city of mountlake terrace

AllCouncilmember Michelle Angrick
Councilmember Michelle Robles
Councilmember Rick Ryan
Chair Linda Rogers
Community Members of Mountlake Terrace
The planning team would like to thank the community members who participated in
great number and with considerable enthusiasm in the public process that led to this
plan.
Shane Hope, Community & Economic Development Director
Edith Duttlinger, Senior Planner
Kirk Roberts, Traffic Engineer
Jeff Betz, Recreation Supervisor
Linda McKee, Recreation Supervisor
Portland, Oregon 97204
TABLE OF CONTENTS
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ...................................................................................... i
CHAPTER 3 EXISTING PARK SYSTEM ................................................................................. 15
CHAPTER 4 PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT SUMMARY ............................................................... 25
CHAPTER 5 RECREATION PARK & FACILITY NEEDS ......................................................... 31
CHAPTER 6 PLANNING FRAMEWORK .............................................................................. 47
CHAPTER 7 MANAGEMENT AND OPERATIONS ................................................................ 51
CHAPTER 8 PARK SYSTEM RECOMMENDATIONS .......................................................... 59
CHAPTER 9 IMPLEMENTATION ........................................................................................ 79
CHAPTER 10 CONCLUSION .................................................................................................. 91
MAP 2 – PARK ACCESS ANALYSIS .................................................................. 33
MAP 3 –PARK SYSTEM CONCEPT................................................................... 61
APPENDIX B: PROJECT LIST
SUPPLEMENTAL MATERIALS (Available Under Separate Cover)
PUBLIC INVOLVEMENT FINDINGS
COMMUNITY NEEDS ASSESSMENT
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The 2009 Mountlake Terrace Recreation, Parks and Open Space
Master Plan is the result of an extensive community process to
update the priorities, projects and content of the previous version of
the plan adopted in 2003. This RPOS Master Plan is intended to
guide the community’s efforts through 2014 and beyond with an
extensive analysis of community needs as well as the decision
making and funding tools needed to move forward.
PLAN PURPOSE AND PROCESS
The 2009 Recreation, Parks and Open Space Master Plan was
designed to serve three main purposes:
• Provide an opportunity for the community of Mountlake
Terrace to express its needs and ideas for creating opportunities
to interact and enjoy healthy, active lives within the beautiful
setting that the city and its people provide.
• Establish a relevant, analytical approach and clear standards and
guidelines to help planners and service providers in the
Recreation and Parks Department serve this evolving
community.
local funding and grant programs.
The planning process began in 2007 and included four major stages,
identified in the figure below.
Figure 1: Planning Process
City Staff and the Recreation and Park Advisory Commission. In
addition, direct public input was gathered at a series of small and
large in-person meetings and through a scientific survey effort.
WHERE ARE
WE NOW?
recommendations tailored to the Mountlake Terrace community.
COMMUNITY NEEDS
One of the key steps in the plan update process was to reassess
community needs to identify changes in direction from the previous
plan. The analysis of community needs utilized both direct
community input and quantitative models to evaluate the standards
adopted in the 2003-2008 plan and make adjustments based on
changes in the community.
Park Land
As a basis for analyzing the community’s recreation, park and
facilities needs, a geographic analysis illustrated the areas of the
City served within a ¼ mile walking distance of existing park sites.
With this information and an understanding of the desires of the
community, land use and limited land availability, the existing
standards for park land were modified. The recommended standards
result in the land needs listed by park category below.
Table A-1: Summary of Additional Park Land Needs
Park TypePark TypePark TypePark Type
Current Current Current Current
2014201420142014
Special Use Areas 59.50 N/A N/A N/A
Total 183.05 52.3 60.7 81.0
The majority of the need for new park land is created by existing
neighborhoods with no park access. This current need will grow
over time, as population increases the need for park land will
increase and be more difficult to meet.
Executive Summary
Outdoor Facilities
Existing major outdoor facilities, such as baseball and soccer fields,
are showing their age and are not able to stand up to the level of use
of residents and users from the larger region. With limited land
available, the needs of the community have less to do with adding
new fields than finding ways to maximize the use of both City and
School District owned existing facilities.
In addition to competitive fields, other outdoor facilities should be
added to increase the variety of recreation opportunities in
Mountlake Terrace. Athletic courts, such as tennis and basketball,
play features, ranging from playgrounds to game areas for bocce,
and a wide variety of other features should be considered for
addition to existing and future parks.
Trails and Pathways
Lyon Creek Greenway trails which are the major off-street trail
corridors in the city. Community needs around these facilities
include improved access points, user amenities and points of
interest along trail routes.
In addition to the off-street trails, the City should continue to work
on safe connections between neighborhoods, accessing schools and
parks and linking all of the above to key community locations such
as the Civic Center and the emerging Town Center.
Indoor Recreation Facilities
The existing Mountlake Terrace Recreation Pavilion is a well-used
facility that has been adapted to suit many of the needs of the
community. However, site and building limitations will continue to
affect the casual recreation and programming options available to
residents and visitors from beyond the City. The types of indoor
opportunities that are needed include:
• Pool with a variety of features; designed for simultaneous
multiple activities,
• Gymnasium space,
• Classrooms/meeting rooms,
VISION AND GOALS
The following vision for recreation and parks in Mountlake Terrace
is derived from the community input and needs analysis.
Mountlake Terraces’ Mountlake Terraces’ Mountlake Terraces’ Mountlake Terraces’ RecreationRecreationRecreationRecreation,,,, ParkParkParkParkssss and Open Space and Open Space and Open Space and Open Space systemsystemsystemsystem is is is is
wellwellwellwell----connected, vibrant, and regionally important, and encourages connected, vibrant, and regionally important, and encourages connected, vibrant, and regionally important, and encourages connected, vibrant, and regionally important, and encourages
interaction and understanding amonginteraction and understanding amonginteraction and understanding amonginteraction and understanding amongstststst its residents. its residents. its residents. its residents.
From this vision four community goals have been developed to
guide decision making during the implementation of this plan.
Goal 1:Goal 1:Goal 1:Goal 1: Ensure that all parks and recreation facilities in
Mountlake Terrace are safe, clean, and green.
Goal 2:Goal 2:Goal 2:Goal 2: Provide fun and diverse recreational opportunities
that support the health, wellness and engagement of
all community members.
