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Everett · EVT-CP-2044 · Pages 195-216

Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Element

The Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Element describes how the City plans for, acquires, and maintains its 920-acre parks system including 27 miles of regional trails across approximately 60 properties. It incorporates the 2022 Parks, Recreation and Open Space (PROS) Plan by reference and establishes 95 numbered policies covering park system access, capacity, variety and quality, natural environment stewardship, tree canopy, golf courses, maintenance and safety, recreation programming, financial sustainability, and partnerships. The element identifies equity gaps in park access particularly south of 41st Street and prioritizes investment in underserved areas.

Parks & Recreation Social Environment Economy Governance
Key Commitments
Parks and recreation facilities within 10-minute walk of each resident; 64% of residents currently within 10-minute walk of a park
Goals (18 total)
  • PA-1: Create a park and trail system that promotes active and healthy lifestyles.
  • PA-2: Promote inclusion across all public spaces, places, facilities, and programs.
  • PA-3: Provide parks and recreation facilities within a 10-minute walk of each resident.
  • PA-4: Invest in the capacity, quality, and sustainability of parks and trails system as growth occurs.
  • PA-5: Maintain or improve the quality of the system for current residents as the system expands.
  • PA-6: Provide a diverse system of parks and trails.
  • PA-7: Improve access to recreational amenities throughout the community.
  • PA-8: Conserve open space and protect critical areas in the park system.
  • PA-9: Establish, replace, and maintain trees in parkland and rights of way.
  • PA-10: Provide quality and affordable public golf courses for recreation and open space values.
  • PA-11: Evolve golf courses to appeal to recreation interests of a broader group of users.
  • PA-12: Provide a sustainable golf course enterprise that meets cost recovery goals.
  • PA-13: Use best practice standards for maintenance of grounds, recreation facilities, and special use parks.
  • PA-14: Support community events and programs that are inclusive, affordable, and sustainable.
  • PA-15: Sustainably fund the Parks and Recreation System through all available revenue resources.
  • PA-16: Develop strong and equitable partnerships to build parks, facilities, and programs.
  • PA-17: Encourage public participation in the development of programs, parks, facilities, and trails.
  • PA-18: Govern the Parks and Facilities system efficiently based on a business management approach.
Stronger Policy Language (61 policies)
  • PA-4: Make all parks, including playgrounds and restrooms, ADA accessible and inclusive.
  • PA-11: Adopt a level of service addressing park and trail quantity, park distribution, and investment levels to meet the needs of Everett's growing community.
  • PA-39: Maintain or improve tree canopy shares in Everett's parklands and streetscapes. Prioritize canopy enhancement projects in districts with the lowest canopy cover.
  • PA-56: Develop and apply maintenance management plans and standards for parks, trails, play fields, landscaped areas, forested areas, and recreation amenities.
Aspirational / Monitoring Language (30 policies)
  • PA-2: Encourage concessionaires to offer one or more healthy food and snacks choices at events and within park facilities.
  • PA-36: Educate Everett community members on the value and best management practices to maintain trees on their properties.
  • PA-43: Partner with community organizations to educate residents to establish, replace and maintain trees on their own property.
  • PA-75: Explore a Levy proposal or other ongoing funding opportunities to support annual maintenance and operations improvements.

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