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HomeMy WebLinkAboutR-1694 - Adopting a comprehensive parks and recreation planCITY OF MARYSVILLE Marysville,Washington RESOLUTION NO.J(oqtj A RESOLUTION OFTHECITYOF MARYSVILLE ADOPTING A COMPREHENSIVE PARKS AND RECREATION PLAN. WHEREAS,the Growth Management Act requires the City to adopt a comprehensive plan;and WHEREAS,the Growth Management Act requires inclusion of a comprehensive parks and recreation plan as one element of the City's general comprehensive plan;and WHEREAS,the City's Planning Commission held a public hearing to review a draft Interim Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Plan on June 21,1994 to review said plan and to receive public input;and WHEREAS,after recommending several changes to the plan,the Planning Commission recommended approval of the revised interim plan on June 21,1994;and ~rnEREAS,a City Council workshop was held on June 23,1994 at which time the Marysville City Council reviewed the recommended Interim Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Plan;and WHEREAS,on June 27,1994 the Marysville City Council held a public hearing to accept testimony concerning the proposed Interim Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Plan;NOW,THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF MARYSVILLE,WASHINGTON AS FOLLOWS: The proposed Interim Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Plan is hereby adopted by the City of Marysville.Said plan shall serve as one element of the City's general comprehensive plan as required under the Growth Management Act.A copy of said interim plan is attached hereto as Exhibit A and is incorporated by this reference.This interim plan shall be in effect until superseded and replaced by a final comprehensive parks and recreation plan. PASSED by the City Council and APPROVED by the Mayor this ;;;.]&1-.,day of ~~<,=,-=r 1994. CITY OF MARYSVILLE By QrhAJ tJ~ RESOLUTION - 1 Imv/parkplan.res .......-,7·-') ....I,.',. ATTEST: By~J_--=CITY CLERK Approved as to form: RESOLUTION - 2 Imv/parkplan.res City of Marysville e \''''','Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Plan 1994 - 1999 CITY OF MARYSVILLE CITY COUNCIL MayorDavidWeiser Mayor Pro-Tern Donna Pedersen Mike Leighan DonnaWright Otto Herman John Meyers KenBaxter Dave McGee .CITY PLANNING COMMISSION •Rod Reed,Chair George Wilcox Bill Roberts Frances Chamberlain SteveFogg Eric Anderson DaveVoigt PARKS &RECREATION Jim Ballew,Director Cory Elwell,Recreation Manager Tara Mizell,Recreation Coordinator Ron Gettle,Park Foreman Mike Robinson,Golf Superintendent DonShaw,Golf Professional PARKS ADVISORY COMMITTEE Jack Lybyer,Chair BillWalker Rita Matheny RobertBellJr. Mike Leighan WardSayles Margaret Natterstad Mike Elmore Table #1: Table #2: Table #3: Table #4: Table #5: Table #6: Table #7: Table #8: Figure #1: Figure #2: Figure #3: Figure #4: Figure #5: Figure #6: Figure #7: Figure #8: Figure #9: Figure #10: Figure#ll: Figure #12: Figure #13: Figure #14: Figure #15: Exhibit #1: Exhibit #2: Exhibit #3: Exhibit #4: Exhibit #5: Exhibit #6: Exhibit #7: Exhibit #8: Exhibit #9: Exhibit #10: Exhibit #11: LIST OF TABLES Matrix of Publicly - Owned Lands in Marysville Service Area 29 Responses to question #3 50 Responses to question #5 52 Responses to question #6 53 Responses to question #7 54 Responses to question #15 (expressed in number of questionnaires returned)64 Responses to question #16 (ranked in order of need)65 Comparison of standards to existing facilities and parklands 78 LIST OF FIGURES Steps used in the comprehensive planning process 1 Map of Marysville in location to Puget Sound Region 10 Map of Snohomish county 11 Marysville service/study area with twelve planning areas identified .14 Responses to question #1 49 Responses to question #2 49 Responses to question #4 51 Responses to question #8 (percentages reflect an average of total point allocations)54 Responses to question #9 (listed in order of need)55 Responses to question #10 (listed in order of need for protection).56 Responses to question #11 (listed in order of need)57 Responses to question #12 58 Responses to question #14 64 Responses to question #17 (expressed in numbers)66 Responses to question #18 66 LIST OF EXHIBITS City of Marysville Organizational Chart 17 Marysville Parks and Recreation Budget 1994 .18 Map of Marysville Parks and Recreation Service Area withrecreational lands rnarked 27 Site plan for Otter Park Athletic Complex .31 Marysville Messenger announcement of public meeting (June, 1994)41 Nonh Snohomish Weekly article and announcement of public meeting (June, 1994)41 Marysville Globe announcement of public meeting (June, 1994)42 Poster and invitation to public meeting 42 Marysville Globe article on the comprehensive planning process (April. 1994)43 Marysville Globe article on the comprehensive planning process (June, 1994)43 North Snohomish Weekly article on the comprehensive planning process (June, 1994)43 TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction 1 Goals and Policies ;5 Planning Area Profile 9 Parks &Recreation Resources - Supply 21 Community Involvement -Demand : 35 Analysis of Need 77 Action Plan &Capital Improvement Plan 89 Appendix A - Urban Wildlife Habitat Plan 99 -, INTRODUCTION COMPREHENSIVE PARKSANDRECREAnON PLAN INTRODUCTION This Comprehensive Parksand Recreation Planisthe culmination ofan extensive planning process designed to: •Develop an understanding of the short-and long-term parkand recreation needsoftheCityof Marysville andits service area. •Identify and prioritize goalsand policies forthe effective and efficient management ofparkand recreation lands,facilities,and programs inordertomeettheneedsof the community. • Explore strategies for creatively blending theneedsof the community with available resources to successfully accomplish the goalsand policies. Thus,it istheintentof this five-year plantoprovide direction tothe Marysville Parksand Recreation Department forthe development and management ofparklandsand facilities,and the development, coordination,and delivery of recreational services. Theprocessusedtodevelopthisplanwas designed toform answers toimportant planning questions. These questions andthe planning components usedtoanswerthe questions are outlined below. Figure#1:Slepsusedinthe comprehensive planning process SlEP 1:What do we want to do? • Defmegoalsand policies SlEP 2:What do we have and do now? •Develop a community profile •Inventory existing parklands,facilities,and programs SlEP 3:What do the people want? •Analyze existing community surveys •Conduct a 1994parksand recreation survey •Facilitate a citizen focus group • Workwiththemediatobuild community awareness and involvement inthe planning process • WorkwiththeCityof Marysville Planning Commission • Fonn a Parksand Recreation Advisory Committee • Holdpublic meetings STEP 4:What can and should we do over the next five years? • Compareandcontrast supply and demand to identify needs •Develop an action plan •Develop a capital improvement plan 1 CITYOF MARYSVllLE ThePlan,itself,is organized according to theplanningsteps outlined above.Thekeyplan components areas follows: I.INTRODUCTION Thissectionincludesanoutlineofthe planning processandthe scope ofthe plan. II.GOALSAND POLICIES Thissectionof thereport contains goalsand policies ofthe Marysville Parks and Recreation Department.The goalsare statements of attitude,outlook,and orientation toward parksand recreation.The policies summarize the means by whichthegoalsmaybe accomplished. III.PLANNINGAREA PROFILE Theplanningarea profile isa comprehensive description ofthe Marysville community.It includes relevant information aboutthe community's history,location,Snohomish County,community characteristics -population,economicbase,and psychographies,parksand recreation servicearea, andlanduses. This section also provides an overview oftheCityof Marysville parksand recreation department. IV.PARKSAND RECREATION RESOURCES - SUPPLY Thissection answers the question,"Whatdo wehave now?"by describing existingparksand recreation opportunities within ornearthe Marysville service area.It includes a matrix of public parklands,a detailed description ofparksunderthe management of the parks and recreation department,and a summary of private recreation opportunities. V.COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT -DEMAND Thissectionanswersthe question,"Whatdo we want?"by summarizing findings fromthe community involvement processes usedduringthe development of this Plan.Components ofthe community involvement process werea 1994 Community Parksand Recreation Survey,analysis of otherexisting community surveys,findings oftheParksand Recreation Advisory Committee, findings ofthe Cityof Marysville Planning Commission,findings of the athletic association focus group,a media campaign,andpublic meetings. VI.ANALYSISOF NEEDS Thissectionof thereport summarizes theneedforpark and recreation opportunities by comparing andcontrastingthe existingsupplyofparksand recreation lands,services,and programs withthe currentandfuture demand forsuch opportunities.It identifies eight specific areasofparkand recreation needswhichshould be addressed bytheCityof Marysville overthenextfiveyears. VII.ACTIONPLAN ANDCAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN Thissection ofthe report identifies thespecific strategies whichwill be usedto address theparks andrecreationneedsofthe community.Thestrategiesarepresentedintwo formats.First,eachof theeightareasof needis presented withitsrelevant strategies.Second,the strategies are presented by year.This provides an easy-to-follow format toenhance implementation.Thissectionof the reportalso includes thecapital improvement planwhichisa chronological listingofthecapital improvements recommended inthe action plan. VIII.APPENDIX A - URBAN WILDLIFEHABITATPLAN Thissectionof thereport focuses on sensitive areasin the Marysville service area which havethe potentialto be designated as urban wildlifehabitat conservation areas. 2 GOALS AND POLICIES COMPREHENSIVE PARKSANDRECREAnON PLAN GOALS AND POLICIES GOALS Thegoalsandpoliciesofthe Cityof Marysville's parksand recreation systemare statements of attitude, outlook,and orientation.Theyreflectthe importance ofparksand recreation facilities,services,and programs to theoverallqualityof lifein the community . • To acquire anddevelopasystemofpark,openspace,and recreation facilities,bothactiveand passive, thatis attractive,safe,functional,and available to all segments ofthe population . • To enhance the quality of lifein the community by providing recreation programs thatare creative, productive,andresponsiveto theneedsof thepublic. POLICIES Thepoliciesofthe Marysville Parks and Recreation Department summarizes the means bywhichthegoals maybe accomplished. I.Acquire,preserve,anddevelopland,water,and waterfront areasforpublic recreation (ie.trailsand parks)basedonareademand,public support,anduse potential. 2.Maximize utilization of existing school district facilities,organizational,or otherpublic facilities withineachareawheneverpossibleto supplement newandexisting programming. 3.Encourage citizen participation in the design and development of facilities and/or recreational areas. 4.Encourage future development of school grounds to compliment the facilities planned in futurepark developments and maintain an interlocal agreement withthe district to facilitate thisgoal. 5.Encourage andpromote cultural facilities andsocial services,compatible with recreational usetobe developed onor contiguous to parkareasand designated bufferzones. 6.Develop an approach to projectplanningand increase standards ofpark planning anddesignby developing supportwith surrounding jurisdictions suchasTulalipTribes,CityofEverett,Cityof Arlington,andSnohomishCountyfora regional planningeffort. 7.Pursue the acquisition of new parklands andproceedwiththeplanningand development ofnewand existing parklands and facilities. • Acquire environmentally sensitiveareastoinclude streams,wetlands,creekandrivercorridorsas wellas highlysensitive natural and archaeological areas. •Implement a long-range acquisition strategy. • Insurethatpubliclyownedlandsuitablefor recreation purposesis setasideforthat purpose. 8.Accommodate new residential,commercial,and industrial development onlywhen required parks, recreation,andopenspaceare available priortoor concurrent with development. 9.Encourage development inareaswhereparks,recreation,andopenspaceare already available before developing areaswherenewparks,recreation,andopenspacewouldbe required. 10. Provideurbanlevelparks,recreation,andopenspaceonlyin UrbanGrowth Area. 11. Reducetheperunitcost of publicparks,recreation,andopenspaceby encouraging urbandensity development withinUrbanGrowthArea,and rural densities outsidetheUrbanGrowth Area. 12.Developers shouldhaveprimaryfiscal responsibility tosatisfypark,recreation,andopenspace needs/impacts createdby their developments eitherby actual provision ofthese improvements orbya fee-in-lieu alternative at the City's option. 13.Provide park and recreation facilities withinor adjacent to residential developments,andadjacenttoor in conjunction withschool district properties. 14. Asan integralpartof neighborhoods andthelarger community,establishandenhance healthy,safe, abundant andvaried recreation resources (bothpublicandprivate)to servepresentandfuture population needs. 5 CITY OF MARYSVilLE 15. Develop recreational facilities toprovide accommodations forusersofthearea's recreational amenities. 16. Developa pedestrian andbikesystemthroughoutthegreater Marysville area. As possible,usecreek corridors andthesloughdikefora portionof thesetrails. Thesetrailsshouldconnectallthe Planning Areas,activitycenters,park facilities,and openspace system. 17. Neworexpanded residential developmentshould be withinwalking distance,preferably butnot necessarily viapavedsidewalkorimproved trail,of a neighborhood park,public recreation area,orin somecasesa school.Existingresidentialareas should,aspossible,also be providedwitha neighborhood park,publicrecreation area,or in somecasesa schoolwithinwalking distance,via pavedsidewalkor improved trail. 18. Buy,lease,or otherwise obtain additional landsand facilities forparks,recreation,andopenspace throughoutthe CitylUrban Growth Area and specifically inthoseareasofthe CitylUrban Growth Areafacingintense population growthandlor commercial development. 19. Equitablydistributeparkand recreation opportunities by type throughout theCity,UrbanGrowth Area, and Planning Areas. 20. Coordinatepark planning acqnisition and development withotherCity projects and programs that implementthe Comprehensive Plan. 21. Developparksand facilities in a quality mannertoassure attractiveness,full utilization,and long-term efficiency. 22. Developa neighborhood and community parksystemthat provides a varietyofactiveandpassive facilities. 23.Incorporate utility,storm drainage,andpubliclandsintotheopenspaceandlinkage system through cooperative use agreements. 24. Permitparksto be located in anypartofthe Cityby wayofthe conditional use process. These goals and policies,as written,are included in the City ofMarysville's Proposed Interim Comprehensive Plan (March 24,1994) 6 I ,.. COMPREHENSIVE PARKSAND RECREATION PLAN PLANNING AREAPROFILE MARYSVILLE -HISTORY In 1853thefirst permanent white settlement in Snohomish County happened at Tulalip.Theprimary purposeofthe settlement wasto establish a sawmill,indicative ofthe significant roletimberwouldplayin the history ofthe area. Twoyearslater,in 1855,theTreatyofElliottPointwas signed establishingthe Tulalip Reservation for the relocation of the Snohomish,Stillaguamish,Snoqualmie,andSkykomish Indiansfrom Everett. In 1872,MariaandJames Comeford were persuaded to movefromWhatcomCountytoTulaliptooperate a government tradingpost. Asan operatorofthetradingpost,James Comeford traveled theriversand sloughsofthe areaselling goods.He determined theareaalongEbey Slough,withitsriveraccessand significant logging potential,wastheright location fora settlement.By 1878,JamesandMaria Corneford had established atradingpostand homeJhotel inan uninhabited areawhichwouldlaterbecomeknownas Marysville. Duringthelate 18705 through the 1890smany settlements established themselves inthe Marysville area. In Marysville,itself,a schooldistrictwas formed,thefirst Marysville sawmill opened,andthetownwas platted.Then,in 1889,withthebuildingofrailroadsintheareaandthe anticipation ofmore railroad construction,a boomhitthearea. Asaresult,in 1891 thetownwas incorporated,theCitybuiltits first CityHall,the secondbankin Snohomish Countyopenedin Marysville,andthe Marysville Globe newspaperbeganits operation.The population of the citywas357. By 1905,Marysville's populationwas 1,250. Amongits many businesses,the townnowhadtwo logging camps,sixshinglemills,andthreesmallmills. Then,as aresultof the 1906San Francisco earthquake andits subsequent needfor materials to reconstruct the city,thetimber industry boomed. Marysville also established itselfasa farming community,with the areabeingfairly self-sufficient. Agricultural productsconsisted primarily ofberrycrops,dairy,poultry,andoats.As a reflection of its agricultural strength,1932markstheyearofthefirst Marysville Strawberry Festival.Thisannualaffairis nowoneofthe state'slargestandlongestrunningsummer festivals. It was following WorldWar 11 thatBoeingwas established inEverettandanewkindof manufacturing, aerospace parts,wouldjoin as animportantpartof Marysville's economy.Otherpostwar developments includedthe construction of Interstate 5,alongwiththe construction of a newCity Hall and library.By 1955,the population of Marysville haddoubledfromfiftyyears previous,to approximately 2,500. In contrasttothe fifty yearsit tooktodoublethe population from 1,250to2,500,ittookfrom1955to 1980forthe population todoubleagainto approximately 5,000.The attractiveness oftheareaand annexations continue the population boomwitha 1993 population of 14,570.(1993DataBook) Among the many features which attractpeopletotheareaareits proximity to major employment centers and transportation corridors,thebeautyofthe natural setting,the moderate sizeofthe community,andthe relatively reasonable housing costs. Adapted from the Cityof Marysville's ProposedInterim Comprehensive Plan (March, 1994)and the City ofMarysville Comprehensive Parksand Recreation Plan 1991 -1996 9 CITY OF MARySVllLE MARYSVILLE -LOCATION Marysville islocatedin Snohomish County.Itis bounded bythe Snohomish Riverdeltaon thesouth, TulalipIndian Reservation onthewest,and unincorporated county landon thenorthandeast.Marysville is located immediately eastof Interstate 5just outsidetheCityof Everett's north boundary. The cities with proximity totheCityof Marysville are Everett tothe southwest,Lake Stevens tothe southeast,and Arlington to the north.Thesloughs separating Everettand Marysville minimize the physical impacts between thetwo. The direction of urbanization and topography have historically separated Lake Stevens and Marysville.Arlington and Marysville havehadthemost interaction since the citieshavetendedtogrow toward eachotherand Marysville provides waterandsewer service to unincorporated areasnear Arlington. TheTulalip Reservation refers to thelocationofagroupof tribes -Snohomish,Stillaguarnish, Snoqualmie,and Skykomish.Asan Indian reservation it isaseparate nation.Locatedwestof 1-5 betweenPortGardnerBayand l40th Street,theTulalip Reservation istheCityof Marysville's largest and nearest neighboring jurisdiction afterthe County. Adapted from the City ofMarysville's ProposedInterim Comprehensive Plan (March 24, 1994) Figure #2:Mapof Marysville in location to PugetSound Region 10 COMPREHENSIVE PARKS ANDRECREATION PLAN PLANNING AREAPROFILE SNOHOMISH COUNTY SnohomishCounty wasestablishedin 1861. It is namedafterthe tribeofIndiansthatonceoccupiedthe area. ThecountystretchesfromPugetSoundon the westto thebaseof theCascadeMountainson the east. Thecounty was firstexploredin 1792whenCaptainGeorgeVancouvernamedthe regionNew Georgia;healso namedPort SusanandPortGardnerBay. The manystandsof timberattractedsettlers whosetup millsandprovidedtimberto buildSanFranciscoandthe transcontinental railroadsinthemid- nineteenthcentury. Today,SnohomishCountyis the third mostpopulouscountyinWashingtonand enjoysa variedeconomybased onwood products,manufacturing,and agriculture.0993 Washington State Yearbook) According to datareportedby theStateofWashingtonOfficeof Financial Management, • In 1993,the populationof SnohomishCountywas 507,900rankingit third in sizeamong Washington Statecounties. • The totalland areaof thecountyis 2,090squaremilesrankingit 13thoutof 39 counties. • Personalincomein 1991 averaged$19,510rankingtheCountyfourthamongWashingtonState counties. • The averagehouseholdsize in SnohomishCounty is largerthan the State'saverage. • The medianage of SnohomishCountyresidentsis lowerthan the State's.average. • Approximately7.2percentoftheCounty'spopulationis minoritycomparedwith 11.5percentofthe State's population. Figure #3: Map of Snohomish County 11 CITY OF MARySVllLE COMMUNITY CHARACTERISTICS Therearemany factors that determine theroleofparksand recreation ina community.One important factoristheenvironmentitselfwithit unique combination and variations ofwaterandland.Butthe environmentis onlyone of many considerations.Demographics,psychographies suchasvaluesand attitudes,and economicfactorsarealso important.Certainly all ofthese factors contribute heavily to the opportunities as wellas constraints thatexistforparksand recreation. The following section discusses significant community characteristics that influence theneedforand provisionof parksand recreation.Highlightsofthe discussion include: •The population within the Marysville serviceareahas increased significantly overthepasttenyearsand will continueto increase overthe nexttwenty years. • Employmentis diversified. • Marysvilleseesitselfasprimarilya singlefamily community. • The medianpopulationis youngerandthe household sizelargerthanthe State's average. 1. POPULATION One ofthemost significant impacts to Marysville hasbeenthe population increaseithas experienced over the pastten years.In the periodfrom 1980to 1990,therewasa 100percentincreasein population within theCity of Marysville.Thisincreasereflectsbothnew residents and significant annexation.Duringthe sameperiod, theCounty'spopulationincreasedfrom 333,720to 409,500.This represents anincreaseof 21 percent,the secondmostrapid growth experienced byanycountyin Washington State (second only to San Juan County). In 1992,thepopulationof the parksandrecreationservicearea was 36,189.In 1993,about36percentof .. thispopulationwaslocatedwithintheCityof Marysville.According to the Washington State 1993 Data • Book,thepopulation of the City of Marysvillewas 14,570in 1993. Accordingto1993 Population Trends from Washington State,Marysvilleisthefifthlargestcityin SnohomishCountyand the fortiethlargestcityin theState.In 1990,Marysville rankedasthe44thlargest cityin the state. It is estimatedthatby2010,54,000peoplewilllivewithintheMarysvilleservicearea. This represents a projectedincreaseof55 percentovertwentyyearsbeginningin 1990. Althoughdata specific tothe Marysville serviceareaisnot available,it mightbe assumed thatthe populationwithintheservicedistrictis onaverageyoungerthanthestate's average.According to 1993 Population Trends for Washington State,approximately 9.45percentofthe Snohomish Countypopulation was age65 or over whilethe State'saveragewas 11.59 percent.Onlytwocounties-Whitmanand Benton- have percentages of senioradultslowerthan Snohomish County.Accordingtothe Washington State 1993DataBook,the percentage of children 19andyoungerandthe percentage ofyoungadultsages 20-39 wereboth approximately 1.5percent higherfor Snohomish Countythan thestate average. In comparisonwiththeState'saverage,theaverage household sizein SnohomishCountyis larger,which mayindicateagreaterpresenceof families with children.According to the 1990 Federal Census Data for Washington State,theaveragehouseholdsizewas 2.68whilethe State'saveragewas2.53.In household size, SnohomishCountyrankseighthin the state. 12 COMPREHENSIVE PARKS AND RECREATION PLAN PLANNING AREA PROFILE 2. ECONOMIC BASE/EMPLOYMENT Historically,the Marysville economyhasbeen basedon agriculture and forestry.Thoughtimber production isnolongera major activity in the immediate Marysville area,some agricultural production is still occurring.Marysville's economicbaseis now muchmore diversified,witha focusonretailing, service,andlight manufacturing. In 1990theemploymentprofileofthe serviceareawas35percentretail,20percent manufacturing,20 percentservice,and 10-15percent government.Employmentrelatedto wholesaling,transportation, communication,and utilities totaled approximately 5 percent. According to Marysville Beckons,the topemployersfor inthe Marysville areaarethe Marysville School District,TulalipCasino,Northwest Composites,WelcoLumber,FredMeyer,Cityof Marysville, Madeleine Villa Convalescent Centerand Krnart.The numberof employees forthese organizations ranges fromKmartwith approximately 100employeesto Marysville SchoolDistrictwith 1,222 employees. Thetopemployerin Snohomish Countyis TheBoeingCompanywith approximately 29,500employees. (MarysvilleBeckons,1994) Accordingto data providedby theState,theaverageincomein 1991 inSnohomishCountywas $19,510, rankingthe CountyfourthamongotherState counties.Theaverageincomeforthestateduringthesame timeperiod was $19,521. 3. PSYCHOGRAPHICS Psychographies isthe studyof valuesandattitudesof a population.Althoughthe importance of considering psychographies in comprehensive planningcannotbe overstated,the availability of datais oftenlimited. Thus,publicinvolvementis essentialin the comprehensive planningprocessandoftenmust be used asa substitutefor psychographic data. In 1989 three publicopinionpolls (residential,newspaper,andbusiness)wereconductedto provide citizeninputintothe community's comprehensive planningprocess. Highlightsof the pollswere: • The primary concerns of citizens werethat Marysville maintain anidentityasa singlefamily community withgreenbelts,parks,naturalareas,andopenspaceas wellas farmlands interspersed withthese neighborhoods. • Preserving farmlands,forestedareas,and environmentally sensitiveareasisimportanttothe community. • The community desirestrailandsidewalksystemsestablishedtoimprovebikeand pedestrian circulation. • Newjobs shouldbeencouragedin tourismandrecreationas wellas warehousing,lightindustryand manufacturing,wholesaling,andserviceoriented businesses,butnot heavyindustryand manufacturing. •Manufacturing ontheEbeySlough waterfront shouldberemovedanda mix of water-oriented businessesplusparksandrecreationshouldbe encouraged. 13 CITY OF MARySVILLE PARKS AND RECREATION SERVICE AREA e The Marysville Parks and Recreation Department has identified a service areawhich corresponds tothe "study area"defmedintheCity of Marysville's Proposed Interim Comprehensive Plan. The boundaries of this service areaare from 1-5 easttoHwy.9.Ebey Sloughnorthto I nnd Avenue NE. It includes all of Marysville School District withthe exception of Tulalip Elementary which is several mileswestofI-5. Thelands within the service areaare divided into twelve "planning areas"basedon residential neighborhoods or specificactivitycenterssuchas industrial areasor downtown.The definition oftheseis basedon historical communities and landmarks aswellas natural dividing characteristics.These planning areaswillenablethe community torespondto diverse needs within eachthroughthe suitable distribution of land usesandservices. Figure #4: Marysville service/study area with twelve planning areas identified c.tvQI MARYSVILLE CompreholSllx PIIlJl LECEND 14 COMPREHENSIVE PARKSANDRECREATIONPLAN PLANNINGAREA PROFll.£ LAND USES 1. COMMERCIAL Commercial properties arelocated primarily wheretheyhave historically been found -alongthe waterfront,downtown,and along State Avenue/Smokey PointRoad. Theusesof the waterfrontalongEbeySloughincludea privatemarinaandboatyard,a lumberyard,anda sawmill.Pedestrian accessfor recreational purposes is notavailableatthistime. Thecommunityhas shownanincreasingdesireto recognize andrediscoverthewaterfrontasa historically significantpartof downtown. Downtown hasa broadrange of commercial functions rangingfrom freeway servicessuchas service stationsandfast foodrestaurantsto full-service restaurants,retailshops,and professional offices. There is a TowneCenterMalllocatedbetweenFourthStreetandthe waterfront. Major portions oftheState Avenue/Smokey PointRoadcorridorare linedwith commercial properties. These properties rangefrom small,traditional storefronts to large developments suchasFredMeyerand K-Martstores. 