Goal 3:Goal 3:Goal 3:Goal 3: Promote connections between parks, schools and
other key community destinations.
Goal 4:Goal 4:Goal 4:Goal 4: Strengthen the local communities of Mountlake
Terrace by providing places & opportunities for
people and local businesses to connect with one
another and thrive.
recommendations on management, operations and capital projects
in both existing and new park sites. The key recommendations from
each of these areas are summarized below.
Management and Operations
The most critical management recommendation is the need for park
site master planning prior to major renovation. Site design will
allow major projects to efficiently move forward in phases and
ensure that the limited land resources are maximized. To expand
Executive Summary
Recreation, Parks and Open Space Master Plan Page v
the park system in a built-out situation, the plan recommends an
opportunity based property acquisition policy. The needs analysis
identifies underserved areas in the community that should be
monitored for any potential park sites. To increase the awareness
and use of the existing park system, Mountlake Terrace should
expand its signage and public information material about the park
system. Starting with a simple park map, this effort should include
wayfinding signage and potentially even programming to introduce
people to the range of park sites and opportunities in the city.
The park system, including both the developed, active spaces and
the natural areas, is a highly valued aspect of the quality of life
Mountlake Terrace residents enjoy. In addition to the aesthetic and
recreational value, the creeks, trees and green spaces provide many
valuable services such as air purification and storm water
processing. Maintaining this system should take on the importance
of maintaining any other form of infrastructure. The City should
plan for maximum efficiency in maintaining developed parks and in
proactively protecting investments in facilities and the natural
elements of the system such as the tree canopy and wetlands.
Parks and Facilities
The plan includes a description of the role of each site in the
current Mountlake Terrace park system, along with detailed
recommendations for improvements. The largest project amongst
these is the redevelopment of the Evergreen Park and Recreation
Pavilion complex. This plan recommends considering these sites,
along with the park portion of the Terrace K-8 School site, as one
large park site, while master planning and developing it as such.
The recommendations also include a proposed expansion of the
existing partnership with the Edmonds School District to include
more schools as a way to improve local park access and to
potentially improve sports fields to ensure community access.
The park system recommendations lay out strategies for improving
sports fields, upgrading access to key trails and redeveloping the
Recreation Pavilion in conjunction with the site planning of
Evergreen Park and the Recreation Pavilion site.
Recommendations for new parks focus on the Town Center Plaza
Park originally described in the Town Center Plan. Other additions
Executive Summary
Page vi Recreation, Parks and Open Space Master Plan
include new facilities at the Civic Center Campus and Fire Fighters
Memorial Park.
The Recreation, Parks and Open Space Master Plan concludes with
the critical action steps that will put the recommendations into
action. The implementation of this plan is the responsibility of not
just City staff, but the Recreation and Park Advisory Commission
and the citizens of Mountlake Terrace. The plan establishes a
process to regularly prioritize the current list of park projects into a
work plan for the RPAC and staff to pursue.
The initial focus of the implementation of this plan should be on
projects connected to major in-progress community efforts. The
two big projects underway in Mountlake Terrace are the
redevelopment of the Civic Center Campus and the implementation
of the Town Center Plan. Both of these projects have recreation and
park projects included, as well as funding sources identified.
Longer-term planning efforts include the preparation of a site
master plan for Evergreen Park and the Recreation Pavilion in
preparation for a major capital request which could coincide with
the expiration of the current Recreation Pavilion bond levy. At the
same time, the City should continue to invest in local parks, and
work to increase the annual budget as capital resources can be made
available.
Introduction
CHAPTER 1
The City of Mountlake Terrace embarked on a community driven
and inclusive process to craft an updated version of its 2003-2008
Recreation, Parks & Open Space (RPOS) Master Plan. The RPOS
Master Plan is intended to guide the community’s efforts through
2014 and beyond. This document is designed to serve residents, staff
and the Recreation and Park Advisory Commission, with easy to
understand descriptions, analysis and decision making tools.
PLAN PURPOSE
The 2009 Recreation, Parks and Open Space Master Plan was
designed to serve three main purposes:
• Provide an opportunity for the community of Mountlake
Terrace to express their needs and ideas for opportunities to
interact and enjoy healthy active lives in the beautiful setting
that the city and its people provide.
• Establish a relevant, analytical approach and clear standards
and guidelines to help planners and service providers in the
Recreation and Parks Department serve the community as it
evolves.
and local funding and grant programs.
The RPOS Master Plan provides an overarching framework to tie
together the past 2003 plan and the current vision of the
community-at-large. In addition, the RPOS Master Plan addresses
the city’s parks and open space as a focal point for development and
redevelopment with amenities and features that promote its unique
identity and natural beauty. It is consistent with and considered to
be part of the Comprehensive Plan required under Washington
State law.
THE PLANNING PROCESS
Where are we now? Where are we now? Where are we now? Where are we now? In 2007, MIG began a four-phase planning
process to develop a RPOS Master Plan for the City of Mountlake
Terrace. The purpose of Phase I was to take inventory of the
community’s current recreation resources, including parks, facilities
and operations. Tasks in this phase included a planning context
report, a park evaluation and condition assessment, regional facility
identification and a park operations review. Recreation resources
within Mountlake Terrace were identified and mapped.
Figure 1: Planning Process
Where do we want to be?Where do we want to be?Where do we want to be?Where do we want to be? In order to ensure that the RPOS reflects
the needs and desires of the community-at-large, the Phase II
planning process incorporated varied opportunities for community
input. These included a recreation survey and outreach at a local
community festival. In addition, a community visioning workshop
and open house identified public preferences and community needs
for local parks and facilities, along with directions, goals and
objectives for the plan. A technical analysis was completed and
Phase II tasks were integrated into a Recreation Needs Assessment
Summary report.
How do we get there?How do we get there?How do we get there?How do we get there? Based on the vision and needs identified by
the community in Phase II, Phase III included the development of a
plan framework that establishes the goals and priorities of the
community. This is the driving force behind specific
recommendations and actions for improving and developing
Mountlake Terrace’s recreation and parks system. Following the
recommendations, an initial project list and prioritization criteria
were developed. These criteria will be used in the implementation
plan to guide the initial action items and move the plan forward.
This Phase culminates in the production of a Draft Recreation Parks
WHERE ARE
WE NOW?
and Open Space Master Plan for the community of Mountlake
Terrace.
projects are being prioritized to create a Capital Improvement Plan
which will include funding strategies to implement these projects.
