maintenance of the BPA trail corridor, extensive invasive
species, and the fact that the trails do not go anywhere or connect to
destinations. Many of the City's parks and open spaces also contain
trails or walking loops. Two examples are West Hylebos Wetlands
Park and Panther Lake Open Space, which contain a significant
amount of trails. Dash Point State Park also has an extensive system
of trails, and is well used by the community. There are also a number
of shorter trails within the City system.
Analysis
The City's current level of service standard is based on both the
acreage dedicated to the trail, and the actual length of the trail. The
City has 118 acres dedicated to trails (the bulk of which is within the
BPA Trail right-of-way) or 1.4 acres/1000 population. Based on that
standard, the City would need to dedicate an additional 71 acres to
trail use to meet the City's level of service standard today, and an
additional 15 acres above and beyond that to meet future needs in
2012.
Many communities use the acreage calculation for trails because it is
the most straightforward approach given the data available and it is
consistent with calculations for other park category. The area level of
service calculation for trails does not address the function or distance
of the trail. Also, trail corridor widths vary, thus creating vastly different
acreages/mile calculations. The City's trail standard for trail length is
0.2 miles of trail/1 000 population. Based on that standard, the City
has a deficiency of trails in the community. There are a total of 5.8
miles of trail measured in the City and PAA, or 0.06 miles (317 ft)
per 1000 population (including trails in West Hylebos Wetlands Park
and Panther Lake Open Space). However, this calculation is not an
Poverty Bay Park is currently
undeveloped, but has the potential to be
an open space with shoreline access and
nature trails.
English Gardens Park offers a walking
trail that connects the West Campus
Open Space and Alderbrook Park.
PLANNING COMMISSION REVIEW DRAFT
APRIL 26, 2006 I 61
accurate portrayal of the trail system in the City and is misleading
because there are a number of trails within parks and open spaces
that have not been mapped or measured.
To meet future demand using the current standard, the City would
need to construct an additional 12.6 miles to serve the City's
projected 2012 population and 17.2 miles to serve the future City
and P AA demands. The City needs to complete mapping of the
existing trail system within parks to broaden understanding of the
system. Measuring the existing trail distances will make a significant
difference in meeting the City's level of service standards. Once that
effort is accomplished, the City will have a clearer understanding of
the trail resources available within the community and the remaining
deficiencies to meet the level of service standards.
As mentioned above, to meet the needs of the community, the level of
service standards should be layered with more qualitative measures
that address the condition of the trails to ensure that they are safe for
pedestrian and bicycle use, and that they are effectively connecting
destinations and adequately signed. For urban trails (paved
surfaces) it is important that the trails are ADA accessible and clear of
obstructions. Nature trail areas must also be periodically assessed to
ensure that the trail surface is in good condition, free of obstructions,
and that they are ADA accessible wherever possible.
System-wide level of service
In 2006, there are a total of 1068 acres of City-owned park and open
space land within the City of Federal Way including roughly 524 acres
in developed parks and 544 acres in undeveloped open space. If
Dash Point State Park is included in the calculation for total acreage
then there are 1465 acres of park and open space within the City. If
the available parks within the Potential Annexation Area (PAA) are
included in those calculations, a total of 1613 acres of park and open
space are located within the City and PAA (1090 acres in developed
parks/573 acres in open space). This includes City, State, and County
park facilities.
The City's level of service standard for total park land is 10.9
acres/1000 population. The current service level for the City is 16.9
acres/1000 population, for the County and PAA together, the current
62 I
CITY OF FEDERAL WAY
PARKS, RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE PLAN
service level is 14.9 acres/1000 population. What this means is that
system-wide, the City has an adequate amount of park land to serve
both the current and future projected population for both the City and
PAA. However, much of this acreage is raw land in unprogrammed/
undeveloped open space. The bulk of the deficiencies is in improved
trails.
PARK SPECIFIC ANAL YSIS
Appendix A includes individual analyses for each of the major parks
and open spaces in the system. The park inventory sheets summarize
the park's character and context, specific issues to be addressed, park
potential, and near term and long term needs. Evaluation matrices
for each facility type (Community Parks, Neighborhood Parks, Open
Spaces) can be found in Appendix C) These tables includes the
evaluation criteria developed to help assess the constraints and
opportunities of each park.
Plan Recommendations
The following recommendations have been developed based on
the findings of the needs assessment and the consistent themes
that emerged from the publiC out.reach process. The recommended
actions inform policy direction and project prioritization. The
recommendations are organized according to the five 'core values'
that came out of the planning process. These 'core values' are fully
explained in Chapter 1 .
System-Wide Recommended Actions
The most important and cost effective actions the City can undertake
to address the health and longevity of the system is to:
· Focus on strategic improvements within existing parks and
open spaces that enhance the quality of the park experience;
· Identify methods that activate and enliven the spaces to make
them more inviting usable, and safe.
· Provide for a range of recreational opportunities at each
park to satisfy community demands for all age groups and
backgrounds.
PLANNING COMMISSION REVIEW DRAFT
APRIL 26, 2006 I 63
Core Value 1: IMPROVE EXISTING FACILITIES &
PROVIDE MULTIPLE FUNCTIONS IN PARKS
Improving existing facilities and providing multiple functions in parks
so that parks address different interests, and can provide 'one stop'
recreating, is the highest priority for the community based on public
feedback. This core value is supported by the following points:
· According to the City's 2006 parks survey, when asked how
the City should prioritize future projects, respondents indicated
that doing improvements to existing facilities was the number
one priority.
· National recreation trend points to the fact that people desire
quality over quantity with service, programs, and facilities.
This trend is also reflected at the local level based on input
from residents during the public outreach process.
· The City's parks and open space network is extensive
and includes a variety of spaces and activities. This
system is a key asset to the Federal Way community because
it not only provides low cost access to recreational
opportunities, but the parks and open spaces in the system
help to define the community's image, culture, and community
character. Parks and open spaces also provide opportunities
for social interaction, and enhance community quality of life.
· Since incorporation, the City has done an effective job at
improving its community parks and neighborhood parks. The
City has also made great strides in developing new facilities,
such as the Community Center and new neighborhood parks
like Madrona and Alderdale Parks. Thus, acquisition of more
parks is not the current priority.
· For the community parks, some of the athletic fields are not
operating at maximum efficiency due to poor drainage,
inadequate lighting, and/or irregularly sized fields. Continue
to master plan and improve facilities and balance both the
active and passive recreation uses at these parks to provide
multi-generational use and enjoyment.
· From an area calculation perspective, the level of service
analysis indicates that the City is already close to meeting
future projected demand for parks and recreation. Some
64 I
CITY OF FEDERAL WAY
PARKS, RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE PLAN
deficiencies have been identified in the system, particularly
for trails and community parks. However, those service level
calculations do not focus on the quality of the park experience
or the types of activities people do in the parks and open space
areas.
Below are specific recommended actions that address improvement of
existing facilities and providing multiple functions in parks. The actions
are organized by park type.
Community Parks
Each of the community parks were evaluated to determine the
potential of each park. Table C.1 in Appendix C summarizes the
constraints and potential of each Community Park.
To meet active recreation demand, the first priority should be to bring
the athletic fields up to standards to meet demand. This would include
addressing drainage, regulation sized fields, installation of artificial
turf to extend the playing season, and lighting to allow for play during
the evenings and winter months. Other recommended community
park improvements are meant to address the image and identity of the
parks, to help them be more visible to the public as civic/community
destinations, and to make them welcoming and inviting places.
SPECIFIC ACTIONS INCLUDE:
· Implement the Park Master Plans for Lakota and Sacajawea
Parks developed in 2006, which address both active and
passive recreation uses at each park.
· Develop a Master Plan to upgrade athletic facilities and
passive recreation areas at Steel Lake Park.
· Develop a facilities improvement plan to address the athletic
fields at Saghalie Park.
· At Saghalie Park, install park identity and street frontage
improvements along SW Campus Dr. This would include
streetscape improvements, enhanced pedestrian entrances,
park identity signs, and other treatments as appropriate.
· Develop a phasing plan for converting some existing grass
soccer fields in community parks to artificial turf.
Celebration Park
PLANNING COMMISSION REVIEW DRAFT
APRIL 26, 2006 I 65
II' " . ,
~
.'!l'P\'fflJ!l!:ir(~1llJIf1i'1
If after improvements have been made to existing facilities and
demand has not been satisfied, the City should then explore other
options, focused on improvements on other public lands that do not
require further property acquisition. Specific actions could include:
. Explore partnerships with Federal Way Public Schools to
identify opportunities for active recreation improvements at
lIIahee Middle School. Most of the existing community parks
are located adjacent to schools. Of all the middle schools
within City limits, lIIahee is the only one that is not located near
a community park. The school district owns additional lands
adjacent to the school. A partnership approach at this location
would provide for cost sharing between the City and School
District and would help to satisfy the needs of the community
as well as the student body.
. If and when areas within the Potential Annexation Area (PAA)
are annexed, the Department should develop a phasing plan
to update the community parks located within the PAA. There
are currently three community parks in the PAA with active
recreation facilities: Five Mile Park, Lake Geneva Park, and
South County Ball fields. This phasing plan would be based
on need and opportunity, negotiated conditions of transfer from
King County, available funding, and would address specific
actions that need to occur to bring the fields up to current
standards.
Figure 5.1 visually shows the recommendations described above.
Neighborhood Parks
The City has an extensive system of neighborhood parks. Many of
these parks are underutilized and have untapped potential. Some of
these parks have high potential as neighborhood gathering places,
others will remain as small neighborhood parks where general upkeep
and improvements should occur over time. Other neighborhood parks
can realize potential based on their location as part of a larger trail
and sidewalk network in the City. The greatest opportunity in many
of these neighborhood parks is to design improvements that help to
activate or enliven the spaces. Recommendations for neighborhood
parks are both general and specific to different neighborhood park
types. For the purposes of this analysis and the recommendations,
neighborhood parks were divided into the following four subcategories.
66 I
CITY OF FEDERAL WAY
PARKS, RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE PLAN
FIGURE 5.1
FEDERAL WAY COMMUNITY PARK RECOMMENDATIONS
Legend
... . . Upgrade Existing
. Community Parks
It _ Pursue Improvements
~ ( , on Other Public Lands
" ~ __'When the Need Arises
or After Annexation
'I' City Center
Other City Owned
Parks Open Space
D Parks Not Owned
By City
. Community Recreation
FaclUly
o Federal Way City Limits
c::J Potential Annexation
Area
~
PugetSound
PLANNING COMMISSION REVIEW DRAFT
APRIL 26, 2006 I 67
. Neighborhood Gathering Places
. Special Use Parks
. Passive Neighborhood Parks
. Neighborhood Trail Nodes
GENERAL NEIGHBORHOOD PARK RECOMMENDA TlONS
INCLUDE:
. Improve parks according to their unique potential and context
within the system.
. Prioritize park improvements to make them more usable,
inviting, and minimize impacts to local neighbors.
. Phase improvements with high priority placed on those
parks that have potential as neighborhood gathering places,
especially in areas close to multi-family housing.
. Cultivate "community ownership" of parks through
neighborhood stewardship, neighborhood work sessions and
open houses, adopt-a-park programs, and community gardens.
. Develop a phased improvement plan for each of the
neighborhood parks to address:
o Installation of durable materials;
o Safety/visibility concerns;
o Street presence;
o Natural drainage;
o Invasive species management and
o Low-impact (sustainable) design and maintenance
practices such as use of drought-resistant native plants,
integrated pest management, natural drainage, etc.
NEIGHBORHOOD PARK IMPROVEMENTS
Specific actions for each of the neighborhood parks will be based on
the neighborhood park potential and the specific neighborhood park
subcategories identified above. Each of the neighborhood parks
were evaluated based on criteria such as visible park entries, access,
sense of place, surrounding land use, etc. Table C.2 in Appendix C
summarizes the potential of each neighborhood park.
NEIGHBORHOOD GA THERING PLACES
These are neighborhood parks that have unique features or assets
that could be capitalized upon further. These parks have features
68 I
CITY OF FEDERAL WAY
PARKS, RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE PLAN
such as: off-street parking, trails, large open areas, multi-use potential,
presence of special features, and are located on a minor collector or
arterial. Parks with the potential to be neighborhood gathering places
include:
. Adelaide
. Alderdale
. Alderbrook
. Coronado
. French Lake
. Mirror Lake
. Palisades
. Thompson (to be constructed in 2006).
Working with local neighbors, the City should develop improvements
for each of these parks based on their unique potential and community
desires. This process would be designed to identify specific Lake Kilfamey
improvements that would help to activate the parks.
SPECIAL USE PARKS
Through the neighborhood public outreach process, identify the
potential for 'special use' park features such as a splash fountain, mini
amphitheater, skate park, dog park, wildlife sanctuaries, etc that would
be unique to the park. Additional improvements at these parks would
focus on improving the safety and security of the park, enhancing
the street appeal at park entries, or adding site amenities such as
picnic tables, picnic shelters, and barbecue pits. Dumas Bay Park
and Lake Killarney Park are two examples of neighborhood parks that
do not function as typical neighborhood parks due to their location,
and relatively natural states. These two parks may better function as
sanctuaries while maintaining parking and other basic site amenities
such as benches, trails, and interpretive signage. The SW 312th St
Courts are another example of a special use park.
PASSIVE NEIGHBORHOOD PARKS
These are some of the small neighborhood parks that have limited
access, are tucked away on local residential streets, are often
completely surrounded by single family residential homes, have low
usage currently, and have limited or no parking. Passive neighborhood
parks include:
· Dash Point Highlands Park
PLANNING COMMISSION REVIEW DRAFT
APRIL 26, 2006 I 69
'" .
i
_ ,~""~~~"1.:~1~~
Dash Point Highlands Park
. Heritage Woods Park
. Lake Grove Park
. Wildwood Park
. Wedgewood Park
Recommended actions at passive neighborhood/local use parks focus
on small upgrades to increase the function and safety of the park, and
to help activate them. This could include actions such as upgrading
play equipment and site furnishings as needed.
NEIGHBORHOOD TRAIL NODES
There are several neighborhood parks within the system that have
the potential to connect to a larger system of trails and non-motorized
improvements in the City. These are parks that are located near other
open space areas and the City's existing trail network. Improvements
at these parks will help to link together routes between community
destinations such as schools, community facilities, parks, multifamily
housing, and create longer trail segments and loops in the system.
Parks with the potential as neighborhood trail nodes include:
. Alderbrook Park
. English Gardens Park
. Olympic View Park
. Madrona Park
Both Alderbrook Park and English Gardens Park have the potential to
connect with the BPA Trail, West Campus Open Space, and Panther
Lake Open Space. Linking these parks to the larger network of trails
in the central part of the City will make significant strides in developing
an interconnected system of trails and sidewalks connecting
community destinations and landmarks.
Olympic View Park, adjacent to Woodbridge Park Open Space, is
another park with potential to extend the City's trail network. Long
term, a trail linking Woodbridge Park Open Space, Olympic View Park,
Lochaven Open Space, and Poverty Bay Open Space would provide
a trail network on the west side of the City. Madrona Park, a recently
developed neighborhood park, is already connected to the BPA Trail.
This park links the south part of the city to the BPA Trail, Panther Lake
Open Space, and Celebration Park.
Specific recommended actions for neighborhood trail node parks
focus on trail installation or improvements, identity signs, a way finding
system, and trailhead improvements.
70 I
CITY OF FEDERAL WAY
PARKS, RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE PLAN
PARK ACT/VA TlON
Park activation recommendations are two fold. The first step is to
enhance safety and visibility into the parks to encourage increased
use. The second is programmatic, in terms of supporting activities
in parks that help to activate the spaces. The key improvement for
every neighborhood park is to increase the visibility of the park from
the street-both in terms of safety and security to park users as well
as making sure that the parks are readily identifiable as parks. This
means integrating Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design
(CPTED) principles, improving the street frontage, facilitating visibility
into the parks, installing identity signs at each park entrance, and other
treatments such as low lying plants, bollards, or low fences to define
the edge of the park.
Beyond physical improvements at neighborhood parks, programmatic
efforts will also help to activate the parks and make them more
usable to the public. This can occur through several potential efforts
including:
. Utilize neighborhood workshop process to help customize
improvements specific to neighborhood needs.
· Encourage 'ownership' of neighborhood parks from:
o Neighborhood residents/homeowner association
stewardship;
o Partner with local service clubs and organizations such
as the Rainier Audubon Society, Master Gardeners,
Korean Seniors Association, service clubs and schools
in an adopt a park program;
o School curriculum regarding physical activity and the
natural environment;
o Reinstating the City's small and simple grant program
for neighborhood initiated park improvements;
. Volunteer work parties associated with Earth Day, Day of
Caring, Clean Sweep, etc.
· Working with Federal Way businesses, develop a corporate
sponsorship/volunteer program to organize employees into
volunteer work teams for specific projects and activities.
· Encourage cultural and special events to take place in the
parks.
· Consider quarterly or annual events such as summer movies in
the park.
PLANNING COMMISSION REVIEW DRAFT
APRIL 26,2006 I 71
, -
,
, ,j~F~-d
The "big red mower" helps in maintaining
the City's many sports fields and grassy
areas.
A maintenance crew rebuilds a fence.
Figure 5.2 visually shows the recommendations described above.
Maintenance Program
An essential component of implementing the intent of Core Value #1 is
to ensure that the existing park facilities are well maintained and that
improvements are made on an ongoing basis. Proper maintenance
and renovation of parks and replacement of outdated equipment
will prevent and/or correct potentially hazardous conditions. This
protects the public as well as reduces liability to the City. An ongoing
maintenance program also helps to improve the image and identity of
the park system by addressing issues like vandalism and graffiti.
RECOMMENDED ACnON&
The City should develop a systematic annual maintenance plan/
work program that helps to address ongoing maintenance tasks and
prioritize staff hours. A maintenance program addresses:
. Phased installation of durable materials;
. Landscape maintenance activities;
. Invasive species management program;
. Where feasible incorporate natural drainage systems and
low impact design and maintenance practices.
Core Value 2: CREATE COMMUNITY GATHERING
PLACES AND DESTINATIONS
Recent community input placed an emphasis on community gathering
places in the City, particularly for the City Center. Analysis shows the
following to be true:
· The City's parks are places where the community
recreates and socially interacts. Community parks, such
as Celebration Park and Steel Lake Park currently serve the
function as community gathering places for outdoor special
events and community functions like the Red, White and Blues
Festival and summer concerts.
· The new Community Center will serve as a gathering
place year round and is envisioned to be the 'heart' of the
community.
· The public has indicated a desire for more places within the
City where people can informally gather like small downtown
72 I CITY OF FEDERAL WAY
PARKS, RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE PLAN
FIGURE 5.2
FEDERAL WAY NEIGHBORHOOD PARK RECOMMENDATIONS
~
PugetSound
* Neighbor Park Gathering Places
^
Passive Neighborhood Parks
1 e Neighborhood Trail Nodes
~ 0 Special Use Parks
'\ _ Other Neighborhood Parks
u'........ Other City Owned Parks and
~ Open Space
, D Parks Not Owned
By City
..; D Federal Way City limits
APRIL 26, 2006 I 73
PLANNING COMMISSION REVIEW DRAFT
~ I. \4;'~ "
:,(~~,
A community gathering place in a more
urban context.