2. INDUSTRIAL Withintheservice area,thereareseveralsizable industrial properties.Theseareclusteredalongthe waterfrontandalongOldHighway99near Stimson's Crossing.Significanttracts of landnorthof 124th StreetNEalongSmokeyPointBlvd.arezoned industrial thoughlittleofthelandhasactuallybeen developed.Therearealsosmallersites scattered alongState Avenue/Old Highway99.e 3. RESIDENTIAL The Marysville serviceareais predominantly singlefamilyand according to community opinionpolls conducted in 1989theresidentswouldliketo continuethis identity.According to 1993 Population Trends for Washington State,as of April 1, 1993 approximately 54percentofthe housingunitswithintheCityof Marysville weresinglefamily dwellings and 35percentwere multi-family dwellings. Residential neighborhoods are structured by two factors -naturalfeaturessuchascreeksand topography andthestreet structure.The Quilceda CreekandAllenCreeksystemsmovefromthenortheastto the southwestacrossthe study/service area. Becauselimitedroadcrossingsareallowedthecreeksserveto separate neighborhoods.The streetstructurewas determined by thenaturalfeaturesof an areaandby the layout favored during development.Older neighborhoods neardowntownweredevelopedon a grid system,subsequent developments haveusedacurvilinearor cul-de-sac layout. 4. AGRICULTURAL Historically,the greater Marysville areahasbeenknownforits agricultural production.As the urbanized areas havegrown,theyhave encroached uponthe agricultural lands.Todaythe remaining agricultural landssurroundgreaterMarysvilleto the north,westand somelandsto the southbetweenSunnysideBlvd. andEbeySlough. Theselands are animportantpartofboth Marysville's economyandphysical character. 15 CITY OF MARySVILLE 5.WILDLIFE HABITATS/NATURAL AREAS Natural systems within the planning area include butarenot limited tothe Quilceda Creekand Allen Creek corridors and tributaries,wetlands,and forested areas. The Sensitive Areas Ordinance addresses themannerinwhich wetlands,waters,creeks,geologic hazard areas,and fish andwildlife habitat areaswillbe managed bythe City.The ordinance isbasedon sensitive areasnotedonmaps prepared by Snohomish Countyand adopted bytheCity. EbeySlough is thelongestside channel ofthe Snohomish River.Fromitsrightbank divergence it meanders northeast twoandahalfmilestotheeast valley perimeter,thenwinds north-northwest tenmiles tothenortheastcomerof Possession Sound,nearlytwomilesnorthofthe Snohomish River.(Catalog of Washington Streams,1975) Thelower reaches of Quilceda CreekandAllenCreek contain numerous small marshes and bogs. Because ofmany valuable social and ecological services thatthese wetlands provide,Marysville is striving toprotectthemas muchas possible. Certainareas within the service/study area remain forested.Although theywere logged inthelate 1800s andearly 1900s,theseareasmost commonly alongcreeks,ravines,andsome wetlands,contain second growth timber.Forested areasprovidevisual buffers,erosion prevention,topsoil preservation, wildlife habitat,andhelpwiththe conversion of carbon dioxide to oxygen.Mostofthe wildlife habitats coincide withthe forested areasorareaswithheavy vegetation.A significant stand ofolder trees is situated at 55th Avenue NEand lOOth StreetNE,calledMother Nature's Window. Unless otherwise noted,adapted from the City ofMarysville's Proposed Interim Comprehensive Plan (March 24, 1994) 16 COMPREHENSIVE PARKS AND RECREATION PLAN PLANNINGAREAPROFILE CITY OF MARYSVILLE PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT 1.ORGANIZATION TheCityof Marysville Parks and Recreation Department is madeupof 16fulltime employees and20part timeseasonal supervisors andprogram attendants.Ofthefulltime employees,fourare associated withthe recreationprograms,six areemployed at the CedarcrestGolfCourse,and fivearepark groundskeepers. The operations of theParksand Recreation Departmentare guidedbytheParksBoard,a sixmember committee whichincludesaCityCouncil representative.ParkBoardmembersserveby appointment of theMayor. Exhibit #1:C~y of Marysville Organizational Chart Cityof Marysville Parksand Recreation Department Administrative Organization Mayor City Council ICity Administrator I :Director of Parks and Recreation : IGolf supe~ntendent~I Recreation Manager I I y\ssistant Golf Superintendent I IMechanic]~olf Managerl I Recreation Coordinator! I Parks Foreman I I Groundskeepers IIGroundskeepersI IParks Secretary ~ rPetting Zoo Supervisor I J-Seasonal Part Time Grounds Attendants Recreation Attendants 17 CITYOF MARySVILLE 2 BUDGET Exhib~#2: Marysville Parks and Recreation Budget 1994 CITY OF MARYSVILLE PARKS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT OPERATING BUDGET 1994 REVENUES Charges for Recreation Services $89,290 GolfCourseFees $714,330 H.U.D.Block Grant $51,000 Development Fees $20,000 TOTAL REVENUE $823,620 EXPENSES Recreation Services $192,248 Parksand Recreation Facilities $413,514 Petting Zoo Operations $11,175 GolfCourse Operations $536,169 Debt Service $12,000 Capital Improvements $58,600 TOTAL OPERATING ExPENSES $1,223,706 18 --' e· •SUPPLY ----------------------~ COMPREHENSIVE PARKS ANDRECREATION PLAN PARKS &RECREATION RESOURCES - SUPPLY PARKS &RECREATION RESOURCES -SUPPLY Supplyanswersthequestion,"Whatdo we havenow?" Supplyis theidentificationof whatcurrently existsin terms of parksandrecreation opportunities -facilities,programs,and services. Supplyis determined by takinginventoryof thepublicandprivateparksand recreation facilities, programs,and servicesthat currentlyexistandby evaluating,to the degreepossible,the qualityof these opportunities.Inventory andevaluationareconductedprimarilythrough interviews,site visits,and public involvement. Theservice area usedfor developing thisplanis the sameasthestudyarea identified fortheCityof MarysvilleComprehensivePlan. Thus,the supplycomponentincludesan inventoryof existingparks and recreation opportunities bothwithintheCityandin planning areaswhichare outsideoftheCitybut still withinthestudyarea boundaries.Generally,the servicesof the Parksand Recreation Departmentextend toresidentsof the Marysville SchoolDistrictwiththe exception of TulalipElementarySchoolwhichis locatedseveralmileseastof 1-5. 1.CITY-OWNED LANDS TheCityof Marysvillecurrentlyownssixdevelopedparkstotaling87.5acres. Theseparks are Corneford Park, NorthpointePark,FoothillsPark,Jennings NaturePark,JenningsMemorialPark, andHickok Park. In addition,theCity ownsandmanagesthe CedarcrestGolfCourse,a 120-acrespecialuse facility. TheCityalsoownsthree undeveloped parksitestotaling47 acres. ThesesitesareQuilceda CreeklQuilane Park,SunnysideWells, andOldCedarcrestReservoir. Fifteenacresof the ReganProperty,whichis 30 acresof city-ownedland alongEbeySlough(eastof thewastewatertreatment facility),is currentlyused asmitigated wetlands.Useoftheremaining15acreshasnotyetbeendeterminedalthough recreation seemsa strongpossibility. Twoofthecity-ownedactiveparks- CedarcrestGolfCourseandJenningsMemorialParkareconsidered regional facilities.Bothofthese facilities attractparkusersfromoutsidethe Marysville service area Thephysical condition oftheparksand recreation facilities in Marysville seemstobe quitegood. Eighty- twopercentof the respondents to the 1994 Comprehensive ParkandRecreationSurveyratedthecondition ofthe facilities aseithergoodorexcellent. Althoughthereis a multi-purpose barnatJenningsMemorialParkwhichis managedby theCityof MarysvilleParksand Recreation Department,theCitydoesnot ownanyotherindoor recreation facilities. Other than a smallboat ramplocatedonEbeySlough,theCity doesnot currentlyownanylandalongthe Sloughwhich is usedfor recreation. Belowis a detailed description ofparklandsintheCityofMarysvillepark system. • COMEFORD PARK ComefordParkis in downtownMarysville. This 2.8acre siteis hometo Marysville'sCity Hall. Typicalofmanyolder,smallurbanparks,thepark functions primarilyas a formal visualsettingfor passiveactivitiesandforcommunity festivals,concerts,and specialevents. Picnictables,agazebo, restrooms,and a children's playground arethe available amenities . •NORTHPOINTEPARK Ofthis 28-acrepark,approximately 4.5 acresare availableforrecreational purposes.The balance consistsof environmentally sensitive areas.A one acrewoodedareahousesa playground forchildren whileanotherareaofthepark includes a ballfieldforactiveplay.A 2-milewalking trail runsthrough the parkand servicesthe MunsonCreek,Brookwood,and Northpointeplats. NorthpointePark was addedto the Marysvilleparksystemin 1994. 21 CITY OF MARySVillE •FOOTIlILLS PARK LocatedwithintheCrystal Heights and Parkland Hills subdivision,this 11.6acreparkis accessible from58thStreet NE.The parklandwas donated tothecitybythe developers ofbothplats. Thepark features arolling landscape,naturetrails,a tiered landscaped detention pond,playground structure,and picnic tables.Foothills Parkwasaddedtothe Marysville parksystemin 1994. • JENNINGS NATURE PARK LocatedonSR 528and53rdAve NE,thisparkwas constructed in partthrough funding fromtheState of Washington Interagency Committee for Outdoor Recreation.An extension of Jennings Memorial Park,Jennings NatureParkwasnamedafteritsnaturalterrainand surrounding wetlands.Mostofthe 31acresoflandforthisparkwere donated by Centex,Inc. Thecity acquired a quarter acreof privately owned property toprovide adequate landforparkingand access.An lACgrantof $201,255 wasused to construct restroorns,playground,picnictables,wetland overlook,trails,largeopenspace,parking facilities,andabridge connection to Jennings Memorial Park.Jennings Nature Park wasaddedtothe Marysville parksystemin 1993. •JE~GSMEMO~ALPARK Located on Armar Road,this20acre park isthe centerpiece ofthe Marysville park system.An active parkwitha variety of activities,the park includes picnic facilities,baseball field,two children's play areas,experimental garden,compost demonstration site,petting zoo,wooded area,fishpond,multi- purposebam,restroorns,anda naturetrail. TheParksand Recreation Department's administrative officeis located at the park aswellas maintenance facilities anda full-time caretaker's home. • HICKOK PARK LocatedwithintheSuncrestTerrace subdivision,Hickok Park was developed on 1.3acresof property whichwas originally retained fora satellite fire station.The park hasa children's play area,apicnic table,andagrassyarea. Itwas developed through the financial assistance oftwoprivate developers,a ... grantfrom Snohomish County Parks,andCityof Marysville growth management funding.• •QUILCEDA CREEK/QUILANE PARK The9acresofthisnaturalareawere donated totheCityin 1989bythe Belmark Corporation.Currently undeveloped,the parkland is accessible byfoottrafficonlyanddoesnothaveany amenities.The park servesasa wildlifehabitatfordeer,heron,riverotter,salmon,andmuskrat •SUNNYSIDE WELLS Retained fora satellite fire station,this beautiful 31acre natural site includes an overgrown pasture area andseveralacresof steeplyslopedand wooded ravine.Theravine probably supports an abundance of wildlife.Currently the property isnotusedasa park andno amenities are available. •CEDARCREST GOLF COURSE Theonlygolfcoursewithinthe Marysville service area,the 120acre Cedarcrest GolfCourseisowned and operated bytheCityof Marysville Parks and Recreation Department.Although thecourse has been in existence since1927,itwasnotuntil1972thatthe 18-hole,120acre facility was purchased bythe Cityof Marysville.The purchase froma private ownerwasmade possible with assistance fromthe Stateof Washington Interagency Committee for Outdoor Recreation.Golf course amenities include a restaurant,pro-shop,maintenance building,and restroom facilities.Thecourseis financially self- supporting through the collection ofgreen fees andrental income derived fromthe private operation of the restaurant and pro-shop. •OLD CEDARCREST RESERVOIR An abandoned reservoir,Old Cedarcrest is currently a sevenacre undeveloped site. •REGAN PROPERTY Although ownedbytheCity,noneofthis30acresitehasyetbeen identified for recreational use. Currently 15acresofthesiteare preserved for wetland mitigation,the remaining 15acreshave potential _ foruseas recreational access toEbey Slough bothasa trail-head and hand-carry boat launching site.• 22 COMPREHENSIVE PARKSAND RECREATION PLAN PARKS &RECREATION RESOURCES -SUPPLY 2. SCHOOL DISTRICT LANDS The Marysville SchoolDistrictowns14 schools.Thirteen ofthese schools are within the identified service area.The exception,Tulalip Elementary,is located several milesfrom Marysville andits facilities arenot included inthis assessment of supply. TheCityof Marysville Parks and Recreation Department enjoys a strong cooperative relationship withthe Marysville School District.The interlocal agreement between theCityandthe District isa modelfor cooperative efforts. Although the recreational useofschool facilities includes indoor opportunities suchasthehighschool swimming pool,classrooms,meeting facilities,and gymnasiums,theportionofschooldistrict properties thatis recorded aspublic recreational lands consists primarily of athletic fields and playgrounds. Theschooldistrictholds approximately 126acresof recreational lands.Theselandsincludesuch facilities as tracks,basketball courts,children's playareas,and fields usedfor football,baseball,softball,and soccer. In addition,theschool district ownsan expansion siteon 152nd Street.Thissiteis currently usedforsix soccer fields managed bythe Marysville YouthSoccer Club. TheDistrictalsoowns20acresoffarmlandon 132nd.Although undeveloped,thissiteisknownasOtter Field. 3.FEDERAL,STATE, AND COUNTY LANDS Thereareno federally owned forests,parks,or recreational landsinthe Marysville servicearea. Norare thereany state-owned recreational lands. Snohomish County,throughits parksand recreation department,ownstenacresof heavily wooded park landintheareacalledMother Nature's Window.In addition,theCountyhas developed bikelanesalonga fewroadsinthe north portion ofthe Marysville service area. 4. REGIONAL FACILITIES OUTSIDE OF THE SERVICE AREA Outsideofthe Marysville service areatherearea few regional facilities which service Marysville residents. These are... •TwIN LAKES PARK Locatedsixmilesnorthof Marysville,thisparkhas swimming,picnicking,and fishing. •KAYAKPOINTPARKANDBEACH A statepark,KayakPointParkislocated15mileswestof Marysville on Marine View Drive.Thepark offers swimming,picnicking,camping,anda boat launch. •WENBERGSTATEPARK Located12milesnorthof Marysville,thisparkis situated on545acreLake Goodwin.Park activities include camping,picnicking,fishing,watersports,andnature enjoyment.Deer,raccoon,mountain beaver,squirrel,skunk,otter,mink anda varietyofbirdsmightbeseenona hikealongoneofthe manyshorthikingtrails found inthepark. A summer-only food concession is available atthe swimming beach. •BAITLE CREEK GOLF COURSE Locatedwestof Marysville onthe Tulalip Indian Reservation,BattleCreekGolfCourseisnew 27-hole publicgolf course.Amenities include a driving range. • KAYAK POINT GOLF COURSE Locatedonthe250acresofland overlooking theSoundandthe Olympics,KayakPointis an IS-hole championship publicgolfcourse. Course amenities includea driving range,proshop,andclubhouse withfood services. 23 CITY OF MARySVilLE 5. PRIVATE, NON-PROFIT FACILITIES The MarysvilleINorth CountyFamilyYMCA is constructing a new facility in Marysville locatedon60th DriveNortheastnextto theAllenCreekElementarySchool. Theplanned30,000squarefeet facility is scheduledforcompletionbythe summerof 1995.Phase I ofthe construction willincludea full-size gym with surroundingrunningtrack,aerobicroom, weightroom,two racquetball courts,meetingrooms,a five-sixlanelap pool, anda playground. TheMarysvilleFoodBankbe housedin a separate4,000sq.ft. on the same site.Phase IT ofthe construction willincludea childcarecenterand additional community meetingrooms.. The newYMCAwillbe modeled afterthe YMCAin Bothell.Programming atthecenterwillinclude family activities,aerobicclasses,anda youthprogram. Youth activities willincludesummercamps, baseball,andfieldtrips. TheChildren'sMuseumof SnohomishCountyis locatedintheMarysvilleMallandoffershands-on activities for children. Thereare severalchurchesinthe Marysville servicearea. Manyof these churches sponsor recreation programsespeciallyforchildrenandyouth. 6. PRIVATE,FOR-PROFIT FACILITIES Privately-owned recreation opportunities inthe Marysville include: •Marysville Twin Cinemas • MarysvilleSkate Inn -anindoorrollerskating facility • StrawberryLanes-a 2D-lane bowlingalley • Big D's Bat-A-Round BattingCages-outdoorbattingcagesanda miniature golf • MarysvilleGolfCenter- agolfdrivingrange 7.POTENTIAL PUBLIC LANDS Severalpropertieshave been identifiedaspotentialparkand/orwildlifehabitat conservation areas. •HOLMAN PROPERTY Currentlyunderprivate ownership,this20acrenaturalareais locatedbehindAllenCreekElementary School. •MCDONALD'S BARN AND FARM Currentlyunderprivate ownership,this 20 acresiteis locatedina rural area thatwillsoonbe developed. Thepropertyincludesa multi-purposebam anda caretaker's house. • MOTHER NATURE'S WINDOW Currently30acresofthis area areprivatelyownedand 10 acresareownedby Snohomish County. Mother Nature'sWindowcontainstheoldeststand of treesinthearea.Snohomish Countyhas shown aninterestin acquiringthe balanceoftheprivatelyownedlands. •SUNNYSIDE WELLS CurrentlytheCityofMarysvilleowns31acreson this site. The undeveloped property includes rugged farmlandandseveralacresofheavilywooded ravine.Thereispotential to acquirean additional eight acres of farmlandfor parkexpansion. • EBEY SLOUGH SITE This fiveacresitelocatedat theendof StateStreet is currently privately ownedandusedforthestorage of lumber. Thepropertyhaspotentialasa boat ramp/public accesssite. 24 COMPREHENSIVE PARKSAND RECREATION PLAN PARKS &RECREATION RESOURCES -SUPPLY •POORTINGA PROPERTY The Poortinga Property is a 300+acreparcelof farmland located adjacenttotheRegan Property.The parcel includes extensive frontage alongEbey Slough.Thelandhasbeen considered asa potential site forthe development ofaprivategolf course. •OTIER FIELD Currently the Marysville School Districtowns20acresofthisflat farmland site.The school district maybe willing toallowthesite to be converted to recreational use.An additional 25acresof privately ownedland adjacent tothesitemaybe available for acquisition.Thissitecouldbeusedfor development ofan athletic field complex.Withthisinmind,the Parks and Recreation Department developed a siteplanforan athletic complex.Thesiteplanis included asExhibit4 attheendofthis sectionofthe report. pet shows Sites &Bites art festival adult spring softball leagues Merrysville for the Holidays festival summer open gym programs tennis lessons adult summer softball leagues summer playground programs Easter egg bunt youth special event calendar sport camps youth basketball leagues 8.PARKS AND RECREATION PROGRAMS/SERVICES Priorto 1989,theCity,in cooperation withthe Marysville YMCA,sponsored a crafts programfor youthduringsummer vacation.TheCityalso provided funds forYMCA staffing ofopengym programs at various school facilities. In March 1989,theCitymadea commitment toward recreational services by hiring itsfirst recreational coordinator.Manyof the programs startedduringthatfirstyeararestill offered today. In August1991,theCityof Marysville andthe Marysville School Districtdeveloped an interlocal agreement providing forjoint usage of facilities.This agreement also encourages significant cooperation relatedtonew facility development and programming. Today,in cooperation withthe Marysville School District Community Education Department andwith the assistance of manylocal businesses,recreational programs offeredbythe Marysville Parksand Recreation Department include: senior dances Strawberry Festival adult basketball leagues invitational softball tournaments fun runs summer teen programs Sounds ofSummer concert series landscaping estate planning crafts classes golf flower arranging cooking Classes offeredaspartofthe Community Education program are advertised inthe Directory,a guideof all programs offeredbythe School District.In addition tothese classes,theParksand Recreation Department offers classes independent of the Community Education program.Theseclassesare advertised throughtheParksand Recreation Seasonal Guides,theCity's newsletter,the television access channel,andnewspaperpress releases.Examplesofclassesofferedbythe Parksand Recreation Department are: fisbing gardening fitness babysitting dog obedience interior decorating dancing cake decorating Duringthe 1993program year,27,280 individuals participated in programs sponsored bythe Marysville Parksand Recreation Department.These programs included athletics -softball,basketball, sport camps,andtheTurkeyChaseFunRun;recreation - summer playground program,youth special 25 CITYOFMARySVILLE events,classes,andthe Sounds of SummerConcertSeries;and festivals - SitesandBitesArtFestival e andthe Merrysville forthe Holiday festival.Currently 80percentofthe recreational programs offered are subsidized by userfeeswithoutregardto residency.Administrative costsarepaidthroughthe generalfundwhile maintenance and operating costsare recovered through fees.Anynet revenues are directedbackintothe recreational programs. In 1994,theCityhireda second recreation coordinator to meetthegrowing recreation program needs. Recreation programsarenow supported byfourfulltimestaffand twenty parttime seasonal supervisors andprogram attendants.In addition,many programs aretaughtbycontract instructors. Contract classes operateat nocosttotheCity. 9. SUPPLY IMPLICATIONS •Iffundswere available,thereareseveral opportunities for expanding the Marysville park system. • Teenrelated facilities suchasBMX trails,skateboard parks,andteencentersarenot available inthe service area • The currentphysicalconditionof theCity'sparksis considered goodor excellent. • Therearenolighted basketball courts inthe service area. • Lighted fields inthe community are limited toonemajorleague baseball field andone football field. Bothofthese fields arelocatedat Marysville Pilchuck High School. • An indoor swimming poolis located atthe Marysville Pilchuck HighSchoolandis managed by the Marysville School District. • Other than school districtandcity owned properties,thereisverylittlepubliclyor privately-owned land withintheservicedistrictthatis usedforpublic recreational purposes. • Otherthanthetenacresof county-owned landat Mother Nature's Window,the Cityis theonly organization that ownslands preserved as natural areaswithintheservicearea... • Trailsarelimitedto walking paths found withinthe city-owned parks.• • EbeySloughisdifficulttoaccessfor pedestrian recreational purposes. • The relationship betweentheparksand recreation department andtheschooldistrictis strong.School facilities aremade available for usebytheparksand recreation department. • Althoughhabitat conservation areasexistinthe publicly ownedlands,theyarenot clearly identified. • Onlytwo athletic fields -JenningsParkand Northpointe Parle areownedbythe City. Bothofthese fields are limited to children andyouthplayduetofieldsize limitation. • Thecurrent supply of athletic fields managed bytheschool district is exaggerated.Limitation causedby sizeandlocationof fields needto be considered as important factors. • Athletic fields which accommodate organized adultuseare limited to the baseba1llsoftball fields at Marysville PilchuckHighSchooland occasional useofthetwo full sizesoccer fields managed bythe Marysville YouthSoccer Association. 26 COMPREHENSIVEPARKS AND RECREAnON PLAN PARKS &RECREAnON RESOURCES- SUPPLY Exhibit #3: Map of Marysville Parks and Recreation Service Area with recreational lands marked •:_........LJ ••••••••·.. , It ,.,,,••••,,, .\: :-: ~0--.~':i U~~,.:\~f-'<::=x:1 .~I .__~:-r I ..~~~~~'••1 nd St -•••••• Marysville Parks and Recreation Comprehenslye plan.park Lands Legend I Corneford Park 2 Northpointe Park 3 FoothillsPark 4 Jennings Nature Park 5 Jennings Memorial Park 6 Hickok Park 7 Quilceda CreeklQuilane Park 8 Sunnyside Wells 9 Cedarcrest GolfCourse 10 Old Cedarcresr Reservoir II ReganProperty 12 Marysville Alternative HighSchool (MARS) 13 ShculresElementarySchool 14 Marshall Elementary School . 15 MarysvillePilchuckHighSchool(MPHS) 16 Cascade Elementary School 17 KelloggMarsh Elementary School Ig CedarcrestSchool 19 Pinewood Elementary School 20 Liberty Elementary School 21 Marysville MiddleSchool (MMS) 22 Marysville JuniorHighSchool (MlH) 23 SunnysideElementarySchool 24 Allen Creek Elementary School 25 Expansion Site 26 Otter Field 27 SchoolFarm 28 Mother Nature's Window 1 MiJ~ Port C.llrdn~r Bay 27 CITY OF MARYSVILLE 28 MATRIX OFPARK LANDS PARK SITE/SCHOOL Ccmcford Purk MAl'LOCATION I Corner of Sthund Slate SIZE 2.6 acres OWNER City OTIIER gazebo Northpoinre PUll;, Foothills Park )5ith SL.NE &571h SL. 28 acres 5 acres Ci'y Ci'y 2 mile walking trail;bascbalbfooiball field 1mile loop walking trail JCRllilll:S Nature Park 4 SR 52i &53rJ Ave.NE 3 t acres City Jennings Memcnal Park 5 6915 ArmarRoad 19.6 acres City Significant stand of older trees 7 baseball fields(I w/lighlS);8 'ennis courts lighted (poor condition);3 football fields {inc. stadium)wioverlapping baseball field;indoor swimming pool wI children's wading pool;2 uncovered bb hOODS;I track;3 soccer fields Animal science laboratory I soccertype field;2 baseball type fields:2 children's play areas;.5 uncovered bb h~ps/4 covered bbhccos I soccertype field;I basebaJltype field;2 uncovered bb hoops/4 covered bb hoops; Fantasy Fortress;3 picnic tables;walking pau around field IS-hole golf course;restaurant;pro-shop: restrocms 2soccertype fields:5 uncovered bb hoops;4 funnel ball 15 acres preserved as mitigated wetlands and 15 acres use not yet identi fled I soccertype field;I 'pickup'baseball field; track;8 uncoveredbb hoops/l covered bb hoops;3 children's olav areas 3 soccer type fields wl2 overlapping baseball type fields;track;4 uncovered bb hoops abandoned reservoir onsite 6 Soccer fields maintained by Marysville YouthSoccer Club 2 soccertype fields wi overlapping baseball field;2 baseball type Fields,track,5 uncovered..~b hOODs/2 covered bb hOODS 2 uncovered bb hoops;I volleyball court I soccertype field wi 3 overlapping baseball type fields;I 'pickup'baseball field;football field;4 covered bb hoops;-4 tennis courts(~crv poorccnditlonj I baseball type field;[ootball field;track;g tenniscourts +4 backstops (very good condition);bauine Cil1!C;PiJI course I baseball type field;track;7 uncovered bb hoopsn covered bb hoops;funnel ball: nlavfield School District School District School District -.j School District -.j School District -.j School District "'School District County " 5 acres School District 15 acres School District -4 acres School District .5 acres School District 1.5 acres School District 4 acres 20 ceres 6 acres 5 acres 4 acres IW5 7thSI. 152nd &Shouhcs 116110 SI.NE 1919 10th St. 1161h 51.NE &IJ2nJ 51. 492)67thNE 650560lhDr.NE szoo loo'h NE 19 5115841hNE 21 24 27 25 26 16 18 MOO i8,h SI.NE 17 632591stAve.NE .20 Oucr Field Expansion Site Pinewood ElementarySchool Liberty ElementarySchool Marysville Junior High Scheel (MJH)22 Allen Creek ElementarySchool Marysville MiJJle School (MMS) Cedarcrest School CascadeElementary School School Farm Muther Nature's Winduw Kellugg Marsh Elemental)'School -----------Hickok Park 6 SR528 &67th Ave.NE 1.3 acres City Quilccda Creek/Qullane Park 7 80lhSt.NE &UeJCh Ave.9 acres City Sunnyside Wells 8 40,hSt.NE &71"Ave.NE 31 acres City_..._- Cedarcresr Golf Course 9 7oo2GroveSt.120 acres City Old Cedarcresr Reservoir 10 Greve SI.&71"AveNE 7 acres City Regan Property II Ebey Slough 30 acres Ci'y Marysville Alternative High School 12 4317 76'h SI.NE less than I acre School District(MAIlS) Shouhes Elemental)'School 13 13525 51 st Ave.4 acres School District Murshal!Blcmemary School 14 4407 116'h NE 9 acres School District Marysville Pilcbuck High School 15 5611 '1081h NE 50 acres School District(MPIlSj COMPREHENSIVE PARKS AND RECREATION PLAN PARKS &RECREATION RESOURCES -SUPPLY Exhibit #4: Siteplanfor OtterParkAthletic Complex AERIAL POG lCINE • Pl.ANVEW ", B 014.