This action plan, along with findings from the previous three
phases, will be included in the final version of the RPOS Master
Plan.
Much of the detailed background information is presented in the
appendices and in reference material under separate cover. This is
due to the large amount of technical information in the RPOS
Master Plan.
The RPOS Master Plan is an action-oriented strategy for the
recreation and parks system of Mountlake Terrace, and is guided by
the community’s vision. The plan is comprised of the following
sections:
purposes of the 2009 Recreation, Parks & Open Space Master Plan
and an overview of the document’s organization.
Chapter 2Chapter 2Chapter 2Chapter 2 ---- Planning Context:Planning Context:Planning Context:Planning Context: Chapter 2 describes the community
by the physical and cultural characteristics that form the contextual
basis for recommendations made in this Plan. Characteristics
described include Mountlake Terrace’s regional context, natural
landscape, demographics and relevant planning efforts.
Chapter Chapter Chapter Chapter 3: 3: 3: 3: ---- Existing Park System:Existing Park System:Existing Park System:Existing Park System: Chapter 3 contains an overview
of the existing resources that make up the Mountlake Terrace
Recreation, Park and Open Space system. Summary tables of the
park land and recreation facilities inventories are included.
Chapter Chapter Chapter Chapter 4 4 4 4 ---- Public Involvement:Public Involvement:Public Involvement:Public Involvement: Chapter 4 presents a summary of
the findings as well as an overview of the methods and tools used
during an extensive public involvement effort. The public input
gathered through the process provides the basis for many of the
recommendations and directions detailed in the plan.
Chapter Chapter Chapter Chapter 5555 ---- Recreation Needs:Recreation Needs:Recreation Needs:Recreation Needs: Chapter 5 summarizes the park and
facility needs of the community. This information was developed
Introduction
through public input and use of several analytical tools including
GIS, demand& supply modeling and level of service calculations for
estimated populations.
Chapter 6 Chapter 6 Chapter 6 Chapter 6 –––– Plan Plan Plan Plan Framework:Framework:Framework:Framework: Chapter 6 presents the community
vision and the goals for the plan along with objectives relevant to
each goal. The vision, goals and objectives are the driving force
behind the recommendations and implementation priorities
presented in subsequent chapters.
recommendations for system-wide topics such as operations,
recreation programming and natural resource management.
Chapter Chapter Chapter Chapter 8888 –––– Park System Recommendations:Park System Recommendations:Park System Recommendations:Park System Recommendations: Chapter 8 includes
recommendations for the development or redevelopment of parks, a
wide variety of recreation facilities and trails.
Chapter 9 Chapter 9 Chapter 9 Chapter 9 –––– ImplementationImplementationImplementationImplementation: : : : Chapter 9 lays out the steps to
prioritization of the recommended project list. It also discusses the
potential funding options and identifies the recommended funding
targets to address the highest priority projects.
Chapter Chapter Chapter Chapter 10101010 ---- ConclusionConclusionConclusionConclusion:::: Chapter 10 summarizes the immediate
action items that the city should pursue.
The appendices to this document include:
Appendix A: Park & Facility Inventory
Appendix B: Project List
During the planning process, background reports were created on a
variety of issues and are available from the Recreation and Park
Department under separate covers. Two of these reports provide
additional details from the planning process and have been
packaged as supplemental material to this plan.
Planning Context
CHAPTER 2 PLANNING CONTEXT
The City of Mountlake Terrace is a four square mile city located in
northern Washington, in the southwestern corner of Snohomish
County. The city is situated in the northern reaches of the highly
urbanized Seattle metro area, four miles east of Puget Sound. Seattle
itself is approximately 14 miles south of Mountlake Terrace, and is
most easily accessed via Interstate 5, which runs north-south
through the western half of Mountlake Terrace. The city’s regional
context is depicted in Figure 2.1.
Few physical barriers exist to separate the City of Mountlake
Terrace from surrounding communities, such as the adjacent cities
of Brier, Edmonds, Lake Forest Park, Lynnwood and Shoreline.
Additionally, the city is adjacent to unincorporated but populated
lands, to the northeast, north of Brier.
Figure 2.1
Mountlake Terrace Regional Context
PLAN BOUNDARY The planning boundary for this master plan effort will be the city
limits, as defined in the Mountlake Terrace Comprehensive Plan (as
revised) and depicted in Figure 2.2, on the following page. This
boundary will likely not increase in the future, as Mountlake
Terrace is a “built out” community with little room for expansion.
Source: Data & Maps 2005 United States CDs, ESRI
Planning Context
Figure 2.2
DEMOGRAPHICS Population data, projections and profiles help to determine the level
and types of recreation land facilities and services that a community
will use. Considering the future populations’ size, needs and
interests are crucial to planning a park system. These will serve the
community for years to come, creating space and opportunities to
grow and adapt to meeting the needs of residents and other
frequent users.
Because of its built-out nature and constrained boundaries, growth
was limited in Mountlake Terrace in the 1990s and through 2007.
According to the Washington Office of Financial Management, the
estimated 2007 population of Mountlake Terrace was 20,810. This is
a 2.2% increase over the city’s 2000 population of 20,362. Table 2.1,
on the following page, compares the city’s past and current rates of
growth to that of Snohomish County and the State of Washington.
Planning Context
Table 2.1
Year Mountlake Terrace
1990 19,320 N/A 465,642 N/A 4,866,692 N/A
2000 20,362 5.4% 606,024 30.1% 5,894,121 21.1%
2007 20,810 2.2% 686,300 13.2% 6,488,000 10.1%
Sources: U.S. Census Bureau, 1990 and 2000 population counts; Washington Office of Financial Management (Forecasting Division), 2007 population estimate.
According to Puget Sound Regional Council’s (PSRC) 2006 Sub-
County (Small Area) Forecast for Population and Employment,
Mountlake Terrace is projected to have limited growth well into the
coming decades, averaging less than 1 percent per year in each ten-
year period. Projections most relevant to this plan are the 2010 and
2020 projections, which predict populations of 21,635 and 23,439
for Mountlake Terrace, respectively. This equates to a projected
annual growth of somewhere between 0.62% per year and 0.83%
per year.
