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Parks, Art, Recreation, Culture and Conservation Redmond 2030 amended June 2017 10-1 Future Vision for Redmond - Parks, Arts, Recreation, Culture and Conservation In 2030 Redmond has a park and open space system that provides a natural area or recreational opportunity within walking distance of every resident. Parks and trails contribute to a high quality of life in Redmond by providing a full array of opportunities ranging from active recreation, such as sports, games and swimming, to more restful and reflective activities, such as walking and viewing wildlife. The city is framed within a beautiful natural setting with a system of open spaces and parks with diverse natural resources that provide habitat for a variety of wildlife and serve environmental functions. Lake Sammamish, the Sammamish River and Bear Creek, historically surrounded by farmland, are present in the heart of Redmond. These are key focal points of Redmond’s park system with many miles of trails and a variety of parks located alongside. Public access to shorelines along these water bodies is enhanced, while maintaining protection for the natural environment. Green spaces and interconnected trails and paths support active, healthy living. Redmond has an excellent and readily accessible system of paths and trails used by walkers, cyclists, equestrians and others as they recreate or commute, both within the city and to other parts of the region. Parks and indoor recreation facilities are vibrant gathering places where recreation and cultural events attract a wide range of ages and cultures. Recreation and cultural arts programs are continuously updated to reflect the changing needs of a diverse population and to make Redmond an active and interesting place to live and visit. Public art and cultural and arts events are also integral to the city for community building, connecting people with arts and culture, and as a catalyst for creativity within the community. Redmond is recognized for its outstanding visual and performing arts programs that attract a wide range of ages and cultures. It is an inviting place for artists to live and work, which contributes to the overall desirability and charm of the community. A center to showcase performing and visual arts will be sited in a conveniently located, highly visible and active part of the city. Other indoor facilities provide unique recreational opportunities, such as aquatics, indoor sports, fitness and dance classes, life-long learning programs, arts classes and performance space, and drop-in spaces. Collaboration with partners helps Redmond reach its goal to have year-round facilities to serve its residents and employees most efficiently. The city’s parks, innovative recreation services, and unique art and cultural experiences continue to provide a high quality of life in Redmond. Community members are able to improve their health and well-being, appreciate art, enjoy great parks and celebrate the cultural diversity of Redmond. ---PAGE BREAK--- Parks, Art, Recreation, Culture and Conservation Redmond 2030 amended June 2017 10-2 Organization of this Element Introduction A. Parks, Arts, Recreation, Culture and Conservation System (PARCC) B. Levels of Service C. Park and Recreation Facility Development D. Coordination and Communication E. Funding Strategies F. Recreation, Arts and Cultural Programs G. Trails H. Conservation I. Cultural Arts J. Operations and Maintenance Introduction One of Redmond’s most attractive features is the large number of high-quality recreational opportunities in the area. The City of Redmond, in cooperation with other public and private agencies, provides exemplary parks, open space, and recreational and cultural facilities and programs for the Redmond community. Redmond's park, recreation, arts and open space system, guided by the policies in the Parks, Arts, Recreation, Culture and Conservation Element, has the following basic functions: To serve existing and future demand for a variety of park types and a multitude of recreation activities; To provide recreational programs for the entire community, including all ages, physical capabilities and cultural backgrounds; To provide for the cultural needs of the community by providing facilities used for performing arts and arts exhibits, arts education and programming, and other facilities such as informal gathering places; and To provide for the conservation of important environmental resources, such as shorelines, wetlands, and tree canopy, which might otherwise be lost to development. The Parks, Arts, Recreation, Culture and Conservation Element helps achieve Redmond’s vision for the future by helping to maintain the community’s high quality of life, and meeting the City’s recreational, social and cultural needs for a diverse population with changing interests and needs. This Element is coordinated with the Parks, Arts, Recreation, Culture & Conservation Plan (PARCC Plan), which provides specific implementation strategies to carry out ---PAGE BREAK--- Parks, Art, Recreation, Culture and Conservation Redmond 2030 amended June 2017 10-3 these policies. The PARCC Plan is hereby incorporated by reference into this document. The PARCC Plan is updated every six years to comply with requirements for funding from the State of Washington Recreation