«sooc-AItIIl4J C utlII ~F"_(<II.-.......-,w--.g Pocll/IWvaamlCNr'ol;Jrlo &.*In; 0"""",,"_ "~$tyIe e.rwoo eao-411) I fI«rMIIcnII '""'*l'WllIIg("__I J PwllrIg l<lSO !NIl) K ........-~J~YwlI L AnnIlm I sr--~........ N ......Ik.Il. o """1IWl PIau I F1Iq Prt4Ic:wl Otter Park Athletic Complex Conceptual Maller Plan City of MarY'llvile,WA ~....PwU _AICt••_o.c-_l _r'l._ 31 CITY OF MARySVILLE 32 ~~-----------------------;----------------- ,.. . ""t'-":~:COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT -,.~. ",' -~.~....-.. \\\..-.DEMAND COMPREHENSIVE PARKSAND RECREATION PLAN COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT -DEMAND COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT -DEMAND Demandisthe identification of whata communitywantsin termsofparksand recreation opportunities. Fmdingoutwhata communitywantsrequirescommitmentand diligence.Sourcesofinformationsuchas participation records,parksandrecreation standards,andnational,regional,andlocaltrendsmustbe studied. Thesesourcesprovideimportant information abouthowcurrent facilities andprogramsarebeing usedand howthe community,in general,compares to other communities in termsofits parksand recreation.Butthese statistically orientedsourcesonlyprovidea portionof the picture.Determining demandalso requires listeningto thecommunity members themselves.TheCity of Marysville has a historyof commitment to citizen involvement and this planreflectsthat commitment. Throughouttheplanningprocess,threegoals directed community involvementefforts: • To clearlyarticulatepublic attitudes towardpresentandfutureparkand recreation facilities,programs, and services. • To facilitate a community involvement processwhichis satisfying to all concerned. • To directa processwhichallowsthe Cityof Marysville toreceivemaximumpointsforpublic involvement throughthe Interagency CommitteeforOutdoorRecreation if theCityshouldpursue fundingthroughthatagency. Toachievethesegoals,sixpublicinvolvement processes wereincorporatedintotheplanningprocess. Theseprocesseswereanalysisof existingcommunitysurveys,coordinationof a 1994 comprehensive parks andrecreationplancommunitysurvey,coordination ofa ParksandRecreationAdvisory Committee, coordinationof theplanningprocesswith theCityof Marysville Planning Commission,facilitation of an athletic association focusgroup,a public meeting,anda mediaprogram. A brief introduction to eachof the communityinvolvementprocessesis includedbelow. Detaileddescriptionsand findings fromeachof the processes follow. Analysisof PastSurveys Data fromseveralsurveyswas reviewedandrelevant findings incorporatedinto theplanningprocess. These surveys included: • Marysville2000 - 1978 Comprehensive PlanSurvey • City ofMarysville Comprehensive Plan- PublicOpinionPoll (Residents),1989 • City ofMarysvilleParksandRecreationPlan- Citizen Involvement Survey,1989 • CommunityCenterSurvey, 1990 Parksand Recreation AdyismyCommittee A sevenmember committee of individuals representing a broad cross-section of thecommunitywas formedto providecitizeninputandguidanceforthe comprehensive planning process.Thecommitteemet two timesduringtheplanningprocessand provided valuable insightintothe needsofthecommunityand strategiesfor addressingthoseneeds. City of Marysville Planning Commission The sevenmemberMarysvillePlanningCommission provided guidancethroughouttheplanningprocess. Several meetings withthe Commission helped to moreclearlyidentifydemandand develop recommendations to addresscommunityneeds. Athletic Association FocusGroup A focusgroupinvolvingeightathletic association representatives washeldduringtheplanningprocessto more clearlyidentifydemandfor fieldsportrelated facilities,programs,and services. 3S CITY OF MARySVILLE Public Meetings e Fifteen people attended Marysville Parks andRecreation -A Plan for the Future,a public meeting heldto discuss the draft recommendations oftheplan. Media Program Throughout theplanning process,thelocal newspaper waskept abreast of thestatusofthe planning process andaskedto encourage citizen participation.Several articles appeared duringthe course of the plans development. Additionally,anarticleaboutthe planning process andan invitation tothe public meeting was included in the Marysville Messenger whichwas mailed withthewaterbillto residents ofthegreaterMarysville area. 1994Parksand Recreation Comprehensive Plan Community Survey Aspartoftheplanning efforts,a community surveyof approximately 1,000 Marysville residents was conducted inAprilandMay,1994. 1. ANALYSIS OF PAST SURVEYS Several community surveys conducted priorto 1994were reviewed and relevant findings incorporated into theplanningprocess. Marysville 2000 -1978 Comprehensive Plan Survey Aspartofthe Marysville 2000- 1978 Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Plan,a survey of 1500 households inthe Marysville areawas conducted viaa written questionnaire.240 questionnaires,or 16 percent,werereturnedfor analysis.Beloware highlights fromthe analysis • A majority of respondents (55 percent)werenot satisfied withthe recreation opportunities available for _ teens.• • A majority of respondents (66 percent)feltthat developers should be required tosetasidelandfor public recreation in residential developments. • Themost common responses tothe question "The Marysville community hasthemosturgentneed for..." werebicycletrails,programs for teenagers,a swimming pool,children's playground equipment, and programs forthe elderly. Cityof Marysville Comprehensive Plan- Public Opinion Poll <Residents),1989 In 1989 three public opinion pollswere conducted to involve citizen in defining the problems of the Marysville community aswellas contributing tothe design of strategies to address these problems.The pollswere conducted viaa written questionnaire distributed through the mailto residents,a written questionnaire distributed through themailto business license holder,anda printed questionnaire inthe Marysville Globe.Beloware highlights are froman analysis ofthe263 responses received from residents. • 82percentofthe respondents felt that efforts to conserve natural greenbeltsandopenspaceshouldbe made. 54percentof the respondents statedtheywould financially supportsuch efforts. • 54percentofthe respondents wereinfavorof developing parkways and boulevards.48 percent stated theywould financially supportsuchefforts. • Often suggestions for improving the community's physical development,thethreemost important were -establish an interchange at 88thStreet NE and 1-5,more parks and recreation facilities,and establish trailsand sidewalks. • 79percentofthe respondents feltthat waterfront redevelopment alongEbeySlough should bea mixture of water-oriented businesses (retail and recreation). • 88percentof the respondents feltthat environmentally sensitive areas shouldbe preserved._ • 84percentof the respondents feltthatopen (natural)areas should be preserved within residential areas.• 36 COMPREHENSNE PARKSAND RECREATION PLAN COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT -DEMAND Cityof MaI)'sville Parksand Recreation Plan-Citizen Involvement Survey.1989 In 1989,a recreation demandsurveywas conducted.Thesurveyinstrumentwasa written questionnaire distributed to 800 systematically selected registered voters. 271 questionnaires,or approximately 34 percent,werereturnedfor analysis.Beloware highlights fromthe analysis. • Of twenty-seven facilities,theonesmost important were identified as (inpriorityorder)- walking trails, community centerwithindoor swimming pool,large multi-use parks,neighborhood parks,bicycle trails,naturepark,waterfront public access,and multi-purpose athletic fields. • More survey respondents were unsatisfied than satisfied withexisting recreation opportunities forteens, seniors,andadults.Respondents werealmostevenly divided abouttheir satisfaction withexisting recreation opportunities for children. • 95percentof the respondents feltthegeneral appearance ofexistingparkswas satisfactory or better. • 73 percentofthe respondents feltthatschoolgrounds should be available forparkusersafterschool hours,weekends,andduringschoolvacations. • Of48 activities listed,themost common for households to participate in were walking,picnicking, bicycling,naturewalking,swimming,and fishing. • 51percentof the respondents felttheCityshouldassistin funding capital improvements on school district properties. • 63percentofthe respondents felttheCityshouldoperateateen center. • 55percentofthe respondents felttheCityshouldprovidea historical museum. • 67percentofthe respondents felttheCityshouldoperateaseniorcenter. • 75percentofthe respondents feltthat developers shouldbe required todonate property orpay feestothe Cityforpark acquisition. • In termsof appropriating moneyforpark improvements,alternatives wererankedas follows - rehabilitate andrepairexisting facilities,addnew facilities/improvements inexisting parks, acquire/protect natural ecologically sensitive areas for conservation and limited use,buynewlandfor moreparksforfuture development,andbuynewlandformoreparksfor immediate development. Community CenterSurvey.1990 In 1990,a surveywas conducted of citizen opinions regarding desired facilities and preferences about financing forthe development of a community centerwithinthe Marysville area. A written questionnaire wasusedasthe survey instrument.The questionnaire was distributed to twogroups-arandomsampleof tenpercentof the registered voters withinthe Marysville School DistrictandasaninsertintheCityof Marysville newsletter.In all,674 questionnaires were completed and returned.Beloware highlights from the analysis. • A majority of respondents inbothsurveygroupsindicatedsupportforthe formation ofa parkand recreation district to develop and manage the community center. • A majority of respondents inbothsurvey groups indicated opposition to the development ofa city- ownedandmanaged community center. • Among respondents in both survey groups,the most desired community center facilities wereateen center,seniorcenter,and swimming pool. • Among respondents inbothsurveygroups,theleastdesired facilities wereindoor tennis,racquetball courts,weightroom,and indoorjogging. • Written comments were included on266ofthe questionnaires.These comments reflected a balance betweenpositiveand negative reactions toa community center.Themost frequent negative comment wasin regards to increased taxesto finance the community center. 37 CITY OF MARySVilLE 2.PARKS AND RECREATION ADVISORY COMMITIEE TheParksand Recreation AdvisoryCommitteewas formed asanad-hoc committee to provide guidance to the comprehensive parksand recreation planning process.Thefirstmeetingofthe committee washeldon May 11, 1994. Thesevenmembersofthecommitteeandtwoparksstaff members werein attendance. Thegoalofthefirstmeetingofthe committee to initiate involvement ofthe Committee intheparksand recreationplanningprocess. Tomeetthisgoal,committee memberswereorientedto the process, presentedwiththeplanning schedule,andaskedto participatein an exploration ofparksand recreation needs. Highlightsofthe first meeting's discussion,prioritization exercises,andwritten questionnaire areincluded below. o 100percentfeltthere wasa highneedforlargeparkswithdiverse facilities suchas fields,courts, playgrounds,naturalareas,picnicareas,andtrails. o 72 percentfelttherewasa highneedforlargeregionalparkswithdiverse facilities suchas campgrounds,boatramps,and/orlargeathleticcomplexes. o 57percentfelttherewasa high needforactiveparkswithfields,courts,and/or playgrounds whichare locatedwithinwalking distance from home. o 86percentfelttherewasa moderate needfornaturalareas!greenways o 57percentfelttherewasa moderateneedforsmall"lotsize"parks. o 43 percentfelttherewasa moderateneed,29 percentfelttherewasalowneed,and29percentfeltthere was a high needfor boulevardslstreetscapes. o 57percentfelttherewasa lowneedfor plaza/parks in commercial areas. o 57percentfelttherewasa lowneedfor arboretum/gardens. o Theaveragerankingoften factors whichattract people to parks(inorderof importance)was- varietyof thingsto do, safe,clean,good restrooms,naturalbeauty,not too crowded,adequateandconvenient parking,picnic facilities,closeto home,and trees. o Of eightnaturalareasin needof protection in Marysville,the fourmost important were-riversand streams,open space,wildlifehabitat,andshorelines. o In termsofneed formore recreation opportunities in Marysville,thethreehighestneedgroupswere young adults,middleadults,and teenagers. o Out of seventypesoftrails,thethreemostneededwereidentifiedas designated bikelanesalongstreets androads, pavedbike trails,and walking/jogging/skating trails. o In a general discussion specificneedsthatwere mentioned included multi-use facility,regional athletic complex,parksfor families,walkingpaths,additionalathleticfields,accessto nature,sportcourts- tennis/volleyball,ice hockey,bicycletrails,lightingof outdoor facilities at schools,waterfront park, after-hoursteenprogram,lightedexercisestations,parkslocatedcloseto residential,public transportation,horseshoes,andskateboardingfacility. Thesecondmeetingof the Parksand Recreation AdvisoryCommitteewasheldonJune8,1994. The Committeereviewedandrevisedthemajorareasof needanddraftactionplan recommendations. 38 COMPREHENSIVE PARKS ANDRECREAnON PLAN COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT -DEMAND 3. CITY OF MARYSVILLE PLANNING COMMISSION TheCityof Marysville Planning Commission was introduced tothe comprehensive parksandrecreation planning process attheirmeetingheldonMay 10,1994. Allsevenmembersof the commission were present. Thegoalofthefirstmeetingofthe committee to initiate involvement of the Commission in theparksand recreationplanningprocess. To meetthisgoal,Commissionmemberswereorientedto theprocess, presentedwiththeplanning schedule,andaskedto participate in an exploration ofparksandrecreation needs. Highlightsofthe first meeting's discussion,prioritization exercises,and written questionnaire are included below. o 83percentfelttherewasa highneedand 17percenta moderateneedfornatural areaslgreenways. o 67percentfeltthere wasa highneedand 33percenta moderate needfor boulevardslstreetscapes. o 50percentfelttherewasa highneedand 50percentfelttherewasa moderateneedforactiveparkswith fields,courts,and/or playgrounds whicharelocatedwithinwalkingdistancefrom home. o 60 percentfelttherewasa highneedfor arboretum/gardens. o 50 percentfelttherewasa highneedforsmall"lotsize"parks. o 50 percentfelttherewasa moderate needfor plaza/parks in commercial areas. o Thegroupwasevenlydividedin indicatinga high,moderate,or lowneedforlargeparkswithdiverse facilitiessuchas fields,courts,playgrounds,naturalareas,picnicareas,andtrails. o 50 percentfelttherewasa highneedand 50percentfelttherewasa low needforlarge regional parks withdiverse facilities suchas campgrounds,boatramps,and/orlargeathletic complexes. o The average rankingoften factors whichattractpeopletoparks(inorderof importance)was -natural beauty, safe,not too crowded,clean,closeto home,trees,varietyof thingsto do, adequateand convenientparking,picnic facilities (samerankingasparking),andgood restroorns. o Of eightnaturalareasin needof protection in Marysville,thefourmostimportantwere -riversand streams,openspace(samerankingasrivers and streams),wetlands,and shorelines. o In termsofneedformore recreation opportunities in Marysville,the twohighestneedgroupswere youth(ages6-12) andteenagers(ages13-17). o Outof seven types of trails,the fourmostneededwereidentifiedas naturetrails,designated bikelanes along streets androads,pavedbiketrails,and walking/jogging/skating trails. o In ageneral discussion specificneedsthatwere mentioned includedforestlands,wildlife preservation, limited development,musicandperforming arts,dogrunsin thepark areas,accessto parksvia sidewalks,a policyfor acquisition outsidecity,boatrampfor motorized craft,neighborhood playfields for team sports,naturetrails,openspace,mountainbike trails,spaceforhistoricalsociety,summer programforchildren,fundingfora recreation district,andmarineorientation-trails,kayaking,and fishingaccess. The secondmeetingof thePlanning Commission washeldonMay31,1994.The purpose ofthe meeting was to reviewandrevisetheanalysisofneed,identifymajorareasof need,anddevelop preliminary recommendations fortheactionplan. The thirdmeetingofthePlanning Commission washeldonJune7, 1994. Thepurpose ofthe meeting wasto reviewchanges recommended on May31andto furtherreviewactionplan recommendations. The fourthmeetingof thePlanningCommissionwasheldonJune 14, 1994. Thepurposeof the meeting wasto evaluatethe Comprehensive Parksand Recreation Plan-Review Document.Thisdocument contained drafts of supply,demand,need,actionplan,andcapitalimprovementplan components of the ComprehensivePlan. Thefifthmeetingof thePlanning Commission washeldonJune 21,1994 as part ofa publichearingto gathercitizeninputonthedraft Comprehensive Parksand Recreation Plan. Duringthe meeting,the Planning Commission voted unanimously torecommend adoption of theplanto theCity Council. 39 CITY OF MARySVlllE 4.ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION FOCUS GROUP An athleticassociationfocusgroupwas held in Marysville on April27, 1994. Eight individuals from six athleticgroupsattendedthe meeting.Associations represented included Marysville YouthSoccer,ASA GirlsFast Pitch,City of Marysville AdultSlo-PitchSoftball,American Legion Baseball,WescoAAA GirlsSoftball,and Marysville LittleLeague Baseball/Softball. Thepurposeofthe groupwas to exploreathleticfieldneedswithinthe Marysville SchoolDistrict boundaries.Highlightsof the meeting'sdiscussion,prioritizationexercise,and writtenquestionnaireare includedbelow. • Needed improvements to athletic fields,inpriorityorderare -lightexisting fields,developa regional fieldcomplex,developnew community competition fields,improvephysical condition ofexistingfields, developa highschoolgirlssoftballfieldwithlights,developnew neighborhood practice fields,improve accessto schoolfields (playing timelschedule),improve coordination of usergroups,expandtourism potentialforregionalsoftballplay,improve restroorns. • "Lack of fields"wascited byallsix groupsasone ofthe three biggest organizational hasslestheirgroup faces. • Thereis thepotentiallossof sixsoccer fields atthe Marysville SchoolDistrict expansion siteon 152nd Streetwhen thenew schoolis built. • Increasesin thenumberof teams inleagueplayduringthepastthreeyearswere reported by theASA GirlsFast Pitch,Marysville LittleLeague,Marysville YouthSoccer,and the Cityof Marysville Parks andRecreationAdultSlo-Pitch Softball. • All groupsexpresseda potentialto contribute labor.money, and/ortimetoward facility improvement. • Thedevelopment of a regionalathleticcomplexas a highprioritywasthe consensusof thegroup. 5.PUBLIC MEETING FIfteen peopleattended Marysville Parks and Recreation -A Planfor the Future,apublicmeetingheldto discussthe draft recommendations ofthe plan. The meeting was held atthe Marysville PublicSafetyBuildingonJune 16, 1994. Thefirsthalf hourwas aninformalopen houseduringwhichcitizenshadthe opportunity toreview draft recommendations and preliminary capitalplans, andviewdifferentsitedesignsforvariousparks. Thesecondhalfhour includedaformal presentation of recommendations anda questionandanswer period. At the conclusionoftheformal presentation,participants wereaskedto participate in a priortizationexercise. Each participant wasgiven three starsandaskedto indicatewhich recommendations shouldtake highestpriority. Themost frequently chosen recommendation wasto developa downtown waterfrontplan. Secondwasto investigate theformationof aparkandrecreationdistrictto finance the developmentof acommunityrecreationcenter. Other recommendations,eachreceivingonestar,were explorebuildinga historical museum/cultural arts center,renovatenaturetrailatJenningsPark,developa new boatramp,developa trail headand handcarryboatlaunchonEbeySlough,evaluateenhancementof marinaarea forpublicuse,encouragedevelopmentof environmentally sensitiveuses ofEbey Slough, supportefforts to preserveMotherNature'sWindowasa natural area,developOtterParkAthletic Complex,develop "pick-up"gamefieldsat SunnysideWells,complete neighborhood park improvements thatare in-process,developanoutdoorplayareaatthe library,develop Ebey Slough,anddevelopa plan for designatingbikelanes on streetsand roads. Thepublicmeetingwas publicized througha mailingto 67 community organizations andleaders,a poster distributedthroughoutthe community,an openhouse announcement inthe Marysville Globe,andan articleand announcementin the North Snohomish Weekly. 40 COMPREHENSIVEPARKS ANDRECREATION PLAN COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT -DEMAND Exhibit#5:Marysville Messenger announcement ofpublicmeeting(June,1994) A mission with vision:This state- ment reflects current planning efforts by the Parks Advisory Board and department S/(l!J. We are in the final stages of devel- oping a 5-year comprehensive plan.A public open house will be 7 p.m.,June 16 at the Public Safety BUilding. Your help and comments are encouraged. Among many ideas,the Parks Department staff is evaluating the feasability of a 35-acre athletic complex in north Marysville.A summary report is expected by late July. If you are interested in helping the Park Board,you are invited to attend its meeting held the 2nd Wednesday of each month in the Parks Office at Jennings Memorial Park.All meetings stall at 7 p.m. Gram Award:The Parks Department has received a county Community Development Block Grant for im- provements to Jennings Memorial Park. Funds will be used to install new driveways,create more paved trails. pave the ballfield parking lot. and add a playground and fitness trail equip- ment across from the petting zoo. Work will be done late summer.The project's cost is $86.000. Exhibtl #6:North Snohomish Weekly articleand announcement of public meeting(June, 1994) The City of Marysville Parks and Recreation Department invite.the public to .rtend an OfMn hou.e for the dralt :Mary.vllle Pa,b lind Rec"stlon .Comprehen.ive Plsn :The Open Hou.e will be held at 7 p.m.Thur.day,June 16 :in (he Publie Safety Building, .1635 Grove 51. :The proposed parks plan will serve as the City's guide for Iuture parks and recreation planning For mere information call the Park.Office at 659·3005. Marysville parkcomp plan ready for viewing' MARYSVILLE -An open house willqive the soene a glimpse ofthe city 01Marys- ville's proposed future parks I!I\<I recreation plans et 7 p.m. June 16 in me PuDlic Safety Building,1635 Grove St. Citi· zens will also have a chance 10 comment onthem. The Marysville CityCoun- cil will be asked10adapt the draftparks and recreation comprenensive plan at its June 27 meeting,10 beat a Juty 1 Growth Management Act deadline. The emphasis is creating neighbOmood parks for the comprehensive plan's14 planning areas.unlessat- ready eervec bya city park. Thai means addingabout eighl parks.The parl<s and openspaceintheseareas would be connected by an improved trailsystem. FOfresidents whocan't et- lend the open house.a public heatingon theplanis scoeo- uled before the Planning Commission at 7 p.m.Tues- day. June 21 in the Public Satery Building_ 41 CITY OF MARySVILLE Exhibit #7:MarysvilleGlobe announcement of public meeting (June, 1994) Wednesday,June 15,1994 'W<;5PEN i R0t1 §E2 "~Of":;~"?1:jhKo:tf~_~_:~~r~~(:;>: The City of Marysville Parks and Recreation Depa'rlment invites the public to attend an open house for the draft . Marysville Parks and Recreation Comprehensive Plan The Open House will be held at 7 p.m.Thursday,June 16 in the Public Safety Building, 1635 Grove St. The proposed parks plan will serve 8S the City's guide for future parks and recreation planning For more information call the Parks Office at 659·3005. Exhibit #8: Poster and invitation to public meeting Please join us to discuss... Marysville Parks and Recreation '".a/lbrr tk?ttUe Date:Thursday,June 16 Time:7:00 p.m. Place:Public Safety Building 1635 Grove Street Marysville,Washington This public meeting is sponsored by the Marysville Parks and Recreation Department. Please come and share your ideas and opinions. Refreshments and Door Prizes 42 COMPREHENSIVEPARKS ANDRECREATION PLAN COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT -DEMAND 6.MEDIA PROGRAM Throughouttheplanningprocess,the localnewspaperswerekept abreastof thestatusof theplanning processandaskedtoencouragecitizen participation.Severalarticlesappearedduringthecourseofthe plan's development. Exhibit #9:Marysville Globe article on the comprehensive planning process (April,1994) Watch your mailbox Survey seeks public opinion on city's parks Survey (Continued from page 1) Cheyne and .,Associates'ex perieeee with the region ene outdoor recreation camp pl::anl is extensive,Ballew said.It has been employed by the city fOI previous projects.and th ey h BVf the type aCknowledge cf'the area needed for the job, he said. The firm has also worked on the Tulalip Tribes Comprehen. sive Parlu and Rec:reation Plan. and is currently under centreet to develop SCCRP.the state's comprehensive outdoor recte- ation plan. 43 Exhibit #10:Marysville Globe article on the comprehensive planning process (June, 1994) COMPREHENSIVE PARKS AND RECREATION PLAN COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT -DEMAND e ~============:::::=., Trails,ree areas, ballfields top parks wish list The preliminary design crtne Oller Park Alhletic Complel has lour sonoautiasebau ueicc.I(,u'soccer fields, and lour uttte league baseoauueios.It will cost an estenateo $.12 million by Brad Chatfield STAFF REPOATER A "regional athletic complex." That's what officials are say- mg abcut Otter Ptlrk.a pNpo~ed -te-ecre ballfield facility planned for the north end of Marysville. An artist's rendering was un- veiled lit un open house held .Iune 17 to discuss the city's comprehensive parks and ree- eeurion plan. . Michael Cheyne of Cheyne and Assooares.the firm hired by the city to design the parks camp plnn,presented results from a community survey con- dueled in April. He also outlined the goals of the five-year plan based on the survey responses. The survey was meant to find out what the public feels is im- portant to )'larysville's parks. on,OIO mailed to the homes of register~d voters.310 .....cr e completed and returned. Cheyne said he was sur- pristd:""pleusantly-that 82 percent of survey respondents smd the condition of city parks ns errher "excellent"or "good." ~I do a lot of surveys-s-and YllU don't set that type of re- :>]Jlln';f:vcrv arlen,"he said. Ouer Park was born because ath letic fields were judged to be a priority,Situated ncur 132nd Street and 67th Avenue on pri- vate and Marysville School District land,it will feature four softball fields, four soccer fields, and four little-league baseball fields in addition to clubhouses (Bee Parks page Sl: Parks (Continued from page 1) and concession stands. The city could begin pur- chasing the land this year using funds from 11 possible grant from the county or slate.Ccnserceucn probably wouldn't begin until next year. In its present form,Otter Park will cost$4.2 million in addition to the cost of the land.But this design is only meant to reflect the city's needs,Cheyne stressed,and will change as 1111 factors are considered. "If the final development dcesu'c hupperi.nt least you've identified what's needed," Cheyne said. Because ofiis regional appeal, Snohomish County is consider- ing paying for part of Otter Parks's construction.The project is currently second in priority on the county's list of parks projects to fund,Cheyne said, A facility like Otter Park would make plenty of money, but isn't designed to tum a huee profit,Cheyne said. "Historically,things like this support !.hemselves.They are never intended to be cash cows." he said. Tho:eomple ..would bf:llCl'it fll\:llIcioll}'from hosti~~major courncments from nrcund the .county a ....d rbe state,as wetlcs ,smaller 10el11 tournaments,he t;said. Natiunnl recreation stan dnrds suv cities should have tit ICI!s,t one baaebull fi~ld nnd But with a deadline of Jnl}'I to sub:,ui~:1 parks and rucreuuon camp ulan and I1pply for funds, tune IS runninc-out. 'The City council hopes to up- prove the plan at its nell,meet, inl:l'J·..me 2i.And !.hough the Innri use p"rtion of tht'eernp plun probaul:.......on't be linishrd befon-':::!','''''I'p ·11:".'