Using information from PSRC’s analysis, the following projections
have been developed for use in the creation of this six-year
Recreation, Parks & Open Space Master Plan:
• 2007 Population Estimate: 20,810
• 2014 Population Estimate: 21,888
• Anticipated Average Annual Growth Rate: 0.725%
During the planning process a 2008 population figure of 20,930 was
released by the Office of Financial Management. This figure
confirms the anticipated growth rate. This plan relies on the 2007
population for consistency with analysis completed prior to the
release of the 2008 population figure. Because the 2008 figure
represents almost exactly the amount of anticipated growth, the
difference between these two figures does not change the findings
of this plan.
The age distribution of a population can indicate the type of
recreation opportunities that are most needed. In general, youth
tend to favor and participate in recreation activities such as
basketball, baseball and soccer. Typically, as people age, their
participation in active or competitive recreation decreases.
Planning Context
Page 8 Recreation, Parks and Open Space Master Plan
However, the aging of baby boomers has affected recreation, as this
population has remained more active than previous generations of
older adults.
According to 2000 census data, the median age in Mountlake
Terrace is 33.5 years, and more than 27% of the population is age 19
or younger, which would indicate that Mountlake Terrace has
successfully attracted families with children in recent years, as well
as young adults. When compared to age group data from 1990, the
census figures from 2000 also indicate that the city has had a
notable increase in populations aged 45-54. This may indicate a
healthy retention of the young families that lived in the area in the
1990s.
The City of Mountlake Terrace is slightly hilly, with elevations
ranging from 263 to 528 feet above sea level. Most of the town is
built on a slope, which varies from slight to steep. A ravine runs
north-south through the eastern portion of the city, surrounding
and protecting Lyons Creek. While this ravine is not developable, it
is well-suited to certain recreational activities such as hiking, bird-
watching, and disc golf. Additional steep slopes exist on the west
side of the city, functioning primarily as open space, but also
affording walking and cycling opportunities.
A long, flat corridor traverses Mountlake Terrace, hosting the city’s
portion of the regional Interurban Trail, located on the right-of-
way corridor connecting Seattle with Everett. This corridor
formerly contained an interurban electric railway, and the right-of-
way was retained in public ownership as a power line corridor.
Trail development in Snohomish County began in the 1990s. This
regional resource provides another option for cyclists and
pedestrians looking for off-street trail opportunities.
Natural Resources
The natural resources of a city are important for a number of
reasons. Topography, vegetation and habitat affect the shape of
urban development, and are themselves affected by growth and
new construction. When evaluated from a recreation and park
perspective, a city’s natural resources can be assessed for both their
conservation and recreation potential. A summary of Mountlake
Planning Context
Terrace’s natural resources have been divided into two general
categories: vegetation and habitat and water resources. An in-depth
description of Mountlake Terrace’s natural resources is available in
the Environment Element of the city’s Comprehensive Plan (as
amended).
State of Washington’s Growth Management Act, with which the
City of Mountlake Terrace is in compliance through the passage of
its Comprehensive Plan (as amended). Protection for local habitat
and vegetation, enhancing environmental quality and preserving
open space are central to the city’s Comprehensive Plan. Significant
preservation areas include Ballinger Lake, Terrace Creek Park, and
several wetlands.
Mountlake Terrace’s geography and natural resources are assets that
make the community well-suited to recreational activities such as
wildlife viewing, bird watching and catch-and-release fishing. Rare
bird species found in the area include bald eagles and woodpeckers;
fish species include trout, salmon and perch.
Water Resources
Although it has no formally designated shoreline, Ballinger Lake is
a significant water resource and community amenity within
Mountlake Terrace. Ballinger Lake is 104 acres, and borders both
Mountlake Terrace and Edmonds. A public dock exists in a small
park on the Mountlake Terrace side of Ballinger Lake where
smaller-sized boats can be launched and catch-and-release fishing is
allowed.
Other water resources that exist in the Mountlake Terrace area
include Halls Creek and Lyons Creek. These resources are primarily
significant for their ecological value and open space, rather than for
their recreation potential. As previously mentioned, the ravines
surrounding these creeks could not historically be developed due to
slope instability and their development is now prevented by
environmental protections put in place by the City of Mountlake
Terrace dating back over 30 years. However, they provide value to
the city as recreational lands and open space.
Planning Context
RELATED PLANNING EFFORTS Coordinating efforts across planning projects makes better use of
resources and helps to stay true to the vision and priorities that
have been expressed by the community. Relevant themes and ideas
from the following planning efforts have been incorporated into the
updated RPOS Master Plan.
Recreation & Park Master Plans (1980-2003)
The City of Mountlake Terrace was incorporated in 1954 and its
first Recreation and Park Master Plan was completed in 1980.
Updates to the plan were completed in 1988, 1993 and 2003. The
plans and updates have been carried out under the supervision of
the Recreation and Parks Department, in conjunction with
consultant firms. The city’s 2003 Recreation & Park Master Plan,
which was adopted in conjunction with the Comprehensive Plan,
delineated several goals, including:
existing properties in good condition;
• The provision of recreation programs that effectively support
residents while maximally contributing to cost recovery efforts;
• The accomplishment of cyclical facility renovation and repair
requirements so as to ensure safe and efficient long-term
utilization; and
facilities.
The 2009 RPOS Master Plan builds upon the 2003 goals and has
incorporated new goals (described in Chapter Four) that reflect the
input of the present community.
Town Center Plan (2007)
In addition to goals outlined through the recreation and park
master planning processes, objectives for downtown redevelopment
that pertain to recreation and parks were outlined in the city’s 2007
Town Center Master Plan. While the central goals of the Town
Center Plan relate to urban revitalization, objectives relevant to
parks and recreation include:
• Create an outdoor plaza where people will want to gather;
• Make safe and pleasant opportunities for people to walk;
Planning Context
• Encourage a healthy, “green” environment that includes open
spaces, landscaping, and long-lasting, energy-efficient buildings;
• Provide attractive gateways to the town center;
• Ensure that any new or upgraded civic buildings will maximize
connectivity to town center businesses and inspire quality
development;
• Optimize connectivity with I-5, 244th Street SW, 236th Street
SW and 220th Street SW; and
• Use destinations, such as the City Hall, Recreation Pavilion, Post
Office, Senior Center and the Library to draw people
downtown, enhance the sense of community and encourage the
use of retail business.