"'
~- &.~.,.iii.'
....--I,~ -..........r_~:.."J
-',~.~'" J-~'. '.-~ '~=-'.\;.,';t-' . --
''':-~''lt''". _,",,'l {'~iC:.:...--\
III _.~~~1}~~~ '''~..._ _
,..:..~
-,.;.-
Funland in Steel Lake Park functions as
a community gathering place.
plazas, or neighborhood commercial districts where people can
stroll and people watch.
· In addition, some of the City's neighborhood parks also have
the potential for becoming neighborhood gathering places for
local residents. This would also help to activate the parks and
encourage increased use.
· The temporary off-leash dog park at French Lake is an
example of how a change in use can help to activate a park.
This park now functions as a community gathering place for
dog owners who visit each day. Many of these park patrons
are quite active in volunteer efforts and raise funds to
maintain and improve the park facilities.
· Gathering spaces should be connected by trails and sidewalks
so that they are part of a larger, interconnected network.
· The City Center offers the best opportunity for these types of
gathering places.
Recommended Actions:
. Develop an open space strategy that would incorporate
multiple gathering places or a 'central 'commons' or
town square in conjunction with City Center mixed-use
redevelopment.
. Some neighborhood parks have the potential to become
neighborhood level gathering places (as described above),
especially if neighborhood events were held there such as
movies in the park or neighborhood picnics to help activate the
space.
. After the one-year trial period for the temporary off-leash
area at French Lake Park (August 2006), an assessment of
its suitability as an off-leash area should be conducted. In
addition, identify other park sites that may have the potential
for an off-leash dog park area. Potential locations include:
BPA Trail right-of-way, Spring Valley, Adelaide (horse arena)
and potentially other sites to explore through the public
process.
. Activate and increase use of the BPA trail. Consider engaging
groups in beautification and landscaping efforts such as adopt-
a-tree and/or siting of special uses such as off-leash areas,
p-patches, etc where feasible.
· Develop a more effective marketing strategy for Dumas Bay
Centre so that it becomes more 'visible' and functions more as
74 I
CITY OF FEDERAL WAY
PARKS, RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE PLAN
a community gathering place.
Figures 5.1 and 5.2 visually show the community parks/facilities
and neighborhood parks, respectively, that could function more as
gathering places and destinations.
Core Value 3: RETAIN AND IMPROVE NATURAL
OPEN SPACES
The City's extensive open space system provides a variety of outdoor
settings to access nature close to home. The following points were
derived from public input and analysis of open space trends both
locally and state-wide:
· Open spaces and natural areas help define Federal Way's
character.
· Many people use parks for their natural and scenic qualities
and to 'get away' from urban life. In the region and the state,
access to natural areas is important to our quality of life. In
fact, walking/hiking in nature is one of the more popular
recreation activities in the state.
· The open space types in the City have varying constraints and
potential. Some open spaces are small parcels of land
with limited ecological or recreational function. Others are
quite large and include a wealth of natural and cultural features
unique to Federal Way, such as the West Hylebos Wetlands
Park.
· The needs assessment indicates that the City currently has an
adequate supply of open space.
· The key to an effective management strategy is to determine
the potential of each open space as habitat first, and then for
appropriate level of public access and future recreational
opportunities. The larger open spaces were evaluated using
criteria such as the presence of environmental constraints,
habitat value and function, accessibility, the potential for
public access/trails, and other criteria as shown. Open
space characteristics and qualities are summarized in Table
C.3 in Appendix C. Basedon that analysis, there are
essentially four types of open spaces in the City:
PLANNING COMMISSION REVIEW DRAFT
APRIL 26, 2006 I 75
1) Open spaces with habitat and ecological function that
have the potential for enhanced public access and
education.
2) Open spaces that provide shoreline access.
3) "Breathing Room" open spaces. These are
undeveloped areas with environmental constraints that
may offer limited public access, but serve a function
by protecting sensitive areas and providing green
space in the City.
4) Open spaces that have the potential to become
developed parks to meet future recreation demand.
Recommended Actions
OVERALL OPEN SPACE SYSTEM
. Develop an Open Space Management Program that:
o Identifies critical areas and wildlife habitat potential
o Addresses invasive species and plant management
o Integrates low impact, sustainable maintenance
practices.
. Evaluate each of the open spaces in greater detail to
determine the potential for highest and best use of the
property. Some of these lands are located in the south part
of the City, or near areas that are currently under served
by parks. These individual parks should be evaluated to
determine their potential as future developed parks. In
addition, there are some properties that do not add significant
value to the open space system. The City should evaluate
whether any of these lands should be surplused to provide
funding toward other park/open space enhancements;
. Construct low impact trails where safe and feasible to enhance
public access to open spaces;
HABITA T VALUE/ECOLOGICAL FUNCTION
The City's larger open spaces offer the most opportunities for public
use and have the greatest potential habitat value and ecological
function in the City. These include:
. Panther Lake
. Spring Valley
. Poverty Bay
. West Hylebos Wetlands Park
. Fishers Pond
76 I
CITY OF FEDERAL WAY
PARKS, RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE PLAN
For open spaces with the potential for enhanced public access and
educational opportunities, recommendations include:
. Determine the extent of environmental constraints and habitat
value at each of these open spaces;
. Balance ecological function with public access and education;
· Construct low impact trails where safe and feasible;
. Integrate educational component such as interpretive signage
· Partner with local groups such as the Audubon Society,
Friends of the Hylebos Wetlands, Master Gardeners, etc to do
work projects and sponsor guided tours/walks;
· Partner with the School District, develop a "learning
landscapes" program that encourages a student curriculum
around:
o Native species and control of invasive species;
o Urban Wildlife;
o Design;
o Stewardship;
o Environmental awareness.
SHORELINE ACCESS
Although the City is situated on the Puget Sound, there is limited
public shoreline access due to private ownership of much of the
shoreline. Parks and open spaces with public shoreline access
include:
. Dumas Bay Centre
· Dumas Bay Park
· Poverty Bay
· Dash Point State Park (not owned by City)
· Camp Kilworth (once added to system)
Topography also influences shoreline access in the City. Both Poverty
Bay and Dumas Bay Centre are located on a bluff overlooking Puget
Sound. Recommendations include:
· Enhance public shoreline access opportunities at Poverty Bay
and Dumas Bay Centre.
· Explore additional shoreline access at small shoreline open
spaces located at unopened street ends.
· Explore the potential for a Washington Water Association
trail (for kayaks, canoes, and other non-motorized watercraft)
connecting Federal Way parks along the shoreline, and
PLANNING COMMISSION REVIEW DRAFT
APRIL 26, 2006 I 77
. ,
,
"
. ',~~~~~I
Interpretive information posted in
Hylebos Wetlands Park
Panther Lake
potentially connecting to a larger regional system to waterfront
parks in Des Moines and Tacoma.
. Restore and protect eroded shoreline areas.
BREA THING ROOM OPEN SPACES
Many of the linear open spaces in the City, or greenbelts, have
environmentally sensitive areas such as steep slopes or creeks that
may limit future improvements. These 'breathing room' open spaces,
such as Lochhaven Open Space or Woodbridge Park Open Space,
are important to the open space system because they not only
protect these sensitive areas from development, but they provide the
opportunity to provide trail connections to other parks and community
destinations. Public access (Le. trails) should be encouraged where
safe, feasible, and not destructive to high quality habitat or critical
areas.
In addition, there is an opportunity for private open space, which serve
ecological and 'breathing room' open space functions, should also
be explored through incentive based programs such as conservation
easements.
Core Value 3: DEVELOP A WALKING AND BIKING
COMMUNITY THROUGH AN INTEGRATED TRAIL
AND SIDEWALK NETWORK
This core value is about connecting community destinations and
linking them in ways that encourage people to exercise and recreate.
The following points emerged from the planning process and analysis:
· Walking is consistently the number one recreational activity
people participate in, and this trend is on the rise.
· The needs assessment shows the city has a deficiency of
trails. Sidewalks are also limited in the City.
· Providing safe places for pedestrian movement is an important
aspect of encouraging people to walk.
· To be a vibrant, healthy city, community destinations and
landmarks should be connected via an integrated system of
sidewalks and trails.
· The SPA Trail is one of the most heavily used recreation
facilities in the City; however some residents complained that
78 I CITY OF FEDERAL WAY
PARKS, RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE PLAN
FIGURE 5.3
FEDERAL WAY OPEN SPACE RECOMMENDATIONS
.. . ..open Spaces With Potent/al for
I_Enhanced Public Access and
Education
~. . Open Spaces With Potential To
w:ecome Developed Park to Meet
Future Recreation Needs
1- "Breathing Room" Open Spaces
~ '. Shore//ne Access
.. " Opportunities
: _ City Owned Open Space
l D ~~:~:;te~::~ Properties
By City
o Federal Way City Limits
D Potential Annexation
.... Area
PugetSound
~
PLANNING COMMISSION REVIEW DRAFT
APRIL 26, 2006 I 79
,
. " ~ '"
. , ..' ~'l\lIr~.
A trail entrance to English Gardens Park.
The BPA Trail currently extends south
through Madrona Park and will soon
extend to the Federal Way City Limits
the SPA Trail does not go anywhere. Most users drive to the
trail, park, walk for a while and then turn around and go back to
their cars.
· People often choose parks when they are accessible to
walking, bicycling, or transit routes, or because they have
adequate parking.
· Expanding the trail system is a high priority for the community,
particularly routes that 'go some place' and connect major City
destinations.
· It is unreasonable to expect that the City has the funding to
build an extensive trail system. Instead, the focus should be
on strategic connections utilizing both the existing and planned
sidewalk system with existing and new trails in parks.
Figure 5.4 conceptually depicts some potential walking and biking
routes in the City.
Recommended Actions:
. Prioritize sidewalk and trail improvements in areas near
schools, community facilities, retail areas, and multi-family
residential (where a higher concentration of people live).
. Utilize the existing and planned sidewalk network to facilitate
connections between parks and trail routes.
. Connect Celebration Park to Steel Lake Park through a
downtown sidewalk network, safe pedestrian street crossings,
intersection improvements, way finding signage, and enhanced
pedestrian treatments and amenities.
. Create neighborhood walking routes that link neighborhood
parks, open spaces, and public lands with trails and pedestrian
improvements such as:
a Connect Panther Lake/SPA Trail through English
Gardens Park to Alderbrook Park.
a Connect Woodbridge Open Space to Olympic View
Park through Lochhaven and eventually connecting to
Poverty Say Open Space;
. In partnership with the School District and the Public Works
Department, continue to pursue funding from the Safe Routes
to Schools program to improve sidewalks in locations where
parks are located on routes to schools.
80 I
CITY OF FEDERAL WAY
PARKS, RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE PLAN
FIGURE 5.4
WALKING AND BIKING COMMUNITY - CONCEPTUAL DIAGRAM
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. Develop a comprehensive walking program such as a "Walk
Federal Way' campaign to promote physical activity, develop
community ownership, and walking identity in the City. The
Walk Federal Way campaign could include an array of
activities, programs, and events including:
o Walking events;
o The development of neighborhood 'walking maps'.
These walking maps could highlight key community
features and landmarks along each route, identify
distances and level of difficulty, and could highlight
public amenities along the way;
o Develop a greater awareness of the walking routes
and trails through a system-wide way finding signage
program that identifies routes, distances, and
pedestrian orientation maps;
o Engage walking groups such as Volksmarch, etc.
Core Value 5: PROVIDE A BALANCE OF
FACILITIES & SERVICES FOR A DIVERSE
POPULA TION
As evidenced in demographic trends, the City's population is
diversifying. Understanding the makeup of the Federal Way
community is important so that the City is providing programs and
services that meet all residents' needs and interests. To be effective,
recreation programming must adapt and respond to changing
community interests and activities. The City must continue to be
pro-active in monitoring local and national trends to ensure all ages,
abilities and backgrounds are being served.
Recommended Actions
RECREA nON PROGRAMS
Through the public process, both teen programs and senior programs
were ranked as important to the community. There is an identified
need, both in terms of trends and anecdotal evidence, for a wider
range of senior programs that provide active recreation opportunities
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CITY OF FEDERAL WAY
PARKS, RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE PLAN
for seniors, especially given that the baby boomers will reach senior
status within the planning horizon of this Plan. In addition, teen
programming was identified as important to the community, though it is
unclear whether people desire more programs for teens or are simply
looking for things for teens to do.
. Develop a more detailed analysis of senior and teen
programming needs.
. The City should evaluate the need for structured teen
programs. Consider using the Youth Commission to do a Teen
Assessment to understand what teens need and want. Rockin' teens.
· The City should Balance the development of passive and
active recreation opportunities.
As previously identified, Federal Way is becoming increasingly
diverse. Yet it is unclear what that means from a recreation
programming perspective. Part of the challenge is engaging these
groups to understand their needs. Anecdotal evidence points to a
need for unprogrammed recreation facilities (such as soccer fields and
basketball courts).
· The City should delve further into the needs of minority
populations in the City, particularly because the City will
continue to see more diversity in its population.
. The City should look for opportunities to tie cultural
programming to special events and cultural celebrations/
holidays in the community.
· The City should consider incorporating other languages such
as Spanish and Korean in its outreach materials and/or park
signage.
INCLUSIVE RECREA TlON
The City should do an assessment of its facilities and programs to
assure that it is fully accommodating the needs of those residents with
disabilities.
COORDINA nON WITH OTHER SERVICE PROVIDERS
· Since the City's focus with recreation programming has been
on filling in the gaps in services others provide, Department
staff should continue to partner and coordinate with other
recreation service providers in the community to regularly
assess how well community recreation needs are being met
and to be responsive in addressing gaps and deficiencies in
PLANNING COMMISSION REVIEW DRAFT
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service. This will ensure the City is providing programs
which are complimentary to other recreation providers in
the community and are not duplicating services.
RECREA TlON PROGRAMMING SPACE
. Ensure there is adequate 'flexible' program space
(classrooms/multipurpose rooms) to accommodate a
range of programs. This allows the City to respond to
trends and provide new classes and programs without the
need to build new facilities.
. There is a need for additional arts/visual media spaces
that would support popular arts/visual media classes.
These types of spaces are not addressed in the new
Community Center. The best location for these facilities
is at the Dumas Bay Centre. A facility master plan for the
Centre would help to evaluate the potential for additional
arts/visual media classrooms.
ARTS AND CUL TURAL PLAN
. Update the City's Arts and Culture Plan, in association
with the Arts Commission, to address the arts and
cultural programming in the City. This plan would also
address residents' needs, and ways of bringing diverse
communities together.
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PARKS, RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE PLAN
Chapter Six
Goals
and
Policies
Chapter 6: Goals and Policies
Core Value #1: Improve Existing
Facilities and Provide for Multiple
Functions in Parks
Intent: The City has a wide range of properties and assets in its
parks and recreation system, including community recreation
facilities, neighborhood parks, trails, and open spaces. Public input
indicated that there is a strong community desire for improving
the parks and open space facilities the City currently owns and
maintains. The following goals and policies address the intention
of improving existing facilities both in terms of quality of facilities
and the range of uses offered at each location.
A. Community Parks
Goal A.1: Improve the City's existing active
recreation facilities to maximize utilization.
Policy A.1: Bring active recreation fields up to standards in order
to meet current and future demand.
Policy A.2: Prepare and implement master plan for Steel Lake '
Park
Policy A.3: Coordinate with Federal Way Public Schools to share
costs of improving parks adjacent to schools.
Policy A.4: Implement the master plans that have been developed
for Lakota Park and Sacajawea Park.
Policy A.S: Balance passive and active uses to provide a range of
recreation options at each community park.
A ball field at Sacajawea Park
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Palisades Park
B. Neighborhood Parks
Goal B.1: Improve and maintain all neighborhood parks
to maximize safety, visibility, usability, appeal, and
identity.
Policy B.1: Broaden the definition of neighborhood parks to include
uses such as passive public space, neighborhood gathering places, or
special uses based upon the analysis of each park's potential.
Policy B.2: Plan for improvements to neighborhood parks based upon
their unique potential and designated role in the City-wide system.
Policy B.3: Explore ways to allow for informal play opportunities by
incorporating unprogrammed spaces such as fields and forested
areas.
c. Park Activation
Goal C.1: City parks and open spaces are inviting
to users by being well-maintained, offering facilities
and activities based on individual potential of each
property, and community need.
Policy C.1: Develop a more recognizable and inviting park and open
space system that may include:
· Developing a design checklist of baseline conditions for
park amenities such as furnishings, signage, etc.
· Consistent signage
· Park entry/street frontage landscaping and site features
such as bollards, low fences, etc.
Policy C.2: Enhance visibility into parks to increase safety and
encourage use.
Policy C.3: Balance maintaining habitat and aesthetic value with
maintaining visibility in and out of parks and open space areas.
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PARKS, RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE PLAN
Policy C.4: Integrate Crime Prevention Through Environmental
Design (CPTED) techniques to address safety and security concerns
in parks.
Policy C.5: Track crime and vandalism in each park and open space
and measure achievements using an established baseline.
D. Parks and Recreation Financing
Goal 0.1: Operate the Parks, Recreation, and Cultural
Services Department in a fiscally responsible manner.
Policy 0.1: Budget adequate funding for maintenance and staffing
needs based on public use of facilities.
Policy 0.2: Develop an impact fee analysis to determine the feasibility
of using an impact fee system for park development and facilities
improvements. Way finding signage on the BPA trail
through Panther Lake Open Space.
E. Public Awareness/Outreach
Goal E.1 : Celebrate the City's park, open space and
recreation system by keeping residents informed about
parks, recreational programming, and community
events.
Policy E.1: Develop a comprehensive system-wide signage and way
finding program for parks, open spaces, and walking routes.
Policy E.2: Develop a comprehensive walking program.
Policy E.3: Develop a comprehensive pocket map of the parks, open
space and trail system.
Policy E.4: Continue public relations and publicity efforts to inform
citizens of the recreational opportunities available.
Policy E.5: Consider developing a series of educational information
about low-impact use of parks and open spaces that may include
signage, the City's website, and Parks, Recreation and Cultural
Services Department publications.
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Clearing a storm drain.
Policy E.6: Monitor park and recreation needs and trends
periodically through questionnaires, surveys, meetings, and
research.
Maintenance
Goal F.1: Maintain existing park resources in a '
manner which promotes safety, supports a diverse
ecosystem, and minimizes ongoing maintenance
costs.
Policy f.1: Develop a maintenance phasing plan to address
ongoing maintenance tasks and help to prioritize staffing.
Policy F.2: Integrate maintenance considerations in the planning
and design of park facilities.
Policy F.3: Consider converting to low-impact maintenance
practices, phased over a several year period that may include the
following:
· Maximizing the use of native and naturalized plants and
turf that are biologically appropriate for the region
to avoid or minimize use of irrigation, fertilizers, and
pesticides.