!,.. park"l',p1.iun will ~lll~::1".,'''l'' CIl\"f!ii!.:lhl,~1'....r',lit,lAC 1'1 ;,',: The key :'0 puttllll-:tn',:;;1.':1 together W..LS dt-tcrmi !lin:.:,;h'Jrl nnd long-term park go,:ls,pn- oritizins:them.nnrl nuemptil1l:: to m;l~ch them "11th H\':ldahll' rusuurce s,Cht!ynl'~.iHI C,llrl_ were provided hy lhe eurvr end thing-s fell into place fro there. "We didn't write the plan.the plan wrote Itself,"Cheyne said. If the city is unable to pass a bond to pay for thcrerommended capital lmpecvements.Cheyne said a hnckup plan could he the formation of iI parb distrlct. Opl'r:ltinl:.,;imilar l....,I ~hor.l district,it would hn\(:it s 0"''' bcord uud urovtde services in· dependent ",f the city. Many rcspondinli to the sur. vey were cOl'll'llrned the)'would be forced to pny hig-her tOlCS for facilities they would nnvvr use. Mu rysville Ci t-,Counci! ~ember John Mvers hkerl tl,," proposed improl·c·mcnts.tic smd he thought any cupitnl projects should be speorht!uded t-v thl' city,because C'stnhli~hlnJ;:, parks district would on!v crelltc more hurencrney.. Fonner Mayor Ritn :-Olathe!1\' wn~1I1.~O im\ll""'~'.'IL alll\ill!:Ot· tor Park would mukc the nreu ruurv au.rucuve to t~lI:ll~'Illd tournUI1I(;nL"Iroru throuj.\houl tho!uren. i\cil}'council work l>e~SIO'lI1l1 the proposed plan will be held June 2j nt 7 p.rn.'l'he pubU(' hcnring w ill be durinr:::the eltv ~ouncil's r<:b'Ulor ml:!ctim:Jun" 27 :l~7 p.m. Rnlh w ill it...u thl~ Puhlic :::.,f"ty l\:nt", CITY OF MARySVlLLE e Exhibit #11:North Snohomish Weekly article on the comprehensive planning process (June, 1994) }'vlarysville city and school district link up for athletic complex plan ThL'L-H\"is con vrnced Thill its Uuc r P~lfk·proposal is a field of Jrt.:;lI11S uuu should become a rculi-., r):lr~.•Con vultant Michael ('k:-nc ',IY~pnhlicully-owncd urh- kll~-v.uuplcxcx arc usually able 10 P:I\I'm their own maintenance with revenue, A regional adult softball rournament could add $100.000 to the citys overall economy in a "'.cekcnd.says city Recreation Su- ~lt'r\'hor Cory Elwell. The Otter Park regional complex. nluu tl;J~,Four adult soccer Iiclds. .our Lillie League fields, four light- ,·,1 adul t snftball fields,baaing (;l~"::-'.concessions.RV hookups.J .il.rvcround.picnic areas and pavil- ,nn are.tv. The $5 million project would likely he built in stages, with .;,.mc C.\(rdS optional. Fundina for Otter Park could come frorn-the county,grams:city mone v and a bond issue.Sno- homish County. where (he property ::-,now located,gave the project number two priority in the region. Till.'.;,:il~has applied for state grant rnonev and ....ould begin buying the !::i In 21.'acres of private land need. ~'d this year. :11-:Mnr vsvillr School Board "·:;!::I:'.",,'h '1~-!r~·<.:J las!week 10 lease ;:..~!;.l"~l"'~\i1 !-;2I1d Street NE In North Snohomish Weekly the city for a 28-year term.The lease would allow the school dis- .\-L,\RYSVII,..LE --.Ifwe build it•..trier to rcclaim-uspropeny for other uses provided it pays the city a por- tion of the investment made on the complex.The lease would COSI S 1.200 the first year and rise annu- ally with the cost of living. Elwell says teams that sign up to use the field would probably still benefit from the lower prices Marysville now charges,Everett s new Kasch Field costs $675 for sea- son play. The new capacity of Otter Park would allow the high school tields to be used exclusively for Little League.Elwell says."Everybody gains.everybody comes out a win- ncr."he S'I)':-'.Area athletic ussocia- [ions support LhL"project and have expressed willi ngness to give money or volunteer effort Elwell contrasts his ciry's parks plans to the -rtl-acrc complt:x in Stnn woud thai has struggled for money and community support. Marysville has a parks department and cxistj ng recreation programs ready to use the complex.he says. This season.he turned 15 teams away from the adult softball league because there aren't enough fields to play on. CITY OF MARySVILLE 7.1994 COMPREHENSIVE PARKS AND RECREATION SURVEY This section includes findings fromtheCityof Marysville Parks and Recreation Survey.Thesurveywas conducted in AprilandMay 1994.It consisted ofa written questionnaire distributed to randomly selected registered voter households in Marysville.Thepurposeof the survey wasto involve Marysville residents in developing a shared vision for managing parksand recreation opportunities.Questions were designed togatherinputonboththeextentto which recreation resources and opportunities are meeting the current needs of the community and alternatives for meeting the future needs ofthe community. The questionnaires were distributed viaU.S.mailto 1,010 registered voter households.Areturn addressed,stampedenvelopewas included.Toenhance questionnaire response,a follow-up postcard wasmailedtoall questionnaire recipients approximately oneweekafterthe questionnaire mailing.Ofthe 1,010mailed,17were returned as undeliverable and310were completed and returned.This represents a returnof 31.2 percent.*1 *1 Thereturnisbasedontotalnet mailing (total mailing less undeliverables). 44 1. CITY OF MARYSVILLE PARKS AND RECREATION SURVEY Dear Marysville Resident: You have been selected to participate in a survey to gather ideas and opinions about current and future parks and recreation needs in the Marysville community. The purpose of this survey is to answer two important planning questions: I.To what extent do the current outdoor recreation resources and opportunities meet the needs of our community? 2. To what extent will future outdoor recreation resources and opportunities meet the needs of our community? This survey is part of a planning process to develop a shared vision for managing parks and recreation opportunities in Marysville.We want you to be involved in developing that vision. Please take 10-15 minutes to answer the questions that follow.Then,place your completed questionnaire in the pre-addressed,stamped envelope and drop it in the mail today. To be considered, your completed questionnaire must be received by Friday,May 20, 1994. If you have any questions about the questionnaire,please call Jim Ballew at Marysville Parks and Recreation (206)659-3005. Thank you. How would you rate the availability of parks and recreation opportunities in Marysville? How would you rate the physical condition of parks and recreation facilities in Marysville? excellent excellent __good __good fair fair __poor __poor 3. Please rate the current level of parks and recreation opportunities available in Marysville for each of the following groups. children (ages 0-5) youth (ages 6-12) teenagers (ages 13 -17) young adults (ages 18-34) middle adults (ages 35-64) older adults (ages 65 and older) physically disabled individuals Excellent Good Fair Poor 4. In general, how would you rate Marysville's need for each of the following types of trails? High Moderate LowlNo High Moderate LowlNo _....:.;N.::eed:::.Need Need Need Need Need designated bike lanes along streets and roads paved bike trails unpaved bike trails motorized (ORV) trails walking,jogging, skating trails nature trails horse trails other _ 5. In general, how would you rate Marysville's need for each of the following types of recreation facilities? High Moderate LowlNo High Moderate LowlNo Need Need Need Need Need Need football fields soccer fields gymnasium racquetball courts softbalVbaseball fields skateboard facility swimming pool children's wading pool children's play areas golf course basketball courts volleyball courts dance/aerobic room weight room tennis courts rollerskating rink ranges (archery. rifle) community garden plots boat ramp on Ebey Slough other _ 6. In general, how would you rate Marysville's need for each of the following park lands? High Moderate LowlNo _....:..:N:;::eed::.Need Need Small "lot size" parks within a few minutes walking distance from home . Active parks with fields.courts,and/or playgrounds:located within walking distance from home . Large parks with diverse facilities such as fields.courts,playgrounds.natural areas. picnic areas. and trails:located within a ten minute drive from home . Large parks with diverse facilities: may have campgrounds.boat ramps. and/or large athletic complexes; may attract people from several communities;located within a twenty minute drive from home. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..... Arboretum/gardens . Plaza/parks in commercial areas . Boulevards/streetscapes . Natural areas/greenways . 7. Below are ten factors which attract people to parks. Please rank these factors in order of importance to you.(I=most important,2=second most important,and so on) close to home adequate and convertient parking variety of things to do good restroorns not too crowded picrtic facilities natural beauty safe trees clean 8. Marysville faces the challenge of making the most of limited funds for parks and recreation. Imagine that you have 100 points, each representing a percentage of funds to be used for purchasing land, making improvements,and/or developing recreation programs over the next five years. In terms of the needs of Marysville,how would you distribute your points? improve existing park lands and recreation facilities (excluding school properties) improve school properties (e.g.playgrounds.athletic fields. and sport courts) purchase land for future park development purchase environmentally sensitive lands for preservation as natural areas develop more recreation programs 9. Below are some possible future uses of property along Ebey Slough. How would you rate the need for each of the following types of water access? water viewpoint expanded boat ramp hand-carryboat launch fishing area High Moderate LowlNo _...:.N""eed::.Need Need walking trails/path picnic area other _ other _ High Moderate Low/No _-,-,N:::eed::.Need Need 10. Please evaluate the following natural areas in terms of their need for protection in Marysville. wetlands open space streams High Moderate LowlNo Need Need Need-...;,,;;;;;;;. wooded areas wildlife habitat other _ High Moderate LowlNo Need Need Need II.Please respond to each of the following statements about parks and recreation facilities/programs. The City should sponsor more after-school programs for children and youth . The City should build and operate a teen center. . The City should build and operate a senior center... The City should build and operate a community meeting hall.. The City should build and operate a community athleticlrecreation center.. Strongly Agree Agree Neutral Disagree Strongly Disue:ree 12. Please respond to each of the following statements about parks and recreation funding. Non-residents should be charged a higher fee for City parks and recreation services than residents . The City should assist in funding recreation facility improvements on school district properties . The City should require developers to donate property and/or pay fees for park acquisition and development based on the impact of their developments . Strongly Agree Agree Neutral Disagree Strongly Disagree 13. There are several parks located in the City of Marysville. If improvements could be made at only one of them, which park and what improvements would you suggest? Park: Improvements: 14. The City of Marysville is studying the feasibility of developing a major athletic field complex. The complex could include lighted softball, baseball, and soccer fields; parking;children's wading pool; concessions;restrooms;and a picnic area. The complex could accommodate local recreation programs and be used for hosting regional competitions as well. It is anticipated that the revenues generated from the use of the facility would cover maintenance costs. Given the information above, please respond to each of the following statements. Strongly Strongly Agree A2ree Neutral Disaeree Disagree--'-'= The City should pursue the development of an athletic field complex . [ would support a bond issue to help construct an athletic field complex . 15.Which one of the following intersections is closest to your home? (choose one) Soper Hill Road &83rd Ave. NE 188th SI. NE &67th Ave. NE 52nd SI.NE &Sunnyside Blvd.NE 100th SI. NE &Old Hwy. 99 Grove &51st Ave.NE 84th SI. NE &83rd Ave. NE 64th SI. NE &67th Ave. NE 188th SI. NE &State Ave. 116th SI. NE &Old Hwy. 99 16. Please evaluate the need for each of the following in your immediate neighborhood. children's ~Iay areas athletic fields basketball courts biking/walking paths High Moderate LowlNo Need Need Need tennis courts naturalareas picnic areas other _ High Moderate LowlNo Need Need Need 17. Please indicate the number of household members in each of the following age groups. 4 and under 5 - 10 11-17 18 - 25 26 - 40 41 - 52 53 - 64 65 + 18, How long have you lived in Marysville? __Less than one year __One year to three years __Four years to seven years __Eight years to twelve years __Thirteen years to twenty years __Twenty-one years or more 19.Please use the space below to share your comments about current and future parks and recreation resources and opportunities in Marysville. THANK YOU! COMPREHENSIVE PARKSAND RECREATION PLAN 1994 PARKS AND RECREATION SURVEY QUESTION #1:How would you rate the availability of parks and recreation opportunities in Marysville? ANALYSIS:A majority ofthe respondents (56 percent)ratedthe availability of parks and recreation opportunities in Marysville asgoodor excellent.38percentofthe respondents ratedthe availability as fair or poor. Figure #5:Responses to question #1 (expressed in percentages) NoAnswer 6% Poor 7% QUESTION #2:How would you rate the physical condition of parks and recreation facilities in Marysville? ANALYSIS:A substantial majority of the respondents (82 percent)ratedthe physical condition ofparks and recreation facilities in Marysville asgoodor excellent. Figure #6:Responses to question #2 (expressed in percentages) 59%Good 49 CITY OF MARySVllLE QUESTION #3:Please rate the current level of parks and recreation opportunities available in Marysville for each of the following groups. ANALYSIS:The majority of respondents ratedthecurrentlevelofparksand recreation opportunities in Marysville asgoodor excellent for children and youth. Alowerratingwas expressed in terms ofthelevelof opportunities formiddleadultsandforolderadults witha majority ofthe respondents ratingthelevelforthese groups asfairor good. Thelevelof opportunities foryoung adults endedup fifth withan average rating of fair. Thelowest ratings were expressed regarding thelevelof opportunities for teenagers andfor physically disabled individuals.Thecurrentlevelof opportunities forthesetwo groups wererankedassixthand seventhwithaverage ratings offair. (Note:Ranking andaverageratingswere determined by summing numerical values assignedtoeach response.Percentages do nottotal to 100percentdue to noresponse questionnaires.) Table#2: Responses to question#3 Ranking Group Excellent Good Fair Poor 1-2 children (ages0-5)23%40%19%5% 1-2 youth(ages6-12)22%39%20%4% 3 middleadults(ages35-64)9% 29% 31%15% 4 olderadults (ages 65andolder)6%26%30%18% 5 youngadults(ages18-34)6%23%36%16% 6 teenagers (ages13- 17)5% 21% 37% 20% 7 physicallydisabled individuals 5%16%32% 18% 50 COMPREHENSIVE PARKSAND RECREATION PLAN 1994 PARKS AND RECREATION SURVEY QUESTION #4:In general, how would you rate Marysville's need for each of the following types of trails? ANALYSIS:Thehighestneedswere identified for designated bikelanesalong streets androadsand trails usedfor walking,jogging,and skating.A majority of respondents (55 percent)expressed ahighneedfor eachofthesetypesof trails.Theneedfornaturetrailsrankedthirdwitha moderate-high need indicated. Theneedforpavedbiketrailsrankedfourthand unpaved biketrailsranked fifth.Both indicated a moderate need,withthe average ratinghigherforpavedthan unpaved bike trails.Low/no needfor horse trailswasexpressedbya majority of respondents (59 percent).A similar response was expressed regarding theneedfor motorized (ORY)trailswitha majority of respondents (65 percent)expressing low/noneed. Figure#7:Responses to question #4 (listed inorderofneed) 18% High ~========:::;;:-,-----:;'---:;'__155%:=1==-==-::::-:::-------71 27% 1.designated bike lanes along streets and roads 2.walking,jogging, skating trails High ~::;:'====:::::;-::155%:c::g ...·~...%...-----_130% 3.nature trails 111% _.....-121% Higb ~135%:c::1~"=':="===:::;-:=:"""--~·133%4. paved bike trails 130% 117% ~<~ 'c!««-·'·'" Higbl Modernte 138% LowlNo =================-::;:::- 5. unpaved bike trails "'<><".;c.'"'";,,:, :123%M.:li'· LowlNo1======-=======:5i:::::::::[:::::::::::HI59% 6. horse trails Hi gh§ 6% Modernte ~.~'.:::=1..:1,:::3%:°_===__=,.......__==- LowlNo ~. 7.motorized (ORY) trails 51 CITY OF MARySVll.LE QUESTION #5:In general,how would yourate Marysville's need foreachofthe following types of recreation facilities? ANALYSIS:Of nineteen recreation facilities listed,highestneedwas identified for children's playareas, swimming pool,and children's wadingpool. The average ratingintermsof needwas moderate-high. Needfora boatramponEbeySlough ranked fourthwithan average ratingofneedas moderate. Needforsportstype facilities -basketball courts,softballJbaseball fields,gymnasium,volleyball courts, tenniscourts,andsoccer fields were ranked fifth through tenth respectively with average ratings of needas moderate. Needfor racquetball courts,weightroom,dance/aerobic room,and community garden plotsranked eleventh through fourteenth respectively with average ratings ofneedas moderate. Needfor football fields,rollerskating rink,skateboard facility,ranges (archery,rifle),andgolfcourse ranked fifteenth through nineteenth with average ratings ofneedas low-moderate. (Note:Rankingandaverageratingsweredeterminedby summing numerical valuesassignedtoeacb response.Percentagesdo nottotalto 100percentdue to no responsequestionnaires.) Table #3:Responses to question #5 (ranked inorderofneed) High Moderate LowlNo Priority Facilities Need Need Need 1 children'splayareas 45% 34% 10% 2-3 swimming pool 42% 33% 14% 2-3 children'swadingpool 42% 33% 13% 4 boat ramp on Ebey Slougb 35% 28% 20% 5 basketballcourts 29% 42%14% 6 softbaillbaseball fields 32% 33% 39% 7 gymnasium 27% 28%19% 8 volleyballcourts 21%43% 20% 9 tennis courts 21%45% 21% 10 soccer fields 22% 42% 23% 11 racquetball courts 18% 37% 28% 12 weightroom 16% 40% 29% 13 dance/aerobic room 15%38% 32% 14 communitygardenplots 14% 39% 33% 15 footballfields 9% 44%32% 16 rollerskating rink 13% 35% 39% 17 skateboard facility 12%33% 39% 18 ranges (archery,rifle)14% 26%45% 19 golf course 9% 25%52% 52 ---_._----_..._--------- • COMPREHENSIVE PARKS AND RECREATION PLAN 1994 PARKS AND RECREATION SURVEY QUESTION #6:In general,how would yourate Marysville's needfor each of the following park lands? ANALYSIS:Thehighestneedwas identified fortwotypesofparksbothof whichsharethe characteristics of having diverse facilities offering visitors a variety of recreational opportunities.43 percent ofthe respondents felttherewasahighneedforactiveparkswith diverse facilities located within walking distance from home.Theaverageratingin termsofneedforthis type of parkwas moderate-high.47 percentofthe respondents felttherewasahighneedforlargeparkswithdiverse facilities located withina ten minute drivefrom home.The average ratingintermsof needforthistypeof parkwasalso moderate- high. Theneedfor natural areaslgreenways rankedthirdwithan average ratingintermsofneedas moderate. Small"lot size"neighborhood parksrankedfourthwithan average ratingintermsof needas moderate. Arboretum/gardens ranked fifth withanaverageratingin terms ofneedas moderate. Largeparkswith diverse facilities .that mayattract people fromother communities (suchas campgrounds, boat ramps,and/orlarge athletic complexes)rankedsixthwithanaverageratingin terms ofneedas moderate. Boulevardslstreetscapes wereseventhin priority withan average ratingintermsofneedas moderate. Plaza/parks in commercial areas ranked eighthwithan average ratingintermsof needas low-moderate. (Note:Rankingandaverageratingswere detenninecl by summingnumericalvaluesassignedtoeach response.Percentagesdo not total to 100percentdue tono responsequestionnaires.) Table#4: Responses to question #6.(listed inorder 01 need) High Moderate LowlNo Priority Txpe of Park Land Need Need Need 1-2 Activeparkswith fields,courts,and/orplaygrounds;oftenschoolproperty; locatedwithinwalkingdistancefromhorne 43%33%12% 1-2 Largeparkswithdiverse recreation;oftenhave fields,courts,playgrounds, naturalareas,picnicareas,andtrails;locatedwithina tenminutedrivefrom home 47%27%15% 3 Natural areaslgreenways 35% 35%19% 4 Small "lot size"parkswithin a fewminutes walkingdistancefrom home 32% 36%21% 5 Arboretum;gardens 16%46% 25% 6 Largeparkswith diverse recreation;often have facilities suchas camping, boating,and/orlargeathletic complexes;may attractpeoplefromseveral communities;locatedwithina twentyminutedrivefromhome 21%30% 38% 7 Boulevards/streetscapes 18%33%37% 8 Plaza/parks in commercial areas 11%35%41% 53 CITY OF MARySVILLE QUESTION #7:Below are ten factors which attract people to parks. Please rank these factors in order of importance to you.(l=most important, 2=second most important, and so on) ANALYSIS:Cleanandsafewere ranked asthemost important factors that attract peopleto parks.A varietyofthingsto do,good restrooms,andcloseto homerankedthird,fourth,and fifth.Natural beauty rankedsixth.Adequate and convenient parking,nottoo crowded,picnic facilities,and trees ranked sevenththroughtenth. (Note:Rankingis determinedby summingnumericalvaluesassignedtoeach response.) Table #5: Responses to question#7 (Rankedinorderof importance) Priority Factors which attract people Priority Factors which attract people I clean 6 naturalbeauty 2 safe 7 adequate and convenient parking 3 varietyof things to do 8 nottoocrowded 4 goodrestrooms 9 picnicfacilities 5 close to home 10 trees QUESTION #8:Marysville faces the challenge of making the most of limited funds for parks and recreation.Imagine that you have 100 points, each representing a percentage of funds to be used for purchasing land, making improvements, and/or developing .. recreation programs over the next five years. In terms of the needs of Marysville, how • would you distribute your points? ANALYSIS:Onaverage,respondents wouldspenda portionof funds oneachofthe five alternatives presented.However,purchasing landforfuturepark development wasthehighest priority withan average allocation of 25percentofthe funds.Improving existing parklandsand recreation facilities wasa closesecondprioritywithan allocation of 23percentof the funds.Purchasing environmentally sensitive landsfor preservation wasthirdin priority withan average allocation of 20percentofthe funds. Developing recreation programs wasfourthwith 17percentof the funds.Improving school properties wasfifthwithanaverage allocation of 15percentofthe funds. Figure#8:Responses toquestion #8 (percentages reflect an average oftotalpoint allocations) 54 Improve school properties(e.g.playgrounds. athleticfields,and sport courts)15% ~-= Developmore recreationprograms 17%~~ Purchaseenvironmentally 20% sensitivelandsforpreservationas naturalareas 25%Purchaseland forfuturepark development Improveexistingpark landsand recreation facilities (excluding school properties) COMPREHENSIVE PARKSAND RECREATION PLAN 1994 PARKS AND RECREATION SURVEY QUESTION #9:Below are some possible future uses of property along Ebey Slough. How would youratethe need foreachofthe following types of water access? ANALYSIs:Walking trails/path wasthe highest ratedneedforwater access alongEbey Slough.A majority of respondents (55 percent)expressed a highneedforthis type of access. Needfora picnicareaalongEbey Slough rankedsecondwith44percentof the respondents expressing a highneedforthis type of access.The average ratingin terms ofneedforapicnicareawas moderate-high. Needforawater viewpoint andneedfora fishing area ranked third and fourth respectively with average ratings in terms of needas moderate. Needforan expanded boatrampandneedfora hand-carry boat launch rankedfifthandsixthwith average ratings intermsof needas moderate. (Note:Percentages donot total to 100 percent duetono response questionnaires.) Figure #9:Responses to question #9 (listed inorderof need) I.walking trails/path Hi gh§====::::;-=::-----I155% Modernte I 26% LowlNo -6-%----- 2.picnic area 3.water viewpoint Highl 133% Modernte =:::::::::::::;-=__....134% LowlNo _...................._·.....117% ____116% High ~132% :::1===~=----'37%4.fishing area ___---J1 19% M'::r "'"I'" LowlNo1==:::;;;===~=""'''''''''''- 5.expandedboatramp 36% 24% 22%LowlNo HighModernte~~6.hand-carryboatlaunch 55 CITY OF MARySVILLE QUESTION #10:Please evaluate the following natural areas in terms of their need for protection in Marysville. ANALYSIS:A majority of respondents expressed ahighneedfor protecting streams,wooded areas,and wildlife habitat in Marysville.A moderate tohighneedwas expressed for protecting open space and wetlands. (Note:Percentages do nottotal to 100percentdueto no response questionnaires.) Figure #1 0:Responses to question #10 (listed inorderofneedfor protection) 56 1.streams 2.wooded areas 3.wildlife habitat 4. openspace 5.wetlands High't=:::::::::; Moderate.,,","_~ LowlNo High,1-:_-":' Moderate LowlNo High Moderate LowlNo :.i.-__:.i.-;.::;;...J 31 % 36% :.i.-....I 68% 44% COMPREHENSIVE PARKSAND RECREATION PLAN 1994 PARKS AND RECREATION SURVEY QUESTION #11:Please respond to each of the following statements about parks and recreation facilities/programs. ANALYSIS: Respondentsexpressed strongestagreementwiththe statement 'The Cityshouldsponsormoreafter-school programsforchildrenand youth." Amajorityof respondents(67percent)agreedor stronglyagreed withthis statement. A majorityof respondentsagreedor stronglyagreed(60percent)withthe statement"TheCityshouldbuildandoperate a teen center." Amajorityof respondentsagreed or stronglyagreed(57percent)with thestatement"The Cityshouldbuild and operatea communityathletic/recreationcenter." In responseto the statement"TheCityshouldbuild andoperate a senior center,"46percentagreedorstronglyagreedwhile13percentdisagreedor stronglydisagreedand 3I percentwereneutral.In response to the statement "The City shouldbuild and operatea communitymeeting hall;'the most commonresponse was neutral(35percent)with 32percentagreeingor stronglyagreeingand 22percentdisagreeingor stronglydisagreeing. Figure#11:Responses to question #11 (listed inorderof need) 1.The Cityshouldsponsormore after- Strongly Agree 39% schoolprogramsforchildrenand Agree 128% youth Neutral 114% Disagree ~5% Strongly Disagree ::::J 3% 2.The Cityshouldbuild andoperate a Strongly Agree ','....,.