It is a priority of the Recreation, Parks and Open Space Master Plan
Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) for the updated recreation
plan to support the goals of the Town Center Plan. The updated
Master Plan has taken into consideration the objectives of the Town
Center Plan, and the recommendations are consistent with its
intent.
needs, including for streets, sidewalks and trails. Items that are
particularly relevant include:
• Recommendation for a future street connection between
52nd Avenue West at 226th Place and 53rd at 228th Street SW
that would provide residents located in the northeast part of
the city direct access to Terrace Park Elementary School, the
Recreation Pavilion and parking areas for nearby sports
field. The roadway would be a new all-weather access for
pedestrians, bicyclists and motorist across the northern tip of
Terrace Creek Park.
projects based on criteria, such as whether the project
provides connectivity to community facilities such as parks,
trails and schools.
• Bicycle and pedestrian plan that includes a new future trail
along Lakeview Drive that would connect to the Interurban
Trail.
Comprehensive Plan (2003, revised 2008)
The Comprehensive Plan was adopted in 2003 and is updated each
year; the last update was in December, 2008. In this plan,
recreation, parks and open space are recognized as clear priorities
for the community. For example, the twenty-year community
vision references recreation and parks as a critical part of a healthy
community. Recreation and parks are directly addressed in the
Capital Facilities section of the city’s Comprehensive Plan. Trails
are addressed in the Transportation section, including a map and
discussion about various trails that are part of a network of off-road
walkways and bicycle routes. The Economic Vitality section views
the former Melody Hill school site as a candidate for economic
development, perhaps combined with recreational use. It also notes
that if the Evergreen School site stops functioning as a school, it is
desirable for freeway-oriented redevelopment.
Further support for recreation, parks and open space within the
Comprehensive Plan can be found in the Community Values
statement. Relevant values in the statement include: “walkability”
(trails), the “natural environment” (open space, water resources,
etc.), and a firm expression of support for “recreation” (parks and
programs).
The Comprehensive Plan provides the city’s overarching vision for
development and conservation. Under the state Growth
Management Act, each city’s park and recreation plan is considered
an element of the Comprehensive Plan. All city plans, including
the RPOS Plan, must be consistent with the rest of the
Comprehensive Plan.
Melody Hill Subarea Plan (2006)
The Melody Hill Subarea Plan was adopted as part of the
Comprehensive Plan. It is a twenty-year plan for the Melody Hill
neighborhood, which comprises the entire northwest area of the
city. Relevant aspects include recommendations for:
• Enhancing trails in the neighborhood.
• Enhancing recreational opportunities for neighborhood
residents.
• Improving visibility and access for the Interurban Trail.
• Working with the school district to consider future uses of the
former Melody Hill school site. (14 design options are
Planning Context
presented.) The site is adjacent to a diamond interchange of
Interstate-5 and near a variety of commercial uses.
Sustainability Strategy (2008)
long-term community sustainability—with strategies that jointly
achieve environmental protection, economic vitality, and
community livability. Relevant strategies include:
• Incorporating sustainability into city planning and marketing
efforts.
• Requiring new city buildings over 5000 square feet to be built to
a standard of LEED silver or greater.
• Promoting biking and walking citywide.
• Developing tree protection policies and programs.
• Maintaining green spaces and protecting water bodies.
• Partnering with others to conserve additional green space.
• Reducing the use of fertilizers and pesticides on city properties
and conserving water.
alternatives.
opportunities, including: redevelopment of key sites throughout the
city, business attraction, sustainability, way-finding signage and
promotion of the Town Center. It specifically recognizes the
importance of the city’s parks and open space as community assets
that contribute to economic vitality.
Civic Facilities Needs Assessment and Conceptual Design (2008)
A Civic Facilities Advisory Task Force, appointed by the City
Council, worked with an architectural and urban design team in
2008 and early 2009 to address the needs of the city’s aging public
facilities, including its Recreation Pavilion. A report from this
effort (“Civic Facilities Needs Assessment and Conceptual Design”),
made recommendations that included:
community/senior center, outdoor amphitheatre, space for a
Planning Context
farmer’s market, a public plaza with a water feature, and a
public green area connecting with Veterans Memorial Park.
• Build a new or expanded Recreation Pavilion to more than
double the size of the current facility.
Arts and Culture Strategic Plan (2009)
In the fall of 2008 the community of Mountlake Terrace began a
strategic planning process to identify assets and opportunities,
define community needs and plan strategies for supporting arts and
cultural programming in the future.
The Arts and Culture Strategic Plan will be a major planning
document that becomes an element of the city’s Comprehensive
Plan. The goals of the plan, as identified in the early stages of the
planning process, include:
spanning the next 5-7 years.
• Focus on city programs and public/private partnerships with
other nearby cities and non-profit organizations. Lynnwood,
Edmonds, Brier, Shoreline, Lake Forest Park Arts Council,
Snohomish County Arts Council and the Library.
• Conduct community research and encourage involvement.
• Reflect the needs, interests, history and culture of Mountlake
Terrace.
IMPACT ON THE PLAN
Integral to the development of this plan is the understanding that
all planning and development efforts have interconnected effects on
the way that Mountlake Terrace has and will continue to evolve.
Understanding the existing physical, social, and economic context
of Mountlake Terrace, while utilizing community input to shape
the plan and its strategies, is key to the planning process. Mountlake
Terrace residents have already begun to re-envision their
community, guided by both previous planning efforts and a variety
of community involvement methods used for the 2009 RPOS
Master Plan process. Therefore, this plan builds heavily on
community input, clarifying the vision and offering strategies for
strengthening and improving relationships that will bring resources
to the table as Mountlake Terrace moves forward.
Existing Park System
CHAPTER 3
Mountlake Terrace’s Recreation and Parks Department provides
more than 180 acres of park land, including opportunities for both
active and passive recreation. The city’s park system consists of
diverse recreation attractions: parks, open space, playgrounds, sport
fields, tennis courts, golf and disc golf, a boat launch, fishing and
beach access and miles of natural and paved trails for walking,
biking and hiking. In addition to the city system, the Edmonds
School District and a variety of private entities provide additional
recreation opportunities and green spaces with at least some access
for the public.
unattractive landscaping or grounds keeping; insufficient or poor
drainage; poor parking surfacing; aging buildings in poor condition;
the absence of signage and safety lighting; a lack of restroom
facilities and playgrounds in poor condition. The city has begun to
address these with a local park improvement program, starting in
2006.
and recreation facilities. As improvements are made to the system,
it will be important to consider American with Disabilities Act
(ADA) guidelines (e.g. providing accessible paths of travel to
amenities and facilities).