and Conservation Office (RCO). A. Parks, Arts, Recreation, Culture and Conservation (PARCC) System PR-1 Provide sustainable parks, trails and recreation centers that support healthy recreation and community building opportunities, innovative recreation programs, and unique art and cultural experiences that continue to build a high quality of life in Redmond. PR-2 Maintain a PARCC Plan that is consistent with the Comprehensive Plan and is flexible in how it addresses: The City’s culturally diverse population and recreational needs; Accessibility; Cultural and arts programs; and Park, trail and recreation levels of service standards. PR-3 Provide opportunities to improve health by encouraging use of parks and recreation facilities and participation in recreational and educational programs. PR-4 Encourage conservation and sustainability throughout the Redmond parks and recreation system by preserving significant natural areas, protecting natural resources, and incorporating sustainable design, construction, renovation and maintenance of facilities. PR-5 Provide a vibrant cultural arts program that: Builds community character and promotes public participation in the arts; Supports Redmond’s identity as a diverse, innovative, and intellectual community; Strengthens cultural and economic vitality in the urban centers; Contributes to the quality of life of residents; Attracts and retains people and businesses in Redmond; and Activates the public realm with signature art and cultural festivals and events. ---PAGE BREAK--- Parks, Art, Recreation, Culture and Conservation Redmond 2030 amended June 2017 10-4 B. Levels of Service Level of service standards are used to determine the demand for facilities and services. The State of Washington Recreation and Conservation Office (RCO) has requirements and a guidance document for local jurisdictions to develop levels of service in order to be eligible for grant funding. The level of service standards are also used to calculate impact fees that new development pays for improvements needed due to the increased demand for parks, open space and recreational programs generated by more people living and working in Redmond. The City of Redmond’s parks level of service methodologies include a citywide analysis of the following categories: Children’s Play Areas & Outdoor Sports & Fitness Facilities Service Areas: All residents should have convenient access to these facilities, which is calculated as one mile for sites with higher quantity and quality facilities and a half mile for other sites. Outdoor Sports and Fitness Facilities Service Areas: All residents and workers in Redmond should have convenient access to outdoor sports and fitness facilities from their residence or office. This is calculated as one mile for sites with higher quantity and quality facilities and a half mile for other sites. Outdoor Sports Fields Usage Rates: Sports fields should be operated at 80% capacity or less. If the facility is used at a higher rate, it triggers the need for additional capacity. Urban Parks Criteria: Both of Redmond’s urban centers, Downtown and Overlake, should contain sufficient urban park acreage to meet all urban park service criteria: o Serve the daily recreational needs of neighboring residents, and at the same time, are destination gathering places o Approximately two acres in size or larger o Urban parks within an urban center combined or individually can accommodate crowds of up to 10,000 people for community events o Sufficient infrastructure to support community events o Designed and constructed with quality amenities and materials. Trails: The target population has convenient access to public trails from home or office.1 This is calculated as a quarter mile from trail access points. 1 Target population is 100% of residents and 25% of workers in Redmond. ---PAGE BREAK--- Parks, Art, Recreation, Culture and Conservation Redmond 2030 amended June 2017 10-5 Recreation: Achieve or exceed projected number of registrations per year by program area (exercise, recreation, special events, and arts). PR-6 Develop and maintain level of service standards for parks, trails, children’s play features, and sports and fitness facilities based on service area and population. PR-7 Distribute parks, trails, and associated recreational amenities throughout Redmond to improve walkability and provide geographically equitable distribution. PR-8 Account for school properties and non-Redmond parks, trails and amenities within the city and within walking distance of the city. PR-9 Improve the connectivity of Redmond’s neighborhoods so that residents and workers have convenient access to parks and trails within 1/4 mile of their home or work. PR-10 Develop distinctive parks in the Downtown and Overlake urban centers that serve local needs for neighborhood gathering places, recreation, public art, and to provide cultural programming and events to support the broader community’s needs and support the city’s economic vitality. PR-11 Preserve and enhance natural areas within parks to help increase citywide tree canopy. C. Park and Recreation Facility Development One of the functions of the City is to develop parks and recreation facilities to meet the needs of the community. The PARCC Plan defines the categories of parks and facilities as follows (refer to Chapter 4 Parks of