}...:.133% teen center Agree 27% Neutral .,116% Disagree ,Y$iiiii;;;'I II % Strongly Disagree ::::J4% 3.TheCityshouldbuild and operatea Strongly Agree 23% community athletic/recreation center Agree v ,••~;J 34% Neutral 120% Disagree 8% Strongly Disagree P4% 4.The Cityshouldbuild and operate a Strongly Agree 16% seniorcenter Agree 30% Neutral '•."i.,""131% Disagree >';;9% Strongly Disagree P4% 5.The Cityshould buildand operatea Strongly Agree c::J6% community meeting hall Agree 126% Neutral 135% Disagree 15% Strongly Disagree "17% 57 ------------------- CITY OF MARySVILLE QUESTION #12:Please respond to each of the following statements about parks and recreation funding. ANALYSIs:Of the three statements presentedaboutparksand recreation funding,respondents expressed strongestagreementwiththestatementrelatedto developer mitigation requirements.A majority of respondents (57percent)stronglyagreedthattheCityshouldrequire developers to donatepropertyorpay feesforpark acquisition and development basedonthe impactoftheir developments.An additional 22 percentofthe respondents agreedwiththe statement.Only4 percentofthe respondents disagreed or strongly disagreed withthe statement. In responsetothe statement "Non-residents shouldbe chargeda higherfeeforCityparksand recreation servicesthanresidents,"50percentof the respondents agreedorstronglyagreed,23percent disagreed or stronglydisagreed,and 17percentwere neutral. Althoughthemostcommonresponsewasagreement(29 percent)withthestatement"TheCityshould assistin funding recreationfacility improvements onschooldistrict properties,"25percentof the respondentswere neutral. Otherresponseswere 10 percentstronglyagree, 17percent disagree,and 8 percentstronglydisagree. (Note:Percentagesdo not total to 100percentdueto no response questionnaires.) Figure#12:Responses toquestion#12 TheCityshouldrequire developers Strongly Agree 57%1.. todonatepropertyor payfeesfor Agree .122% park acquisition and development Neutral c::::J 8%basedon theimpactoftheir developments Disagree 0 3% Strongly Disagree 1% 2.Non-residents should be chargeda Strongly Agree 25% higherfeefor Cityparksand Agree 125% recreation services thanresidents Neutral 117% Disagree 19% Strongly Disagree b 4% 3.The City shouldassist in funding Strongly Agree 10% recreationfacility improvements on Agree 129% schooldistrictproperties Neutral 125% Disagree 17% Strongly Disagree t::J 8% 58 COMPREHENSIVE PARKS AND RECREATION PLAN 1994 PARKS AND RECREATION SURVEY QUESTION #13:There are several parks located in the City of Marysville.If improvements could be made at only one of them, which park and what improvements would you suggest? ANALYSIS:For ease in analysis.the various responses havebeen grouped according tothepark identified.The improvements suggested foreachparkarelistedinthetable below.The responses have been minimally editedto enhance readability.Content,however,hasnotbeen altered.A question mark (?)denotes an unreadable word.The number following each response is for record keeping purposes only. COMEFORD PARK • New playequipment,cut back Rhodys(theymakethe park dark and scarywhen not in bloom),bring in more sunshineand flowershy cutting some trees make it welcomefor visitorsto our city! (33) • Light more of the park, (48) • Update. (10) • The park hy the old police station- safetychecks,patrolled. (38) • A greatneedfordecentparkingarea. (145) • Wadingpond/pool,more gardens.(24) • Puta fence aroundchildren'sarea and put in more swings,slides, and etc.- this is a greatpark that is goingto waste! Therecould be some greatchangesto an alreadydevelopedpark to enhanceit. Marysvillejust overlooksthis park, I also think that a lot of communityorganizationswouldbe willingto donate their time to helpon projects if they were approached.(126) • Add light- new restrooms - tables. (123) • Larger wadingpool, largerseating,playgroundequipment. (107) • Wadingpool. (188) • The additionof gardens(rose,etc.) orbetterlandscapingmayadd interest to thisratherblah park, (184) • Arboretumor gardens/fountains.(166) • More flowersandpicnic facilities. (153) • Wading pool-more children'sequipment. (244) • Improvedrestrooms, picnicfacilities. (202) • More play area,more things for the kids to playon. Ijust moved here45 days ago. I was not impressedwith this park at all. It is too small. Too many people. Not enough play things. (241) • Moreplaygroundequipment,updaterestroomfacilities,improveoveralllookie. showycolorful,mass flower beds.(238) • Replaceandexpandrestrooms. (279) • There shouldbe more flowers- beauty - sinceCity Hall is there. This area representsour City - make it appealing to the eye. (286) • Newplaygroundequipment. (293) • Newequipment. (295) • Kidsplaygroundandadultsupervisionarea. (263) EBEY SLOUGH • Ebey Sloughaccesspark onthe orderof Everett'sLangus Park, (52) • Protection of boat launch on Ebey Slough. (215) 59 ,---------------------------------------------- CITY OF MARYSVllLE HICKOK PARK • Note:The only parks we frequent are Hickok and Jennings. Add a toddler swing seat.Remove sandbox - more cats use it than kids.An updated jungle-gym.More gravel or replace the rocks with bark or other approved surface. Right now, large rocks are visible under the swings. It frightens me to think what could happen if a child fell off swings. It's a very unsafe condition.Note:Rumors have been going around the neighborhood concerning the closure of Hickok park in order to commercially develop the area. This must not happen! Since your goal seems to be to improve and add to current recreational facilities, it would be asinine to close a well used park that serves hundreds of families within walking distance. Plus, with just a few minor improvements,the park could serve the community even better by providing enough play equipment so residents would no longer feel the need to drive to Jennings Park. (14) • More shade. (30I) • Lot park comer of 67th and 4th. (84) • More equipment.(61) • More equipment.(95) • Needs some trees and bushes along the fences on 67th and 64th. (177) • .Replace sand shovel,add more playground equipment.(39) OLD CEDARCREST RESERVOIR •Grove and 71st Ave. NE,southwest comer - old water holding area.Create a neighborhood park with basketball,tennis courts,and green area.Play equipment if there is enough room. (96) CEDARCREST GOLF COURSE •Drainage,lower fees,more (?), driving range.(I) MOTHER NATURE'S WINDOW • Does Marysville own? Let people know its open if it is the City of Marysville's.Parking lot.Entry sign. (41) •Didn't the city buy it?Make it more accessible and inviting to the general public. It's a good start, but id doesn't look too inviting from the entrance.You're never quite sure if you're welcome there or not! (148) JENNINGS PARK •Nature park walk - from Hickok Rd. to Jennings Park - safe to walk back - alone? (51) •General.(65) • I am really only familiar with Jennings Park and have been impressed with the new developments there (ie.cleaner pond, grounds are kept up better)So, I feel that Jennings would be somewhat of a standard to follow. (224) •Have more picnic tables, more swings. (223) •More toys for the kids to play on. (222) •Better play area for small children and bike trails. (217) • More picnic area. (221) •Clean and fix toys. (213) • Just not big enough.(212) •Larger play area and more picnic tables at new area.(210) • Fix trails next to creek,make more trails. (208) •Swimming pool and tennislbasketball courts. (206) •Further expansion (if possible).(310) •Paved bike trail. (308) •Stock fish for the kids, they would have lots of fun.(299) •Indoor activities.(290).. • Paths made better.When it rains its discouraging to walk through mud. (288)• •Upgrade the playground equipment,add more swings. (282) •More picnic tables,softball fields, and permit adult fishing. (281) 60 COMPREHENSIVE PARKS AND REcREATION PLAN 1994PARKS AND RECREATION SURVEY JENNINGS PARK (continued) • A building for activities for teens. (277) •Better restrooms and availability to them. (276) •More rides for kids. (275) •Clean it up! The caretaker's home looks like a junk yard! (274) •Safety.(269) •Improve trails for biking and walking.(261) •More natural nature,trails,wildlife,bigger play area (252) •More playground for small children.(86) •Parking.(173) •Some basketball hoops to the east end. (172) •More nature trails and paved bike trails. (167) •Make the path usable all year around that goes along the outside perimeter of the park.Make a bridge across the muddy wetlands close to the creek.Otherwise,you are doing a wonderful job of upkeep.(164) •Clean up the lake. (162) •Replace and/or repair the missing or damaged fitness court stations.Place them in one central location.(160) • Keep clean,neal, safe,usable.(157) •Outdoor basketball courts.(156) •Expanded,kept natural,add community swinuning pools and community recreation center,larger playgrounds.(152) •Purcbase adjoining properties and expand.(151) •Racquetball courts,aerobic room. (245) •The ponds should be cleaned. (240) •Make safer (security).(236) •Replace bridge over creek on jogging trail. (234) • Need more parking,maybe bike or walking paths (more).(232) •Only large park in town...pool?tennis courts?(231) •Wading poolfor young children.(229) •Parking.(139) •Improve area between Centex development and existing playfield and petting zoo.(teeter/totters,swings,etc.and more garbage disposal cans). (55) •More animals and more playing area (56) •Overall.(225) •More park benches.(226) •Replace red barn witb an athletic/rec center. (127) •Larger play area (125) •Playground like at Cascade School,kids love it. (124) • Add more interpretive trails along Allen Creek.(118) •Use non splintering substance in play areas.Improve old muddy patbs.(116) •Clean up wetland,stream and pond.(115) •More picnic areas. (114) •AthleticlRec.Ctr.,basketball courts,tennis courts,etc.(113) •Parking,filter pond or eliminate!(III) •Added activities for youth,organized sports and concerts,garden demonstrations on a regular basis.(104) • I think some summer vacation programs or craft classes for children would be good to have. (199) • Add a second "jungle jim type"structure to accommodate the number of kids. (195) •Increase the new patb for further walking or hiking or possibly a bike path somewbere connecting.(191) •Better playground equipment for toddlers. (190) •More parking and barbecue gri11s.(189) 61 CITYOF MARYSVllLE JENNINGS PARK (continued) • Picnic and walking. (186) • Picnic areas,benches,moreplay equipmentforchildrenunderage 10,closedtrash bins. (Thebees getout ofcontrol) (177) • Basketballcourts. (175) • This park needsa swimmingpool. (49) • More picnic tables. (47) • Different trashcans - thereseems to bea lot of trash lyingaroundexistingcans, the lidsdon't keep squirrelsout. (45) • More variety in playgroundactivities. (37) • Picnic benchesand barbecuepits. (36) • Dogleashandpoop scoopenforced. (34) • Parking. (26) • Add a basketballcourt,wbereit couldbe supervisedbyparkpersonnelso no one woulddamage it Addarestroomonthe ballfieldsideof thepark forsoftballgames. Even a sanican(regularlycleaned)wouldhelp. (27) • Needa fewmorepicnic tables!!(32) • More accessibletrails/paved. Citypolice cycle patrol. (22) • Make a better play area upby the pettingzooand put morepicnic tablesby play areas. (19) • Addswingsand teeter-totters!(16) • Expand, provideathletic facilities.(15) • More hours foranimal farm,moreplay equipment (2) • Concession stand. (7) • Stop the building of homes so close to it!! (8) • Arec center (basketball and racquetball courts) (9) • Expand toincludeindoor facilities for wetweathertimesand specialplacesforfamiliesandothersto gather. Racquetball courts, tenniscourts and tabletennis wouldall assist in locatinga place for young folks to gather. (98) • More facilities,courts, etc. (91) • Aplayground like used to have- big swings,slides,merry-go-round.(90) • Jennings Park is the one we use and it'sfine. (298) • Parking. (87) • Tennis courts. (89) • More trails,bridgesacrossAllen Creek. (85) • Improve walking/naturetrailsalong thewetlands. (83) • More playgroundequipmentonEast side. (82) • More bike trails and things for olderkids todo. Skateboardarea or somethinglike a BMXbikejumps or trails. (78) • To keep with the improvementof the wetlandsand gardens,play equipment (74) • Keep it a lot cleanerand havemore diverseactivitiesfor 12-18yrs. youth. (73) • More learning experiences forthe children. Classesaboutwildlife. Classesand instructorsthat give toursof the park and history of it. (72) • Racquetball,add more children'splaygroundequipment Greatlyincreasethefinefor vandalsand putthatmoneytowards the park. (71) • Clean up streamsand ponds. (68) • More safe playgroundequipment (57) FOOTHILLS PARK • Play equipment isnot easilyaccessibleand potentiallydangerousto childrenunder5 years. (292) • More facilities for kids. (28) 62 COMPREHENSNE PARKS AND RECREATION PLAN 1994 PARKS AND RECREATION SURVEY GENERAL RESPONSES •Existing parks seem to be well equipped,however there is a need for more parks in certain neighborhoods.(17) • New park needed!Quick -before all land turned into houses! (35) • Any or all - sand volleyball courts. (146) • Any -expand and develop more playing fields for sports (soccer,baseball,tennis, football, etc. bike trails...) (117) • I want the YMCA facility to open.Teens need somewhere to go that is low cost to them.Also,I disagree that there are several parks.What parks are you talking about??We have few parks. If developers were not allowed to ruin every patch of free space in this town,maybe kids would have open spaces to go to play. I grew up bere and there used to be farms and fields.Life here is declining.(284) •East-West paved biking/walking trails to connect wI N-S paved trails on the other (East) side ofHwy 9. (40) •Grove Street and 67th - It is an eyesore! (4) • All -better Iigbting. (46) • No opinion -existing parks are of minimal interest to me,both as to present state and potential.(203) • I believe all existing parks are Great! (136) •Fantasy Fortress -south end of town. (300) •Seems the Parks Department has done a good job on what parks we have. (283) •Marysville has nice parks,they work hard keeping them up, I don't think they need improvements.(268) • I am comfortable with all parks in this area Improvements should be made commensurate with growth.(105) •Seem ok. (93) • I don't know - one park is being improved now.isn't it This is a very difficult questionnaire to answer.I know too little about the subject -I'm very interested,though.lust about every answer is a guess - I'm certainly in favor of Marysville having the best parks and recreational advantages possible.(signature)(182) • (?)Snohomish water front. (181) •Something closer to my home area. (79) • I feel the city has done an excellent job,and I am impressed with all areas the city has chosen. (147) •Several?Where? We need more! (168) •Schools with fields for group activity.(163) •Build a new, large,multi-purpose park.The ones now are outdated and unusable by the majority of the population.(158) • I think the parks are looking good. I love the neighborhood park and would like one on the corner of Grove and 71st Ave NE (water tank there). (258) •Better start buying more raw land for parks or youll never have parks to improve! (257) •It would help if you listed what parks to choose from. (254) •For the use we have,I have no current suggestions.(12) • All -much larger. (25) •Maintain current parks "as-is."Create new parks. (29) • I only know of one (Jennings Park). (43) • You are doing great!(67) •Whichever park needed help the worst. (64) • All -maintenance.(53) 63 CITY OF MARySVllLE QUESTION #14:The City of Marysville is studying the feasibility of developing a major athletic field complex. The complex could include lighted softball, baseball, and soccer fields; parking; children's outdoor wading pool; concessions; restrooms; and a picnic area. The complex could accommodate local recreation programs and be used for hosting regional competitions as well.It is anticipated that the revenues generated from the use of the facility will cover maintenance costs. Given the information above,please respond to each of the following statements. ANALYSIS:A majority of respondents strongly agreed (37 percent)oragreed(25 percent)withthe statement "TheCity should pursue the development ofan athletic field complex." In response tothe statement "Iwould support abondissuetohelp construct an athletic field complex," The most common responses wereagree (21 percent)or strongly agree(23 percent).However,these responses did not represent a majority.19percentof the respondents chosea neutral response while26 percent responded with disagree or strongly disagree. (Note:Perceotages donottotalto 100percentduetono response questionoaires.) Figure#13:Responses to question #14 25%Strongly Agree:~~~~~~~~~;;=::::I1 37%Agree Neutral I 15% Disagree-f::=:;::17%-:-...... Strongly Disagree c:J 6% 1. The City shouldpursuethe development ofanathleticfield complex CJ 23% 21%Agree Neutral Strongly Agree I 19% Disagreei===~-l 14% Strongly Disagree I 12% complex 2.I wouldsupporta bondissueto helpconstructanathleticfield QUESTION #15:Which of the following intersections is closest to your home? ANALYSIS:The intersections listedinthis question areeach taken from a different study area identified in the Cityof Marysville Proposed Interim Comprehensive Plan.Responses were received fromeachofthe areas.Thetablebelow indicates thenumberof questionnaires returned for area. Table#6:Responses to question #15 (expressed innumberof questionnaires returned) Intersection Returned Intersection Returned SoperHillRoad &83rdAve.NE I 84thSI.NE &83rdAve.NE 14 188thSI. NE &67th Ave. NE 7 64thSl. NE &67th Ave.NE 107 52nd 51.NE &Sunnyside Blvd.NE 27 188thSI.NE &StateAve.I 100thSI. NE &Old Hwy.99 8 116thSI.NE &Old Hwy.99 9 Grove &51st Ave.NE 103 Noanswer I Multipleanswer 33 64 COMPREHENSIVE PARKS ANDRECREATION PLAN 1994 PARKS AND RECREATION SURVEY QUESTION #16:Please evaluate the need for each of the following in your immediate neighborhood. ANALYSIS:In immediate neighborhoods,the highestneedwasforbiking/walkingpaths. 41 percentof therespondentsexpresseda highneedforbiking/walkingpathsintheir neighborhoods.Theaveragerating intermsof needforbiking/walkingpathswas moderate-high. A moderateneed was identified forbothnatural areas and children's play areas whichrankedsecondand thirdrespectively. Aneedforpicnic areas rankedfourthwithan averageratingintermsofneedas moderate. Needforbasketballcourts,tenniscourts,and athleticrankedfifththroughseventhrespectivelywith averageratingsintermsofneedas low-moderate. In analyzingneedsidentifiedintermsof neighborhoods identifiedin question#15,the followingare the threehighestneeds identified withineach neighborhood.The needsarelisted inorderofimportance. Soper Hill Road &83rdAve NE insufficient data 188thSt NE &67thAve NE biking/walkingpaths,picnic areas, children'splay areas 52nd St NE &SunnysideBlvd NE biking/walkingpaths, children'splayareas, naturalareas lOOth StNE &Old Hwy99 biking/walkingpaths,children'splay areas,athleticfields Grove &51stAve NE biking/walkingpaths, naturalareas,children'splayareas 84thSt NE &83rdAve NE biking/walkingpaths,children'splayareas,natural areas 64th St NE &67thAve NE biking/walkingpaths,children'splay areas,natural areas 188thSt NE &StateAve insufficient data 116thSt NE &Old Hwy99 biking/walkingpaths,children'splay areas,athleticfields (Note:Ranking andaverageratingsweredeterminedbysumming numerical valuesassignedtoeach response.Percentages do nottotalto 100percentdue tonoresponse questionnaires.) Table#7: Responses to question#16(rankedinorderofneed) High Moderate LowlNo Priority Need Need Need Need 1 biking/walkingpaths 41%n%17% 2 natural areas 25%32% 22% 3 children's playareas 32%28% 24% 4 picnicareas 14%34% 31% 5 baskethall courts 13%33%33% 6 tenniscourts 12%28% 37% 7 athleticfields 13%29% 38% 65 CITYOF MARySVllLE QUESTION #17:Please indicate the number of household members in each of the following age groups. ANALYSIs:Themost common age group found in respondent households was 26-40year olds.The41- 52yearoldagegroupwas second most common. Ofthetotal respondent households,46 percent included children ages17or younger. Ofthe total respondent households,21 percent included adults 65yearsor older.16 percent ofthese households didnotincludeanyotherage group. Figure#14:Responses to question #17 (expressed in numbers) 4 and under 5 to 10 11 to 17 18 to 25 26 to 40 41 to 52 53 to 64 65 plus "....1109.»'''d,,.. ..188 lZ 185 ;168 1 .~c;8:..,;·;Jilt;?'··1 I 22 .:162 -.?r;;'.1104 223 QUESTION #18:How long have you lived in Marysville? ANALYSIS:39 percent ofthe respondents were long-term residents of Marysville having lived in the community thirteen yearsor more.In addition,36 percent ofthe respondents hadlived in Marysville four to twelve years.18percentofthe respondents hadlived in Marysville three years or less. Figure#15:Responses to question #1 B 3%Lessthanoneyear Eight years to twelve years 10% Thirteen years-to twenty years 12%'~~~~~~~J.J Oneyearto three years 15% 26%Four years to seven years 66 COMPREHENSIVE PARKS AND RECREATION PLAN 1994 PARKS AND RECREATION SURVEY QUESTION #19:Please usethe space below to share your comments about current and future parks and recreation resources and opportunities in Marysville. ANALYSIS:The responses tothis question havebeen minimally editedto enhance readability.The content isnot altered.Namesand addresses havebeen deleted butsuch deletion is noted.A question mark (?) follows a wordorisinplaceofa wordthatcouldnotbe deciphered.Thenumberattheendofthe comment denotes thenumber assigned tothesurveyandis for record keeping purposes only. • I moved to Marysville because it had a smaIl-town atmosphere - it's growing too fast - taking away the country atmosphere - we don't care for the Yuppie attitude - and Marysville is heading that way -when it gets there - a lot of people will be moving out. (46) •Pleased with the parks we have.Well planned but need to develop new parks as population increases.(44) •If a complex is built why not a lighted tennis court as well?(43) •We have no neighborhood park for our children to play in and no safe access for the kids to the nearest park. I can't safely get across 64th S. N.E.(Hiway 528)in my car!!! (29) •(Name)would like a job in a park - she has graduated from Skagit Valley College with a degree in forestry and park maintenance.Her #is (phone number).(25) •Have places that teenagers can use (athletic courts and meeting places).(23) • All the current parks are fine,don't need improvements.Need to make more parks and trails for bike riding and skating. (18) • 1be City should acquire more land for neighborhood parks and playfields including tennis courts - I favor park money being spent on the citizens of the city rather than baseball fields.Also,better planning to integrate walking,biking trails through new developments - that is the most embarrassing aspect of the way M'ville has grown - all the little kids play in the streets because there are no parks and schools are too far away - or across busy streets - to walk to - we live in Bayview Ridge.(13) • I don't know the relationship between Marysville Parks and Rec and School Rec facilities.I suspect most don't This needs to be made clear in future surveys and public discussions and ballot issues. I completed tltis survey including schools as part of Marysville Recreation total picture.(253) • I believe the area at 64th and 67th would be a great area for a reclathletic center.Good location,space,and easy access from most areas.(254) • I really believe in neighborhood parks,walking to have fun, less traffic,aod more neighborhood spirit (258) • As I am retired and do not use the Parks and Athletics facilities,I feel that someone else should do the evaluations.Sorry tltis is late,but just arrived home.(Signature)(259) • I like the park here and improvement would be nice,meaning adding more to it but I am not ready for taxes to go up. Jennings park is witltin walking distance to my house and I love it.(260) • I do hope if you need new parks you will consider natural area - I have lived here for 12 years at Glenwood(?)everything was natural.now I see nothing but houses.Not even a tree was safe,a park area like the one on comer of 64th and 67th would help deplement(?)areas.One of the worst offenders is across from where I was -Grandview Retirement and the folks just look at a fence.(264) •Widen 67th by the golf course.(265) • No comment.(266) •We need effective planning to include green areas -encourage businesses to be socially responsible aod diversify State St. (one of the ugliest streets in the County).(267) • I tItink we have enough parks now.People enjoy Jennings park.It's a real nice place to take your family.Well kept (268) • I tItink the existing play areas are adequate but there's a need for walking room and trees.(272) •Thoughts expressed by many residents of Marysville is that the developers are given too much, and are not doing their part for parks and recreation planning.If the "honey bucket"was removed from its normal location at the playing area at Jennings Park off from the intersection of 70th street and 55th avenue,it would be conspicuous by its absence.This is gross!(278) •The school recreation areas need attention.All in all the Parks Dept.have done a good job.Thanks for the survey.We need the Y finished before too long. (283) 67 CITY OF MARySVILLE • I seldom use any of the Marysville Parks,I have too busy a life. I'd like to keep my own property which is rural and not e be taxed off of it which appears to be the plan in Marysville.(285) • A city or county operated ORV park similar to the horn rapids ORV park in Richland,Wa would be valuable and possibly, profitable,recreation facility that could serve many Marysville faruilies. (291) •The way Msvl. is developing (raping) land there will be no property or space left for parks,recreation or natural area. (300) • I do not understand Parks and Recreation,therefore I am unqualified to ftll this out (302) •Many categories marked low or no need are well covered in this area. Some questions hard to answer as we don't regularly visit parks other than Jennings.(304) •Our future developments should contain adequate parks and include in building plan.(309) •Need a better road access from 1-5to SR-9 both north and south of the city to make park access reasonable.(201) •Marysville is a bedroom community which grew and is growing exponentially with little planning or coherence.Its public/commercial spaces are ugly. I has no heart, soul or aesthetic.It is a negligent product of Mencken's "boobus Americanus"and the making of what I call the "hasty dollar." As for its park-facility afterthoughts,which this survey perhaps proposes to convert - as can be -to forethoughts,my views are heretical.We most need what nature once provided here in abundance before we destroyed it.Concentrate on that.Enough of running,throwing,catching,kicking and hitting things and each other. To hell with competition!(203) • At the tate Marysville is growing there will be a need for enlarging the current park system.(204) • I would like to see at least one more large park in Marysville,however I do not thing we use our school as much as we could.(207) •The city should work with schools to make these areas available to other than students after school hours. This would be cheaper and get more use of present facilities. (211) •May 3, 19941Dear City of Marysville Parks and Rec.Dept!I'm sorry I didn't get this report back to you sooner,but have been giving it a lot of thought Some of the questions were hard for me to answer and some I didn't answer because I was trying to relate to my own family's needs on these recreational needs./My feelings are:(I)No matter how many facilities you build for young children and teenagers,you are still going to have to get the parents involved.Can you do this?(2) I have five grandchildren involved at this time in baseball and know that every school field is busy. Also we have the .- YMCA,M.P.Pool,Skating Rink and tennis courts and they are all busy./l guess what I'm trying to say is, the parents • have to get involved with their kids to keep them out of trouble.With half of our families only having one parent at home it makes it a lot harder.lOur family's first "love" is camping -and we go as a family.My grandchildren are very lucky to have fathers that take them camping,hunting,fishing,target practice and many other activities.And so to try and relate my answers to your questionnaire was hardfl do feel our teenagers need a place to meet their friends, but I don't know if a teen center is the answer.Thank you.(Signature)(220) •Regarding items #8 and #14. We opened up Cedarcrest Middle School with 4 new baseball diamonds,a track,and a football field.The baseball fields are unsafe due to:short fences, no overhanging fence over home plate. Also the school prohibited use of the football field and baseball diamonds to use as practice fields citing "wear and tear."What a bunch of b.s. We all paid for this particular complex and we all couldn't wait for it to open and after a couple of years we get snubbed from the newest facility in Marysville.No-one wants to lose Cedar Field,as it is an icon to Marysville baseball. Why not net the entire field and re-light it and solve the Cedarcrest problems and save dollars for use on other park-like projects.(230) •Recreation facilities should keep up with growth in the housing industry.I would like to see the old (soon-to-be)library building used as a senior center. (233) • I do not use the parks so I cannot make good evaluations on these items. (242) •This is a false type questionnaire.Taxes are too high now and everything you want to do takes more tax money.If you want a bike trail tax the bikers.A horse trail tax the riders or owners.Do not expect the rest of the citizens to support them.