PARK LAND CLASSIFICATIONS
The analysis for the updated RPOS Master Plan employed six new
park land classifications in the planning process, which include:
• Mini parks;
• Neighborhood parks:
• Community parks;
• Natural areas/greenways;
The new park land classifications and their definitions draw from
the National Park and Recreation Association, but have been
modified to reflect the functions that parks serve for the Mountlake
Terrace community. The following table summarizes the
relationship between the old and new classifications.
Figure 3.1 Park Classifications 2003 Plan v. 2008 Update Comparison
NEW 2008 Classifications Previous Plan 2003 Classifications
Mini Parks No direct comparison.
Neighborhood Parks Athletic fields and Playgrounds (Locally –oriented)
Community Parks
Resource Activities/ Recreation Centers, and Pools – does not include athletic fields, playgrounds, or gathering facilities.
Natural Areas / Greenways Resource Conservancies
Linear Parks
Does not include bikeways (on and off road bike paths)
Linear Trails
Includes a combined figure for multi-use trails and bikeways (on and off road bike paths)
Special Use Areas Special Use Areas
Recreation, Parks and Open Space Master Plan Page 17
Mini Parks:Mini Parks:Mini Parks:Mini Parks: Mini parks are small parks that serve residents in
adjacent neighborhoods. Mini parks provide basic recreation
amenities such as playgrounds, benches, and landscaping. Mini
parks generally are ½ to 2 acres in size and have service areas of ¼
mile or less.
distance of most users, neighborhood parks provide close-to-home
recreation opportunities for surrounding neighborhoods. These
parks are designed primarily for non-supervised, non-organized
recreation activities, supported by facilities such as playground
equipment, outdoor courts, picnic tables, pathways, and multi-use
open grass areas or small sport fields. These parks generally are two
to five acres in size and serve residents within a ¼- to ½-mile
distance.
wide variety of recreation opportunities that appeal to the entire
community. Typically, these sites are designed for active recreation,
supported by facilities such as sport fields, outdoor courts, skate
parks and recreation centers. Community parks can accommodate
large numbers of people and offer a wider variety of facilities than
neighborhood parks, such as disc golf, volleyball, tennis courts, dog
parks, group picnic areas and shelters. These parks may also include
significant natural areas and trails. For this reason, community
parks require more support facilities, such as off-street parking and
restrooms. The minimum size of community parks is generally
between 15-20 acres.
for their natural resource value, and secondarily for recreational
use. Natural areas and greenways may include wetlands, wildlife
habitats, steep hillsides, or stream corridors. These parks may
preserve or protect environmentally sensitive areas. Natural areas
and greenways can provide opportunities for nature-based
recreation, such as trail use, bird watching and environmental
education. The size and shape of natural areas will vary depending
on the resource it protects, whereas greenways tend to follow a
linear form.
Mini Parks
Fire Fighters Memorial Park Mini Park A Mini Park B
Sunset Park
Community Parks
Neighborhood Parks
Terrace Creek Park Terrace Ridge Park
Veterans Memorial Park
Linear Parks:Linear Parks:Linear Parks:Linear Parks: Linear parks include natural or built corridors,
generally used to provide trail-related recreation and to link
together features in a city. Linear parks may include abandoned
railroad lines and active transportation or utility rights-of-way.
Linear parks vary in widths and acreage, and these narrow corridors
typically support facilities such as trails, viewing areas, picnic tables
and trailheads.
Special Use Areas:Special Use Areas:Special Use Areas:Special Use Areas: Special use facilities include stand-alone
recreation facilities not located within larger parks. These can
include single-purpose sites, such as golf courses, community
centers, aquatic centers, sports complexes, boat ramps, historic areas
and/or skate parks. Since special use areas vary widely in function,
there are no minimum sizes, but special use areas must be large
enough to accommodate the intended use. Support facilities such as
parking and restrooms are often included.
Table 3.2 is a park inventory of Mountlake Terrace using the park
land classifications described previously. This inventory is
illustrated on Map 1: Existing Conditions.
Table 3.2 Mountlake Terrace Parks by Category
Parks # of Sites Total Acres
CITY RECREATION AND PARKS DEPARTMENT
Mini Parks 1 0.5
Neighborhood Parks 6 25.0
Community Parks 1 23.1
Natural Areas/Greenways 6 60.0
Linear Parks 1 15.7
Subtotal 19 183.8
Subtotal 4 114.1
Total 23 297.9
Note: Existing level of service (LOS) is based on the 2007 population estimate of 20,810 residents living within the planning area. The total LOS is calculated by adding the inventory of private providers to the Recreation and Parks Department.
Linear Park
Inter-Urban Trail
Forest Crest Playfield
K I N G C O U N T Y
CIT Y OF LYNNWOOD
CIT Y OF B RIE R
M E L O D Y H IL L S C H O O L S I T E
S N O H O M I S H C O U N T Y
(boat ramp)
68 TH
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M C A L E E R C R E E K L A K E
B A L L I N G E R
A B B Y V I E W P O N D
LY O N C R E E K W
E S T
S LYNNWOOD NEIGHBORHOOD PARK
Bicentennial Park
Data Source: City of Mountlake Terrace, Washington December 2008
0 0.2 0.4 Miles
Map 1: Existing Conditions
County Boundary
Community Park Neighborhood Park Mini Park Private Mini Park Linear Park Natural Area/Greenway Special Use Park Private Golf Course Recreation Facility
Trail Public School Private School
Bicycle Route
RECREATION FACILITIES From playgrounds to trails, sports fields to dog parks, pavilions to
senior centers, the City of Mountlake Terrace provides a variety of
unique facilities to encourage residents to participate in recreation
activities. Table A-1 in Appendix A provides a complete inventory
of facilities for each park maintained by the Department. Appendix
B notes all facilities within each park. This section defines the types
of facilities to be analyzed in the needs assessment phase of the
planning process. It describes the current inventory of these
facilities and the existing level of service:
Major Facility Providers
In addition to the Recreation and Parks Department, there are
several other agencies and organizations that make a significant
contribution to the number of recreation facilities in Mountlake
Terrace. These are noted briefly below. The facilities owned by the
following providers are counted in the citywide inventory and are
used to calculate a level of service for recreation facilities.