the PARCC Plan for detailed definitions): Neighborhood Parks provide space for active and/or passive recreation. These parks are accessible to nearby residents and business people primarily by walking and bicycling. Neighborhood parks are the smallest parks and vary in size from “pocket” parks that are less than one acre, to 20 acres, and typically have fewer activities or amenities than community parks. Community Parks provide diverse active recreation opportunities with some passive recreation uses. Community parks generally range in size from 20 acres to 40 acres and have a more regional draw than neighborhood parks. Community ---PAGE BREAK--- Parks, Art, Recreation, Culture and Conservation Redmond 2030 amended June 2017 10-6 parks typically include a variety of active amenities that attract hundreds or thousands of users a day and may also have passive uses and natural areas. Resource Parks include natural areas under City ownership that will not be developed for active recreation use. Development is typically limited to trails and interpretive and educational opportunities. Resource parks include natural attributes that may support wildlife habitat and/or environmentally critical areas that the City intends to preserve and sometimes enhance. Urban Parks are parks designed to both host community events and provide day- to-day recreation opportunities for people who live or work in the neighborhood. A significant amount of consideration is taken for the design and construction of these parks compared to others due to their multi-faceted nature. They are planned and constructed in the urban centers, have the capacity to host events of up to 10,000 people, have significant infrastructure, and are generally built of high quality materials. Some urban parks may be developed by the private sector, ownership may vary between public and private; nonetheless, they are open to the public per an agreement between the City and owner. Trail Corridors are city-owned properties in which the primary feature is a developed public trail. These properties are typically linear in shape and relatively narrow when compared to other park properties. Trail Corridors can contain other park-like features that support the trail such as waysides for seating, public art and interpretive signage. Community Center Properties are properties that support public community centers and other indoor recreation facilities. Typically these include little to no outdoor recreation opportunities. Examples include buildings used for recreational purposes, such as community centers, gymnasiums pools, and cultural arts centers. This includes planning, programming, designing and constructing or reconstructing facilities. These facilities must meet a wide range of community needs. Private Parks are typically created by a developer in conjunction with residential development. In most circumstances, this land is controlled by the developer or homeowner association and the parks remain as private property. These parks may be classified as neighborhood parks or resource parks. The following policies provide guidance for development of future park and recreation facilities: PR-12 Encourage the development of parks, beautification areas, and gathering places throughout Redmond by coordinating planning efforts with other City departments and private development early in the planning process. ---PAGE BREAK--- Parks, Art, Recreation, Culture and Conservation Redmond 2030 amended June 2017 10-7 PR-13 Design and construct park facilities in a manner that is compatible with the surrounding neighborhood and is sensitive to the environment. PR-14 Allow use of natural areas, open space corridors and sensitive habitats at a level that will not compromise the environmental integrity of the area. PR-15 Integrate public art and park design from the onset of facility planning to create dynamic and interesting public places that are informed by the themes and platforms identified in the Public Art Plan. PR-16 Design new and renovated facilities utilizing appropriate technology, construction materials and maintenance procedures to gain cost efficiencies and conserve resources. PR-17 Encourage development of outdoor plazas and squares within public and private developments in the Downtown and Overlake urban centers for community events, visual and performance based public art opportunities, and to encourage community connections. PR-18 Develop facilities and partnerships to inform and educate the public about the rich natural environment of Redmond. Facilities for environmental education and stewardship could include features like classroom or exhibit space, overlooks of natural features, and a citywide interpretative program for shorelines, streams, native growth protection areas, aquifers and other important natural systems by the appropriate agencies or City departments. (SMP) PR-19 Replace, renovate and expand existing indoor recreation facilities, or provide new ones, to make spaces available for: Community recreation; Swimming and aquatics; Senior activities; Teen activities; Activities for children and adults of all abilities; Cultural arts; Community gatherings; and Athletic facilities. (SMP) PR-20 Prepare a plan to meet the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements for outdoor recreation facilities. Design and renovate ---PAGE BREAK--- Parks, Art, Recreation, Culture and Conservation Redmond 2030 amended June 2017 10-8 identified parks and recreational facilities in a manner that will, where feasible, provide safe and accessible use by all persons. (SMP) PR-21 Assess and appropriately manage risk during the design of parks and recreation facilities. PR-22 Support and enhance the historic resources within the park and recreation system, including Historic Landmarks. PR-23 Maintain the historic character of the farmsteads in Redmond through preservation, design and interpretation. PR-24 Acquire land and develop parks in areas that are experiencing or expected to have significant growth, such as the Downtown and Overlake urban centers, or areas identified as having a deficiency. D. Coordination and Communication The City works with many organizations to coordinate facilities and programming and will continue to look for ways to collaborate with existing and new partners. New potential partnerships might include co-development of sports fields and recreational centers. PR-25 Coordinate short-term and long-term plans for the acquisition, planning, development, use and programming of the PARCC system and adjacent non-City park facilities with City departments, King County, Lake Washington School District, other governmental agencies, and private organizations and individuals to maximize resources and avoid duplication of facilities and services. PR-26 Develop an interlocal agreement with King County to allow the City to provide permits for the development of City parks within unincorporated King County. PR-27 Encourage property developers, sports organizations and non-profits to develop and manage private park facilities to serve the larger community. PR-28 Actively engage community members during the planning process for new projects. Reach out to a wide variety of people through multiple avenues, and identify facilities desired by those who live and work in Redmond. PR-29 Strengthen volunteerism with an outreach program to encourage community participation. ---PAGE BREAK--- Parks, Art, Recreation, Culture and Conservation Redmond 2030 amended June 2017 10-9 E. Funding Strategies The City acquires land and easements for the parks and recreation system within and adjacent to Redmond. There are a variety of methods to acquire and fund these properties. The following policies describe approaches that the City uses to optimize public resources for these purposes. PR-30 Develop long-term finance strategies that address the funding needs for future capital projects, public art, and maintenance and operations. PR-31 Prepare, as part of the PARCC Plan, six-year, ten-year and twenty-year capital project improvement plans for a parks and recreation system that serves those who live or work in Redmond and planned growth, is financially feasible, and can be funded at a level which allows for a reasonable implementation schedule. PR-32 Explore innovative funding approaches and partnerships with public agencies and private entities for access, acquisition, development and joint maintenance of parks, trails, open space and the arts. PR-33 Establish and implement financial goals, cost recovery targets, and a subsidy allocation model to inform recreation program decision making. PR-34 Encourage the acquisition of property which will provide access to shorelines and local streams, with emphasis on areas where current and anticipated development patterns are unlikely to provide access or where there are significant access needs. Promote the creation of open space corridors along these water resources to provide for passive recreation and wildlife habitat. (SMP) F. Recreation Programs These policies describe how the City of Redmond will provide for the recreation and cultural needs of the community. These services are provided for the people of Redmond to enjoy all of the aspects that make up the parks, recreation, arts and open space system. PR-35 Provide comprehensive and quality recreation, arts, social enrichment, sports, and fitness programs that are: ---PAGE BREAK--- Parks, Art, Recreation, Culture and Conservation Redmond 2030 amended June 2017 10-10 Enriching, Affordable, Suitable for all age groups, Inclusive, Community focused, and Offered at a variety of locations in the city, throughout the year. PR-36 Foster a healthy community by providing active recreation and educational programming that emphasizes access to a variety of fitness programs, and reduces barriers to participation through means such as beginner level and drop-in classes. PR-37 Partner with and encourage businesses and community organizations to provide programming and community events that expand recreation opportunities. PR-38 Provide educational and hands-on recreational opportunities that explore the history of Redmond through historic parks, farms, structures artifacts, natural environment and cultural life. PR-39 Continue to give those who live or work in Redmond priority in registering for parks and recreation programs and in renting facilities. PR-40 Develop an understanding of the cultural and linguistic diversity in the community, and respond with appropriate programming, services, and accompanying communications and marketing materials. PR-41 Provide a variety of recreational programs that meet the community’s demands for