· Controlling erosion and runoff using natural materials such
as grass or hay bales.
· Avoiding or minimizing the use of fertilizers and pesticides
through the use of Integrated Pest Management practices,
especially near water bodies.
· Composting all organic wastes for use in parks and open
space,
· Designing and retrofitting irrigation systems to use only
the minimum water needed, only where needed.
· Where it is safe, retaining dead standing trees, fallen
trees, logs, and vegetative litter, such as fallen branches,
twigs, and leaves to preserve water and habitat.
· Installing low-flow water devices where possible.
· Developing a system to use rainwater and graywater for
irrigation purposes where possible.
· Minimizing impervious surface, integrating natural
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CITY OF FEDERAL WAY
PARKS, RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE PLAN
drainage systems
· Improve City staff capability to manage open space
and public lands in the disciplines of natural resource
management e.g. habitat and wildlife biologist, horticulturist,
etc.
G. Coordination/Partnerships
Goal G.1: Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services
Department continues to foster relationships and
shared facilities and programming with other
organizations and agencies that have an impact on or
interest in the health and recreation of Federal Way
residents.
Policy G.1: Coordinate with other City departments such as Public
Works, Transportation, and Community Development in areas that
may affect parks, open spaces and trails, such as:
· Development Review;
· Acquisition of public lands;
· Non-motorized transportation improvements.
Policy G.2: Institute a program with the Federal Way Public Schools
to soften and improve the appeal of District properties that are
adjacent to public park facilities. Identify entry improvements such as
signage, landscaping, and lighting that may allow such properties to
read as part of the overall parks and recreation system.
Policy G.3: Partner with other organizations, concerned with
improving public health through active living, within the Federal Way
community.
H. Acquisition/Surplus of Properties
Intent: Although the focus for this Plan is on upgrading and enhancing
existing park and open space facilities, the City should be poised to
respond should property acquisition opportunities arise. The following
goals and policies provide direction on future park acquisition:
Winco Park is under-used due to its small
size, isolation and lack of attractions.
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Goal H.1: Be poised to act when land acquisition
opportunities or major changes in the park system
occur (e.g. annexation).
Policy H.1: Focus on developing new parks in the areas that will
experience population growth and increased density (such as the City
Center) or where deficiencies currently exist.
Policy H.2: Respond to opportunities to acquire ownership of lands
Small public green spaces such as this which will make a unique or significant contribution to the City's overall
one in Portland, OR add to the livability of park and open space system.
denser urban areas.
Policy H.3: Explore the potential to use other existing public lands to
meet future park needs such as:
· City's undeveloped open spaces
· Other City owned properties
· King County Surface Water Management
· Lakehaven Utility District, and
· Federal Way Public Schools properties.
Policy H.4: Establish a transition plan for King County parks within
the Potential Annexation Area to address these parks after annexation
occurs.
Policy H.5: Consider surplusing lands which are difficult and costly
to maintain or do not significantly contribute to the overall parks and
recreation system, or provide benefits to Federal Way residents. Any
revenues derived from surplus should go towards the enhancement of
existing parks and open spaces.
Policy H.G: Make acquisition of Camp Kilworth a priority given its
shoreline location, existing facilities, and potential as significant
contribution to the overall park and open space system.
Core Value #2: Create Community
Gathering Places and Destinations
Some of the City's parks such as Celebration Park and Steel Lake
Park currently fulfill the role as community gathering places. Many
92 I CITY OF FEDERAL WAY
PARKS, RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE PLAN
more of the City's parks and open spaces may be enhanced to better
serve this role by incorporating a certain baseline of characteristics
such as having multi-use functions, being safe and comfortable for
the public's use, and spaces that can accommodate a range of crowd
sizes. Creating community gathering places is especially important as
the City Center area develops. Furthermore, ensuring that the trail and
non-motorized improvements connect popular destinations in the City
will encourage increased use of these facilities.
I. City Center/High Density Areas
Intent: The City Center will dramatically transform over the next
twenty years. As redevelopment occurs, there is an opportunity to
activate the City Center through a network of public spaces such as
green areas, informal plazas, and wide sidewalks.
Goal 1.1 : Integrate a system of open spaces, plazas,
and walkways throughout the City Center and other
high density areas to make the area livable, host
community events, and create community identity.
Policy 1.1: Actively develop a plan for community gathering places in
the City Center.
Policy 1.2: Work with Community Development Services Department
to develop development standards for the City Center and other higher
density neighborhoods that result in spaces being set aside for parks
and plazas.
Policy 1.3: Establish mini-parks/gardens in multi-family areas and
areas under served by park facilities.
J. Neighborhood Gathering Places
Goal J.1: Establish neighborhood gathering places
in neighborhood parks (where appropriate) where
neighbors can meet, hold small-scale events, and
establish and strengthen neighborhood identity.
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Kids learn about the plants and animals
of West Hylebos wetlands.
Policy J.1: Designate some neighborhood parks as neighborhood
gathering places, where appropriate, based upon an analysis of park
potential and participation by local residents.
Policy J.2: Explore potential for more public use of the existing BPA
trail right-of-way by encouraging other uses within the corridor (such
as off-leash areas and community gardens if the area can be serviced
with water).
K. Special Use Parks
Goal K.1: Provide for special use parks and/or facilities
to meet specific community needs.
Policy K.1: Design parks with special uses such as off-leash
areas, plazas, community gardens, or skate parks to accommodate
anticipated levels of use while minimizing impacts to surrounding
neighbors.
Policy K.2: Site a permanent dog park in the community after the
initial one-year trial period at French Lake Park expires (August 2006).
Core Value #3: Retain and Improve Our
Open Spaces
Intent: Open spaces are valuable to the community because they
provide connections to a natural setting, habitat, improved air and
water quality, and educational opportunities. The City's open spaces
include wooded areas, ravines, wetlands, and shoreline environments.
Many of these open spaces contain trails and other opportunities to
experience nature close to home. These open spaces help to define
Federal Way's character. Protecting these natural systems is critical
to preserving the quality of life in the community and providing public
access to open spaces. The following goals and policies address the
protection of these open spaces, encourage low impact public access
where feasible, and the use of these spaces as "learning landscapes."
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PARKS, RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE PLAN
L. Environmentally Sensitive Areas
Goal L.1: Manage environmentally sensitive lands
for long-term ecosystem health and biodiversity of
natural systems, while making them accessible to the
community.
Policy l.1: Maintain open spaces so that they are accessible and
attractive to residents.
Policy l.2: Protect ecologically sensitive areas from degrading
impacts due to human use and development.
M. Environmental Education
Goal M.1: All Federal Way residents are aware of and
take pride in the natural systems that help to define the
character of the City.
Policy M.1: Partner with existing local groups such as Friends of
the Hylebos Wetlands, Federal Way Historical Society, and Rainier
Audubon Society to lead tours of open spaces where there are safe
walking trails and features of interest and importance.
Policy M.2: Integrate interpretive signage within the open spaces with
habitat value and/or unique historic/cultural qualities such as West
Hylebos Wetlands, Panther Lake, Poverty Bay, Spring Valley, and
Fisher's Pond.
Policy M.3: Partner with Federal Way Public Schools to provide
"learning landscape" opportunities such as gardens, plant nurseries,
and landscape beautification for learning/teaching at school-based
parks or adjacent City open spaces.
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N. Privately Owned Open Space Lands
Goal N.1: Privately-owned open spaces with
environmental constraints are preserved through
incentive-based programs to provide 'breathing-room'
open space.
Policy N.1: Consider developing a program that allows private
property owners to preserve their land as permanent open space
using incentive-based mechanisms such as conservation easements
and "life estates".
Policy N.2: Consider developing a program to keep property owners
that have property adjacent to City parks and open spaces informed
about low-impact landscape maintenance, control of invasive species,
and protection of environmentally sensitive areas.
Policy N.3: To gain maximum effect on overall parks and recreation
system, audit and revise City code requirements for on-site open
space, and revise to require contribution to larger parks system rather
than small, on-site parcels.
O. Shoreline Access
Goal 0.1: Residents can easily access public shoreline
areas and enjoy a safe, scenic, and educational
experience.
Policy 0.1: Improve public access on existing City shoreline
properties.
Policy 0.2: Explore potential to provide public access to the shoreline
via small shoreline open spaces located at unopened street ends.
Policy 0.3: Explore potential for Washington Water Association trail
(for kayaks, canoes and other non-motorized watercraft) connecting
Federal Way parks along the waterfront, and potentially connecting
to a larger regional system to waterfront parks in Des Moines and
Tacoma.
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PARKS, RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE PLAN
P. Maintenance of Open Space
Goal P.1: Maintain a system of open spaces that
preserves Federal Way's natural heritage and
character.
Policy P.1: Develop an Open Space Management Plan for the
entire system of open spaces, identifying resources such as wildlife
habitat, shoreline, wetlands, scenic resources, recreational resources,
and trails, and evaluate potential for highest and best use for each
property.
Policy P.2: Prepare feasibility studies or master plans for open spaces
that offer some opportunity for passive recreational use, such as West
Hylebos Wetlands Park, Spring Valley, Panther Lake, and Poverty The BPA Trail winds toward the City Center
Bay.
Goal P.2: Provide safe public access while keeping
natural systems intact and well-functioning.
Policy P .2.1: Control invasive species and use native species, where
possible, when replacing or enhancing vegetation.
Policy P.2.2: Identify and preserve open spaces and corridors of high
wildlife and water quality value.
Policy P.2.3: Maintain corridors and green space that allow for
the movement of animals among habitat areas that may be across
property boundaries and between adjacent areas.
Policy P.2.4: Where safety is not an issue, retain dead standing trees,
fallen trees, and vegetative litter to preserve habitat and water quality
values.
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Track practice at Sacajawea Park.
Core Value #4: Develop a Walking
and Biking Community Through An
Integrated Trail & Sidewalk Network
Intent: Developing a network of trails, interconnected walking loops,
and other non-motorized facilities is a priority for Federal Way's
future not only because this supports the most common activity of
residents - walking - but also because it improves everyday quality of
life. The following goals and policies address developing community
connectivity through a City-wide non-motorized network of trails and
sidewalks.
Q. Walking System and Programs
Goal Q.1: Develop an interconnected system of trails
and sidewalks throughout the City that are safe and
comfortable and encourage people to walk and bike,
both as recreation, and as a way to travel between
destinations.
Policy Q.1: Integrate park and open space planning with the Non-
Motorized Transportation Plan by coordinating with other departments
such as Public Works and Community Development and Planning to
prioritize and implement the plan.
Policy Q.2: Identify parks and open spaces that are on routes to
schools and coordinate with other agencies such as Federal Way
Public Schools and Public Works to seek Safe Routes to Schools
funding.
Policy Q.3: Connect Celebration Park and Steel Lake Park via a
network of sidewalk and pedestrian improvements through the City
Center.
Policy Q.4: Expand trail system at West Hylebos Wetlands Park to
create a connection between north and south parts of the park, and a
link to the proposed bike lane on S 356th Street.
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PARKS, RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE PLAN
Goal Q.2: Develop a Comprehensive City-wide Walking
Program, such as "Walk Federal Way", that would
encourage people to walk by providing maps, creating
an identifiable way finding signage system, connecting
community landmarks and destinations, and organizing
special events such as walking campaigns.
Policy 0.2.1: Create neighborhood walking routes that link parks and
open spaces with trail/pedestrian improvements.
Core Value #5: Provide a Balance of
Services For a Diverse Population
Intent: Understanding the evolving Federal Way population and
demographic needs and providing programs and recreational
opportunities that meet all residents' needs and interests is an
important goal for parks, recreation and open space planning. The
following goals and policies address accommodation of people from
diverse social, cultural, age, income, and ability groups.
R. Social Interaction
Goal R.1: Provide programs and opportunities
for social interaction among residents from all
backgrounds and walks of life.
Policy R.1: Support a broader variety of cultural events and festivals.
Policy R.2: Form partnerships with homeowner, community, and
cultural organizations to build support for community events.
Policy R.3: Facilitate or support events and activities that reflect the
cultural diversity of the Federal Way community.
Policy R.4: Expand outreach efforts to underrepresented sectors of
the Federal Way community for recreation programs and community
Community stewardship of parks
and open spaces instills pride and
"ownership" in the community's assets.
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events.
S. Sports and Recreation
Goal S.1: Provide recreation programs and community
events for all.
Policy 5.1: Provide a diversity of sports and recreational opportunities.
Policy 5.2: Work to accommodate special user groups such as
skateboarders, BMX bikers, gardeners, etc.
Policy 5.3: Work with the Youth Commission to be more responsive
to current recreational demands and develop more activities for teens.
Policy 5.4: Consider providing or increasing scholarships and/or co-
sponsorships for sports groups and recreation programs.
Policy 5.5: Outreach to the diverse social, ethnic, and age groups
within the Federal Way community during the Parks and Recreation
planning and programming process.
Policy 5.6: Develop a plan for recreation and outdoor programs at
Camp Kilworth.
T. Active Living Recreation
Goal T.1: The Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Services
Department plays a role in promoting active, healthy
lifestyles in the Federal Way Community.
Policy T.1: Develop programs that promote walking, biking and
physical activity.
u. Arts, Culture, and Recreation Programming
Goal U.1: Arts, cultural, and recreation programming to
serve the community's specific and diverse needs.
100 I CITY OF FEDERAL WAY
PARKS, RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE PLAN
Policy U.1: Be poised to respond to changing trends and
demographics by providing a diverse range of programming.
Policy U.2: Coordinate with other recreation and cultural programming
providers to ensure that the needs and interests of all ages, abilities,
backgrounds, and incomes are being met.
Policy U.3: Regularly assess local recreational demand and
participation.
Policy U.4: Update the City Arts and Cultural Plan, in partnership with
the Arts Commission, to address current residents' needs and ways of
bringing diverse communities together.
v. Community Stewardship
Goal V.1: Activate and increase social interaction
within parks and open spaces by encouraging
community use and maintenance where appropriate.
Policy V.1: Engage community organizations (such as Audubon,
Master Gardeners, Service Clubs, Korean Seniors Association, and
schools) in an Adopt-A-Park program.
Policy V.2: Encourage cultural and special events to take place in
parks.
Policy V.3: Consider organizing volunteer work parties in order to
mobilize residents to carry out discrete projects and tasks.
Policy V.4: Engage residents in the park planning and design process
when upgrading or developing parks.
Policy V.5: Engage the corporate community to sponsor parks and
organize employees into volunteer work teams. .
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Chapter Seven
Implementation
~
Chapter 7: Implementation
[NOTE: This chapter will be fleshed out in greater detail to
include estimated costs and potential funding sources.]
This chapter provides a general time frame for implementation of the
recommended actions contained within the Parks, Recreation, and
Open Space Plan.
Phasing of Implementation
Implementation actions are structured according to near term (0-3
years), mid-term (4-6 years) and long term (7-20 years). The six-year Installing artificial turf.
capital improvement plan will focus on the near and mid-term actions
identified in this chapter.
Near Term Implementation (2006-2009)
Community Parks
SAGHALlE PARK
· Artificial Turf Upgrade
· Visibility, Access, and Safety Improvements
· Estimated Time frame: Design: 2006; Construction: 2007
STEEL LAKE PARK
· Phase I: Master Plan
· Estimated Time frame: Planning: 2008; Design: 2009
LAKOTA PARK
· Master Plan Implementation Phase I & II:
· Estimated Time frame: Phase I-Design: 2007; Phase II
Construction: 2008/2009
SACAJA WEA PARK
· Master Plan Implementation Phase I--Soccer Field Artificial
Turf Improvements
· Estimated Time frame: Construction 2006/2007
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Historic log cabin located in West
Hylebos Wetlands Park.
Neighborhood Parks
NEIGHBORHOOD GA THERING PLACES
Planning, Outreach, Design, & Construction
· Alderbrook Park
. Coronado Park
· Estimated Time frame: Planning: 2007; Design: 2008;
Construction: 2009.
NEIGHBORHOOD TRAIL NODES
· Connect Alderbrook Trail to Panther Lake Open Space through
English Gardens Park.
a Trail enhancements where trail already exists;
a Trail connections where there are none;
a Trail signage improvements
· Estimated Time frame: Planning/Design: 2007/2008;
Construction 2009.
SPECIAL USE NEIGHBORHOOD PARKS
· Off-leash Dog Park Master Plan- Identify permanent dog park
location and design improvements
· Estimated Time frame: 2006/2007
Open Spaces
WEST HYLEBOS WETLANDS PARK
· Historic Log Cabins Phase III: construct restroom
· Estimated Time frame: Construction: 2007
WEST HYLEBOS WETLANDS PARK
· Boardwalk Construction & Interpretive Signage
· Estimated Time frame: Construction: 2007.2009
POVERTY BA Y OPEN SPACE
· Phase I: Feasibility Analysis
· Phase II: Master Plan
· Estimated Time frame: Phase I: 2007; Phase II: 2008
PANTHER LAKE OPEN SPACE
· Phase I: Feasibility Analysis
· Phase II: Master Plan
· Estimated Time frame: Phase I: 2007/8; Phase II: 2009
106 I CITY OF FEDERAL WAY
PARKS, RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE PLAN
SPRING VALLEY OPEN SPACE
· Phase II: Master Plan
· Estimated Time frame: 2011
System-wide
IMPACT FEE STUDY
· Planning
· Estimated Time frame: 2007
MAINTENANCE MANAGEMENT PLAN
· Planning
· Estimated Time frame: 2007
OPEN SPACE MANAGEMENT PROGRAM
· Phase I: Planning
· Estimated Time frame: Planning 2006/2007
SIGNAGE REPLACEMENT PROGRAM
· Upgrade old park signs to the new park sign standard
· Time frame: 2007/2008
CITY-WIDE COMPREHENSIVE SIGNAGE AND WALKING
PROGRAM
· Phase I: Planning
· Phase II: Implementation
· Time frame: Planning: 2007-2008; Implementation: 2009-2010
ARTS AND CUL TURAL PLAN UPDA TE
· Time frame: Planning: 2007/2008
BMX BIKE FEASIBILITY STUDY
· Time frame: Planning: 2007.
COMPREHENSIVE PARK MAP
· Develop.a 'user friendly' Comprehensive Park Map for residents
· Time frame: 2007
PLANNING COMMISSION REVIEW DRAFT
APRIL 26, 20061 107
~~
OFF-LEASH DOG PARK MASTER PLAN
· Identify a permanent dog park location and design site specific
improvements.