(246) •We do not have children at home,but are very concerned about the lack of activities for teenagers.I think that has to be a priority over everything else. (247) •Thank you for asking me to participate in your survey.Two factors make it impossible to ans.questions:lived in Marysville only one(1)year and I'm 89 years of age. (154) •Since I don't get out much,I don't have enough experience to fiJIall of this out Recreation facilities ARE important.I enjoy Jennings Park and I appreciate what is being done to improve and enlarge it.!12C is very important.fl'm in Sunnyside Hills.Every lot has a house on it Children must play in the street.They need a (?)of safe room to play... (155)• 68 _._-"•._.._-----------------~ COMPREHENSIVE PARKSAND RECREATION PLAN 1994 PARKS AND RECREATION SURVEY • The currentpark situationis terrible- thereis not adequatefacilitiesforthe young or theold. You need more parksthatare multi-purpose.Don't be affiliated with theschools becauseof therestrictions that theyimpose. (158) • I am returningthis as is; I donot feel qualifiedto answereverythingandpossibly youcan sendit tosomeoneelse. Ido thinkevery city andtown shouldhaveniceparksbut I don'tcare at all for sports. (signature) (159) • Keepmaking more for the young peoplein the communityto use! (168) • The parksthatare currentlyestablishedare wellmaintained,I think thepeopleresponsibledo oneheckof ajob. (169) • For the sizeMarysvilleis now,we havea decent enoughkinds ofpark areas. (170) • Developmentof parks and biking/joggingtrails willbe very significantforcity - wituessGreenlakeor (?),Ca, Butparks usedby childrenshouldhavesafeaccess,sidewalks!(171) • Neighborhoodparks arebadly neededin newersubdivisions. The onlyplace for childrentoplay isin the street A recreationalcentersimilarto theoneinLynnwoodwouldbe a greatadditiontoMarysville. We needanice place for people to lap swim! (179) • Thanksforlettingme respond toyour survey! (180) • No comment. Hardly ever usethem. (185) • Since I ama handicappedretiree I don't thinkI am qualifiedtoreally fill out this form. (187) • I'm also75years old so I don't go totheparks but I loveall the outdoors. I workedfor Parks and Recreationof Hawthorn, Calif. for 10years as a camp cook in the mountainsnortheast of Hawthorn,Calif. I'm sorrynot to havebeen more help! (signature and address)(196) • Do notdevelopmoreparks and athleticfields than thecity hasthe moneyto policeandmaintain. (197) • I wouldencourage landuse forfamilytype activity- whichwouldevenencourageme to supportabondissue. I completelydisagreewithany typeof teenhall/teencenter. The NeutralZonein MountlakeTerraceis an exampleof what a waste/messthose are. Let'skeep Marysvillefor peoplethat wanttoraise families!!!(200) • Do notdevelopa "Poortinga"area,useit for park,athleticfield,accessto EbeySlough andopen space. This area floods everyyearandis already overdeveloped withexistingroads. (101) • I thinkMarysvilleis annexing too rapidlyandshouldnowconcentrateon currentservicestonewlyacquiredcitizensof Marysville. (105) • Too many questions. (106) • WhileMarysvilleis growingsorapidly, weneedto makeit a safe communityfor ourchildren and othersalso. (112) • We are not far frombothJenningsParksandfind themverybeautifulespeciallythenaturepark - verynice forwalkingand seeing herons,hawks,ducks,evenfrogs. (122) • We've much appreciatedthe care givento theexistingparks,especiallyover the past few years. Weenjoyvisitingthem. As far as furtherparkdevelopmentgoes- largerecreational facilities,etc.- let's makeuseof currentschoolpropertiesand enhancethose,when neoessary,ratherthanaskingformoretaxrevenuestobuy,build,andmaintainnew andduplicated facilities. Thereare also private facilities. Theexceptions, I think,arein non-existentsportsareas,such as places where teensandpre-teenscansafelyskateboardwithoutbeingchasedawayas doingundesirable activities.(130) • Being developed by land developers.(131) • Havesomethingfor childrenand adultsin WIC please. (134) • Our youtharenot havingtheir needs forrecreationmet. Ibelievewe shouldfocus there. Thenew Jenningspark andthe castleparkat Cascadeareforyoungerchildren. We mustkeep allteensandpre teensbusyandhavingfun,cleanand sober!!. Thanks for asking my opinion. (136) • Sincepropertyholdersbear the brunt of allinitiatives,theschoolfacilitiesshouldkeep updatedforrec. Moreprogramsfor young adultsandseniors. (137) • The play parkextension of JenningsPark on 64th St. NE is nicebut doesn'taccommodatea lot of youngpeople. Need more of theseparks. We appreciatethe treeplantings and sidewalkson64th St. Thank you. (138) • I feel theopportunitiesare improvingall the time andfeel our needs aremet at mostparks. Reallylike theexpansion at Jenningspark and the completionof 64th St. (bikelanes,etc). Wouldlike a better boatramp and trail around the Slough. If there is a trail,I am not aware of it. Greatjob fromwhatI've seenfromour Parks and Recreation. (140) • We would not supportany bondsor furthertaxeson us as propertyowners. (144) • SunnysideElementarySchoolneeds somerenovationsin fields,playgrounds,and activitiesforthechildren. (147) •It all fine but not withnew taxes. (150) • I'm a senior,do not jog - play ball - or rollerblade - bnt do enjoy a wellkept park with flowersandfish and trails. (53) 69 CITY OFMARYSVlllE • Use the old reservoir at Grove and 71st for small park.Also use the land at 67th and Grove as a small park - I understand it .. was donated for that purpose.How about a break for Marysville residents at the city owned golf course. (60)• •Marysville is a nice clean town. I hope it stays that way.Thank you. (64) •Sorry I am 80 years old, single,and have no way of being honest with opinions except many schools have to many costly play things in the yards.(signature and address)(66) • Plan now -buy land,Marysville population 100,000 in 15-20 yrs.?This is a great town now.Keep the city that way. (67) • I like the idea of small lot size parks in neighborhoods,because it would help avoid overcrowding at the large parks. Thanks for asking! (70) •The young kids have parks - lets put the funds into recreation and entertainment for teenagers.There is nothing here for them! (75) • I feel that Marysville should provide safe bike routes throughout the city so that children and adults can safely use bicycles to get around town.Marysville children are stranded in their neighborhoods.(81) •Jennings Park is great!! (3) • I believe that use could be made of athletic fields and swimming pool after school hours and summer time.Instead of the city purchasing more land, the money could be used to hire supervisors for these after school hour activities.(5) •Whatever keep the costs down -people are stressed out now with taxes. (6) •Please move the post office boxes from in front of my window.I get lights, cars,boom boxes,people gawking in my window,etc.(11) • I fear that there is so much hype about the housing boom in Msvl.that not enough attention is being placed on setting aside land for future development for parks,trails, biking, etc. My husband and I plan to attend and keep informed on community happenings and hope that our responses plus that of our neighbors are looked at seriously.(224) • I love Jennings Park and Jennings Nature Trails - we visit them weekly. I just worry about teens not having a place to hang out! (223) • We sure need more parks,there's so many people now a person doesn't know where to go really. And the kids sure need a place to go, so they have something to do. (212)a •The Ebey Slough ramp is something our father helped build.the need for this is extremely high.Please do not let the • Indians railroad us out of a ramp. We cannot afford a loss of any time to replace it If you need anymore info. on this, please call us. (names and phone number)(208) • I feel that the retention/improvement of the boat launch is of equal importance as is purchasing further park lands (natural). (310) • I think Marysville parks are wonderful! (308) •Have a day for kids fishing.Stock up lakes. Kids don't catch fish anymore and they think its for grownups.Sorry for sending it too late but it was misplaced.I hope we can still help. (299) • More parking space needed and designated pet area needed. Picnic area.(290) • I would like to see large park facilities and not too many "little"token parks,but anything is better than nothing! (288) • I am for improving school facilities if they will serve as multi-purpose facilities for the commnnity;but they are limited during school brs.which affects the young children 6 and under. They need places to play near home. (282) •Developers need to be required to preserve open park and forest areas when clear-cutting and building housing complexes. (281) • It would be nice to see the old reservoir at the comer of Grove and 71st by Cedarcrest Golf Course put to some good use (I believe it is no longer in use).Create a small children's park - there are lots of kids in the Munson Creek area and it would be nice to have a place where kids could go swing or play. (275) • We feel that the development of a major athletic field complex would be beneficial to Marysville.Suggestion:outdoor 3- wall handball court! (274) •Preservation of Marysville's beauty should be a priority. (269) • Need more park arid recreations for teenagers. (86) •Would like boat access,fishing,picnic areas. (173) • I think that you should use that property that they're building the new library on to expand the park or just keep it as it is!!! (172) • I love Marysville Parks!If you were to build a pool, a warmer water temperature would be nice - MPHS is too cool -our a little boy can't take it-he shivers arid doesn't have a good time. (167)• 70 COMPREHENSIVE PARKSAND RECREATION PLAN 1994 PARKS AND RECREATION SURVEY • The barn is one of the best facilities in the county.Keep it going!Jenning's Park is a beautiful well-kept park.Thank you! Just improve the walkway along the fence line. (164) • I frequently use Jennings Park and am impressed by how well maintained and managed it its. Kudos to the Parks Dept.for their efforts.I wish that Marysville had 2-3 more parks of this type.(signature) • Keep price low =let a park be free to all,no cost. City should pay =high on list not last =future of life is important. (157) •The time may have passed for acquiring a major park site in N.Marysville.Patch-work parks are OK, but we need a 40+ acre park.(151) • We,Marysville have a great system already.We very much appreciate it. I also strongly feel I don't want an increase in the tax.(signature)(245) • I thing our parks are kept up good. (240) •Need waterfront parklboatlaunch complex with picnic/kitchen area (and enough parking).Must have on-site security! (236) • I believe that parks are important part of our city but responsibility for safety is of highest concern.Bonds would be considered if all aspects are made known and there should be self-sufficient..(231) • Make more facilities for teenagers.(229) •Marysville needs to offer more than just soflba1llbaseball and soccer for kids -track;tennis,skating,and rec.activities. City and schools should work together more to develop facilities.How many city parks include tennis courts -none!I will not support a bond for parks outside the city limits -Oller Park.Why does this assessment come after plans for Otter Park are presented to the public?Developers should pay a much larger fee for impact on community facilities.More public hearings for input are necessary - and let people know about such hearings.(127) •The City could probably have the comer of 67th and Grove for a park free.Drainage would need to be done and a fence but it would make a nice park.That was the intent of the development 30 years ago.Home owners would love to not pay taxes on it. (124) •Ebey Slough has tremendous wildlife along its shores and wetland areas.Buyout concrete,junk recycle yard south of Ebey Slough bridge and tum it into a nice wildlife interpretive park. (118) •Please invest in property now before it becomes scarce and expensive.(116) •Instead of parks we should have more natural setting areas for walking and enjoying the natural beauty of the area! (115) • The summer park and rec,program is wonderful for kids!The petting zoo and young children's play areas are great! I feel the athletic/recreation ctr.wI basketball courts,tennis courts and maybe a pool would be great for the teenagers and adults in our community!(ll3) •Per "x"amount of homes build,developers and the city should contribute $'s to provide parks for new residents when homes are buill. You need to think about future overload when building is on the rise but recreation building is not!there must be an equal balance of recreational areas for new res. areas or people get closed in! (111) • I thought concerts in the park were great.If there are other activities,they need better publicity.Even small developers should be required to mitigate for loss of current quality of life in our city!!!The area along Ebey Slough should be developed with care - to allow for future tourist development (104) • We are concerned about safety and police protection in park,walking trails,etc. Also concerned whether these will be turned into dmg distribution areas. (199) • I don't think the City should spend so much money on recreation.It will cost too much in several ways.It is a quick remedy for bored teenagers at the expense of tax payers and I disagree strongly voting for it. How about cultivating an appreciation for nature - God's open,outdoor playground?There's lots to do in the fresh air -we don't need a major athletic field complex!!No $$\ I will tell everyone I know to work against this complex.We have a middle school,jr.high,high school,parks,Msvl soccer complex,and Everett ouly 10 min. away! (191) • I would like park areas with barbecues,more nature trails - a swimming pool-senior citizens'center - teen center.(189) • I think it will be difficult for Marysville residents to be able to afford much more.My property tax went up $350.00 and next year it will cost additional $467.00.I can't afford parks right now - this makes my total bill $1892 on property worth $106,000 by assessment -honestly we're looking to move.If I'm having problems,what about seniors??They won't be able to afford to live here so they won't need parks! (177) • All city streets should have curbs and sidewalks and be tree lined and maintained by (?) the ciry help we pay now. (175) •Why does the city of Marysville have to hire an organization in Seattle to make a survey for Marysville?Do we not have enough people in Marysville that could have done this?(5) 71 CITY OF MARySVILLE • The John Regan on Ebey Sloughis ideal for walkways,boat launch,picnic area -the city shouldpurchase this beforesome .. developerdoes! (49)• • Ourfamilyenjoys the parks and naturetrails.I am sure wewouldlikeany futureresourcestoo! (45) • How about a little more creativity in raising cash. I'm tired of city stickingits hand in my pocketthru moretaxes. (No matterhow they'relabeled) (37) • I thinkthat Marysvilleshould iovestina fewlargeparkseach coveringaboutnioesquaremilesofresidents,ratherthanan iofmitenumber of smallplaygrounds. (36) • I thiokathletic areas should beenhanced onschoolpropertiesto providepublic access. Communitycenter shouldprovide theater stage/meetinghall withgymnasiumforbasketball,danceclassesand aerobicclasses. OpenFri and Sat nightfor teens. Marysville needsanother swimmingpool (iodoor)for publicaccessand swimmingclasses. (22) • I wouldlike to see shouldersor bikelanes on 67th allthe way to Arlington. Alsobike lanes onrd. everywhereand keep themCLEAN!!! (16) • The amountof parksandrecreationalfacilitiesis terriblyinadequate. Makethe flybynightdeveloperssharecostandhelp providefacilities. (15) • We likethe city verymuch but weare concernedthatthe youthhere arebeginningto show signsof neediogactivitiesto releaseenergy. (98) • Great idea! (91) • How about aregional outdoorfamilyarealike Chutesand Ladders,HennipenPark Systemin Mioneapolis -Fantastic! (90) • The city should havedemandedmorepropertyfromCentexHomeswhenParkviewEstateswasplatted. The propertywas adjacenttoJenniogsandthe park couldhave been expandedmorethanit was. Thepropertydonatedto thecitywas unbuildableso Centex was io a wio-wiosituation. The city lost a golden opportunity.This should nothappen agaio. We should learn from thatmistake. (89) • I'm iofavorof "pocketparks"io new subdivisionswith children'splay area,picnic grounds,possiblyaballfield. (85) • Spendrevenues taken from theGolf Courseon theGolfCourse! (83) • CoreyElwell is an outstandiogparksandrecreationdirector. (82) • WhenIgrew up herewe didn'tneeda lot ofparks becauseit was safeto walk,ridebikesor goto aneighbor'shouseany time of theday. With iocreasedpopulationanda lot of boredkids,we haveproblemswith safetyfor ourkids. Organized andwellrun parks and teen centerswouldhelpa lot,I believe. (78) • With the contiouedgrowthherein Marysville,theneed for moreparksand recreational areas is very importantto the community. The children of this communiryneed this space as well as the seniors. (74) • Marysvilleneeds to concentrateon theparks they havenow, what willhappento themafterthe complexis built?(73) • I think you'vedone an excellentjob with comingup with ways toiovolve thechildreninto parksaroundthe city. (72) • An athletic complex is a good idea. But item#14 almostdedicatesit to team sports. Noteveryoneis able or willingto joio a softballor baseball team. I suggesteda racquetballcourtin items #16 and#13. I have playedthe sport andnoticed that peopleof all ages, andeven thoseio wheelchairs,like to play this sport. The youngandold, fat and skinny,can be seen atany racquetballcourt. Every courtthat I havebeen to gets frequentuse. (71) • Need aclean, safepublicrestroom atComefordCityPark. (57) • I would like to see a new facility, like the YMCA on4th St., open as soon as possible. (292) • Marysvilleshouldtakegreateradvantageof its waterfront. Setasidelandfor future.(I) • JenningsPark is wonderfuL I hope Marysvillegets morelike it. I haslots of varietyand space. (41) • I'mproud of MarysvilleParks and Recreation. With thefantasticallyrapidpopulationanddevelopmentio the area,please try to plan and stay on top of SPACE. Then activitieswill follow. Thank you. (51) • We love JenningsNature ParkandTrail!! The parkfacilitiesthat areio MSVLareverywell maiotaioed. They arereally somethiogwe can be proud of. I know it wouldbe very costly but it wouldbeneat to haveanotherpark onthe scale of Jennings locatedelsewherein the community. Alsopublic awarenessof the othercommunityparks and it would also be superif we couldget bike/skatelskateboard/walkiog trailsor evendesignated areas onmoreofthe roads!Thanks fordoiog sucha goodjob with whatwe have and beiog willingto grow andmake changes. (148) • Parksare wonderfulandneed to be retalned Communitycenterarewonderful too -butthis shouldbedonebythe communitynot government -use tax $more for streets,police and givethe directionandnot restrictionsto allowthe community to meet the socialneeds. (4) •It wouldbe wonderfulto haveracquetballcourts. (39) • Don't do a lot of thiogs -just a few thiogs really well. (95) 72 COMPREHENSIVE PARKSAND RECREATION PLAN 1994 PARKS AND RECREATION SURVEY • We arereallylookingforwardto thenew YMCA. We are in greatneedfor a facility (indoor)forall ages. Swimmingand racquetball hopefullywillbeincluded. (61) • The athletic fieldcomplex sounds nice, but I wonderif it wouldn'tbe better tojust improve the facilitiesat the high school.It is almostalways more cost effective to improveexisting facilities then to create new ones. This town really needsa good rec. center. After firstwitoessingthe 3 hr. waitin line for parents to sign up for swimlessons, it became obviousthat the city needs to provide a communityswimmingpool with more swimminglessons and sessions,or at least more access to the existing pool. I work nights, so my family and I have been shut out of participationin any of your swimmingprograms. We had hopes of utilizing facilitiesat the new YMCA that is supposedlygoing to be build near AllenCreek Elementary,but sinceno groundbreaking has begun, we are beginningto doubt its futureexistence. Please contactme for futurequestions and surveyson thistopic. (name,address,andphone number) (14) • Marysvilleshouldbe a comfortablelivingcommunitynot a circus towndevotedto highpower recreationalactivitiessuch as a majorrevenuegarneringathletic complex. (52) • Top of the list- accesstoEbey Slough,undercity control. After schooland senioractivities couldbe handledwith the expandedYMCA facilityand closerrelationswiththeYMCA, schooldistrict,andcity insteadof each tryingtoduplicate whatthe other already has. The 3 all talk about thesame kid's andcitizen's. No- thank you! (215) • Too manyhousingdevelopments! What's happenedto rural Marysville?If wecould havejust I or 2 additionalparks ratherthananother 100-200homes. Yuck! (35) • I livein the Sunnysidedevelopment which has no parks, schools,or playgroundsof any kind withinwalkingdistance, as a result,small kids play in the streetposing a severerisk to their safety.If you would like more input or evidenceof this concern,call me at (phonenumberandsignature) (17) • I wouldlike to see severalcommunityparks, thesize of a city block, that provideplay equipment,basketball,and/or tennis courtsanda smallballfieldand grassyareafor romping. (96) • The communityneedssand volleyballcourts atany or all of theparks and rec,areas. An annual volleyballtoumament wouldbegreatly appreciated.(146) • Youare onto a goodstart and the right path. GoodLuck! (117) • We need to take our town back fromthe developers! They shouldn'tbe ableto get away with ruiningit! IbelieveMSVL overdevelops parks. Leave the morenatural. Wedesperately need a placefor teenswhoseparentsarenotinvolvedin their lives. Structuredprogramsare greatbutparentswhodon't pay forthese for theirchildren arethe ones atfault forthe vandalismand troubletheir kids get into. These kidsneed a facilitythey can go toeven if theirparentsdid notsign up for theprogram or pay for it Can't weuse ourschools for this?Why can't we have drop-in art classesor gymnasiums? (284) • Asthe roads areexpanded,I feel safewalkinglbiking/joggingpaths shouldbe put in so that apersondoesn'tneed toload up a carevery time to get to the park. Thank you. (40) • Severalyearsago- Marysvillerequiredeachnewdevelopmenttosetasidelandto be usedforparksor playgrounds (we have suchlandin CedarcrestManor, whichhas never been used). I thinkthat the city should requirethis again,esp. forbig complexes like the oneon 64th - thesebig apt complexesshouldsupply somekind of recreational facilities. Alsofor purchasinglandsfor newparks or playgrounds- maybe the city shouldlook intothepurchasingof the landsas mentioned abovein CedarcrestManor. And have mini-parksto kind of satelliteoff Jennings Park. We need parks, but throughoutthe area,notjust in one location. (126) • Programsare ok - need more rec.classes. Send outmore newsletters- city councilshouldshowmore interestin parksand recreationinsteadof land use issues.Think about parksand tourism- existingparksare cooland theydo a greatjob maintainingthem-hire more rec. penple! (123) • Thereis a need forplaygroundsfor youngerchildrenage 3 to7 years. LibertyandCedarareverygoodareasforeasy access, butneedto beimprovedfor parkingandupkeep. We reallylikethe ideathatdevelopersshouldprovidepropertysincethey are usingall the desired areas. We also complimentyou on youreffort toimprove Marysville. We hope that your concernswillberecognized. (107) 73 CITYOF MARySVIllE • May4,1994/City of MarysvillelParks and RecreationlMarysville,Wa.982701Re:SurveylForgive me if I havent e answered eacbofthe questions.In thepastI bave observed that surveys arenot intended to"getthefeelofwbatthe public wants"butrather to beabletosay"Weaskedyouwbatyouwantandyoubave spoken andberearethe results." Coincidentally,the results seemto always comeout to be identical to the pre-existing sentiments of the authority doingthe survey --but now wecan tax you because thisiswbatwe interpreted your answers to mean.fThe factthatwebave another acreofparksor three extra swings isoflittle significance wbenwecannotcopewith regulating bebavior at public functions.Therebavebeen attempts tohave dances forthe younger crowd.Theywere discontinued because a couple of "bad apples"madea scene atthe activities.Theywere discontinued because wedon'thavebudgettopolicethemtothe extent necessary toensurepublic safety.Besides theyare primarily the responsibility ofthe parents andlets,instead,throw the parents in jailor fmethemiftheirkidsare found attending these uncivilized functions.Wedon'tbavetimeorbudgetto takeactionagainstthe offenders butrathertodoabroadbrusb "cop-out"againstthewboleage group.1I would liketosee more care,consideration and nurturing of the recreational needs ofthe younger crowdinorderthattheyfeelliketheyarepart of the community - nottobe regulated and turned away atevery opportunity.Acaseinpoint,Ordinance 1960.The theme,so far,seems to be "Wedon'tbavetimeorbudgetto enforce the existing regulations solet'spileon another threat orjail or fines."lIf youcanfilloutthe questionnaire to reflecttheabove sentiments,pleasedo so./Sincerely/(signature, name,address)(218) •Jennings Parkis anexampleofanexcellent facility.Weneedat leastoneortwosimilar parks.(188) •Jennings ParkandNatureTrailsisaverynicepark-Marysville needsanotherpark of thissizeandwiththe variety of activities it offers.Marysville's parksarewell maintained,wejustneedmoreof them.TheEastHillof Marysville is being overdeveloped andsomeofthisarea needs tobe purchased foralargeto medium sized park,Therearestillsome beautiful sections withnatural beauty,trees,andaviewofthewaterand wildlife.I'dlike to seethis developed intoparks or largeparkfor all the community insteadofjust bouses.(184) • Are yourneed questions regarding newand existing facilities orjustnew?(263) • Best wisbes toyou-the council andwethe people of Marysville!!(244) • Like "Music inthe Park"series.(238) 74 .;0:. ;'\~....,."':;:>',.....+.-,'",""'-.... .~"'"ANALYSIS OF NEED COMPREHENSIVE PARKSANDRECREAnON PLAN ANALYSIS OFNEED Needis the identification ofwhatwecanandshoulddoto offerthehighest quality parksand recreation opportunities possible. Needs are determined by comparing and contrasting thesupplyofparksand recreation opportunities with thedemandfor opportunities bothnowandin the future.Thisis doneby reviewing data provided through sourcessuchas the inventory,demographic projections,findings fromcommunity involvement processes, and standards.Fromthis review,needsare identified and recommendations regarding actions are developed. CONSIDERATION OF PARKS AND RECREATION STANDARDS Parksand recreation standards are statistically based recommendations forparksand recreation facilities. Oneofthe most commonly used setsof standards isthatofthe National Recreation and Parks Association. Anothersetis thatofthe Stateof Washington Interagency Committee forOutdoor Recreation.Bothof thesesetsof standards are included in Table#8 whichis displayed onthenext page.Thetablealsolists Marysville standards whichareNRPA and/orlAC standards thathavebeen adjusted toreflect maintenance of Marysville's currentlevelsofservice. CONSIDERATION OF REGIONAL AND NATIONAL TRENDS AND SURVEYS Oftenlocal communities finditofvalueto takeintoaccount information aboutparksand recreation developments on a regional oreven national level.Certainly national trendssuchas mountain biking,in- line skating,andadultsoccercanhaveagreatimpactin thelocal community.Reviewing research generated ona stateor national levelcanoftenbecost effective since conducting such research in thelocal community wouldbe fartoo costly. Several sources of information outsideof thelocal community werereviewedin the preparation ofthis report. These sources include: •Preliminary findings of the Statewide Outdoor Recreation and Resources Survey conducted forthe Interagency Committee for Outdoor Recreation in March,1994 •Americans Outdoors- aReportfromthe President's Commission 1987 • SoccerAccessby Neil Saunders,publishedby AccessPress,NY,1994 • OutdoorPursuitSeries:CanoeingbyLaurieGullion,published byHumanKinetic Publishers,1994 IDENTIFICATION OF MAJOR NEEDS By comparing and contrasting supplyanddemanddata,sevenmajorareasof needwere identified.These needsareidentifiedbelow. Thebasisfortheseneedsis discussed inthe following section. 