Public & Private Schools
The Edmonds School District and the City of Mountlake Terrace
Recreation & Parks Department have joint use agreements for fields
and the gymnasium at Terrace Park K-8 and for the new artificial
turf field Mountlake Terrace High School that supplement the
facilities provided by the city. Private schools have a few additional
facilities that are used by recreational organizations and residents.
Private Providers
Private providers offer a variety of recreation facilities in the
planning area that address the needs of the larger region. These
facilities include:
• Forest Crest Tennis Club.
• Mountlake Terrace Senior Center.
Facility Inventory Summary Table 3.3, on the following page, summarizes the inventory of
recreation facilities by type, along with the total citywide level of
service.
Table 3.3
Facility
Basketball Courts (outdoor) 2 3 5 1 per 4,164
Boat Ramp 1 0 1 1 per 20,810
Disc Golf Course 2 0 3 1 per 10,405
Golf Course 1 1 2 1 per 10,405
Playgrounds 8 10 18 1 per 1,156
Tennis Courts 5 10 15 1 per 1,387
Gymnasiums 0 7 7 1 per 2,973
Note: Existing level of service (LOS) is based on the 2007 population estimate of 20,810 residents
living within the planning area.
There are many other types of recreation facilities that are integral
components of the recreation and park system. These include
support amenities such as parking, restrooms, drinking fountains,
bike racks, benches, waste receptacles and internal pathways within
a park that make facilities accessible. Additional facilities can also
be provided on a varying scale to provide active or passive
recreation opportunities; to provide unique recreation experiences;
to support special events and large group gatherings; to promote
health and fitness; to foster opportunities for outdoor play and
interaction within a natural environment; and/or to facilitate year-
round recreation. Facilities such as indoor recreation centers,
swimming pools, skate parks, dog parks, picnic shelters, picnic
areas, volleyball courts, horseshoe pits, multi-use fields, tracks,
community gardens and amphitheaters all augment the park system
and provide a variety of benefits. These facilities are an important
component of the design guidelines to consider when developing
parks within the city.
The City of Mountlake Terrace is situated within a highly
developed region, where nearby cities and other jurisdictions offer
additional parks, facilities and programs. While it is beyond the
scope of this project to identify in detail the facilities provided by
others, it is worthwhile to note the other providers in the area in
order to prioritize the needs of the Mountlake Terrace community.
The Cities of Mountlake Terrace, Edmonds and Lynwood print a
joint Recreation Program Guide, which highlights the additional
recreation facilities that are available nearby. These nearby
facilities provide opportunities for aquatics, athletics/fitness,
gymnastics, sports, general recreation, facility rentals and special
events.
The City of Edmonds has more than 325 acres of park land, more
than 1000 feet of waterfront shoreline, and 20,000 square feet of
flower beds, all maintained by the Parks Department. The city
offers some unique facilities, such as Sierra Park for the Blind,
which has nature pathways with braille signs, soccer fields, a
basketball court, play areas and picnicking. Yost Park has an
outdoor swimming pool, along with other facilities.
The City of Lynnwood operates and maintains 17 public parks, 110
acres of open space, an 18-hole public golf course, seven miles of
trails, a recreation center, senior center, Heritage Park and two
athletic complexes. Lynnwood's parks offer a wide range of active
and passive recreation opportunities; including innovative
playgrounds, spray pools, a skate park, hiking trails, forests, streams,
wetlands and wildlife habitat.
The City of Brier has more than 66 acres of park land at six sites,
including the larger Brierpatch Park adjacent to the Mountlake
Terrace city limits; the park has a new master plan for increased
development.
The Washington State Department of Fish and Wildlife maintains
the Hall Lake Access, a 2.0 acre parcel north of Mountlake Terrace
in the City of Lynnwood that provides fishing and waterfront access
in addition to a picnic area.
Public Involvement Summary
CHAPTER 4
paramount to producing a successful and supported RPOS Master
Plan for Mountlake Terrace. Over the course of the planning
process, more than 500 participants provided their ideas and
feedback through a variety of methods that encouraged
participation and solicited feedback, which included focus groups, a
community workshop and a recreation survey.
KEY THEMES
Several key themes developed from the input gathered at the public
involvement opportunities.
Terrace’s quality of life.
• Protection of natural open space is important, and users should
be able to access and enjoy the green spaces in the community.
• There is considerable support for care of the existing park
system; residents would like to see upgrades to parks and
facilities.
• The Recreation Pavilion is the primary public recreation center
used by residents, while also providing a draw for people from
surrounding communities.
The findings listed below have been incorporated into the analysis
and recommendations on specific parks and programs, and were
important to identifying the overall strategic direction for the Plan.
Strengths & Assets
Parks can play important roles in the life of a community, offering
places for neighbors to gather, adults and children to exercise or
play and occasions to be celebrated. Mountlake Terrace’s current
recreation and parks system has a number of strengths and assets
that support the community and enhance the natural beauty of the
city. These include sports and sporting event facilities, natural
habitat areas, landscaping and adequate connectivity to major access
roads.
Challenges
During the planning process, challenges were also identified and
serve as an instrumental part of the planning process for realizing
the community’s vision for Mountlake Terrace. These include easy
access through the city, inadequate gathering facilities for people of
all ages, lack of recreational programs for adults and elderly, safe
and convenient pedestrian access and connections and aging or
invasive plant species.
specific direction for realizing the community’s vision and a
mechanism to evaluate and prioritize action items. A number of
significant opportunities and ideas arose from community input
efforts that were worth exploring. These include acquiring and
expanding upon park land where feasible, improving safety with
tools such as lighting, providing amenities for larger gatherings and
varying functions including festivals, a farmers market, concerts,
fitness classes, outdoor/indoor environmental programs and a dog
park. In addition, many opportunities for upgrades to existing
amenities were mentioned. These include trails and access points,
playgrounds, sport fields and year-round indoor facilities. Overall,
the community voiced the importance of the park lands being safe,
inviting and functional as this will contribute to the cohesiveness
and beauty of the city’s natural environment.