· Time frame: 2006/2007
Community Facilities
DUMAS BA Y CENTRE RESTORA TlON-PHASE /I
· CorrecVaddress unstable bluff conditions. Feasibility study
currently underway
· Time frame: 2006/2007
· Facility Assessment
· Time frame: 2006
CAMP KIL WORTH
· Property Acquisition
· Time frame: 2006/2007
· Site Restoration
· Time frame: 2008
Mid-Term Implementation (2010-2012)
Community Parks
CELEBRA TlON PARK
· Install artificial turf at Fields 7&8
· Estimated Time frame: Design: 2009/ Construction: 2010
SACAJAWEA PARK
· Master Plan Implementation Phase II:
· Estimated Time frame: Construction 2009-2010
Neighborhood Parks
NEIGHBORHOOD GA THERING PLACES
Planning, Outreach, Design, & Construction
. Adelaide Park
· Alderdale Park
· Mirror Lake Park
· Palisades Park
· Estimated Time frame: Planning: 2010; Design: 2011; Construction:
2012.
108 I CITY OF FEDERAL WAY
PARKS, RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE PLAN
PASSIVE NEIGHBORHOOD PARKS
Enhance Park Play Equipment Area at Dash Point Highlands and
Lake Grove. .
· New play equipment and associated site furnishings
· ADA Access
· New park signage and park entry treatments
· Estimated Time frame: Design/Construction: 2010
Open Spaces
SPRING VALLEY OPEN SPACE
· Phase I: Feasibility Analysis
· Estimated Time frame: 2007
PANTHER LAKE OPEN SPACE
· Phase II: Master Plan
· Estimated Time frame: 2010
System-wide
OPEN SPACE MANAGEMENT PROGRAM
· Phase II: Implementation
· Time frame: 2010/2011
Community Facilities
DUMAS BA Y CENTRE
· Master Plan/Facility Pre-design
· Estimated Time frame: Planning/Design 2010/2011
Long Term Implementation (2013-2026)
Community Parks
STEEL LAKE PARK
· Master Plan Implementation
· Estimated Time frame: Construction: 2013
Alderdale Park
PLANNING COMMISSION REVIEW DRAFT
APRIL 26, 20061 109
Neighborhood Parks
NEIGHBORHOOD TRAIL NODES
. Connect Woodbridge Park Open Space, Olympic View Park to
Lochhaven Open Space and Poverty Bay Open Space.
a Trail enhancements where trail already exists;
a Trail connections where there are none;
a Trail signage improvements
Open Spaces
FISHERS POND OPEN SPACE
· Phase I: Feasibility Analysis
· Phase II: Master Plan
System Wide
· Reinstate Small and Simple Grant Program
· Potential Annexation Area Parks Strategy
Six Year Capital Improvement Plan
[Note: to be completed]
Potential Funding Sources
[Note: to be completed]
INSERT CIP MATRIX
INSERT CITY's Park Acquisition'
Development/Renovation Criteria
110 I CITY OF FEDERAL WAY
PARKS, RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE PLAN
City of Federal Way Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Plan Update
APPENDIX A:
PARK INVENTORY AND ASSESSMENT
Planning Commission Review Draft
April 26, 2006
PARK INVENTORY AND
ASSESSMENT
ADELAIDE PARK
Park Character & Context
Adelaide is a mostly wooded neighborhood park located adjacent to
Adelaide Elementary School. The park's main entrance is at the large,
east end of the property, on 16th Avenue SW and a smaller entrance is
on 21 st Avenue SW. A paved trail links the two entries, passing through
a narrow, wooded section between houses, then through a picnic area
set in a grassy opening in the woods. The trail also forms a side loop
that connects a horse arena, tennis court and play area near the east
park entry. The majority of the site is level. Partial sidewalks are located
along the eastern side of the park along 16th Ave SW.
Park Issues
· Moderate visibility into the park due to wooded condition.
· The existing tennis court is underutilized due to low visibility and
shady areas.
· The horse arena in the rear of the site is underutilized and is no
longer maintained for equestrian use.
· The park could benefit from 'opening up' the site by selectively
thinning the tree cover to let additional sunlight into the park near
the play structure and site furnishings as well as along the 16th
Ave SW frontage.
Park Potential
Adelaide Park serves a residential neighborhood in the north central
part of the City. Park improvements, including picnic area, playground,
and tennis court, and horse arena were added in 19XX, based on local
neighborhood input. The underutilized horse arena should be evaluated
to determine if this use should be maintained or evolve to another use.
Other potential uses could include an off leash area for small dogs.
Needs
Near-Term
· Park identity signs; add a new park sign at the 21 st St entrance
· Provide additional trash receptacles
· Invasive species management-blackberry, moles
· Graffiti removal-picnic tables, bull rail
· Repair trail surface
· Evaluate use of horse arena / Consider redevelopment as off-
leash dog area for small dogs or small agility course
Long Term
· Improve accessibility to play structure
A-21 City of Federal Way
Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan
:'F
ADELAIDE PARK
OTHER FACILITIES
Picnic tables
Benches
PARK INFORMATION
3061916th Ave SW
7.0 acres
Type: Neighborhood Park
KEY FEATURES
Play area
Swing set
Wood play structure
Spring toys
Tennis court
Horse arena
Hiking/Walking trail
6
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April 21, 2006 IA-3
ALDER BROOK PARK
Park Character & Context
Alderbrook Park is comprised of three separate park areas, two of which
are relatively undeveloped. The park is located immediately west and
southwest of Silverlake Elementary School. The primary park entrance
and facilities are located along the south side of SE 325th PI. This area
contains play equipment and a large, informal lawn area. A series of
wetlands are located within each of the three park areas. The three
park areas are connected by an eight-foot, paved asphalt path. The
path itself is situated in a wooded setting along the periphery of the park,
and in some locations the path runs along the edge of the wetlands. The
path connects to English Gardens Park to the south. There are multiple
pedestrian access points to each of the three park areas from the
surrounding single family residential subdivisions.
Park Issues
· The trail connecting each of the three park areas crosses SW
325th PI. An improved pedestrian crossing at this location would
help to facilitate safe pedestrian movement.
· No off-street parking; although parking is available at Silverlake
Elementary School.
· Multiple park entries, most do not have park identification signs.
· Park is surrounded by single-family residential. Future park
improvements must be sensitive to adjacent neighbors.
Park Potential
· Evaluate park for potential 'community gathering place'
improvements.
· Trail/sidewalk improvements to connect the trail system within
this park to link to trails within English Gardens Park, Panther
Lake Open Space and the BPA trail system.
Needs
Near Term
· Park identity signs
Long Term
· Park specific improvements based on the park's unique potential
based on public outreach process.
· Connect Alderbrook Park trail to the trails within English Gardens
Park, Panther Lake, and the SPA trail.
· Enhanced pedestrian/trail wayfinding signage or park map/kiosk
to orient park visitors to amenities and trails.
A-41 City of Federal Way
Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan
ALDERBROOK PARK
OTHER FACILITIES
Benches
Picnic table
PARK INFORMATION
32730 17th Ave SW
35.0 acres
Type: Neighborhood Park
KEY FEATURES
Wood play structure
Hiking/Walking trail
Wetland nature area
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Apri121,2006 IA-5
ALDERDALE PARK
Park Character & Context
Alderdale Park is a recently constructed neighborhood park that is in
fairly good condition. It is a well-designed small park with a playground,
basketball and tennis courts, a short loop trail, and site furnishings that
include picnic tables and benches. The site is fairly flat, with some short,
steep slopes toward the back or north side of the site. There is an open
lawn area in the middle of the park, with formallandscapin9 beds along
the east and west edges of the park. A basketball and tennis court are
located at the rear of the park. Vehicular and pedestrian access is from
S 340th Place, a minor collector street.
Park Issues
· Lack of visibility to the basketball and tennis courts from the
street.
· Evidence of drainage and erosion problems near the basketball
and tennis courts.
· A rolled curb along the street allows vehicles to drive onto the
lawn.
Park Potential
Alderdale is an appealing neighborhood park, in good condition. This
parks has the potential to serve as a "neighborhood gathering place".
This might be accomplished at first through some programming efforts,
such as neighborhood picnics or events. The area residents could be
involved to develop ideas for additional features which might strengthen
its draw.
Needs
Near Term
· Address drainage/erosion problems near tennis and basketball
courts.
· Graffiti removal
· Invasive species management
· Clarify property boundary and landscape maintenance
responsibilities
· Replace missing landscaping-this will screen fence which has
repeated graffiti problems.
· Repair or replace older benches and picnic tables
· Working with local neighbors, identify potential neighborhood
event in park.
Long Term Needs
· Neighborhood outreach process to identify potentials for
neighborhood gathering place (if desired by neighborhood)
· Improve ADA accessibility to play structure.
A-61
City of Federal Way
Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan
j",,','"
ALDER DALE PARK
PARK INFORMATION
2700 SW 340th PI
2.0 acres
Type: Neighborhood Park
KEY FEATURES
Play Area
Basketball court
Tennis court
Hiking/Walking trail
OTHER FAC,ILlTIES
Benches
Picnic Tables
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April 21, 2006 IA-7
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BPA TRAIL
Park Character & Context
The BPA Trail is one of the more heavily used recreation facilities in
the City. The paved trail measures 3.34 miles in length and connects
Celebration Park to Madrona Park, and also connects with West
Campus Trail. The BPA trail has a rolling topography and occasional
views to Mt. Rainier.
Park Issues
· Extensive invasive species such as Scotch Broom and
Blackberry.
· Except where the trail intersects with major arterials, there is
limited visibility into portions of the BPA right-of-way.
· Safe pedestrian crossings where the trail crosses major arterials.
Park Potential
The BPA Trail right-of-way includes a large area, yet only the trail is
currently usable recreation space. Additional uses that can help to
activate the right-of-way should be explored in greater detail, such as
the siting for a potential dog park, BMX track, community gardens, etc.
Given the high use of the trail, the BPA trail also has the opportunity to
tap into community volunteer/stewardship to clean up and maintain the
BPA right-of-way.
Needs
Near Term
· Explore other uses for the right-of-way that can help to activate
the space
Long Term Needs
· Phase V BPA Trail to extend trail to southern City limits in
coordination with Pierce County park planning efforts.
A-81 City of Federal Way
Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan
BPA TRAIL
KEY FEATURES
Walking/Biking trail
Wetland nature area
.--'1. ~
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PARK INFORMATION
1100 S 324th SV1540 SW
356th St
3.34 miles
Type: Unear ParklTrail
OTHER FACILITIES
Benches
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April 21, 2006 IA-9
CAMELOT OPEN SPACE
Property Description
This 12.6 acre open space is located in unincorporated King
County, adjacent to the County's Camelot Park. The open space is
undeveloped, contains dense tree cover, and has environmentally
sensitive areas.
PARK INFORMATION
Type: Open Spa~e
12.6 Acres
KEY FEATURES
Underdeveloped Land
Habitat/Open Space Value
Future Use/Development Potential
Development potential likely limited to passive recreation/trail
improvements due to presence of environmentally sensitive areas.
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April 21, 2006 IA-11
CELEBRATION PARK
Park Character & Context
Celebration Park is the largest community park in the City. It includes regionally
known sports facilities, natural areas with wetlands and an unpaved trail system.
The new Community Center is under construction on the south 10 acres of
the property, and will be completed in 2006 and open to the public in 2007.
Residential uses are located north of the park, office parks to the south and west
of the park, and commercial businesses to the east. The park is located in close
proximity to local bus routes. Vehicular access to the park is available from a
number of points along 9th Ave S, Park Rd, and 13th PI S near the intersection
with S. 324th Street. Off-street parking is located along the street frontage.
Good pedestrian access to the park is available from the surrounding residential
neighborhood and adjacent office parks via sidewalks and the BPA Trail. The
park is highly visible from Park Road/13th PI. S.
Park Issues
· Further expansion of developed areas is limited by the presence
of an extensive wetlands system. Mitigation for impacts associated
with the Community Center construction resulted in 3.5 acres of
wooded areas being permanently maintained as a natural growth
protection area.
· Existing grass soccer fields have drainage related issues that
limit year round play.
Park Potential
· As the premier park in the City's system, the objective for this
park is to maintain the high level of amenity and general
upkeep on facilities to keep the park fresh and attractive to
sports leagues and competitions, which come from all over the
state to compete.
Needs
Near Term
· Water fountains with potable water/water bottle filler
· Fencing and asphalt drive for new maintenance building
· Artificial turf for Soccer Fields 5 & 6
· Replace platings along Park Road disturbed by Community
Center construction
Long Term
· Install electrical power around perimeter of fields
· Resurface asphalt parking lot and pedestrian areas
· Refresh soft trail surfaces
· Exercise stations for stretching
· Tree replacements
· Artificial turf for softball/baseball infields (1 - 4) and soccer fields
(7 & 8 goal mouths)
· Concession stand improvements
· Play feature for older kids
A-121
City of Federal Way
Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan
CELEBRATION PARK
PARK INFORMATION
1095$ 324th St
83.5 acres
Type: Community Park
KEY FEATURES
Soccer fields (4)
BasebalVSoftball fields (4)
Children's Play area
Wetland nature area
HikinglWalking trail
Connections to BPA Trail
OTHER FACILITIES
Benches
Bleachers
2 Concession stand
Picnic tables
Public Art
Restrooms
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April 21, 2006 IA-13
CORONADO PARK
Park Character & Context
Coronado is a small neighborhood park, tucked between two homes on
a residential street. Neighborhood residents brought some concerns
about safety and the condition of some of the facilities to the City and
the park has received some repair and replacement efforts over the
past couple of years. This included adding some low landscaping along
the street, removing some overgrown shrubs and an old bike rack, and
replacing play equipment and a water fountain. Views of the Cascade
Mountains and the BPA transmission lines are visible from the street in
front of the park. Coronado Park is located off of SW 348th Place. The
park includes a play structure, basketball court, walking path/trail, an
informal lawn area, and some site furnishings. The park is surrounded
by single family residential to the east and west and undeveloped land
immediately north and south of the park.
Park Issues
· Play structure is out of date
· Some of the park is tucked away from view and may limit future
development potential
Park Potential
· Potential for neighborhood gathering place
· A long, narrow segment of lawn runs behind several houses, and
serves as the connecting link to the southern entrance. This lawn
might be suitable for another use, but since some of the lawn has
very low visibility, and is in such close proximity to homes, this
may limit what can be accomplished.
Needs
Near Term
· New park signage
· Repair or replace several benches and picnic tables
· Working with local neighbors, identify potential neighborhood
event in park.
· Continue landscape improvements
Determine property line/screen adjacent decaying fence
Buffer between playground and street
Replace plant material in poor condition
Long Term
· Neighborhood outreach process to identify potentials for
neighborhood gathering place (if desired by neighborhood)
· Improve ADA accessibility to play structure.
· Consider new use or site improvements for open grassy areas
A-141 City of Federal Way
Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan
CORONADO PARK
OTHER FACILITIES
Benches
Picnic tables
PARK INFORMATION
2501 SW 349th PI
1.5 acres
Type: Neighborhood Park
KEY FEATURES
Toddler play area
Play Area
· Wood play structure
· Metal swing sets
Basketball court
Grassy open space
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April 21, 2006 IA-15
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DASH POINT HIGHLANDS PARK
Park Character & Context
Dash Point Highlands is directly south of Dash Point State Park, which creates a
heavily wooded backdrop to the park site. Southwest 324th Place serves as the
only access to the site. The park's trail connects to Dash Point State Park trail
system. The site is relatively level except for the retention pond, and a drainage
swale along the street frontage. Residences abut the park on two sides, but
because of the park's long street frontage it feels open and fairly comfortable. A
small play structure and grassy field are the primary recreational features of the
site. Small children are protected by a chain link fence on the street side of the
playground.
Park Issues
· Sidewalks or paved surfaces are not present at the street or
within the park. The drainage swale near the street creates a barrier for
accessibility
· Play structure is out of date
· Park could benefit from street appeal improvements including
new signage, landscaping, and removal of the chain link fence.
Park Potential
· Dash Point Highlands has good visibility from the street, but its location
deep in the neighborhood, near the City's heavily wooded western limits,
indicates that the park will continue to only serve the local residential
neighborhood population.
· This park's proximity to Dash Point State Park is its biggest asset and it
could serve as a trailhead into the State Park's trail system for
neighborhood residents. It could also be connected to an open space on
SW 325th Way, via trails within the State Park, to create a loop trail.
· The open nature of the park also lends itself to additional development
of recreational facilities
Needs
Near Term
· Upgrade Play Equipment and improve ADA accessibility
· Replace/repair site furnishings
· Identify potential recreation facilities for the park
Long Term
· Trailhead/ trail system into Dash Point State Park
· "Street appeal" measures, such as landscaping, removal of chain link fence
· Pedestrian bridge or other means to cross drainage swale
· Alternative to rolled curb, or landscaping to limit vehicle access onto the
grass
· Forest management-trees overcrowded, no understory
· Better definition of property boundaries/screening for adjacent residences
A-161 City of Federal Way
Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan
DASH POINT HIGHLANDS PARK
KEY FEATURES
Play Area
· Wood play struqture
· Metal swing set
Informal trail connecting to
Dash Point State Park trail
system
PARK INFORMATION
5200 SW 324th PI
5.0 acres
Type: Neighborhood Park
OTHER FACILITIES
Picnic table
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April 21, 2006 IA-17
DUMAS SAY CENTRE PARK
Park Character & Context
Dumas Bay Centre Park is located on the Puget Sound shoreline. The facility
includes Dumas Bay Centre and the Knutsen Family Performing Arts Center, the
primary location for the City's arts and theater recreation programs. Since 1993,
the City of Federal Way has owned and operated Dumas Bay Centre, a full-service
conference and retreat facility. Dumas Bay Centre can accommodate a wide
variety of events including conferences; meetings and banquets; overnight retreats;
weddings, receptions, and other special occasions; and performing arts events.
Guests are able to experience the tranquility and natural beauty of Puget Sound
overlooking the Olympic Mountains while being close to major metropolitan areas.
The City recently completed improvements to the site, including improving site
stormwater detention and installation of new landscaping/gardens. Surrounding
land uses include single family residential, undeveloped land, and Lakehaven
Utility District properties. The park is accessible from Dash Point Road. There are
limited pedestrian facilities.
Park Issues
The building and site at Dumas Bay Centre are facing multiple challenges. The
building was constructed in the 1950s and has serious problems with plumbing,
roof, windows, and other systems. The guest rooms do not have full bathrooms,
and thus do not meet current expectations for overnight accommodations. The
north side of the site is lined with steep bluffs, which have been compromised by
erosion and slope failures. A stairway leading down to the small, sandy beach was
closed in February 2006 due to slope failure caused by heavy winter rains.
Park Potential
· One of the key community destinations for recreation programming and
cultural events.
· Dumas Bay Centre plays a unique role in the City. It is located directly
on Puget Sound waterfront and offers a beautiful setting for events. The
Centre is operated as an enterprise fund, and is therefore responsible
for financially supporting itself. The building includes guest rooms,
four meeting rooms, a theatre, rehearsal hall, and offices. The
basement is used for children's dance and gymnastics classes.
· Provides one of the few public access points to Puget Sound.
Needs
Near Term
· Slope improvements/stabilization
Long Term
· Improve ADA accessibility.
· Facility Master Plan to address building restoration and site
improvements.