swimming and aquatic activities, dance and movement, gymnasium-based sports, and other activities suitable for a recreation and aquatics center. PR-42 Allow concessions within parks where such uses support the enjoyment of the park and do not have adverse effects on neighboring property. G. Trails There are many existing trails throughout Redmond and the surrounding area which people enjoy for a variety of recreational, as well as alternative, transportation purposes. The PARCC Plan shows the existing and proposed trails in the Redmond area (refer in ---PAGE BREAK--- Parks, Art, Recreation, Culture and Conservation Redmond 2030 amended June 2017 10-11 Chapter 6 Trails of the PARCC Plan, for maps and further information). Most trails are City owned and maintained; however, the Sammamish River Trail is owned and maintained by King County and the SR 520 Bikeway is owned and maintained by the Washington State Department of Transportation. The Redmond/Puget Sound Energy (PSE) Trail is owned primarily by PSE and partially by the City of Redmond, and maintained by the City. There are some trails through private developments that allow public access. In addition, the Sammamish River is designated as a "Blue Trail" that is part of the regional Lakes to Locks water trail system for low-impact, nonmotorized watercraft. This trail network provides for a system of trails which link public lands with residential, employment and shopping areas throughout the neighborhoods and community. In addition, Redmond’s trail network provides connections with the regional trail system, linking Redmond with surrounding communities and unincorporated King County. Trails consist of in-park amenities the trails at Farrel-McWhirter Park) and the City's trail network. Various elements of the trail network hierarchy include regional, connector, local trails and blue trails, as defined below (refer to Ch. 6 Trails of the PARCC Plan for more detailed definitions). Regional trails pass through the city, connecting to other jurisdictions and other trails and trail systems. In general, regional trails are physically separated from roads by distance or barriers and should be a minimum of 12 feet wide, with a minimum two-foot-wide graded shoulder. Connector trails are the key linkages between regional trails and other facilities. These trails can be paved or soft surface trails and are typically narrower than regional trails, due to more limited use and constraints. Local trails are typically soft surface trails that range from two feet to six feet wide. The trails may be used as neighborhood linking trails, park trails and hiking, off-road bicycling and equestrian trails. Blue Trails are water trails along navigable waters, such as the Sammamish River and Lake Sammamish, within the city. The Parks and Recreation Department and Planning Department’s Transportation Planning and Engineering Division collaborate on trail development throughout the city. The trail network complements the City’s Bicycle System Plan and Pedestrian System Plan in the Transportation Master Plan, which focus on bicycling and walking as a means of transportation. The trail network is a combination of paved and unpaved surfaces and, wherever possible, are separated from streets. PR-43 Develop and promote an interconnected community through trails and pathways easily accessed by a variety of trail users. PR-44 Maintain and utilize a hierarchy of trails and trail design standards based on function. ---PAGE BREAK--- Parks, Art, Recreation, Culture and Conservation Redmond 2030 amended June 2017 10-12 PR-45 Ensure the ease of using the trail system and attract new users by providing a well-designed signage and wayfinding system. PR-46 Promote the concept and use of the “Blue Trails” waterways by coordinating with jurisdictions and other organizations in the region. PR-47 Promote safe and convenient non-motorized travel to parks, trails, and recreational facilities through the planning of trails, bike lanes, safe walking routes and public transit routes with City departments, surrounding jurisdictions, state and federal agencies and private organizations to reduce dependence on vehicles. PR-48 Cooperate with local, state and federal agencies and private organizations in development of the local and regional trail system. PR-49 Encourage development of trails that are separated from traffic, with an emphasis on safety and minimizing conflicts between various trail users. PR-50 Encourage King County to develop, maintain and promote the trail on the west side of the Sammamish River to enhance access and views of the Sammamish River, and to develop the missing link along the PSE Trail between Farrel-McWhirter Park and the Redmond Watershed Preserve. PR-51 Design development along the Sammamish River to orient toward the river and reinforce its identification as a community gathering place and recreation area in a manner that is sensitive to and protects the natural environment. PR-52 Coordinate with Eastside Rail Corridor Regional Advisory Committee partners on the planning and development of the Redmond Central Connector, and connections to the Eastside Rail Corridor and East Lake Sammamish Trail, to provide regional trail use with opportunities for community gathering, park space, art, culture and historic interpretation, as well as for light rail