1. NeedforTrails 2. NeedforEbeySlough Development 3. Needfor Athletic Fields 4. Needfor Neighborhood Parks 6. Needfor Community Parks 7. Needfor Community CenterFacilities 8. Needfor Recreation Programs/Services 77 CITY OF MARySVILLE APPLICATION OF STANDARDS Table#8:Comparison of standards to existing facilities and parklands to detennine needs for theyears1994and 1999 base on projected populations MARYSVILLE 1994NEED V.G.A.EXISTING 1994 1996 N.R.P.A LA.C STANDARDS POPULATION FACILITIES NEED NEED Baseball?softball 1/5,000 1/2,560 111,000 36 26 4 13 Soccer 1/10,000 1/2,750 111,500 24 19 5 7 Football 1/20,000 117,230 117.230 5 6 Golf- 18holes 1150,000 1136,300 1/36,300 I I Pool ~indoor 1/28,330 1/28.330 I 0 I I Pool- outdoor 1/20.000 1117,430 1117,430 2 0 2 2 Neighborhood Park 1.5 acrell,OOO I acrel1.890 1.5acrel1,000 54 acres 79 acres CommunityPark 6,5 acrell.OOO lacrel6,760 1.5acrel1,000 54 acres 81 acres Regional Park 1/24,000 1/24.000 I 0 Recreation Center 1/25,000 1/25.000 I 0 Tennis Courts 1/2,000 1/2,030 1/2.030 17 26 Bicycle Trails OJI milesll.OOO OJ I milesll,OOO II miles 0 II miles 12 miles WalkingTrails 0.28 milesll.OOO 0.28 milesll,OOO 10miles 8 miles 2 miles 3miles To provide further clarification,details on standards for neighborhood,community,and regional parks were included as part of the City of Marysville Proposed Interim Comprehensive Plan (March 24,1994). Neighborhood Park: an area of five acres or more used for intensive recreation activity such as field .. games,court games,skating,picnicking,etc.• Service Area: .75 mile radius Size:5+acres Standard:1.5 acres per 1,000 population Community Park: an area of diverse environmental quality.It may include areas suited for intense recreation facilities,areas of high natural quality for outdoor activities,passive use areas, or combinations of the above. Service Area: 3 mile radius Size:15+acres Standard:1.5 acres per 1,000 population Regional Park: an area of natural or ornamental quality for outdoor recreation such as picnicking,boating, fishing,swimming,camping,and trail uses; may include major fields and play areas.These facilities would serve a number of communities. Service Area: 1 hour driving time Size:200+acres Standard:15-20 acres per 1,000 population 78 COMPREHENSIVE PARKS AND RECREAnON PLAN ANALYSIS OF NEED 1.NEED FOR TRAILS SUPPLY •Currently Marysville has eight miles of walking trails, all of which is located within existing parks. • Within the City and throughout most of the service area there are no designated bike lanes along streets and roads. The County has developed bike lanes along a few roads in the north portion of the service area. •Currently there is no pedestrian access to Ebey Slough. DEMAND •Walking for pleasure is the number one recreational activity of Americans.(Americans Outdoors,1987) •According to a survey of parks and recreation professionals in Washington State surveyed, 91 percent predicted that walking for pleasure/exercise in local communities would increase, 78 percent predicted that bicycling would increase,and 54 percent predicted that mountain biking would increase.(lAC, 1994) • In a 1994 Marysville survey,biking/walking paths were the most frequently cited need in terms of recreation improvements within immediate neighborhoods.(Marysville,1994) • In a 1989 recreation survey, walking trails were identified as the most needed recreation improvement in Marysville while bicycle trails were identified as the fifth most needed recreation improvement. (Marysville,1989) •According to a 1989 recreation survey, walking,bicycling and nature walking were three of the five most common recreation activities in which Marysville households participate.(Marysville,1989) • In a 1989 Marysville resident opinion poll, the third most frequent suggestion for improving the community's physical development was to establish trails and sidewalks.(Marysville Poll, 1989) •According to lAC standards, the Marysville service area has an immediate need for 2 miles of walking trail and 11 miles of bicycle trail. •According to both the City of Marysville Planning Commission,nature trails,designated bike lanes along streets and roads, paved bike trails, and walking/jogging/skating trails are the most needed trails in Marysville.(Planning Commission,1994) •According to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee,designated bike lanes along streets and roads,paved bike trails, and walking/jogging/skating trails are the most needed trails in Marysville. (Advisory Committee,1994) • In a 1994 Marysville survey, a majority of the respondents felt there was a high need for designated bike lanes along streets and roads. A majority also felt there was a high need for walking/jogging/skating trails. In terms of nature trails, 40 percent of the respondents felt there was a high need and another 40 percent felt there was a moderate need. (Marysville, 1994) 79 CITY OF MARySVll.LE 2.NEED FOR EBEY SLOUGH DEVELOPMENT SUPPLY •Natural water resources inthe Marysville service areaare limited toEbeySloughand several streams and creeks.Therearenobodiesof saltwater andno freshwater lakes •Currently thereis no pedestrian accesstoEbeySloughfor recreational purposes. • Thereareno hand-carry boat launches alongEbey Slough. • Theusesof the downtown waterfront alongEbeySlough include a privatemarinaandboatyard,a lumberyard,anda sawmill.Thereisa small,singlelaneboatrampunderthe freeway overpass.Other thanthe concrete ramp,thesiteis undeveloped anddoesnothaveany amenities. DEMAND • Ina 1994 Marysville survey,a majority of the respondents (55 percent)felttherewasahighneedfor walking trails/path alongEbeySloughwhilean additional 26 percent felttherewasa moderate needfor thistypeof access.(Marysville,1994) • Ina 1994 Marysville survey,44 percentofthe respondents felttherewasahighneedfora picnicarea, 33percentfelttherewasa highneedfora water viewpoint,32 percent felttherewasa highneedfora fishing area,30percentfelttherewasa highneedforan expanded boat ramp,and24 percent feltthere wasa highneedfora hand-carry boatlaunchalongEbey Slough.(Marysville,1994) •According to boththeCityof Marysville Planning Commission andthe Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee,riversand streams werethe natural areas mostin needof protection in Marysville.(Advisory Committee,Planning Commission,1994) • The 1994 Interim Comprehensive Plan states,"Marysville's birthalongthe waterfront also indicates a _ needto recognize andrediscoverthe potential ofthatpartof downtown."(Interim Plan,1994,p.l3)• • "The popularity ofpaddlesporthas exploded inthelast decade,withan estimated 19 million peoplenow involved inthisformof self propelled travel.Canoeing hasa healthy future asmorepeoplebecome orientedtooutdoor recreation andseek low-impact waysto explore the environment."(Harrison,1988) • Ina 1994 Marysville survey,35 percent ofthe respondents felttherewasa highneedand28percentfelt therewasa moderate needfora boatramponEbey Slough.(Marysville,1994) • Inthepublic meeting heldtogather citizen inputonthe draft Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Plan, themost frequently chosen recommendation ina prioritization exercise wastodevelopa downtown waterfront plan. 80 COMPREHENSIVE PARKS ANDRECREATIONPLAN ANALYSIS OFNEED 3.NEED FOR ATHLETIC FIELDS SUPPLY • PubliclandsownedbytheCityof Marysville includeonlytwoathletic fields - a small baseball/softball fieldat Jennings Memorial Park anda small baseball/softball fieldat Northpointe Park. • TheMarysvilleSchoolDistrictowns 14schools,13of whicharewithintheparksandrecreationservice area. Theseschoolsinclude approximately 126acresof recreational lands.Recreational landsinclude children'splayareas, sportcourts, and fields used for football,soccer,baseball,andsoftball. •Marysville YouthSoccermaintainssixsoccerfieldsona schooldistrictexpansionsiteinthe northend of theservicearea. Mostof thesesoccerfieldswillbe eliminatedwhena newschoolis constructedon the site. • Withtheexceptionof the highschool baseball/softball fieldsand twooftheexpansionsitesoccer fields, softball,baseball,andsoccerare limitedto childrenand youthplaydue to thesizeoftheplaying fields. • Thereiscurrentlyonlyonelightedmajor baseball/softball fieldin the Marysville servicearea. DEMAND • In a 1994Marysvillesurvey,62 percent ofthe respondents feltthe Cityof Marysvilleshouldpursuethe development ofan athleticfield complex.(Marysville,1994) •According tothe CityofMarysvilleParksand Recreation Department,approximately 15teamsare turnedawayeach year from participating inthe Slo-PitchSoftballLeagueduetotheshortage of fields. • In a 1994Marysvillesurvey,32percentofthe respondents felttherewasa highneedand33percentfelt therewasa moderateneedfor additional softballlbaseball fields.(Marysville,1994) • In a 1994Marysvillesurvey,22 percentofthe respondents felttherewasa highneedand42 percentfelt therewasa moderateneedfor additional soccer fields.(Marysville,1994) • All members of the Parksand Recreation Advisory Committeefelttherewasa highneedfor largeparks with diversefacilitiessucha fields,courts,playgrounds,naturalareas,picnicareasandtrailsin Marysville.72 percentofthe Advisory Committee felttherewasa highneedforlargeregionalparks withdiverse facilities suchas campgrounds,boatramps,and/orlargeathletic complexes.(Advisory Committee,1994) • In a meetingof representatives fromsixathletic associations,therewas consensus thatthedevelopment ofa regional athleticcomplexis a high priority.(AthleticAssoc.,1994) • In a meeting of representatives fromsixathletic associations,lack of fieldswascitedbyallasone ofthe threebiggest organizational hasslestheir groupsfaces.(AthleticAssoc., 1994) •According to standards identified for Marysville,thereisanimmediateneedforfivesoccerfieldsand four baseball/softballfields. (Standards, 1994) • Socceris unquestionably the fastestgrowingsport in theUnitedStates. (Saunders,1994) • From 1984to 1993thenumberof playersinvolvedin MarysvilleYouthSoccerrosefrom600 to approximately 1500. (AthleticAssoc., 1994) • In thepastfouryears,therehasbeena 20percentincreaseinthenumberof teams participating inthe ParksandRecreationDepartment'sSlo-PitchSoftballLeague. • Althoughthereis a growinginterestin adultsoccer,thereiscurrentlynofieldspaceintheMarysville servicearea. AdultsmusttraveltoEverettto participate.(Marysville Youth Soccer,1994) 81 CITYOF MARYSVILLE 4.NEED FOR NEIGHBORHOOD PARKS SUPPLY • TheCityof Marysville Parks and Recreation Department ownsand operates five developed neighborhood parks.TheCityalsoownsasevenacre undeveloped sitecalledOld Cedarcrest Reservoir whichhasthe potential to be developed intoa neighborhood park. • The Marysville School District ownseight elementary schools which included amenities associated with neighborhood parks. • The Marysville parks and recreation serviceareais divided into twelve planning areasbasedon residential neighborhoods orspecific activity centerssuchas industrial areasor downtown.The definition oftheseis basedon historical communities and landmarks aswellas natural dividing characteristics.Inits Proposed Interim Comprehensive Plan,theCityof Marysville set forth thatwithin eachplanningarea residents should be within walking distance ofa neighborhood park,public recreation area, or school. DEMAND • In a 1994 Marysville survey,children's playareaswererankedasthemostneeded recreation facility in the community.(Marysville,1994) • In a 1994 Marysville survey,theneedforactiveparkswith fields,courts,and/or playgrounds and within walking distance fromhomewasratedas a first priority intermsof parks neededin Marysville. Ofthe respondents,43 percent felttherewasahighneedforthesetypesofparksandan additional 33 percentfelttherewasa moderate need.(Note:largeparkswith diverse recreation withinaten minute drivefromhomealsorankedas a first priority.)(Marysville,1994)_ • In a 1994 Marysville survey,32percentofthe respondents felttherewasahighneedand36percentfelt • therewasa moderate needforsmall"lotsize"parkswithina few minutes walking distance from home. (Marysville,1994) •According to the 1994 Interim Cityof Marysville Comprehensive Plan,"Generally every Planning Area shouldhavea neighborhood park unless itis sufficiently servedbylinear park/trails or community park(s)." (InterimPlan,1994,p.1l2) • Ina meetingwiththeCityof Marysville Planning Commission,50percentof the commissioners indicateda highneedand50percenta moderate needforactive parks with fields,courts,and/or playgrounds whichare located within walking distancefrom home.(Planning Commission,1994) 82 COMPREHENSIVE PARKS AND RECREATION PLAN ANALYSIS OF NEED tit 5. NEED FOR COMMUNITY PARKS SUPPLY • The City of Marysville owns and operates one community park -Jennings Memorial Park.Jennings is a highly rated park with a variety of amenities including children's play areas,picnicking,a fish pond, wetlands, nature trail, petting zoo,playfield,an experimental garden, a compost demonstration site, and a multi-purpose barn. • The City owns a 31 acre site called Sunnyside Wells.Although undeveloped,the site has the potential to support a community park. The site includes an overgrown pasture and several acres of steeply sloped and wooded ravine. •Another potential community park site is McDonald's Barn and Farm.Currently privately owned,this 20 acre site is located in a rural area which will soon be developed. DEMAND • In a 1994 Marysville survey, the need for large parks with diverse recreation within a ten minute drive from home was rated as a first priority in terms of parks needed in Marysville.Of the respondents,47 percent felt there was a high need for these types of parks and an additional 27 percent felt there was a moderate need. (Note: active parks with fields, courts,and/or playgrounds;within walking distance from home also ranked as a first priority.)(Marysville,1994) • All members of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee felt there was a high need for large parks with diverse facilities such a fields, courts,playgrounds,natural areas,picnic areas, and trails in Marysville.In addition,57 percent felt there was a high need for active parks with fields, courts,and/or playgrounds which are located within walking distance from home.(Advisory Committee,1994) • In a meeting with the City of Marysville Planning Commission,83 percent felt there was a high need and 17 percent a moderate need for natural areas/green ways. 50 percent of the commissioners indicated a high need and 50 percent a moderate need for active parks with fields, courts,and/or playgrounds which are located within walking distance from home.(Planning Commission,1994) • In a 1994 survey,respondents felt that 25 percent of the funds available for parks and recreation should be used to purchase land for future park development,23 percent to improve existing park lands and recreation facilities (excluding school properties),and 20 percent to purchase environmentally sensitive lands for preservation as natural areas. 83 CITYOF MARYSVlLLE 6. NEED FOR COMMUNITY CENTER FACILITIES SUPPLY • Otherthana multi-purpose bamat Jennings Memorial Park,theCityof Marysville doesnotownany otherindoor recreation facilities. • Withintheserviceareatherearetwelve schools which include indoorgymsand classroom spaceandare usedfor recreational purposes.The Marysville Pilchuck HighSchoolhasan indoor swimming pool whichis usedby theschoolsandas a corrununity pool. • The MarysvilleINorth CountyFamily YMCA is constructing anew facility in Marysville located nextto AllenCreek Elementary School.The facility is scheduled for completion in surruner 1995.When constructed it willincludea gym,pool,joggingtrack,aerobic room,weightroom,two racquetball courts,andmeetingrooms. •Privately ownedindoor facilities in Marysville include amovie theater,rollerskating rink,andbowling alley. •Currently thereisnoteen center,senior citizen center,museum,or athletic/recreation centerwiththe Marysville service area. DEMAND • In a 1994 Marysville survey,60percentofthe respondents felttheCity should buildandoperatea teen center,57percentfeltthe Cityshouldbuildand operate a corrununity athletic/recreation center,46 percentfelttheCityshouldoperatea senior center,and35percentfelttheCity should buildand operate a corrununity meetinghall.(Marysville,1994) • In a 1989 recreation survey,a corrununity centerwithan indoor swimming poolwas identified asthe ,. secondmost important recreation facility needed in Marysville.In addition,63percentofthe • respondents felttheCityshouldoperateateen center,55percentfelttheCity should provide a historical museum,and67percentfelttheCity should operatea senior center.(Marysville,1989) • In a 1990 Marysville survey,a majority of the respondents supported the formation of a parkand recreation districtto develop and manage a corrununity center.However,a majority of respondents were opposed to the development ofa city-owned and managed corrununity center.(Marysville,1990) • In a 1990 Marysville survey,themost desired corrununity center facilities wereateen center,senior center,and swimming pool.(Marysville,1990) • In a 1994 Marysville survey,42 percent ofthe respondents felttherewasahighneedand33percentfelt therewasa moderate needfora swimming poolin Marysville.(Marysville,1994) • In a 1994 Marysville survey,27percentof the respondents felt there wasa highneedand28percentfelt therewasa moderate needfora gymnasium in Marysville.(Marysville,1994) 84 COMPREHENSIVE PARKS ANDRECREATIONPLAN ANALYSIS OFNEED 7. NEED FOR WILDLIFE HABITAT/NATURAL AREAS SUPPLY • Otherthan tenacresof countyownedlandat MotherNature'sWindow,the Cityisthe only organization thatownslandswhichmay be preservedas naturalareaswithinthe servicearea. • Thereare no stateor federallyowned forests,parks,recreational lands,and/ornaturalareaswithinthe servicearea. •Although wildlifehabitatsexistwithincityownedparklands,no formal identification hasbeenmade. • Thereare several landsownedbythe Citywhichhavethepotentialincludehabitat conservation areas. • 15acresof the30 acreReganPropertywhichis locatedalongEbeySloughhavebeenidentifiedas mitigated wetlands. DEMAND • In a 1989Marysvilleresidentsurvey,82percentof the respondents feltthateffortsto conservenatural greenbeltsandopenspaceshould be madeand54percentstatedtheywould fmancially supportsuch efforts;88percentfeltthat environmentally sensitiveareasshouldbe preserved;and 84percentfeltthat open(natural)areasshouldbe preservedwithinresidentialareas.(Marysville,1989) • In a 1994Marysvillesurvey,35 percentof the respondents felttherewasa highneed and35percenta moderateneedfornatural areaslgreenways.(Marysville,1994) • In a 1994Marysvillesurvey,respondents feltthat approximately 20 percentof parksand recreation fundsshouldbe spent on purchasing environmentally sensitivelandsforpreservationasnaturalareas. (Marysville,1994) • In a 1994Marysvillesurvey,a majorityofrespondentsfeltthattherewas a highneedto protectstreams, woodedareas,and wildlifehabitatin Marysville.(Marysville,1994) •According to boththe CityofMarysvillePlanning Commission and theParksand Recreation Advisory Committee,riversandstreamswerethenaturalareasmostin needofprotectionin Marysville.(Advisory Committee,PlanningCommission, 1994) 85 CITY OF MARYSVILLE 8.NEED FOR RECREATION PROGRAMS/SERVICES SUPPLY •Although theCitydoesnotownanyindoor recreation facilities exceptthebarnat Jennings Memorial park,a strong interlocal agreement withthe Marysville School District givestheparksand recreation department access to the school facilities for recreational programs. • The Marysville School District Community Education Department offers recreational programs including several whicharejointly sponsored bythe Marysville Parks and Recreation Department. •Recreation programs available to Marysville residents rangefrom summer playground programs tocake decorating classes.Several athletic leaguessponsor organized sports-baseball,softball,and soccer. TheCityof Marysville sponsors an adultslo-pitch softball league. DEMAND • In a 1994 Marysville survey,77percentofthe respondents felttheCityshould sponsor moreafter school programs forchildrenandyouth.(Marysville,1994) • In a 1994 Marysville survey,60percentof the respondents feltthecityshouldbuildand operate ateen center.(Marysville,1994) • In a 1989 recreation survey,63percentofthe respondents feltthecity should operate ateen center. (Marysville survey,1989) • In a 1994 Marysville survey,57percentof the respondents ratedthecurrentlevelofparksand recreation opportunities asfairorpoorfor teenagers and52 percent ratedthe opportunities foryoungadultsas fair or poor.(Marysville,1994) •According toa survey of Marysville Youth conducted bytheParksand Recreation Department in 1993,.. thecostof recreation programs wasthemost important factorwhen deciding whether or notto • participate ina program. 86 ACTION PLAN .<' \\:>., .. & CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN COMPREHENSIVE PARKS ANDRECREATIONPLAN ACTION PLAN &CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN Theactionplan is a specific statement of howthegoalsand policies of theCityof Marysville Parksand Recreation Departmentwillbe achievedoverthenextfiveyears. The actionplanconsistsofa numberof clearlydefmedstrategies. Thesestrategiesarethe meansby whichthegoalsandpolicieswill be achieved. Sinceallparksand recreation programs operatewithina varietyof constraints,developing recommendations includesmakingdifficultchoicesabout priorities tobe pursuedoverthenextfiveyears. However,theprioritiesthatare identifiedareintendedto guide,not dictateaction. Thechangingnatureof communities mandatesthat comprehensive planningbe an on-goinganddynamic process. Strategies mustbe developed carefullyin ordertobalancethecurrentandfuture demands and needsofthe community withthe currentandfutureresourcesofthe community.Guidelinesfortheirdevelopmentare: •Strategies should be designedto maximize,but not overburden,the resourcesofthe community. •Consideration mustbe givento the infrastructure of thecommunityin termsof itscurrentandfuture abilityto supportthe proposed strategies.Suchelementsas financial resources,volunteerand staffing resources,andgeneral commitment to parksand recreation development mustbe considered. •Strategies shouldaddressnotonlythe needsofthe currentfive-yearperiodbut alsoshouldlaya foundation uponwhichtobuildover the longterm. •Strategies shouldbe designedto meetthe diverseneedsofthe community. In thisactionplan, two formats areusedto presentthe strategies.First,each majorneedis identifiedwith its relevantstrategies. Second,thestrategiesarepresentedby year. 89 CITYOF MARYSVILLE NEED FOR TRAILS -STRATEGIES e 1.Develop atrailalongthedike which follows theshoreofEbeySlougheastof the waste treatment facility a.define governing agencies and jurisdictions responsible forthe management oftheEbeySlough waterway b.explore the impact ontrailof periodic slough flooding c.research anddefine ownership of theEbeySloughdike right-of-way d.explore liability exposure iftrailwereto be developed e.explore potential impactoftrail development on adjacent private property f.explore theneedforsafety precautions in steeply sloped areas g.determine appropriate surface fortrail construction being sensitive to preserving the natural state ofthe surrounding property h.develop the trail 1.develop a policy which allows multiple usestotheextent possible basedonthewidthof the trail J.explore continuation ofthe trail fromEbeySloughto Sunnyside Blvdand/or Centennial Trail k.develop a coordination/management policy withtheEbeySloughDike District I.develop an extension oftheEbeySloughtrailto Sunnyside Blvdand/or Centennial Trail 2.Redesign the proposed OtterPark Athletic Complex to include a trail system a.redesign theparkplanto include apavedtrailthatruns around thepark b. planfornight lighting of in-park trails c.develop a trail to connect theparkto Centennial Trail 3.Appoint a Trails Advisory Committee asa standing committee ofthe Marysville Park Board and .. coordinate efforts withthe Marysville Traffic Committee • 4. Developand initiate aplanfor designating bikelaneson streets androads throughout the community 5. Developa trails systemin Sunnyside Wells(see Community Parks) 6.Delineate the unpaved trailat Northpointe Parkwith fencing and signage 7.Renovate theexistingnature trail through Jennings Park (see Community Parks) 8. Considertrailsasan integral partof future building construction by recommending apolicywhich requires thatallnew development include appropriate bike lanes,on through streets,to complement existing bike/walk corridors 9.Explore the potential to use utility right -of-way corridors fortrail development with potential connection to Centennial Trail 10. Workwith Marysville Public Works Department tolocate future security fencing around waste treatment ponds sothatdikearea around pondsis retained for possible recreational use 11.Coordinate a trailsbondissuetobe presented inFall, 1994 12. Workwith Snohomish County to establish a watertrailalongEbeySlough(seeEbeySlough Development) 90 COMPREHENSIVE PARKSAND RECREATION PLAN ACTION PLAN &CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN NEED FOR ESEY SLOUGH DEVELOPMENT -STRATEGIES I.Develop a newboatramp a. explore potential tidelands impacton feasibility oframp b.acquirellease waterfront property atWelco Property forthe development ofasinglelaneboat ramp,parkingfor 30cars and trailers,restrooms,landscaping,andsmallpicnicarea c.construct theboatramp 2. Acquire property tocreate access totheRegan Property siteinorderto develop a trail-head toinclude parking anda hand-carry boatlaunch 3.Develop a picnicareaalongtheEbey Slough traileastoftheRegan Property trail-head 4.Initiate redevelopment ofEbeySlough waterfront a.Develop a downtown waterfront planto initiate redevelopment and creation of recreational use through the acquisition ofprivatelands b.Acquire propertyfor waterfront park c.Develop waterfront park 5.Evaluate enhancement ofmarinaareaforpublicuse 6. Workwith Snohomish CountytoestablishawatertrailalongEbeySlough 7. Developprogramforthe management ofEbeySlough recreational users 8.Investigate potential for recreational useof Poortinga Property 9.Encourage management of environmentally sensitive usesofEbey Slough a.Identify appropriate portions ofEbeySloughashabitat conservation areas(seeWildlife Habitat) b.Coordinate design and development oftheEbeySloughtrailwiththeexisting sensitive areas ordinance (see Wildlife Habitat) 10. Explore potential of dredging sloughto enhance recreational boating opportunities NEED FOR ATHLETIC FIELDS -STRATEGIES I.Develop OtterPark Athletic Complex a.investigate funding alternatives including the feasibility of forming a special purpose districtand develop a fmancing plan b.reconfigure siteplanto accommodate soccer expansion,recreational basketball courts,anda volleyball court c.redesign the Athletic Complex to include atrailsystem(seeTrails) d.acquire additional land e.construct theparkthroughphased development f.develop and implement a marketing plan 2.Develop and implement a plan,in cooperation withthe Marysville School District and local athletic associations,toextenduseof someof theexisting fields by providing nightlightinganddrainage improvements 3.Renovate theoutdoor recreation facilities at existing school siteswhichare currently unsuitable 4. Develop "pick-up"fields at Sunnyside WellsPark(see Community Parks) 91 CITY OF MARYSVILLE NEED FOR NEIGHBORHOOD PARKS -STRATEGIES 1.Evaluate existing park sites for potential 'pick-up game' field development 2.Complete Northpointe Park development in-progress 3. Add more playground equipment at Hickok Park 4. Improve Comeford Park by enhancing landscaping and adding more play equipment 5. Identify and prioritize future neighborhood park needs within each planning area 6. Work with the City of Marysville Library to develop a children's outdoor play area on the library property 7. Investigate the development of a neighborhood park at Old Cedarcrest Reservoir 8. Recommend a parks and recreation mitigation policy NEED FOR COMMUNITY PARKS 1.Develop Sunnyside Wells site into a nature park a. design and develop an adventure/nature trail within the park b.develop small 'pick-up'game fields c.construct a children's play area d. develop a picnic ground including uncovered and covered areas e. develop parking f.develop restrooms h. identify appropriate portions of the property as Habitat Conservation Areas (see Wildlife Habitat) I.identify and protect wetland areas (see Wildlife Habitat) J. explore trail connection from park to Centennial Trail k. identify appropriate portions of the property for mountain biking I.design use of site for fire station and park while retaining it as water utility site 2.Improve Jennings Park a. add more play areas and more playground equipment b. add more picnic tables and benches near play areas c. add centralized electric barbecue grills for community use d. increase variety of teen and adult activities by adding basketball courts and/or sand volleyball court while still retaining the "natural"atmosphere e. renovate nature trail f. designate wetlands as Habitat Conservation Area (see Wildlife Habitat) 3.Explore the potential of obtaining McDonald's farm/bam for future development into a community park NEED FOR COMMUNITY CENTER FACILITIES -STRATEGIES 1. Investigate the potential of forming a park and recreation district to finance the development of a community recreation center 2. Investigate the City's ability to improve/operate the gymnasium portion of the existing YMCA building for public use 3.Explore use of existing library,existing city hall, or acquisition of lOOF building (Chita's) for use as a historical museum/cultural arts center 92 COMPREHENSIVE PARKSAND RECREATION PLAN ACTION PLAN &CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN NEED FOR PROTECTION OF WILDLIFE HABITATS/NATURAL AREAS 1.Develop SunnysideWellssiteintoa naturepark(see Community Parks) a. Designate appropriate portionsas Habitat Conservation Areas b.Identify andprotectexisting wetlands 2.Renovate naturetrailat Jennings Park(see trails/community park) 3.Encourage management of environmentally sensitiveusesofEbeySlough a. Identify appropriate portionsofEbeySloughas habitat conservation areas. b.Coordinate designand development ofEbeySloughtrailwittheexistingsensitiveareas ordinance c. WorkwithSnohomishCountyonthe development of a watertrail(seeEbeySlough Development) 4. Supporteffortsto preserveMother Nature's Windowas a naturalarea 5.Develop andadopta policythat emphasizes stream management practices in park development 6.Develop a comprehensive programfor preserving wildlife habitats a.Designate Quilceda Creek/Quilane Parkasa Habitat Conservation Area b.Designate wetlandsat Jennings Parkas aHabitat Conservation Area c.Designate appropriateportionsofReganPropertyas Habitat Conservation Areas 7.Enhance protection of open space/greenbelts a. Identifyopen space/greenbelts throughout the community b. Exploreliabilityissuesrelatedto transitioninglacquiring landforpublic ownership c.Develop a planfor initiating transferif liabilityissuesare addressable NEED FOR RECREATION PROGRAMS/SERVICES -STRATEGIES I.Encourage private businesses whichoffer recreational servicesto locatein Marysville by working withtheChamberofCommerceandthe Snohomish CountyEconomic Development Councilin providing relevant information to prospective businesses 2.Promote afterschoolandevening programs forteens 3.Develop a youthandadult volleyball league 4.Coordinate drop-in opportunities for youthandadult basketball at school facilities 5.Develop additional cultural art programs . 