A-181
City of Federal Way
Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan
DUMAS BAY CENTRE PARK
OTHER FACILITIES
Picnic tables
PARK INFORMATION
3200 SW Dash Point Rd
12.0 acres
Type: Special Use Park
KEY FEATURES
Knutsen Performing Arts Center
Hiklng/Walking trail
Nature area
Shoreline Access
1.\
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April 21, 2006 IA-19
DUMAS BAY PARK
Park Character & Context
This 19.3 acre park is located between Southwest Dash Point Road and
Puget Sound. It is the only site with direct trail access to the waterfront
at this time. Facilities at the site include a small parking area, limited
interpretive signs, benches in the woods, and a paved asphalt path to
the shoreline. The park is the location of a former wildlife sanctuary,
designated in l. The site contains a high degree of ecological
diversity, with forested ravine, 200 feet of sandy beach, a wetland with
bulrush covering half the site, cattails, beach pea and beach grass.
Low-density residential surrounds the park. Vehicle access is from
44th Avenue S, a local, dead-end street with very low traffic volumes.
Pedestrian access is very limited.
Park Issues
· Main access is through a single family residential area.
· The park is difficult to find due to a its lack of visible directional
signage on Dash Point Road, and secluded, wooded location.
· Local resident have voiced complaints regarding garbage and
noise levels associated with loitering in the parking lot.
· Dogs off-leash on the beach has become a problem, as this is
inappropriate for a wildlife sanctuary
Park Potential
· The site was formerly known for the presence of a heron rookery.
It is currently used by owls and migrating songbirds. Other
animal species could be attracted to and supported by the park.
· Interpretive opportunities could be enhanced.
· The sandy beach access is unique (other City shoreline parks
consist of high, steep bluffs) and provides for a potential kayak!
canoe access
Needs
Near Term
· Remove invasive species (ivy, blackberry, knotweed, cattails) and
increase plant diversity
· Add signage: "No dogs off-leash"
· Mow once per year, after July 15, to keep blackberries down,
maintain open quality and sunlight, and discourage undesirable
activities
Long Term
· Open forest by removing some vegetation and cedars. Leave
trees on the ground or make snags out of some of them.
· Plant Sitka spruce in wet spots, including near the beach
· Interpretive signage to describe unique qualities
A-201 City of Federal Way
Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan
DUMAS BAY PARK
OTHER FACILITIES
Benches
Off-street Parking
PARK INFORMATION
30844 44th Ave SW
19.3 acres
Type: Neighborhood Park
KEY FEATURES
Wetland nature area
Walking/biking trail
Shoreline Access
6
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April 21, 2006 IA-21
ENGLISH GARDENS PARK
Park Character & Context
English Gardens Park is a linear park located in the central part of the
City. The park includes gardens, a trail, and a play structure. The park
includes wooded areas and landscaped paths and clearings. The park
has multiple pedestrian access points from the surrounding residential
neighborhood.
Park Issues
· Limited visibility from the street due to linear nature of the park
and surrounding single family residential areas.
· The park is not well known by the community and is mostly used
by the surrounding residences.
· Although street frontages are planted with landscaping and
have a low fence, there are no park identity signs to delineate
park entrances.
Park Potential
The parks greatest potential is its role in linking trails between Alderbrook
Park, BPA Trail, Panther Lake Open Space, and West Campus Open
Space to form a more interconnected system of trails through the area.
Needs
Near Term
· Install park identity signs at park entrances
Long Term
· Develop trail connections to Alderbrook Park and West Campus
Open Space
A-221 City of Federal Way
Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan
ENGLISH GARDENS PARK
KEY FEATURES
Hiking/Walking. trail
Play Structure
Gardens
PARK INFORMATION
1210 SW 333rd St
3.43 acres
Type: Neighborhood Park
OTHER FACILITIES
Benches
Picnic tables
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April 21, 2006 IA-23
FISHER'S POND OPEN SPACE
Park Character & Context
Fisher's Pond is approximately 13 acres located along 320th St. SW.
The site primarily consists of Fisher's Pond and associated wetlands.
A series of informal trails are located on the west side of the site. The
Federal Way Historical Society is also located at this site. Fisher's Pond
is surrounded by single family and multi-family residential.
Open Space Value
· Wildlife Habitat
· Environmentally Sensitive Areas
Future Use Potential
· Environmental education opportunities in association with the
Historical Society.
· The site could serve location to educate the community on the
natural history of Federal Way through interpretive signage and
displays.
Needs
Near Term
· Evaluate Historical Society building for needed improvements,
including ADA accessibility.
Long Term
· Develop parking, trails and interpretive signage
· Master Plan
A-241 City of Federal Way
Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan
FISHER'S POND OPEN SPACE
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PARK INFORMATION
S 320th and 7th AVE SW
13 .acres
Type: Open Space
KEY FEATURES
Wetlands
OTHER FACILITIES
Federal Way Historical Society
April 21, 2006 IA-25
FRENCH LAKE PARK
Park Character & Context
The park includes two parcels, one of which is owned by Lakehaven
Utility District. The park contains a mix of wooded areas, grassy
clearings, and ponds. French Lake Park is the site of the City's
temporary off-leash dog park. Since conversion to the off-leash area, the
park is becoming increasingly popular in the City, especially as increased
awareness of its presence in the community grows. The park is located
on 1 st Avenue South and is surrounded by single family to the north and
west, multi-family residential to the east, and a fire station to the south.
Vehicular access and parking is located off of 1 st Avenue South.
Park Issues
· Muddy conditions due to Lakehaven Utility District daily
operations (spraying water onto the open areas). Muddy
conditions are particularly bad near the ponds and near the
entrance to the park.
· The park is not readily identifiable from the street.
Park visibility from 1 st Avenue South is limited. An outdated park
identity sign is obscured from the road.
· There is no buffer between the single family residences
immediately north of the park. A chain link fence currently
separates residences from park activities.
· There is no direct pedestrian access from 1 st Avenue S.
Pedestrians must access the park through the parking lot.
· The dog park was created on a trial-basis. It will be evaluated in
August 2006.
· Lakehaven Utility District may purchase the City's half of the site,
and expand their operations.
Park Potential
· This park is already functioning as a community
destination/gathering place due to the new off-leash dog park
use. Dog park users have formed volunteer work crews to help
maintain the park.
· The park has adequate off-street parking for the dog park use.
· Additional site furnishings and amenities could be provided to
address increased park use such as additional trash cans
distributed throughout the park, benches, and picnic tables.
· After the dog park trial is over, evaluate the effectiveness of
French Lake for that use.
Needs
Near term
· Fix ponds
A-261
City of Federal Way
Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan
FRENCH LAKE PARK
PARK INFORMATION
31531 1st Ave S
10.0 acres*
Type: Neighborhood Park
KEY FEATURES
Temporary Off-Leash Dog Park
Horseshoe pit
Ponds
Lakehaven Utilities District
Off-street parking
OTHER FEATURES
Benches
Picnic tables
"'Note: Only 5 acres are owned
by the City. The remaining 5 are
owned by Lakehaven Utility District
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April 21, 2006 IA-27
HERITAGE WOODS PARK
Park Character & Context
Park Issues
Park Potential
Needs
Near Term
.
Long Term
A-281 City of Federal Way
Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan
HERITAGE WOODS PARK
OTHER FACILITIES
Picnic tables
PARK INFORMATION
28159 S 24th PI
2.0 acres
Type: Neighborhood Park
KEY FEATURES
Play structure
Walking trail
6
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April 21, 2006 IA-29
HVLEBOS BASIN OPEN SPACE
KEY FEATURES
Undeveloped.. Land
Environmentally Sensitive Areas
Property Description
This 47.6 acre open space is comprised of three parcels that
were acquired from King County in 2004. The open space is
undeveloped and has dense tree cover. The site also contains
environmentally sensitive areas such as wetlands.
PARK INFORMATION'
Type: Open Space
47.56 acres
Open Space Value
· Greenbelt
· Environmentally sensitive area protection
Future Use Potential
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April 21,2006 IA-31
KENWOOD OPEN SPACE
PARK INFORMATION
SW 354th St and 7th Ave SW
6.34 acres
Type: Open Space
Property Description
Kenwood Open Space is located in the south part of the City.
It is the site of a former gravel operation. The open space is
currently in a natural state, with heavy tree cover. The site is
located in a single family residential neighborhood.
Open Space Value
· Habitat Value
· Connects to a larger system owned by a homeowner's
association
Future Use Potential
Explore potential for future neighborhood park at this site based
on need and demand to serve the residential population in the
south part of the City.
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April 21, 2006 IA-33
LAKE GROVE PARK
Park Character & Context
Lake Grove Park is a heavily wooded site with a paved loop trail,
playground, small picnic area and basketball court. It is an attractive
site, but heavy shade over the picnic area and playground may limit their
use much of the year. The park is long and narrow, and only about 1,4
of it is developed. Vehicular access is challenging. One car can park at
the street end on SW 31 Oth Street, though this could block the adjacent
driveway. On SW 308th Street it appears that cars park on the gravel
shoulder on an adjacent property. There are multiple access points from
two sides of the park. Informal trails indicate the approaches that many
users take. Single family residential surrounds the park.
Park Issues
· Low visibility from SW 308th Street.
· Very low visibility from 8th and 10th Avenues SW.
· There are no sidewalks. However, the park is near existing or
proposed bike lanes or shoulders on SW Dash Point Road and
SW 312th Sf.
· Long, narrow configuration between houses.
· Dense woods and shade
Park Potential
Work with neighborhood residents to identify potential 'community
gathering place' improvements.
Needs.
Near Term
· Provide park signage
Park name: Replace main sign on 8th Avenue SW, add
small sign on 10th Avenue SW
Directional signage on 10th Avenue SW
· Invasive species management-blackberry and holly
· Graffiti removal-play structure
Long Term
· Address trail buckling caused by tree roots
· Provide parking on-site
· Neighborhood workshop to determine need / desire for additional
development
A-341 City of Federal Way
Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan
LAKE GROVE PARK
KEY FEATURES
Play area
· Wood play structure
· Wood swing set
Basketball court (1/2 court)
Hiking/Walking trail
PARK INFORMATION
833 SW 308th St
5.0 acres
Type: Neighborhood Park
OTHER FACILITIES
Benches
Picnic tables
L\
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to scale
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April 21, 2006 IA-35
LAKE KILLARNEV PARK
Park Character & Context
Lake Killarney Park is located east of 1-5, just south of Weyerhaeuser's
Headquarters. The park is also located in a corner of City limits
surrounded by unincorporated King County. The park has a quiet, natural
setting, located on the shore of Lake Killarney. With the exception of
a small clearing, the park is wooded and contains native woodland
species. Single family residential is located to the east, west, and south
and offices are located to the north of the park. Vehicular and pedestrian
access to the park is located at the parking e'ntrance. There are no
sidewalks adjacent to the park; the nearest sidewalks are located along
Weyerhaeuser Way north of the park entrance.
Park Issues
· There are limited improvements at the park.
· The park has low visibility from the street and neighboring
area due to the wooded conditions, the park's location below
street grade, and the park's entrance at a bend in the road where
Weyerhaeuser turns into S 349th St. Low visibility into the
park has contributed to issues with dumping, vandalism and other
illegal activities.
· The parking lot is currently closed to the public due to excessive
problems with dumping and illegal activity.
Park Potential
The park functions more as an open space with passive recreation uses.
Improving the trail surface and opening up the park to view from the
street may help with some of the existing park issues.
Needs
Near term
· Solve parking issues
· Improve pedestrian access from the street
· Improve visibility into park from Weyerhaeuser Way S.
· Enhance view to lake from existing clearing
· Remove invasive plant species
Long Term
· Provide comfortable seating in lake viewing areas
· Create additional seating/gathering areas in the park
A-361
City of Federal Way
Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan
LAKE KILLARNEY PARK
PARK INFORMATION
34902 Weyerhaeuser Way S
11.0 acres
Type: Neighborhood Park
KEY FEATURES
Lake Killarney
Walking/Biking trail
Canoelkayak.water access
OTHER FACILITIES
Picnic tables
Mini-amphitheater seating
Off-street Parking
L\
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April 21, 2006 IA-37
, 'c.' ~>.~
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LAKOTA PARK
Park Character & Context
This community park is located adjacent to Lakota Middle School. The
park is bordered to the north by Dash Point Road and to the west by
21st Ave. SW. Main access to the park is at SW 316th St. and Dash
Point Road. The park consists of two distinct areas: the north part of
the park is relatively flat and open, with steep slopes at the east end of
the site, and is managed by the Parks Department. The south part of
the site is primarily wetland and wetland buffer and was acquired by the
City's Surface Water Utility in 2004. The north part of the site is primarily
oriented towards active recreation uses. Pedestrian access is primarily
from the school and the parking lot northwest of the athletic fields. There
are no sidewalks along the street frontage or paths within the park itself.
Residential properties border the site to the south and southwest. The
Fire District training center is adjacent to the northeast.
Park Issues
· The natural grass fields currently have poor drainage and
turf problems. Play is limited each year due to
soggy conditions.
· Although the park has excellent site visibility, it currently lacks
a strong park identity due to its location adjacent to Lakota Middle
School and low level of development.
· Lack of safe pedestrian access and circulation
· Insufficient parking during events. Overflow parking is located
at the middle school and at the Wayside Church across the street
(which creates dangerous crossings for pedestrians).
The City recently completed a facilities master plan for the site, which
identifies specific improvements to the fields, including addressing the
drainage issues, updating fields to regulation size and upgrading to
artificial turf.
Park Potential
As one of the five community parks with an active recreation emphasis,
the park's utilization by other participants will increase significantly
once the recommended improvements are implemented. The addition
of passive recreation uses at the park will help to broaden its multiple
functions.
Needs
Near term
· Strategy for requests from cell phone and other
telecommunications providers.
Long- Term
· Implement Master Plan recommended improvements (see
Appendix X).
A-381 City of Federal Way
Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan
LAKOTA PARK
OTHER FACILITIES
Restrooms
Benches
Off-Street Parking
Park information
31334 SW Dash Point Rd
52.1 acres*
Type: Community Park
KEY FEATURES
Soccer field (3)
BasebalVSoftball fields (3)
Track
Wetlands
""Note: Only 40 acres are owned
by the City. The remaining 12 are
owned by SWM.
6
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April 21, 2006 IA-39
LOCKHAVEN OPEN SPACE
KEY FEATURES
Undeveloped Land
Property Description
This 14.4 acre open space is a linear greenbelt type open
space. The site is currently undeveloped with dense tree cover.
The site contains environmentally sensitive area such as Joe's
Creek. The open space is surrounded by single family and
multi-family residential development.
PARK INFORMATION
Type: Open Space
14.4 Acres
Open Space Value
· Greenbelt
· Environmentally sensitive area protection
Future Use Potential
· Passive Recreation/Potential Trail connections
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April 21, 2006 IA-41
MADRONA PARK
Park Character & Context
Madrona Park is a new park with facilities constructed in 2005. The park
and Phrase IV of the BPA trail follow the BPA transmission lines. The
BPA Trail terminates within the park. The center of the site is largely
wetland and associated buffer and is heavily vegetated with wetland
plant species. The developed portions of the park include a play
structure, BPA trail extension, and site furnishings. Vehicular access to
the park is available from 15th Ave. SW between SW 356th St and SW
362nd St. Pedestrian access is available along SW 356th St and 15th
Ave SW. A pedestrian crossing at SW 356th St/BPA Trail, including
a refuge island, was installed during the SPA Trail extension (Phase
IV). Adjacent land uses surrounding the park are primarily single family
residential. The northern edge of the park is visible from SW 356th St., a
principal arterial.
Park Issues
· As a new park, Madrona Park has low level use at present.
There are no park identity signs at park entrances. Landscaping
along SW 356th St. has helped to increase its character as a
park. Long term use of the park will continue to grow as residents
use the BPA Trail
· Wetlands and utilities on the site limit future development of the
park.
· Any development must be coordinated with BPA, public utilities
(power) and Tacoma (water pipeline #5).
Park Potential
The BPA Trail terminates at this park. Future extension of the trail (SPA
Trail Phase V) has the potential to connect to Pierce County. The
County has long range plans for a trail connection, making it a regional
trail system. Madrona Meadows, a city-owned open space, is also
adjacent to the park on the north side of S 356th St.
Needs
Near-term
· Park identity signs
· Additional landscaping along street frontages and at park entries
· Picnic tables with concrete pads
Long Term
· Extend BPA trail to southern City limits once Pierce County
makes progress on trail development to link the two trail systems
into a larger regional system.
· Manage invasive species (blackberry).
A-42 I
City of Federal Way
Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan
MADRONA PARK
PARK INFORMATION
SW 356th & 15th Ave SW to
SW 363rd
19.4 acres
Type: NeJghborhood Park
KEY FEATURES
Play area
· Play structure
· Swing set
Nature/wetland area
Walking/Biking trail
Connects to BPA Trail
OTHER FACILITIES
Benches
L\
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April 21, 2006 IA-43
MADRONA MEADOWS OPEN SPACE
KEY FEATURES
Property Description
Madrona Meadows is approximately 6.18 acres and is
located adjacent to Phase II of the BPA Trail. The open
space is accessible from 13th Way SW. The site is currently
undeveloped. Madrona Meadows includes some wetlands and
associated vegetation. The open space is surrounded by single
family residential
PARK INFORMATION
6.18 acres
Type: Open Space
Open Space Value
Environmentally sensitive areas
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April 21, 2006 IA-45
1':-
MIRROR LAKE PARK
Park Character & Context
This park contains 3.4 acres of land located off South 315th Avenue.
Facilities at the site include a small playground area and large open'lawn
area. The character of the site is fairly level and partially wooded with
a mixture of understory vegetation. The park has limited access from
adjacent residential areas and is only accessible from two small dead-
end streets.
Park Issues
· Site access
· Site visibility
· Invasive Species
· There are no sidewalks in the vicinity of the park
Park Potential
· This park serves the local neighborhood. The park is tucked
away behind single family residential and is not readily visible
from the street. This park will continue to serve the neighborhood
immediately surrounding it. The park is located near Mirror Lake
Elementary School.
· Thinning some of the tree cover near the play structure may
help to open up the site and allow more sunlight in the play area
and seating.
Needs
Long T arm
Working with local neighbors, identify potential for other recreation uses
at the park, particularly the potential of the large open lawn area.
A-461
City of Federal Way
Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan
MIRROR LAKE PARK
PARK INFORMATION
915 S 315th St
3.4 acres
Type: Neighborhood Park
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KEY FEATURES
Wood play set
HikinglWalking trail
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OTHER FACILITIES
Benches
Picnic tables
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to scale
April 21 ,2006 IA-47
OLYMPIC VIEW PARK
Park Character & Context
Olympic View Park consists primarily of a heavily wooded ravine, with
two flat areas at each end of the property. The park abuts a longer open
space site to the south, Woodbridge Park Open Space. Playground
structures and some site furnishings are present on the upland areas at
the north and south ends of the park.
The park is located between 30th Avenue SW and 32nd Avenue SW.
Vehicular access is limited, although about two parking spaces are
present near one of the entries. The park has four pedestrian access
points and neighborhood residents actively use the informal trails
that traverse the open space and park. The neighborhood has few
sidewalks.