transit, options for other transportation connections and utility placement. PR-53 As a complement to the citywide pedestrian pathway system, the City should develop a visual system for enhancing connections to the shoreline and identifying shoreline areas, considering such elements as street graphics, landscaping, street furniture or artwork. (SMP) PR-54 Increase use of trails by developing trailheads adjacent to regional or connector trails that can be easily accessed by vehicles or transit. ---PAGE BREAK--- Parks, Art, Recreation, Culture and Conservation Redmond 2030 amended June 2017 10-13 Provide include parking, trail information and restrooms at trailheads where appropriate. H. Conservation The character of Redmond is largely determined by its beautiful setting of forests, streams, hills, the Sammamish River and valley, and older farmsteads and homes. Conservation and care of these resources are key factors in maintaining this character. “Conservation” in this context refers to a range of management techniques and approaches that protect and improve the quality or quantity of land, plants, water, wildlife and fish habitat, aesthetic character, and historic and cultural resources. PR-55 Preserve and manage resource parkland and natural areas within parks whenever feasible to retain Redmond's visual assets and character, protect wildlife habitat and corridors, enhance urban forest canopy, and support recreational uses that do not compromise environmental integrity. PR-56 Provide a comprehensive urban forestry program focused on restoration and stewardship that enriches natural areas and the environmental health of the city, and enhances the built environment. PR-57 Develop a cross-departmental strategic plan to increase tree canopy across the city and provide a canopy coverage goal, proposed timeline, and methods for achieving the goal. I. Cultural Arts In recent years, Redmond has seen steady population growth, welcomed a diversifying global workforce attracted by robust technology businesses, and garnered a reputation for innovation in digital arts, large-scale outdoor cultural festivals, and a high quality of life. The City has produced three master plans in an effort to guide the development of the Arts and Culture Program over the next 20 years and to achieve several citywide goals in both urban centers: Attract and retain a talented global workforce Maintain and improve Redmond’s quality of life by providing amenities that make the city a great place to live Improve vibrancy and vitality of Redmond’s two urban centers, Downtown and Overlake ---PAGE BREAK--- Parks, Art, Recreation, Culture and Conservation Redmond 2030 amended June 2017 10-14 Establish a cultural identity for Redmond PR-58 Support the development of a vibrant and sustainable Downtown Redmond through physical and experiential public art as described in the Master Plan for the Downtown Cultural Corridor. PR-59 Develop a program to work with public and private developers to integrate art and cultural spaces into new development using the process proposed in the Public Art Plan, Leading with Arts and Cultural Engagement (LACE). PR-60 Encourage City and community investments in artists, nonprofit organizations, creative businesses, and professional presenting arts institutions to strengthen Redmond’s cultural and creative sectors. PR-61 Support the development of cultural infrastructure and venues such as cultural centers, urban parks, festival streets, and plazas that accommodate diverse cultural activities and anticipate future community growth. PR-62 Encourage accessible and inclusive learning environments for artists at all levels and ages throughout the city and actively fill gaps in public art education. J. Park Operations and Maintenance Park maintenance activities begin when a park or facility becomes the responsibility of the City of Redmond either through purchase or completion of a constructed park or facility. Strategic, regular maintenance ensures on-going quality and longevity of the park. The ability to provide successful maintenance is positively supported by: well- designed facilities; the use of high-quality materials; established maintenance practices; and adequately funded capital project renovation and replacement program; and trained, dedicated, professional maintenance staff. PR-63 Manage and maintain parks and trails through developed Best Management Practices which are guided by the principles of Integrated Pest Management (IPM), Low Impact Development (LID), current conservation principles for energy and water use, asset preservation, cultural resource protection, customer service, and industry safety standards. ---PAGE BREAK--- Parks, Art, Recreation, Culture and Conservation Redmond 2030 amended June 2017 10-15 PR-64 Manage assets such as buildings, infrastructure and amenities to provide durability and functionality. Practice proactive management that results in replacement or renovation in advance of need. PR-65 Maintain safe parks, trails and facilities by routinely assessing and addressing needed repairs and providing timely response to emerging issues such as damaged or inoperable facilities, failing utilities or downed trees. ---PAGE BREAK--- Parks, Art, Recreation, Culture and Conservation Redmond 2030 amended June 2017 10-16 Exhibit 1: Existing and Proposed Park and Trail System