6.Develop programs for individuals withspecialneeds 7.Develop senior programming 8. Expand recreational programming foryoungchildren 93 CITY OF MARySVILLE STRATEGIES -1994 1.TRAILS • Define governing agencies and jurisdictions responsible forthe management of theEbey Slough waterway •Research and define ownership oftheEbeySloughdike right-of-way • Explore liability exposure ifEbeySloughtrailweretobe developed • Explore potential impactofEbey Slough trail development on adjacent private property • Explore continuation oftrail from Ebey Slough to Sunnyside Blvd and/or Centennial Trail •Appoint aTrails Advisory Committee asa standing committee of the Marysville Pad:Boardand coordinate efforts withthe Marysville Traffic Committee •Develop abikelaneplanfor designating bike lanes on streets and roads throughout the community •Consider trailsasan integral partof building construction by recommending a policy which requires thatallnew development include appropriate bike lanes,onthrough streets,to complement existing bike/walk corridors • Explorethe potential touse utility right-of-way corridors fortrail development with potential connection to Centennial Trail • Workwith Marysville Public Works Department to locate future security fencing around waste treatment pondssothatdikearea around pondsis retained for possible recreational use •Coordinate atrailsbondissuetobe presented in Fall,1994 2.ATHLETIC FIELDS •Acquire additional landatOtter Pad:e •Investigate funding alternatives including the feasibility of forming a special purpose district and develop a financing planforOtter Pad:Athletic Complex 3. NEIGHBORHOOD PARKS • Complete Northpointe Park development in-progress • Addmore playground equipment at Hickok Park • WorkwiththeCityof Marysville Libraryto develop a children's outdoor playareaonthe library property •Recommend aparksand recreation mitigation policy 4. RECREATION PROGRAMS/SERVICES •Promote after-school and evening programs for teens 5. WILDLIFE HABITAT/NATURAL AREAS • SupporteffortstoprotectMother Nature's Window asa natural area 94 COMPREHENSIVE PARKS AND RECREATION PLAN ACTION PLAN &CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN STRATEG I ES -1995 1. EBEY SLOUGH • Explore potential tidelands impacton feasibility ofanewboatramp •Acquirel1ease waterfront property at Welco Property forthe development of asinglelaneboatramp, parkingfor30carsand trailers,restroorns,landscaping,andsmallpicnicarea • Acquire property tocreate access totheRegan Property siteinorderto develop a trail-head toinclude parkinganda hand-carry boatlaunch • Developa downtown waterfront planto initiate redevelopment and creation of recreational use throughthe acquisition of private lands •Evaluate enhancement of marinaareaforpublicuse •Develop programforthe management ofEbey Slough recreational users 2. ATHLETIC FIELDS •Prepare OtterParksitefor construction •Reconfigure OtterParksiteplanto accommodate soccer expansion,recreational basketball courts,and a volleyball court •Develop and implement a marketing planforOtterPark • Acquire additional landatOtterPark 3.TRAILS •Redesign theOtterParktoincludea pavedtrailthatrunsaroundthepark • Planfornight lighting of OtterParktrails •Develop a coordination/management policywiththeEbeySloughDikeDistrict • Explorethe impactonEbeySloughtrailof periodic sloughflooding • Exploretheneedforsafety precautions insteeply sloped areasalongEbeySlough •Determine appropriate surfaceforEbeySloughtrail construction being sensitive to preserving the naturalstateofthe surrounding property • Developa policywhichallowsmultipleusesofEbeySloughtrailto theextent possible basedonthe widthofthetrail •Designate bikelaneson streets androads • Designan adventure/nature trailat Sunnyside Wells •Renovate theexistingnaturetrailthrough Jennings Park •Delineate the unpaved trailat Northpointe Parkwith fencing andsignage 4.RECREATION PROGRAMS/SERVICES •Develop ayouthandadult volleyball league •Coordinate drop-in opportunities foryouthandadult basketball atschool facilities • Expand recreation program foryoung children 95 ,--------~--------------------------------_._-----_.- CTIY OF MARySVllLE 5. WILDLIFE HABITATS/NATURAL AREAS •Identify appropriate portionsofEbeySloughasHabitat Conservation Areas •Coordinate designand development oftheEbeySloughtrailwiththeexisting sensitive areas ordinance •Identify appropriate portionsof Sunnyside Wellsas Habitat Conservation Areas •Identify andtakestepsto protectwetlandareasat Sunnyside Wells •Designate wetlands at Jennings ParkasHabitat Conservation Area • Supporteffortsto preserveMotherNature'sWindowasa naturalarea •Designate Quilceda Creek/Quilane Parkasa Habitat Conservation Area • Designate appropriate portions ofRegan Property asHabitat Conservation Areas • Identifyopen space/greenbelts throughout the community • Exploreliabilityissuesrelatedto transitioning/acquiring landforpublic ownership and develop aplan for initiating transferif liability issues are addressable • SupporteffortstopreserveMotherNature'sWindowasa naturalarea 6. COMMUNITY PARKS • Addmoreplay areasandmore playground equipment at Jennings Park • Addmorepicnictablesand benches nearplayareas at Jennings Park •Renovate naturetrailat Jennings Park 7. COMMUNITY CENTER FACILITIES •Investigate theCity'sabilityto improve/operate the gymnasium portion oftheexistingYMCA buildingfor publicuse 8. NEIGHBORHOODPARKS • Evaluateexistingparksitesforpotential 'pick-up game'field development STRATEGIES -1996 1. ATHLETIC FIELDS • Complete construction of OtterPark •Acquire additional land at OtterPark •Renovate theoutdoor recreation facilities atexisting school siteswhichare currently unsuitable 2. EBEY SLOUGH • Constructa newboatramponEbeySlough • Developa picnicareaalongtheEbeySloughtraileastoftheRegan Property trail-head • Work with Snohomish Countytoestablisha watertrailalongEbeySlough 3.TRAILS • DevelopEbeySloughtrail • Designatebikelaneson streetsandroads 4. NEIGHBORHOOD PARKS • Identifyandprioritizefuture neighborhood parkneeds within each planning area 96 COMPREHENSIVE PARKS ANDRECREAnON PLAN ACTION PLAN &CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PLAN 5. COMMUNITY PARKS •Identify appropriate portionsof Sunnyside Wellsfor mountain biking •Design useof SunnysideWellssitefor fire stationandparkwhileretainingitas waterutilitysite • Add centralized electric barbecue grillsfor community useat Jennings Park •Increase varietyofteenandadult activities by adding basketball courtsand/orsandvolleyballcourt whilestillretainingthe "natural"atmosphere at Jennings Park •Construct an adventure/nature trailwithin Sunnyside Wells 6. WILDLIFE HABITAT/NATURAL AREAS •Develop andadopta policythat emphasizes stream management practices in park development • Supporteffortsto preserveMotherNature'sWindowas a naturalarea 7. RECREATION PROGRAMS/SERVICES •Develop recreation programs for individuals with special needs •Develop additional cultural art programs •Encourage private businesses whichoffer recreational servicesto locatein Marysville by working withtheChamberof Commerce andthe Snohomish County Economic Development Councilin providing relevantinformationto prospective businesses. STRATEG IES -1997 1. NEIGHBORHOOD PARKS • ImproveComefordParkbyenhancing landscaping andaddingmoreplay equipment 2. COMMUNITY PARK •Develop "pick-up"fieldsat Sunnyside Wells • Constructa children's playareaat Sunnyside Wells •Develop a picnicground including uncovered and coveredareasatSunnysideWells •Develop parkingparkingatSunnysideWells •Develop restroorns at Sunnyside Wells • Exploretrail connection from Sunnyside Wellsto Centennial Trail 3.TRAILS •Designate bikelaneson streetsandroads •Develop a trailtoconnectOtterParktothe Centennial Trail 4. WILDLIFE HABITAT/NATURAL AREAS • Supporteffortsto preserveMotherNature'sWindowasa naturalarea 5. EBEY SLOUGH DEVELOPMENT •Acquire propertyfor waterfrontpark 6. RECREATION PROGRAMS/SERVICES •Develop senior programming 7.ATHLETIC FIELDS •Develop and implement a plan,in cooperation withthe Marysville SchoolDistrictandlocal athletic associations,to extenduseof someof theexisting fields by providing nightlightinganddrainage improvements 97 CITY OF MARySVILLE STRATEGIES -1998 1.TRAILS •Designate bikelanesonstreetsandroads 2. NEIGHBORHOODPARKS •Investigate the development ofa neighborhood parkatOld Cedarcrest Reservoir 3. COMMUNITY CENTER FACILITIES •Investigate the potential of forming of a parkand recreation districtto fmance the development ofa community recreation center 4. WILDLIFE HABITAT/NATURAL AREAS • Supporteffortsto preserveMotherNature'sWindowasa naturalarea 5. EBEY SLOUGH DEVELOPMENT • Develop waterfront park 6. COMMUNITY PARKS • Explorethe potential ofobtaining McDonald's farm/bam forfuture development intoa community park STRATEGIES -1999 1.TRAILS • Designatebikelanesonstreetsandroads • DevelopanextensionoftheEbeySloughtrailto Sunnyside Blvdand/or Centennial Trail 2. COMMUNITY CENTER FACILITIES • Exploreuseofexistinglibrary,existingcityhall,or acquisition of lOOFbuilding (Chita's)for useas a historical museum/cultural arts center 3. WILDLIFE HABITAT/NATURAL AREAS • Supporteffortsto preserveMotherNature'sWindowas a naturalarea 4. EBEY SLOUGH DEVELOPMENT •Investigate potential for recreational useof Poortinga Property • Explore potential of dredging sloughto enhance recreational boating opportunities 98 e MARYSVILLE PARKS AND RECREATION e 1994 - 1999 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM AGENCymEPAR~NAME:City of Marysville -Parks &Recreation DATE:June 27,1994 ADDRESS:6915 Annar Road COMPLETEDBY:_ CITY,ZIPCODE:Marysville,WA 98270 SIGNATURE:,_ PHONE:(206)659-3005 TITLE:_ 01PdM*F Ad 'or rmrustrauve an anagernent urposes mv ESTIMATED COST PER YEAR PRIORITY FACILITY SOURCE OF OF PROJECf IMPLEMENT AllON PROJECf NAME (BYYEAR)TYPE FUNDING 1994 1995 1996 1997 1998 1999 Otter Park ~Acquisition 1994/95 B, CO, L,M 90K 260K ??? Otter Park -Development 1995/96 BS,CPK,P,PE,S,TP same as above 200K 4.42M Hickok Park 1994 PE L 5K Jennings Memorial Park -Improvements 1994-98 BB,P,PE,TP L,G,M 40K 40K 50K 10K Ebey Slough - Trail Acquisition 1995 B,L,M,U 265K Ebey Slough - Trail Development 1996-1998 TB,TP same as above 300K 300K Sunnyside Wells - Park Development 1996-1998 BS,CPK,P,PE,TP B,L,M 200K 700K Ccdarcrcst Golf Course -Improvements 1995-99 CPK R 426K 350K 1I0K 87K Northpointc Park -Improvements 1995 PE,TP L 9K Ehcy Slough -Water Access 1996 B,LOF,P L,M 330K Comeford Park -Improvements 1997 PE L,G 35K Ebey Slough -Waterfront Park 1997 WF,P a,L,M,U ?11 117 Source of funding codes:B bond issue M matching funds,grants,etc, Co county R revenue G gifts U unknown L local funds Facility type codes:B boating facility NPK neighborhood park TB trail-bicycle BB basketball!other courts P picnic area TP trail pedestrian BS baseball/softball fields PE play equipment WF waterfront CPK community park S soccer (... ," ,"'\--. ,,"",....."..,;".,... APPENDIX A uRBAN WILDLIFE HABITAT PLAN _._--_._------------------------------- COMPREHENSIVE PARKS AND RECREATION PLAN APPENDIX A-URBAN WILDLIFE HABITAT APPENDIX A -URBAN WILDLIFE HABITAT PLAN Fundsfor preserving wildlife habitats in urbanareasare available throughthe Stateof Washington Interagency Committee for Outdoor Recreation.These funds areforprojectsthat: • Providehabitatforwildlife species,foodfish,shellfish,or freshwateror marinefishin proximityto a metropolitan area. • Serveas a corridorfor wildlife movement inexisting population areas. •Include and encourage publicusefor wildlife interpretation and observation. Thissectionofthereport discusses sensitive areasin the Marysville serviceareawhichalsoserveas important urban wildlife habitats.Itis hoped thisreportwillenabletheCityof Marysville to takethefirst step toward securingthe assistance of Snohomish County andtheStateof Washington infurther identifying and preserving thesetypesof sensitive areas WHATIS URBAN WILDLIFE HABITAT? RCW 43.98A.01O (8)statesthaturban wildlife habitatisland that provideshabitat important to wildlife in proximity to metropolitan areas. HASTHE IMPORTANCE OF URBAN WILDLIFE HABITAT BEEN RECOGNIZED IN MARYSVILLE? In 1993,theCityof Marysville approved a Sensitive Areas Ordinance.The ordinance addresses the mannerin which wetlands,waters,creeks,geologic hazardareas,andfishandwildlifehabitatareaswill be managed bythe City.The ordinance in basedon sensitive areasnotedon maps prepared by Snohomish CountyandadoptedbytheCity. The ordinance acknowledges that sensitive areas performmanyimportant biological and physical functions that benefit theCityof Marysville andits residents. Wetlands helpto maintain water quality;storingand conveying stormwaterand floodwater;recharging groundwater;providing important fishand wildlife habitat;andservingas areasfor recreation,education, and scientific studyand aesthetic appreciation. Fish and wildlife habitatareas maintain genetic and species diversity;provide opportunities for food, cover,nesting,breeding,andmovementfor fish and wildlife;serveas areas for recreation,education,and scientific study,and aesthetic appreciation;helpto maintain air andwater quality;control erosion;and provide neighborhood separation andvisual diversity withinurbanareas. WHATARETHE POTENTIAL URBAN WILDLIFE HABITATS IN MARYSVILLE? The importance ofriversand streams as wildlife habitats inthe Marysville community cannotbe overstated.Ebey Slough,Allen Creek,and Quilceda Creekare three ofthe environmentally significant waterways in Marysville.These waterways areknownfortheirnaturalresource qualities as wellastheir roleindefming Marysville as a community. A second important typeof wildlife habitatis forested areas.Despitethefactthatthe forest in Marysville werethe foremost attraction forwhite settlers whocametotheareainthe 1870s,stepsmustbetakento maintain the forested areas that remain. 99 CITY OF MARySVILLE 1. EBEY SLOUGH e Ebey Slough,thelongestsidechannelof theSnohomishRiverisalso thesouthernborderof Marysville.Beginningitsdivergencefromthe Snohomish River,theSlough meanders northeast 2.5 miles the east valleyperimeterthenwindsnorthby northwest 10 milesto thenortheastcornerof Possession Sound. "EbeySloughis uniqueas it is nutrientandspeciesrich,supports plantand animal productivity that surpasseseven the tropicalrain forest,andit liesalongthe PacificFlyway,andis a significant resting area and breedinggroundformigratory birds."(Snohomish CountyEcologyCenter, 1994) TheUnitedStates Department ofthe Interior,FishandWildlifeServicehas identified endangered and threatened speciesthatmaybepresentintheEbey Slougharea including thebaldeagleandthe peregrine falcon.Wintering baldeaglesmay occurinthevicinityofthe wetlands fromaboutOctober 31 throughMarch 31.Peregrine falcons may usethe wetland areas as fallmigrantsorwinteringbirds. The WashingtonState Department of Natural Resources has identified fourtypesofhighqualitynatural communities(wetland)withintheEbey Sloughareaincludingone identified asa 'sensitive'plant according tothe NaturalHeritageData System. Currentlynoparklandsareownedbythe CityofMarysvillealongEbeySlough. TheCitydoesown the Regan Property,a 30 acresitelocatedadjacenttotheSloughjust eastofthewaste treatment facility. Currently15acresofthissitearepreservedforwetland mitigation.The useof the remaining 15acres hasyet to be determined. IndowntownMarysville,Ebey Sloughis usedfor a privatemarinaandboat yard,alumberyard,anda sawmill. No shoreline property inthe downtownareais dedicated to natural area preservation orparks. Thereis nopedestrianaccesstothewaterwayfor recreational purposes. 2.QUILCEDA CREEK QuilcedaCreekis 9.1 milesof streamsystemthatfeedsintoEbey Slough.(Washington Dept.of .a Fisheries,1975) Thecreekrunsalongthewesternedge ofthe Marysville service area andincludes • numerous small marshesand bogs.(Marysville Compo Plan, 1994) AportionofQuilcedaCreekthatisfoundwithinthe Marysville servicearea has been identified asa sensitive area by theCityof Marysville. Accordingto the Washington StateDepartmentof Fisheries,QuilcedaCreekis usedbybothCohoand ChurnSalmon. (WashingtonDept.of Fisheries,1975) The Cityof Marysville ownsnineacresofnaturalareaalongQuilcedaCreekcalledQuilceda Creek/QuilanePark. Currently undeveloped,the parklandisaccessiblebyfoottrafficonlyanddoesnot have any amenities.According totheCityof Marysville Parks Department,thepark provides habitat for deer, heron,river otter, salmon,andmuskrat. 3.ALLEN CREEK AllenCreekis a6.3 milestreamsystemthatfeedsintoEbey Slough.TheCreekbisectsthe Marysville service area fromthe northeasttothe southwest. AllenCreekis a watershed that drains approximately 13square miles."This watershed is highly susceptibleto a varietyof environmental problems.Water pollution is increasing fromnon-point sourcessuch as agriculturalandurban development."(Marysville Compo Plan, 1994) Accordingto the Washington StateDepartmentof Fisheries,cohosalmoninhabitthe creek. AllenCreekplays animportantrolein twoof Marysville's parks-JenningsMemorialandJeunings Nature Parks. Significant wetlands surroundthe streamandcouldbepreservedwithintheseparks. 100 COMPREHENSIVE PARKS AND RECREATION PLAN APPENDIX A -URBAN Wll..DLIFE HABITAT 4.FORESTED AREAS Forested areas containing second growth timber are most commonly found along creeks,ravines,and some wetlands. In developed parks within the Marysville service area,wooded areas may be found in Jennings Memorial Park and Northpointe Park. In undeveloped parks wooded areas exist in Quilceda Creek/Quilane Park and Sunnyside Wells. Mother Nature's Window,located at 55th Avenue NE and 100th Street NE includes a significant stand of older trees. Ten acres of Mother Nature's Window are owned by Snohomish County.Thirty additional acres are under private ownership. Quilceda Creek/Quilane Park is an undeveloped nine acre site which was donated to the city in 1989. The park,which also has the Quilceda Creek flowing through it, is maintained as a natural area that is accessible by foot traffic only and has no amenities. Sunnyside Wells is a 31 acre natural site that includes approximately 20 acres of heavily wooded ravine. The steeply sloped ravine also includes wetland areas.Currently this site is undeveloped and is not open to the public. WHAT ISTHE PUBLIC'S PERCEPTION OFTHE NEED FOR WILDLIFE HABITAT PROTECTION? The citizens of Marysville have been outspoken for several years about their desire to preserve and protect natural areas.Findings from community surveys and meetings underscore their concern. I.CITY OF MARYSVILLE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN UPDATE -PUBLIC OPINION POLL (1989) A substantial majority of respondents (82 percent of the residential respondents and 90 percent of the commercial respondents)supported the conservation of natural greenbelts and open space. A substantial majority of respondents (88 percent of the residential respondents and 88 percent of the commercial respondents)favored or strongly favored preserving environmentally sensitive areas. A substantial majority of respondents (84 percent of the residential respondents and 86 percent of the commercial respondents)favored or strongly favored preserving preserving open (natural)areas within residential areas. A substantial majority of respondents (79 percent of the residential respondents and 86 percent of the commercial respondents)felt that Ebey Slough should include a mixture of water-oriented businesses (retail and recreation). 2.CITY OF MARYSVILLE PARKS AND RECREATION COMPREHENSIVE PLAN -CITIZEN INVOLVEMENT (1989) Three parks and recreation facilities identified as high need facilities were waterfront public access, a nature park, and bicycle trails. 3. CITY OF MARYSVILLE PARKS AND RECREATION SURVEY (1994) Among seven type of trails, the need for nature trails ranked third with an average rating in terms of need as moderate-high. Among eight types of park lands, the need for natural areas/greenways ranked third with an average rating in terms of need as moderate. When asked how parks and recreation funds should be divided,purchasing environmentally sensitive lands for preservation received an average allocation of 20 percent of the total funds. When asked to identify possible future uses of property along Ebey Slough,the need for walking trails/paths was the highest rated water access need. A majority of respondents (55 percent)expresses a high need for this type of access. When asked to evaluate natural areas in terms of their need for protection in Marysville,a majority of respondents expressed a high need for protection of streams,wooded areas,and wildlife habitat. 101 CITYOF MARYSVILLE 4. CITYOF MARYSVILLE PLANNING COMMISSION (1994)e In response to a written questionnaire presented to theCityof Marysville Planning Commission,83 percentfelttherewasa highneedfor natural areas/greenways in Marysville. Whenaskedtorankeight natural areasintermsoftheirneedfor protection in Marysville,riversand streams,openspace,and wetlands rankedasthetop three priorities. 5. CITYOF MARYSVILLE PARKS AND RECREAnON ADVISORY COMMITTEE (1994) Inresponseto a written questionnaire presentedto theParksand Recreation Advisory Committee,86 percentfelttherewasa moderate needfor natural areas/greenways. Whenaskedto rank eightnaturalareasintermsof theirneedfor protection in Marysville,riversand streams,openspace,and wildlife habitatsrankedas the topthree priorities. WHATARE MARYSVILLE'S GOALS IN TERMS OF WILDLIFE HABITAT PROTECTION? TheCityof Marysville's Proposed Interim Comprehensive Planstatesthe following policies relating to the preservation ofnaturalareaswithinthe Marysville planning area. • Preserveopenspaces,naturalareasandbuffer zones,wetlands,wildlife habitats,andparksin and outsideof the UrbanGrowthArea. • Requiregrowthto occurin mannerthatwillnot overburden the natural systems ofthe planning area suchasbutnotlimitedto the Snohomish RiverDelta,QuilcedaandAllenCreeks'corridors and tributaries,wetlands,forested areasandother environmentally sensitive areas. • Protectnaturalsystems,suchas aquifers,bodiesof water,floodplains,wetlands,and other important aspects ofthe natural environment. • Utilizenaturalsystemsto provide variety,community identity,andopenspace areas. •Provide recreation opportunities andopenspace within the waterfront area including butnotlimitedto .. a publicplaza,trails,and boardwalk.• •Acquire,preserve,and develop land,water,and waterfront areasforpublicrecreationbasedonarea demand,publicsupport,anduse potential. • Protectandenhancethe natural characterof shoreline for wildlife habitat. • Protectstreamsand drainagewaysthat provide habitatsforfish spawning,rearing,and transportation fromadverseimpactsof land development thatmight decrease low flows or increasehighpeak flows, reducerechargeareasfor streams,increase bankorbed erosion,orincreaseturbidityof the water. •Important fishandwildlife habitats identified bythe Washington State Wildlife and Fisheries Departments should be preserved by requiring adequate setbacks of development fromcreeksand tributaries andbylimiting alterations to natural vegetative cover through restrictive development controlsin thesebuffer areas. • Encourage improved and innovative forest practices that maintain watersheds,preservesoils,protect wildlifehabitats,and sustain ecosystems. • Preserveand develop directandvisual public accessto water,including public docks,aquatic recreation,marine facilities,andscenic vistas,ina manner consistent withthe Shoreline Management Act. 102 ~-----------------------------------------, COMPREHENSIVE PARKSAND RECREATION PLAN APPENDIX A-URBAN WlLDLIFE HABITAT WHAT ACTIONS SHOULD BE TAKEN TO PROTECT WILDLIFE HABITAT/NATURAL AREAS IN MARYSVILLE? The following recommendations are included in theactionplan outlined inthis report. 1.Develop Sunnyside Wellssiteintoa nature park a.Designate appropriate portions asHabitat Conservation Areas b.Identify andprotectexisting wetlands 2.Renovate naturetrailat Jennings Park 3.Encourage management of environmentally sensitive usesofEbeySlough a. Identify appropriate portionsofEbeySloughashabitat conservation areas. b.Coordinate designand development of Ebey Slough trailwittheexisting sensitive areas ordinance c. Workwith Snohomish County onthe development of awater trail 4. Support efforts to preserveMother Nature's Windowas a natural area 5.Develop andadopta policythat emphasizes stream management practices inpark development 6.Develop a comprehensive program for preserving wildlife habitats a.Designate Quilceda Creek/Quilane Parkasa Habitat Conservation Area b.Designate wetlands at Jennings Parkas aHabitat Conservation Area c.Designate appropriate portions ofRegan Property as Habitat Conservation Areas 7.Enhance protection of open space/greenbelts a.Identify open space/greenbelts throughout the community b. Explore liability issues related to transitioninglacquiring landforpublic ownership c.Develop a planfor initiating transfer if liability issuesare addressable 103