Park Issues
· Steep slopes in the ravine limit the accessibility of a trail system.
· Limited visibility of the park entries and its secluded nature limit
the awareness of the presence of this park.
Park Potential
· Olympic View Park is a quiet, secluded park that has the
potential for expanded usability with development of a trail
system that connects to the open space south of the park.
Well-designed entries and improved seating/gathering areas
around the two play areas would attract more users and offer
more possibilities for use.
· High potential for creation of linear park-type trail system through
Olympic View.
Needs
Near term
· Park identity sign at each entry (4)
· Invasive plant species and mole management
· Graffiti removal
· Asphalt path repair
· New trash receptacles and benches
Long Term
· Seating/gathering areas in two upland areas
· Trail system, connecting with open space
A-481 City of Federal Way
Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan
OLYMPIC VIEW PARK
OTHER FACILITIES
Picnic tables
Park information
29th Ave SW & SW 330th
21.0 acres
Type: Neighborhood Park
KEY FEATURES
Play areas
· Play structures (2)
· Swing sets
Hiking/Walking trail
Joe's Creek
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April 21, 2006 IA-49
PALISADES PARK
Park Character & Context
This 4.5 acre park is located off Dash Point Road. Facilities at the
site include a basketball court, play equipment, open lawn area and a
trail system. A small parking area that contains six spaces is located
adjacent to the roadway. The park contains two areas, the fairly open
park area where the play structure, trail, and basketball court are located.
The rear of the site is a wooded condition with limited improvements. The
park has some limited view of Puget Sound.
Park Issues
· A storm ditch along the roadway prevents parallel parking near
the park.
· Paths are buckling due to cottonwood tree roots.
Needs
Near Term
· Repair paths
A-501
City of Federal Way
Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan
PALISADES PARK
OTHER FACILITIES
Benches
Picnic tables
PARK INFORMATION
5039 Dash Point Road
4.5 acres
Type: Neighborhood Park
Key Features
Play area
Basketball court
Walking/Hiking trail
6
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April 21, 2006 lA-51
PANTHER LAKE OPEN SPACE
Park Character & Context
This 78.72 acre site is located along Southwest Campus Drive. The
open space trail system around Panther Lake connects to the SPA Trail
and West Campus Trail.
Park Potential
Panther Lake Open Space has the potential to be an integral hub in a
system of trails and open space links. It currently serves this function
already by connecting to the BPA Trail and West Campus Trail. Panther
Lake Open Space is connected to Celebration Park and Madrona
Park via the current BPA Trail system. Future improvements could
link Panther Lake to Alderbrook Park to the north and West Hylebos
Wetlands Park to the south.
The open space also has the potential for enhanced public access and
educational opportunities such as interpretive signage. This site is a
popular location for Eagle Scout projects.
Needs
Near Term
· Develop a Master Plan for the Open Space that identifies
enhanced public access opportunities, interpretive features,
invasive species management, and environmental
considerations/constraints.
· Enhance trail connections.
· Improve the trail around Panther Lake
· Develop an Eagle Scout project list.
A-521
City of Federal Way
Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan
PANTHER LAKE OPEN SPACE
PARK INFORMATION
SW Campus Dr and 7th Wy SW
78.72 acres
Type: Open Space
KEY FEATURES
Panther Lake
Wetland nature area
Trails
Located at the intersection of
West Campus and SPA trails.
l\
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April 21, 2006 lA-53
POVERTY BAY OPEN SPACE
Park Character and Context
Poverty Bay is an undeveloped site located on Puget Sound. ,The open
space includes three parcels for a total of 59.48 acres. The site has
dense tree cover, steep slope area, and sits on a bluff overlooking Puget
Sound.
Open Space Value
· Shoreline Access
· Wildlife Habitat
· Informal public access trails
· Environmentally Sensitive Areas (steep slopes and wetlands)
Future Use Potential
· Future passive recreation uses such as trail and shoreline
access. A feasibility study for Poverty Bay open space would
help to identify environmental constraints and the site's potential
for passive recreation uses.
· Explore potential for Washington Water Association trail access
point
Needs
Near Term
· Feasibility study to evaluate environmental constraints and
potential for public use.
A-541 City of Federal Way
Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan
POVERTY BAY OPEN SPACE
PARK INFORMATION
SW Dash. Point Rd and 28th
Ave SW
59.48 acres
Type: Open Space
KEY FEATURES
Wetlands
Shoreline access
Land Hazard Area
L\
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to scale
April 21, 2006 lA-55
SACAJAWEA PARK
Park Character & Context
Sacajawea Park is one of the City's five community parks with an
active recreation emphasis. This park has a high level of use for
organized sports and athletic events. Sacajawea Middle School is
located immediately west of the park. Residential and commercial uses
surround the park. Dash Point Road borders the park to the north and
116th Ave S to the east. The primary vehicular access to the park is off
Dash Point Road. Pedestrian access is hazardous due to heavy traffic
and a lack of adequate sidewalks. A signalized pedestrian crossing is
located at 11 th Place S.
There is a large parking area that is shared with the middle school. The
site is laid out on multiple terraces with steep slopes situated between,
and a grade change of 64 feet rising from north to south. The north
portion of the site consists of athletic facilities and the south end is
oriented toward more passive activities. The passive recreation area is
isolated from the rest of the park and is obscured from public view.
Park Issues
· Graffiti/Vandalism, particularly on restroom buildings
· Park Identity. The park appears to be a part of the middle school
and not a City park facility.
· Site visibility into the park is obscured by a heavily wooded
boundary. In addition, site visibility is poor into the south end
of the park. School staff have requested that this area have
improved visibility.
· Drainage issues associated with topographic changes.
· The facilities are dated and need to be upgraded.
· Undersized athletic fields, in part due to the size of. existing
terraces on site and steep slopes.
· Artificial turf soccer field is experiencing problems due to heavy
use, drainage issues and tracking of_ from adjacent track.
Park Potential
This park's utilization will increase significantly once the recommended
improvements are implemented.
Needs
Near term
· Address problems with existing artificial turf soccer field.
Long Term
· Implement Sacajawea Master Plan recommended improvements
A-561 City of Federal Way
Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan
SACAJAWEA PARK
OTHER FACILITIES
Restrooms
Benches
PARK INFORMATION
1401 S Dash Point Rd
18.3 acres
Type: Community Park
KEY FEATURES
Soccer field (artificial turf)
Baseball/Softball fields
Track
Tennis courts
Play area
Hiking/Walking trail
L\
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April 21, 2006 lA-57
SAGHALIE PARK
Park Character & Context
Saghalie Park is one of the five active recreation parks in the City. It
is located immediately adjacent to and shares athletic facilities with
Saghalie Middle School. The park sits on a high point above SW
Campus Drive. The park has a sense of enclosure due to topographic
changes and the surrounding tree cover and its location behind a
school. Off-street parking is available behind the middle school. Three
pedestrian entry points are located along SW Campus Drive. Land uses
immediately surrounding the park includes Saghalie Middle School, retail
areas, and a concentration of multi-family residential.
Park Issues
In general, the park is in good condition; only minor improvements and
enhancements are needed to increase usability and attractiveness.
Current park issues include:
· Vandalism. The park has a history of high levels of vandalism
and graffiti. This can be attributed, in part, to the low visibility into
the park from street and adjacent properties.
· Recreation Fields. Some of the ball fields on site have a
tendency to flood during winter months. Converting natural grass
areas to artificial turf will correct these deficiencies.
· Visibility. Improve visibility of park from the street, including
pedestrian access points along SW Campus Drive.
· Demand for cell tower access
Park Potential
As one of the community parks, the recreational fields at this park are
heavily used. By upgrading the fields to address deficiencies, the city
can increase the number of games that can be played year-round.
Needs
Near term
· Develop a facility improvement plan for Saghalie which identifies
specific facilities improvements for the active recreation fields;
· Update park identity sign at park entry;
· Include 1-2 directional signs along SW Campus Dr.;
· Improve sightlines and visibility into park along SW Campus Dr.
Long-Term
· Improve trail surface conditions and enhance trail connections;
· Improved landscaping and street frontage treatments to create a
more defined park entry, including park identity signs.
· Replace surface material under playground equipment.
A-581
City of Federal Way
Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan
SAGHALIE PARK
KEY FEATURES
SoftbalVbaseball fields
Sand soccer field
Soccer/Football field
Track
Basketball court
Tennis courts (4)
Volleyball court
WalkinglBiking trail
Play area
PARK INFORMATION
3391419th Ave SW
16.4 acres
Type: Community Park
OTHER FACILITIES
Restrooms
Concessions area
Benches
Picnic tables
Off-Street Parking
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April 21, 2006 lA-59
SPRING VALLEY OPEN SPACE
Park Character & Context
Park Issues
.
Park Potential
Needs
Near Term
Long Term
A-601 City of Federal Way
Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan
SPRING VALLEY OPEN SPACE
KEY FEATURES
Hylebos Creek
Wetlands
Adjacent to Todd Beamer High
School
PARK INFORMATION
S359th St and Pacific Hwy
45.4 acres
Type: Open Space
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April 21, 2006 IA-61
...:....::!,
STEEL LAKE PARK
Park Character & Context
Steel Lake Park is a unique and popular park north of the City Center. It is
divided into two parts by S 312th Street. The northern portion of the site is
oriented toward passive recreation activities, with Steel lake being the dominant
feature. This site contains a beach, swimming area, fishing pier, multiple picnic
areas with one picnic shelter, a restroom/concession building, boat launch,
basketball court, sand volleyball courts, and a large meadow with many large
trees of varied species. The portion south of S. 312th Street (often referred to
as "Steel Lake Annex") functions as the active recreation area and contains
two lighted softball fields, an artificial turf soccer field, a skatepark, concession/
restroom building, small playground for preschool age children, maintenance barn
and an older brick house that is currently used for preschool classes. The City's
maintenance shop is located just east of Steel Lake Park. The park is located at
the intersection of two minor arterial streets, S 312th Street and 28th Avenue S.
Access to both the north and south portions of the park is from S 312th Street.
There is no curb or sidewalk along the perimeter of Steel Lake Park, although
there is a wide shoulder in some locations.
Park Issues
· Parking and traffic are major issues during the busy summer weekends.
· There is significant unmet demand for picnic facilities.
· Vandalism, graffiti and theft are problems, particularly at the Annex.
Park Potential
There is continual high demand for picnic facilities, particularly for the single
picnic shelter. Well-designed picnic areas and shelters are needed here or in
other community parks. The large variety of species of trees on the site lend
the possibility of developing the park as an informal arboretum. Because of the
complexity of the site and the many uses and demands on it, a master planning
process is recommended to guide future redevelopment.
Needs
Near Term
· Regrade/reseed meadow area
· Repair fishing pier
· Provide concrete pad for Picnic Site 4
· Revegetate slope on east side of Karl Grosch Soccer Field
· Install lighting at Annex parking lot
· Replace toddler playground at Annex
Long Term
· Develop a Park Master Plan
A-621 City of Federal Way
Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan
STEEL LAKE PARK
KEY FEATURES
Steel Lake
Soccer field
Baseball/Softball fields
Basketball court
Sand Volleyball court
Horseshoe pit
Skateboard park
Walking/Biking trail
Swimming beach
Fishing Pier
Boat Launch
Play area ('{Funland")
PARKINFORMA liON
2410 S 312th St &
2645 S 312th St.
52.0 acres
Type: Community Park
OTHER FACILITIES
Restrooms
Picnic tables
Benches
Concession area
Off-Street Parking
L\
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April 21, 2006 IA-63
SW 312TH SPORTS COURTS
Park Character & Context
This site consists entirely of three paved sports courts, including one
basketball court, one tennis court and one pickleball court, placed end to
end. The two larger courts are enclosed with high fencing, and one gate
serves both courts. The pickleball court has fencing only at the ends of
the court. The courts are depressed into the site by about 3 feet.
A vegetative screen north of the courts provides a buffer between the
sports activities and the adjacent homes. However, homes on each end
of the courts have direct views of the courts.
There is good vehicular access from SW 312th Street, a minor arterial.
There are no sidewalks in this neighborhood or on the site.
Park Issues
· Since the park is not signed well, and does not have parking, it is
not immediately evident that this is a public property.
· The courts are in good condition, however the rest of the site is
inadequately developed.
· There is no formalized parking on the site, and visitors park on
random gravel pads along the edge of the street.
· Drainage and erosion problems are evident.
· There is no seating and very limited pedestrian circulation on the
site.
Park Potential
SW 312th Sports Courts is a 'special use' neighborhood park because it
offers an important and unique resource to the community. The courts
might receive more use with needed improvements such as seating
areas, parking and sidewalks. This must be balanced with their close
proximity to residents, who are sometimes affected by noise from the
courts.
Needs
Near Term
· Benches
· Park sign
· Plantings to screen residences
Long Term
· Paved parking
· Pedestrian walkways
· Address drainage and erosion problems, possibly with concrete
block wall around edge of courts that can double as seating.
A-641 City of Federal Way
Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan
SW 312TH SPORTS COURTS
KEY FEATURES
Basketball court
Tennis court
Pick/eball court
PARK INFORMATION
SW 312th & 11th Ave S
2.0 acres
Type: Special Use Park
L\
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Map not
to scale
April 21, 2006 IA-65
SW 363RD OPEN SPACE
KEY FEATURES
Property Description
SW 363rd Open Space is approximately 7.67 acres located
along the southern City limits. The open space is comprised
of 14 parcels and undeveloped rights-of-way. SW 363rd Open
Space is located in a single family neighborhood that is currently
experiencing some residential growth.
PARK INFORMATION
7.67 acres
Type: Open Space
Open Space Value
Future Use Potential
Explore site as a potential location for future park development
to serve the south portion of the City based on need and
demand.
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April 21, 2006 IA-67
THOMPSON PARK
PARK INFORMATION
S 333rd St and 24th Ave S
2.6 acres
Type: Neighborhood Park
, Design Complete
Scheduled for construction in
2006.
Features to include
Play structure
Trails
Picnic Tables
Benches
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Apnl21,2006 IA-69
TWIN LAKES VISTA OPEN SPACE
KEY FEATURES
Underdeveloped Land
Property Description
Twin Lakes Vista Open Space is approximately 3.9 acres. The
site is currently undeveloped and is located immediately south
of Dash Point State Park, which contributes to its overall wooded
character. The open space is accessed from SW 325th Place
or a cul-de-sac on 48th Avenue SW. The site contains wetlands
throughout.
PARK INFORMATION
3.9 acres
Type: Open Space
OTHER . FACILITIES
Open Space Value
· Environmentally sensitive areas
· Wildlife Habitat
Future Use Potential
Potential trailhead into the trail system at Dash Point State Park.
L\
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Map not
to scale
April 21, 2006 IA-71
WEDGEWOOD PARK
Park Character & Context
This neighborhood park is completely surrounded by single family
residential. There are multiple access points into the park in breaks
between the single family houses. Access is from SW 339lh Street and
SW 33Th Street. The park is primarily an open area with tree cover
along the perimeter to buffer adjacent neighbors.
Park Issues
· This park is underutilized, likely in part due to its location tucked
behind single family homes.
· Neighbors have encroached on park property with fences.
Park Potential
· This park serves the local residents and will continue to serve this
function. Future improvements should address street presence of
the park and upgrades for safety.
Needs
Near Term
· Address fence encroachment by adjoining property owners.
A-721
City of Federal Way
Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan
WEDGEWOOD PARK
KEY FEATURES
Play area
HikinglWalking trail
PARK INFORMATION
3913 SW 337th St
2.0 acres
. Type: Neighborhood Park
OTHER FACILITIES
Picnic tables
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April 21, 2006 IA-73
WEST CAMPUS OPEN SPACE
PARK INFORMATION
11th Ave SW and SW 330th St
57.02 acres
Type: Open Space
Property Description
West Campus Open Space is located in the center of the City. It
consists of several adjacent parcels, and is surrounded by single
and multi-family residential. There are multiple pedestrian access
points to this open space from the surrounding neighborhood.
KEY FEATURES
Un<1erdeveloped Land
Wetlands
Open Space Value
· Greenbelt
· Environmentally sensitive areas
· Public Access/Trails
Future Use Potential
This open space presents an opportunity to provide trail linkages
to English Gardens Park, Panther Lake Open Space, BPA Trail,
and West Campus Trail to more fully connect trails and sidewalks
in the area.
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April 21, 2006 IA-75
""
WEST CAMPUS TRAIL
Park Character & Context
This park contains 27.8 acres situated along a wooded hillside and is
located off SW 320th and SW 336th between 1 st and 2nd Avenues. The
trail continues south until reaching the BPA power lines at Panther Lake
Open Space. Facilities at the site are limited to an eight-foot wide paved
trail that extends approximately one mile. Surrounding land uses include
single-family residential and multifamily residential.
Park Issues
There is root damage to some areas of the asphalt path.
Park Potential
· Connects residential area to larger BPA trail system and Panther
Lake
Needs
· Address uneven surfaces
A-761 City of Federal Way
Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan
WEST CAMPUS TRAIL
KEY FEATURES
1.04.miles walking/biking trail
PARK INFORMATION
27.8 acres (1.04 miles)
Type: Linear ParklTrail
OTHER FACILITIES
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April 21, 2006 IA-77
WEST HVLEBOS WETLANDS PARK
Park Character & Context
West Hylebos Wetlands Park consists of four key areas:
· West Hylebos Wetlands Park
· Historic Cabins
· West Hylebos Open Space
· Hylebos Blueberry Farm
The main park was acquired from the State in 2004.
Park Potential
West Hylebos Wetlands Park is a model for open space in the city
that integrates habitat preservation. public access and educational
opportunities and community stewardship.
Needs
Near Term
· Construct West Hylebos boardwalk and interpretive signage.
· Install restroom at Historic Cabins.
· Manage invasive species (blackberry, nightshade)
· Plan for residences on site
· Construct parking lot near 340th Street in 2006.
Long Term
· Develop Master Plan for entire site
· Create trail connection to south part of site and proposed bike
lanes on S 356th Street.
· Explore environmental education opportunities
· Coordinate habitat improvements with Friends of Hylebos
Wetlands.
A-781
City of Federal Way
Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan
WEST HVLEBOS WETLANDS PARK
PARK INFORMATION
34915 4th Ave S
119.92 acres
Type: Open Space
KEY FEATURES
Historic Cabins (~.21 acres)
Blueberry Farm (5 acres)
Open Space (38.1 acres)
W. Hylebos Wetlands (73.36 ac)
Nature area
Hiking/Walking trail
OTHER FACILITIES
Restrooms
Benches
Picnic tables
Interpretive Signage
Off-Street Parking
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April 21, 2006 IA-79
WILDWOOD PARK
Park Character & Context
This 2.3 acre park is situated off SW 300th Street, adjacent to Wildwood
Elementary School. The park is located in a secluded wooded setting,
with a gently rolling topography centered along a small drainage swale.
Facilities at the site include a small playground area, an informal lawn
area, and an eight-foot wide paved trail.
The park is surrounded by single-family residential. Pedestrian access
to the park is located off of 23rd Street South.
Park Issues
· Play structure is older, and should be assessed periodically to
determine appropriate time for replacement.
Park Potential
Continue as a low-key neighborhood park.
Needs
Near Term
· Evaluate play structure.
· Repair asphalt path.
A-801 City of Federal Way
Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan
WILDWOOD PARK
PARK INFORMATION
2315 S 300th St
2.3 acres
Type: Neighborhood Park
KEY FEATURES
Wood play structure
Hiking/Walking trail
OTHER FACILITIES
Benches
Picnic Tables
April 21, 2006 IA-81
WINeo PARK
PARK INFORMATION
Off of SW Campus Drive
KEY FEATURES
Paved plaza
Benches
Trash cans
Landscaping
Pedestrian lighting
April 21, 2006 IA-83
City of Federal Way Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Plan
APPENDIX B:
ATHLETIC FACILITIES NEEDS ASSESSMENT
Planning Commisssion Review Draft
April 26, 2006
ATHLETIC INVENTORY NEEDS
ASSESSMENT
Athletic Facility Needs Assessment
In addition to the needs for the different park classifications, an analysis
of athletic facilities was also prepared to understand current deficiencies
and future needs. The analysis of athletic facilities is based on
anecdotal feedback from the public outreach process, recreation staff
observations, and level of service calculations. The level of service
standards recommended in this Plan Update for athletic facilities is
based on the 2000 Comprehensive Park, Recreation, and Open Space
Plan. Table B-1 depicts the level of service calculations for baseball/
softball, soccer, football, basketball, tennis, and swimming pools.
Table B-1 shows both the National Recreation and Parks Association
standards as well as the standards adopted as a part of the 2000 Parks,
Recreation, and Open Space Plan. Below is the discussion for each
athletic facility type.
BASEBALL
There is a deficiency in regulation-sized fields to serve the teen and adult
population. A shortage of regulation sized fields with 90' bases, and
lit fields was identified in the public outreach process as an important
issue for athletics in the City. Currently, there are 21 adult-sized fields
within the City boundaries, and 5 more in the PAA. The City is currently
meeting a 1 field per 5,000 persons level of service. By 2012, if no
additional facilities are building, the City will easily fulfill the desired level
of service of 1 field per 7,000 persons.
There are 62Youth fields in the City and none in the PAA. These fields
meet the City's level of service standard of 1 field per 7,000 persons,
when calculating for both the current City boundaries, and the PAA. No
additional fields will be needed to fulfill a 2012 standard of 1 field per
7,000 persons.
SOCCER
The quantity of soccer fields in the Federal Way community (both public
and private) currently meets demand, however, their condition may
preclude full utilization. For example, some of the soccer fields are on
grass fields with poor drainage or are not lit, which limits year round
play. Adult soccer is popular in the community and continues to grow in
popularity. In addition, there is a need for unprogrammed soccer fields
based on current use patterns. For example, there is a growing demand
for soccer that may be, in part, related to the increasing diversity in the
community. This increased demand for unprogrammed soccer facilities
April 17, 2006 IB-3
Table B-1: Athletic Facilities LOS Analysis
dult Baseball/ 1/5,000
Softball Fields 21 1/4,129 yes 1/7,000 population 0
(City Only) population
City + PAA 26 1/5,000 1/4,151 yes 1/7,000 population 0
population
outh Baseball/ 1/5,000
Softball Fields 62 1/1,398 yes 1/7,000 population 0
(City Only) population
City + PAA 62 1/5,000 1/1,741 yes 1/7,000 population 0
population
Soccer Fields 35 1/10,000 1/2,477 1/2,300 population 5
(City Only) population yes
City + PAA 37 1/10,000 1/2,917 yes 1/2,300 population 13
population
Football Fields 8 1/20,000 1/10,838 1/10,000 population
(City Only) population yes
City + PAA
1/20,000
population
1/2,000
population
1/2,000
population
1/2,000 1/21,675 no 142.7sq.ft.l1,000
population population
1/2,000 1/26980 no 142.7sq.ft.l1,000
population' population
Population Assumptions: Population based on April 1 , 2005 OFM population estimate and a straightline projection between 2005.2022
to determine both the 2006 and 2012 population. The same annual growth rate was applied to the PAA for the purposes of this analysis.
Population figures are as follows: 2006 City population= 86,701,2012 City population =92,308; 2006 City +PAA = 107,921; 2012 City +PAA
114,901
8
1/13,490
yes
1/10,000 population
3
ennis Courts
(City Only)
25
1/3,468
no
1/2,500 population
12
City + PAA
27
1/3,211
no
1/ 2,500 population
19
Swimming Pools
(City Only)
4
City + PAA
4
B-41 City of Federal Way
Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan
may be stimulated by new arrivals from countries with a strong soccer
tradition. There are currently 35 soccer fields within the City, and 37
when including the PAA. These facilities currently meet the 1 field
per 10,000 persons level of service. However, if the desired higher
standard of 1 field per 2,300 people is to be met by 2012,5 more
fields will be needed for the current city boundaries, or 13 more to
accommodate the P AA.
BASKETBALL
There is anecdotal demand for additional basketball courts, especially
for informal play/'pick up' ball. Similar to soccer field use, groups within
the community use the basketball courts at parks and schools regularly,
even though they are not associated with a basketball league. There
are a total of 7 basketball courts in the City. The City does not currently
have a level of service standard for basketball.
GYMNASIUM
There is currently a perceived shortage of gymnasiums in the City,
although the quantity of gymnasiums has not been documented since
the 2000 plan; According to the 2000 Plan, there area total of 28
gyms in the City. NOTE: IS THIS INFORMATION AVAILABLE? IT
IS UNCLEAR WHICH FACILITIES AND SCHOOLS ARE INCLUDED
IN THE 2000 PLAN ). Most of the gyms in the City are located in
the local schools. Other recreation providers in the City who offer
athletics programs (SUCh as the Boys & Girls Club) all vie for the
same gymnasium space. Many of the schools offer Boys & Girls
Club sponsored athletic programs. The schools also have their own
athletic programs that need to use these gymnasiums. As a result, City
programs planned in school gymnasiums often get 'bumped' for things
like school bands, plays, etc. This requires close coordination between
City recreation and school district staff to schedule use of the gyms.
The City will oftentimes use multipurpose rooms or cafeteria space
for its programs due to a lack of gym availability. The new community
center will address some of this gymnasium demand, with the addition
of 3 new gyms in that facility.
TENNIS
Although the level of service analysis indicates that there is a shortage
of tennis courts in the community, public outreach and national trends
indicate a declining interest in tennis. The City has several tennis
courts that are not fully utilized. The NRPA service standard of 1 court
per 2,000 persons is not currently being met by the 25 courts within
the City, and 27 courts when including the PAA. A lower standard of
April 17, 2006 IB-5
1
1 facility per 2,500 persons can be met by 2012 if 12 more facilities are
built within City boundaries, or 19 if including the PAA. However, given
current public use, this does not appear to be a priority for the City.
FOOTBALL
There are currently 8 football fields within the City boundaries, and none
in the PAA. This includes football fields at the local schools. These
fields fulfill the current standard of 1 field per 20,000 persons. A desired
service standard of 1 field per 10,000 persons can be achieved by 2012
with the construction of one field with the current city boundaries, or
three fields with the inclusion of the P AA.
SWIMMING POOLS
The City maintains and operates one swimming pool at the Kenneth
Jones Pool, a 6 lane, 25-yard "T" pool. The Weyerhaeuser King County
Aquatic Center offers 3 pools - a 50 meter pool, a 25 meter pool, and a
diving tank. The new community center, which will open to the public in
2007, will include both a six lane lap pool and a zero depth entry leisure
pool. The City's current level of service standard is based upon a
surface area calculation and not on the number of pools/population.
B-61 City of Federal Way
Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan
April 17, 2006
IB-7
City of Federal Way Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Plan Update
APPENDIX C:
PARK AND OPEN SPACE EVALUATION
MATRICES
Planning Commission Review Draft
April 26, 2006
PARK AND OPEN SPACE
EVALUATION MATRICES
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City of Federal Way
Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Plan
Parks Commission Draft, April 21, 2006
Errata Sheet
The following are proposed language changes and additions to the Draft Parks,
Recreation, and Open Space Plan (dated April 21 , 2006). These changes
address comments made by the City of Federal Way Parks Commission during a
briefing session held on April 26, 2006, and summarized in a Parks Commission
Briefing Summary that was given to the City on April 28, 2006. These language
changes are being provided as a supplement to the Parks, Recreation and Open
Space Plan. Upon acceptance of these changes, they will be incorporated into
the final draft document that will be submitted to City Council for their approval
and adoption,
Parks Commission Comment #1: Update inventory of fields listed in Table
3.11 (pp. 34-38).
Tables 3.11 and B-1 were updated to reflect new numbers. See Attachment A.
Parks Commission Comment #2: Any strategy the City develops for
assuming ownership of the community parks within the PAA should
include working with King County and the State to have parks upgraded
before transferred to the City of Federal Way. For example, Five Mile Park
will require substantial upgrades.
Chapter 5: p. 65 Under recommended "specific actions" for Community Parks,
last point:
Existing language: If and when areas within the Potential Annexation Area
(PAA) are annexed, the Department should develop a phasing plan to
update the community parks located within the PAA. There are currently
three community parks in the P AA with active recreation facilities: Five
Mile Park, Lake Geneva Park, and South County Ball fields. This phasing
plan would be based on need and opportunity, negotiated conditions of
transfer from King County, available funding, and would address specific
actions that need to occur to bring the fields up to current standards.
Proposed language: If and when areas within the Potential Annexation Area
(PAA) are annexed, the Department should develop a phasing plan to
update the community parks located within the PAA. There are currently
three community parks in the PAA with active recreation facilities: Five
Mile Park, Lake Geneva Park, and South County Ball fields. At a
minimum this phasing plan should include evaluating the needs and
Parks, Recreation, Open Space Plan, April 21, 2006 DRAFT
Errata Sheet050206.doc
- 1 -
opportunities associated with each park, negotiating conditions of transfer
from King County, identifying funding sources, and would address specific
actions that need to occur to bring the fields and facilities up to current
standards. The City should consider requesting parks to be upgraded by
King County before being transferred to the City's parks system.
Chapter 6, p. 92 Policy H.4
Existing language: Establish a transition plan for King County parks
within the Potential Annexation Area to address these parks after
annexation occurs.
Proposed language: Establish a transition plan for King County parks
within the Potential Annexation Area that would minimize costs to the City
for bringing these parks up to City of Federal Way standards.
Parks Commission Comment #3&4: Available land base for future park and
open space acquisition and development is in the PAA.
Chapter S, p.S6 Level of service discussion
Existing language under community park analysis: For the 2012
projected population (combined City and PAA) the level of service is 2.6
acres/1000, or a future need of 24 additional acres.
Proposed language: For the 2012 projected population (combined City
and PAA) the level of service is 2.6 acres/1 000, or a future need of 24
additional acres. Because the P AA has a substantial amount of
undeveloped land, there may be opportunities for the City to acquire
additional land to meet the 24-acre deficiency that is evident for the 2012
projected population.
Existing language under open spaces analysis, p.60-61: Future open
space needs for the City and the PAA will require an additional 116 acres
of open space to meet the City's level of service standard, which could be
difficult to attain given that there are limited undeveloped areas within the
City that are not already publicly owned. One option for meeting the City's
level of service standard for open space may be to add partial open space
credit for open spaces owned by other public entities.
Parks, Recreation, Open Space Plan, April 21, 2006 DRAFT
Errata SheetOS0206.doc
- 2 -
Proposed language: Future open space needs for the City and the P AA
will require an additional 116 acres of open space to meet the City's level
of service standard, which could be difficult to attain given that there are
limited undeveloped areas within the City that are not already publicly
owned. One option for meeting the City's level of service standard for
open space may be to add partial open space credit for open spaces
owned by other public or private entities such as Weyerhaeuser, surface
water utility districts, Lakehaven sewer district, etc. The P AA has a
substantial amount of undeveloped land. If the City decides to try and
meet its acreage-based standard for open space after annexation of the
PAA occurs, there would be more opportunities for open space land
acquisition in that area.
Parks Commission Comment #5: Explain regional park level of service
more clearly, including discussion of the typical radius used to calculate
level of service and the total area of Dash Point State Park-not just that
which lies in Federal Way limits.
Existing language under regional park p. 55: Regional parks serve the
City and surrounding area. They are often large park facilities that include
both passive and active recreation uses. Dash Point State Park is the
only regional park in the City. Dash Point State Park maintains a large
camping area, which draws people from throughout the state.
Proposed language: Regional parks serve the City and surrounding
area. They are often large park facilities with unique features, offering
both passive and active recreation uses. As a result of these
characteristics, regional parks have larger service areas (at least two
miles). Dash Point State Park is the only regional park in the City. A
significant amount of Dash Point State Park also lies within the City of
Tacoma. It maintains a large camping area, which draws people from
throughout the state. There are several smaller State parks within two
miles of the City's boundaries, including Dolloff Lake fishing access, North
Lake Fishing Access, and Saltwater State Park. Whereas these may not
be considered regional parks, they are state-funded and draw residents
not only from Federal Way, but also from other surrounding communities.
Add to regional park analysis, p.55: However, in the year 2012, it is
anticipated that an additional 10 acres of park land is necessary to
Parks, Recreation, Open Space Plan, April 21, 2006 DRAFT
Errata Sheet050206.doc
- 3-
maintain the current service level for regional parks. These calculations do
not reflect the other regional park facilities within 2 miles of Federal Way,
including Saltwater State Park, parts of Dash Point State Park that lie
outside Federal Way City limits, North Lake and Dolloff Lake. The
identified future need, based on the level of service standard for regional
parks, is met when the state park facilities within two miles of City limits
are included. These are not facilities over which the City has jurisdiction.
Nor can the City control the addition of future regional parks in the area
due to its built-out condition.
Parks Commission Comment #6: Puyallup landfill - will be removed from
Table 3.7 (pg. 29). Discussion with King County revealed that this area is
not officially accessible, nor managed for open space uses.
Parks Commission Comment #7: Look at connecting Saghalie Park with the
BPA trail and including this as a project item that would help address trail
deficiency.
Chapter 5, p.78, Core Value 3, Recommended Actions:
Proposed language: Explore connecting Saghalie Park to the SPA trail by way
of trail development and sidewalk enhancements.
Parks Commission Comment#S: In Appendix B, p. B-3 have separate
discussions for baseball and softball-they have different requirements and
demands.
EXISTING LANGUAGE: BASEBAll
There is a deficiency in regulation-sized fields to serve the teen and adult
population. A shortage of regulation sized fields with 90' bases, and lit fields was
identified in the public outreach process as an important issue for athletics in the
City. Currently, there are 21 adult-sized fields within the City boundaries, and 5
more in the PAA. The City is currently meeting a 1 field per 5,000 persons level
of service. By 2012, if no additional facilities are built, the City will easily fulfill the
desired level of service of 1 field per 7,000 persons.
There are 62 Youth fields in the City and none in the P AA. These fields meet the
City's level of service standard of 1 field per 7,000 persons, when calculating for
both the current City boundaries, and the PAA. No additional fields will be
needed to fulfill a 2012 standard of 1 field per 7,000 persons.
Parks, Recreation, Open Space Plan, April 21, 2006 DRAFT
Errata Sheet050206.doc
-4-
PROPOSED LANGUAGE:
(NOTE: THE LEVEL OF SERVICE RECOMMNEDA TIONS ARE STILL BEING
FINALIZED)
BASEBALUADUL T SOFTBALL
According to the most recent inventory of baseball/adult softball fields the City is
meeting its level of service standard of 1 field per 7,000 residents by having a
current service level of 1 field per 4,800 residents. However, according to input
received during the public outreach process, there is a perceived shortage of
regulation sized baseball fields with 90' bases as well as fields that are lit.
Currently, there are 18 adult-sized baseball and softball fields within the City
boundaries, and 6 more in the PAA. By 2012, if no additionalfaci/ities are built,
the City will easily fulfill the desired level of service of 1 field per 7,000 persons.
LITTLE LEAGUENOUTH SOFTBALL
There are 35 little league/youth fields in the City. These fields meet the City's
level of service standard of 1 field per 7,000 persons and will also meet the same
standard given the 2012 projected population for the City. There are 17 little
league/youth fields in the P AA. When calculating for both the current City
boundaries and the PAA the level of service is one field per 4,500 residents.
Given the 2012 projected population for both the City and PAA, the City will
continue to meet its level of service standard, providing 1 field per 4,700
residents. No additional fields will be needed to fulfill a 2012 standard of 1 field
per 7,000 persons.
Parks Commission Comment #9: On page B-3 in Appendix B call out NRPA
standards
Existing language, bottom of first paragraph: Table B-1 shows both the
National Recreation and Parks Association standards as well as the standards
adopted as a part of the 2000 Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Plan.
Propose~ language: Table B-1 shows both the National Recreation and Parks
Association standards as well as the standards adopted as a part of the 2000
Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Plan. National Recreation and Parks
Association standards are often referred to as a baseline for determining level of
service standards, however many jurisdictions find that they do not accurately
reflect particular community needs.
Parks, Recreation, Open Space Plan, April 21 ,2006 DRAFT
Errata Sheet050206.doc
- 5 -
Parks Commission Comment #10: On page B-3 -B-4 in Appendix B point
out that even though the City has been successful in improving usage of
soccer fields by turfing and lighting fields, the overall number of fields has
not gone up, thus there has been a net loss of 8 fields if considering
national standards. Luckily soccer demand has held constant for the past
several years, but the number of fields will need to be addressed.
Existing language: The quantity of soccer fields in the Federal Way community
(both public and private) currently meets demand, however, their condition may
preclude full utilization. For example, some of the soccer fields are on grass
fields with poor drainage or are not lit, which limits year round play. Adult soccer
is popular in the community and continues to growin popularity. In addition,
there is a need for unprogrammed soccer fields based on current use patterns.
For example, there is a growing demand for soccer that may be, in part, related
to the increasing diversity in the community. This increased demand for
unprogrammed soccer facilities may be stimulated by new arrivals from countries
with a strong soccer tradition. There are currently 35 soccer fields within the
City, and 37 when including the PAA. These facilities currently meet the 1 field
per 10,000 persons level of service. However, if the desired higher standard of 1
field per 2,300 people is to be met by 2012, 5 more fields will be needed for the
current city boundaries, or 13 more to accommodate the P AA.
Proposed language: There are currently 23 soccer fields within the City
including City and School District properties. These provide 1 field per 4,000
residents, which represents a deficiency of approximately 1.5 fields based on the
City's higher recommended standard of 1 field per 2,300 residents (see Table
B.1 for comparison to other field standards). This deficiency may actually be an
underestimate ba.sed on current demand. According to public and staff input
there appears to be a need for unprogrammed soccer fields based on current
use patterns. For example, there is a growing demand for soccer which may be
stimulated by new arrivals from countries with a strong soccer tradition. Since
2000 the City has been successful in improving usage of existing soccer fields by
turfing and lighting fields. However, according to staff and public input, there are
more improvements that could be made in order to increase utilization of fields,
including improving drainage on some fields and lighting more fields. For 2012
population projections the City will continue to be deficient in soccer fields even
when the 6 fields within the PAA are considered. Calculations show that an
Parks, Recreation, Open Space Plan, April 21,2006 DRAFT
Errata Sheet050206.doc
-6-
additional 18 fields will be needed to accommodate soccer demand in 2012, and
21 fields if including the PAA population if the City's higher standard is adhered
to.
Staff Comment #1: Need to "beef" up ecological value language in
appropriate places in document so as to meet lAC requirements (pg. 95)
Proposed language for Chapter 6, p. 95 Policy L. Environmentally Sensitive
Areas
Policy L.3: Target significant open space areas in the City, with emphasis on their
planning and efforts toward habitat restoration. Target areas within the City
include:
· Hylebos Creek Basin
· Puget Sound waterfront and tributary creeks and streams
Policy L.4: Wildlife habitat requirements should be determined for species
expected to occupy a given open space property. These habitat needs should
help guide site restoration and design of recreational and other facilities.
Policy L.5: Support habitat improvements and site restoration efforts that will
provide benefit to watersheds, wetlands, and salmon habitat.
Policy L.6: Preserve, protect and enhance areas or structures found in parks or
open spaces that have significant historic or cultural value to the City.
[Note: the location of this policy may change.]
Parks Commission Comment #11: p. 93, Policy 1.3 - clarify that mini
parks/gardens are tied to new development and should be addressed
through changing code requirements.
Existing language: Policy 1.3: Establish mini-parks/gardens in multi-family areas
and areas under served by park facilities.
Proposed language: Policy 1.3: Encourage mini-parks/gardens near new multi-
family development. Explore opportunities to do so in partnership with the
Department of Community Development and Planning.
Parks Commission Comment #12: p. 101, Policy V.2 include language
referring to special use permit requirement.
Existing language: Policy V.2: Encourage cultural and special events to take
place in parks.
Parks, Recreation, Open Space Plan, Apri/21, 2006 DRAFT
Errata Sheet050206.doc
- 7 -
Proposed language: Policy V.2: Encourage cultural and special events to take
place in parks given that appropriate special use permits are granted.
Parks Commission Comment #13: p. 100, Policy 5.2 drop specific user
groups and include language such as "as need arises" or "evolving special
user groups."
Existing language: Policy S.2: Work to accommodate special user groups such
as skateboarders, BMX bikers, gardeners, etc.
Proposed language: Policy 8.2: Work to accommodate special user groups as
the need or demand arises.
Staff Comment #2: Attachment B is a new Chapter 1: Implementation,
which provides additional detail that was not available at the time of the
April 21, 2006 draft plan publication. Please refer to Attachment B for
details on phasing and planning level costs.
Parks, Recreation, Open Space Plan, April 21, 2006 DRAFT
Errata 8heet050206.doc
- 8 -
Attachment A
TABLE 3.11
SUMMARY OF EXISTING SPORTS FACILITIES
IN AND AROUND FEDERAL WAY
Baseball Fields
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
Todd Beamer High School
Decatur High School
Federal Way High School
Kilo Middle School*
IIIahee Middle School
Lakota Park
1 lighted, shared with
softball
1 lighted
1 lighted
Sacajawea Park
Saghalie Park
Thomas Jefferson High School*
Sequoia Middle School*
South King County Ballfields*
artificial turf
Softball Fields
1
1
1
1
4
1
1
1
3
Todd Beamer High School
lIIahee Middle School
Kilo Middle School*
Sequoia Middle School*
Celebration Park
Lakota Park
artificial turf
4 lighted
1 lighted, shared with
baseball
1 lighted
1 lighted
3 lighted
Sacajawea Park
Saghalie Park
Steel Lake Park
Little LeagueNouth Softball
3 Adelaide Elementary
4 Brigadoon Elementary
ATTACHMENT A
1
Table 3.11 cont.
3
2
Camelot Elementary*
Federal Way American Little League Complex
Behind Sacajawea Middle
School
Little LeagueNouth Softball (continued)
4
1
2
3
2
2
2
2
2
3
2
1
2
3
2
4
3
Federal Way National Little League Complex
Five Mile Lake Park*
Lakota Park
Lake Dolloff Elementary*
Lake Grove Elementary
Lakeland Elementary*
Mark Twain Elementary
Mirror Lake Elementary
Nautilus Elementary
Olympic View Elementary
Panther Lake Elementary
Rainier View Elementary*
Sherwood Forest Elementary
South King County Ballfields*
Twin Lakes Elementary
Valhalla Elementary*
Wildwood Elementary
Near Winco Park
Soccer Fields
1
1
1
4
1
1
1
2
Adelaide Elementary
Brigadoon Elementary
Camelot Elementary*
Celebration Park
Enterprise Elementary
Green Gables Elementary
Lake Dolloff Elementary*
Lake Geneva Park
4 lighted
ATTACHMENT A
2
Table 3.11 cont.
Soccer Fields (continued)
1
2
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
2
1
1
1
1
1
Lake Grove Elementary
Lakota Park
Mark Twain Elementary
Mirror Lake Elementary
Nautilus Elementary
Olympic View Elementary
Panther Lake Elementary
Rainier View Elementary*
Sacajawea Park
Saghalie Park
Sherwood. Forest Elementary
Silver Lake Elementary
Steel Lake Park
Valhalla Elementary*
Wildwood Elementary
1 all-weather field
1 lighted with artificial turf
2 lighted, 1 all-weather field
1 lighted with artificial turf
Football Fields
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
Decatur High School
Federal Way Memorial Field
1 Stadium with artificial turf,
1 natural turf field outside
stadium
Federal Way High School
Todd Beamer High School
Kilo Middle School*
lIIahee Middle School
Sacajawea Park
Sagha/ie Park
Thomas Jefferson High School*
Sequoia Middle School*
artificial turf
1 lighted, field turf
1 lighted
artificial turf
Tennis Courts
ATTACHMENT A
3
Table 3.11 cont.
1
1
4
3
2
1
2
2
4
4
1
25
6
2
8
Public Tennis Courts
Alderdale Park
Adelaide Park
Decatur High School
Federal Way High School
Five Mile Lake Park*
IIIahee Middle School
Lakota Wastewater Treatment Plant
Sacajawea Park
Saghalie Park
Thomas Jefferson High School*
SW 312th Sports Court Park
Subtotal
Private Tennis Courts
Bally Total Fitness (1st Way S. Location)
Twin Lakes Golf Course
Subtotal
2 Lighted
4 Lighted
Plus one pickleball court
(Membership Required)
Swimming Pools
2 Bally Total Fitness
25 Meter Lap Pool
"Full size" Lap Pool
6 lane, 25 yard "T'
25 Yard Outdoor Pool
50 Meter Pool, 25 Meter
Pool, Diving Tank
25 Meter Outdoor
Pool
1 Federal Way Pool (Kenneth Jones Pool)
1 Marine Hills Recreation Association
3 Weyerhaeuser King County Aquatic Center
1 Twin Lakes Golf Club
1 Mar Cheri Association
ATTACHMENT A
4
Table 3.11 cont.
Tracks
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
1
Todd Beamer High School
Decatur High School
Federal Way Memorial Field
Saghalie Middle School
Federal Way High School
Five Mile lake Park*
Sequoia Middle School
Kilo Middle School*
Illahee Middle School
lakota Park
Sacajawea Park
Thomas Jefferson High School*
Private Tracks
Bally Total Fitness
1 synthetic
1
1
1 artificial
1
1 jogging trail
1 synthetic
1 cinder
1 cinder
1 cinder
1 cinder
1 cinder
1
Basketball Courts
1 Alderdale Park
1 Coronado Park
1 lake Grove Park
1 Palisades Park
1 Saghalie Park
1 Steel lake Park
1 SW 312th St Courts
Private Basketball Courts
1 Bally Total Fitness
half court
Sand Volleyball Courts
1 Saghalie Park
2 Steel lake Park
ATTACHMENT A
5
Table B-1: Athletic Facilities LOS Analysis
dult Baseball/ 1/5,000
Softball Fields 18 1/4,817 yes 1/7,000 population 0
(City Only) population
City + PAA 24 1/5,000 1/4,497 yes 1/7,000 population 0
population
outh Baseball/ 1/5,000
Softball Fields 35 population 1/2,477 yes 1/7,000 population 0
(City Only)
City + PAA 52 1/5,000 1/1,775 yes 1/7,000 population 0
population
occer Fields 22 1/10,000 1/3,941 1/2,300 population 18
(City Only) population no
ity + PM 29 1/10,000 1/3,721 no 1/2,300 population 21
population
Football Fields 9 1/20,000 1/9,633 1/10,000 population 0
City Only) population yes
1/20,000
population
1/2,000
population
1/2,000
population
1/2,000 1/21,675 no 142.7 sq. ft./1,000
population population
1/2,000 1/26980 no 142.7 sq. ft./1,000
population' population
Population Assumptions: Population based on April 1 , 2005 OFM population estimate and a straightline projection between 2005-2022
to determine both the 2006 and 2012 population. The same annual growth rate was applied to the PAA for the purposes of this analysis.
Population figures are as follows: 2006 City population= 86,701,2012 City population =92,308; 2006 City +PAA = 107,921; 2012 City +PAA
114,901
25
1/3,468
no
1/2,500 population
12
ity + PAA
10
1/10,792
yes
1/10,000 population
27
1/3,211
no
1/ 2,500 population
19
4
ity + PAA
4
ATTACHMENT A
6
Attachment B
ATTACHMENTB
ehapter 7: Implementation
This chapter provides both a general time frame for implementation
of the recommended actions contained within this plan as well as the
6-year Capital Improvement Plan. The Capital Improvement Plan
provides the framework to address and prioritize capital improvements
in the near and mid-term.
Phasing of Implementation
The Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Plan has identified a large
project list to implement the Core Values, Goals & Policies contained
within this plan. Many of these projects will occur over an extended Installing artificial turf.
period of time, ranging from now to 20 years from now. The projects
with the most immediate need were prioritized according to near term
(2007-2009), mid-term (2010-2012) and long term (2013+). The list of
projects within Table 7-1 was evaluated by the Parks Commission to
determine priorities for the near term and mid term, which will inform
the City's six-year capital improvement plan.
It is the intent of this plan to evaluate the list of projects in Table 7-1
on a regular basis to determine if community needs have changed or if
new or alternative funding mechanisms have been identified.
Six-Year Capital Improvement Plan
The Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Plan isa planning document
that is integrally tied to the City's Comprehensive Plan and the City's
6-year Capital Improvement Plan. The six-year capital improvement
plan for parks (Table 7-2) will focus on the near and mid-term actions
identified in this chapter (2007-2012).
Funding for projects in the Capital Improvement Plan are considered
along with the preparation and approval of the City's biennium budget
process. The biennium budget's first year begins on odd years. For
example, the current budget cycle is 2005-2006. The City Council
identifies goals and objectives for the operating and capital budgets in
even years.
The Parks Commission will review staff updates of the Park Capital
Improvement Plan at a public meeting to receive comment and weigh
priorities. After the public process, the Parks Capital Improvement
Plan is forwarded to City Council for funding along with the proposed
biennium budget for the entire City.
ATTACHMENT B
MAY 2, 20061 103
TABLE 7-1: PROJECTLlST AND PRIORITIZATION
Projects
Description
Funded
'05-'06
Budget
Near
Term
'07-'09
Mid
Term
'10-'12
Long
Term
2013+
.
Phase I-Design &
Construction:
rtificial turf soccer field &
rack
.
Sacajawea
Phase II-Design &
Construction: baseball.
softball, tennis. pickleball
and passive recreation
areas
.
Lakota
Design & Construction
..
.
Master Plan
.
Steel Lake
Design & Construction
.
Celebration
rtificial turf: Fields 5&6
.
rtificial turf: on a portion
f Baseball/Softball
ields
.
Coronado
Planning/design/
construction
Planning/design/
construction
Planning/design/
construction
.
.
.
lderdale
Planning/design/
onstruction
Planning/design/
construction
Planning/design/
construction
.
Mirror Lake
Palisades
.
.
hompson
Construction
Planning/design/
construction
.
French Lake
.
Passive Parks
Lake Grove,
Heritage Woods,
ildwood,
edgewood Parks
Park Entry
Enhancements (1/year)
.
.
.
Lake Grove, Steel
Lake Annex and nnual Playground
Dash Point Highlands Renovation Project
.
104
CITY OF FEDERAL WAY
PARKS, RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE PLAN
TABLE 7-1: PROJECT LIST AND PRIORITIZATION CONT.
Projects
Description
Funded Near
'05-"06 Term
Budget '07."09
Mid
Term
'10-"12
Long
Term
2013+
Iderbrook to Panther
Lake connections
.
oodbridge Park Design/construct trail con-
O.S. to Poverty Bay nection
.
Special Use
Dog Park
Identify permanent dog
park and master plan
.
Downtown
Open Space/Plaza!
Pedestrian Safety
Planning
.
Boardwalk construction
Feasibility analysis
Poverty Bay
Master plan
Feasibility analysis
.
Panther Lake
Master plan
.
Spring Valley
Feasibility analysis
Master plan
ATTACHMENT B
MAY 2, 20061 105
TABLE 7-1: PROJECT LIST AND PRIORITIZATION CONT.
Projects
Description
Funded
'05-'06
Budget
Near
Term
'07-'09
Mid
Term
'10-'12
Long
Term
2013+
Dumas Bay Centre
.
Camp KihNorth
Impact Fee Study
Feasibility assessment
Maintenance
Management Plan
Phased maintenance
plan
Open Space
Management Plan
Evaluate all open spac-
es for appropriate uses
Signage Replacement
Program
Upgrade signage in
parks and open spaces
ase :
annlng-
rails & VValking Routes Phase II: implementa-
ignage & Program ion-Install signage &
produce maps
Update current plan
Evaluate potential sites
omprehensive Park
Map
Phase I: Printed Map
Phase II: Online/lnterac-
ive Map
Strategy for PAA parks
Develop a strategy/ap-
proach for acquisition
and improvement of
King Co. Parks in PAA
.
Ste\NardshiplV oluntee r
Program
Engage residents in
olunteering for park
maintenance
t06
CITY OF FEDERAL WAY
PARKS, RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE PLAN
Capital Improvement Plan Project Descriptions
(placeholder)
Potential Funding Sources
This section provides an overview of potential funding sources to fund
projects identified in this plan.
General Fund
General Funds from the City allocated to the Parks, Recreation, and
Cultural Services Department.
Capital Project Fund - Parks
The Capital Project Fund accounts for the acquisition or construction
of major park facilities with the exception of those facilities financed by
proprietary and trust funds. The major source of revenue for this Fund
is general obligation bond proceeds, grants from other agencies, local
taxes and contributions from other funds. All park costs associated with
acquisitions, improvements, issue of bonds and other costs shall be
paid by this Fund. This funding source is tied to the City's 2-year budget
cycle.
Real Estate Excise Tax (REET)
Cities planning under the State's Growth Management Act must
generally use fund derived from a Real Estate Excise Tax for capital
projects as described by state law. A REET is derived from a modest tax
on the selling of real property within the City. A typical rate for such a tax
is one-half percent of the selling price.
Voter-approved Bonds/Levies
Voter-approved General Obligation bonds can be generated for
acquisition or development and are typically repaid through an annual
"excess" property tax levy through the maturity period of the bonds,
normally 15 to 20 years.
Councilmanic Bonds
Bonds issued by the City Council. This type of bond does not require
ATTACHMENT B
MAY 2, 20061 107
TABLE 7-2: 6-YEAR CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN
60
500
acajawea
857 8,419
645
Lakota
10,586
Neighborhood Parks
Iderbrook Planning/design! 25 60
onstruction
25 60
25 60
irror Lake 25 60
Palisades 25
20 100
15
15
15
15
60
63
66
69
72
Iderbrook to Panther
English Gardens Lake trail improvements
nd connections
130
Dog Park
30
Downtown
65
75
108 I CITY OF FEDERAL WAY
PARKS, RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE PLAN
TABLE 7-2: 6- YEAR CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN CONT.
onstruct restrooms 30
Panther Lake
oardwalk construction 1,400
easibility analysis
aster plan
20
60
ATTACHMENT B
MAY 2, 20061 109
TABLE 7-2: 6-YEAR CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN CONT.
easibility assessment
FTE
for 3
valuate all open spaces 100
or appropriate uses
70 70
20
15 15 15
30
valuate potential sites 15
20
110 I CITY OF FEDERAL WAY
PARKS, RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE PLAN
citizen vote but must be paid out of the City's annual operating budget.
Developer Mitigation Fees
These are fees imposed by the City for park land acquisition and
development. This is a funding source derived from mitigation monies
required through SEPA {State Environmental Protection Act} for
development projects located within the City. For example, residential
subdivisions are required to provide open space for 15 percent of the
gross land area of the subdivision. Most developers provide a fee to the
City in-lieu of constructing parks. Mitigation funds must be spent within
the general area where the proposed development is located.
Grants
The City pursues a number of grant funding sources to augment funding
available for capital projects.
One of the primary grant sources in the state are grants available
through the Washington State Interagency Committee for Outdoor
Recreation. lAC administers several grant programs for recreation and
habitat conservation purposes including:
· Aquatic Lands Enhancement Account
· Boating Facilities Program
· Boating Infrastructure Grants
· Land and Water Conservation Fund
· National Recreational Trails Program
· Non-highway and Off-road Vehicle Activities
· Washington Wildlife Recreation Program
· Farmland Preservation Grants
· Riparian Protection Grants
AnnexationslTransfers
The potential annexation area east of 1-5 has several park facilities
that would likely become part of the Federal Way park and open space
system when this area is annexed to the City.
Path and Trails Reserve Fund
The purpose of this fund is to accumulate unexpended proceeds of
the motor vehicle fuel tax receipts, which are legally restricted to the
construction, and maintenance of paths and trails within City street
rights-of-way. One-half percent of these proceeds are restricted for these
purposes. This fund must transfer such accumulated receipts back to
a street construction/maintenance-oriented fund when specific projects
have been defined.
ATTACHMENT B
MAY 2, 20061 111
Dumas Bay Centre Fund
Established as an Enterprise Fund, this fund specifically accounts for the
revenues and expenses related to the acquisition, capital improvements,
maintenance and operations of the Dumas Say Centre and Knutzen
Family Theatre. The intent of the fund is to recover, primarily through
user charges, the costs (expenses, depreciation) of providing services to
the general public on a continuing basis.
Impact Fees
The City does not currently have impact fees. However, one of the
recommendations of this plan is for the City to analyze the financial
implications of using impact fees to help fund park acquisition and
improvement projects.
INSERT CITY's Park Acquisitionl
Development/Renovation Criteria
112 I CITY OF FEDERAL WAY
PARKS, RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE PLAN