METHODS & TOOLS
As mentioned previously, the City of Mountlake Terrace
incorporated a variety of methods and tools to engage the public
and to gather their opinions, ideas and concerns about the parks and
recreation opportunities in the community. These included focus
groups, a community vision workshop and a mailed community
recreation survey. Meetings were held with an advisory committee
comprised of members of the Parks Commission and other
representatives from the community. Additional meetings and
interviews were conducted with the chair of the Arts & Culture
Commission, representatives from local sports, environmental and
recreation groups and key staff members from the Recreation and
Parks Department. Not all of the methods and tools were used with
every group, but a wide range of Mountlake Terrace residents
participated in the opportunities made available to the public
during the planning process.
needs and opportunities were used for each session.
The purpose of these discussions was to present members of the
community with opportunities to share their ideas and concerns for
the future of recreation, parks and open space in Mountlake
Terrace. Participant groups included:
• Premera Blue Cross Employees;
• Local Business Community Members;
• Recreation Program Participants;
• Senior Recreation Participants; and
2. Community Workshop
A public visioning workshop was held on March 5th, 2008, to
connect with a broad audience of residents about their desires and
priorities for future development of the park system and recreation
programming. The planning team made a brief presentation about
Mountlake Terrace’s existing park system and the planning process.
The workshop included a variety of input opportunities, including:
individual consideration; one-on-one interactions with the
planning team; small group discussions with their neighbors and a
facilitated discussion that included all participants. Results of this
workshop along with other public involvement activities have been
analyzed and used to determine community needs for the park
system.
As a launching point, a series of display boards presented at the
beginning of the workshop outlined several questions relating to
behaviors and opinions towards the recreation and parks system in
Mountlake Terrace. These questions focused on strengths,
challenges, opportunities, assets, and improvements. This lead to a
series of small group exercises that allowed groups of five to ten
residents to work together while utilizing maps of the city’s parks.
Each group was asked to identify community destinations and
challenges in travelling to or making use of these places. The
groups were also asked to locate or simply identify any ideas they
had about improvements to the park system. From the
acknowledged ideas, destinations and challenges, each group was
asked to report back to the larger group their top four or five
priorities. These priorities have been incorporated into the findings
presented in the first section of this chapter. In addition to these
priorities, other comments and map notes have been considered in
the development of plan recommendations.
3. Community Recreation Survey
The Community Recreation Survey, conducted by MIG and
Northwest Survey and Data Services during April and May of 2008,
obtained input on Mountlake Terrace’s recreation and park needs.
The survey included two instruments, a four-page adult form and a
two-page youth-targeted survey. Findings for each are available
separately in tabular form with a compilation of additional write-in
responses to survey questions.
Methodology
The purpose of the survey was to establish priorities for future
improvement of recreation and parks facilities, programs, and
services within the community. The survey was administered by
mail and designed to obtain statistically valid results representative
of households within the Mountlake Terrace city limits. A random
sample of 2,000 households was selected based on active telephone
numbers. Each randomly selected household was mailed a
questionnaire with a postage-paid envelope to facilitate its return.
Three weeks after the initial mailing, a second copy of the
questionnaire was mailed to households that had not responded.
Table 4.1
Total Adult Returns 410
Response Rate 24%
410 responses from the random sample provide a 95% level of
confidence with a margin of error of +/- 4.79%. In other words,
there is 95% certainty that the survey findings vary no more than
4.79 percent from the results that would have been obtained if
everyone in the city had been surveyed. The return rate and
resulting margin of error are extremely good, indicating a high level
of interest in recreation and parks in Mountlake Terrace. The
return numbers are detailed in Table 4.1.
Tools
The main tool was the survey that included questions about specific
program and facility needs, park types and usage, and current and
desired recreation participation. An additional form targeting and
to be completed by Mountlake Terrace’s youth was enclosed and to
be returned with the survey. The complete adult survey can be
found in the Public Involvement Summary Report. The analysis of
the survey and youth form included cross tabulating results to
determine if differences existed between male and female
respondents as well as other demographic features included in the
survey. Results of this survey are reflected in the cumulative
findings at the beginning of this chapter and were also compared to
the 2008 Citizen Survey.
KEY FINDINGS All public involvement results were used to develop the community
vision and goals presented in the plan. Recreation participation
information helped to inform supply and demand models and other
analysis in the needs assessment phase of the planning process. The
themes and priorities that emerged from public input provided the
driving concepts and force behind Chapter 7’s recommendations
and system-wide approach.
Recreation, Park and Facility Needs
CHAPTER 5
RECREATION, PARK AND FACILITY NEEDS
This chapter includes the results from an assessment of the overall
community needs for park land and recreation facilities. The needs
presented in this chapter are based on the extensive public
involvement process summarized in Chapter 4 as well as the current
best practices in communities throughout the Northwest. The
analysis of the Mountlake Terrace park system included park access,
park acreage and the number of park facilities serving city residents.
Recommended standards developed from this analysis are presented
for park land along with needs for specific types of recreation
facilities. Standards for park land will help the community to track
progress toward meeting park needs into the future. The needs
analysis references two population projections for the years 2014
and 2030, incorporating the 6-year timeline set by the Recreation
and Conservation Office, formerly the Interagency Committee for
Outdoor Recreation (IAC), and considers the long-range goals for
the next 20 years. In this long-range view, many changes are
possible in the park system and the community. Not all of these
needs will be met by the City of Mountlake Terrace. Some will be
addressed by community partners and some may not be met at all
due to limitations of funding or other resources. Recommendations
about which of these needs the city should meet and how they are
met will be addressed later in this plan.
This chapter includes:
recommended levels of service and total acres of land needed.
• Identified needs for both outdoor and indoor recreation facilities
and trails.
• Needs for each park classification and facility type based on the
recommended levels of service.
PARK ACCESS ANALYSIS
Geographic analysis generally examined access to all park sites with
a focus on access to local parks (those providing the basic amenities
such as a playground and open green space). The analysis of
residents’ access to park land included the areas of the city within a
¼-mile service area (a basic walking distance) and those within a 1-
mile service area (a quick drive). Public input indicated that, due to
the significance of walking and biking, particularly for youth in
Mountlake Terrace, a ¼ mile should be the unit of distance on
which to base access analysis.
The geographic analysis also considered access to school sites, since
they often function as park resources for residents in the immediate
area. Basic local park amenities such as playgrounds and open fields
for informal play are often a part of school grounds, though levels of
amenities are more often comparable to mini parks. Another
resource taken into account in the geographic analysis was nearby
park land in neighboring cities. Only one of four nearby parks in
the neighboring cities was within the ¼ mile access area and was
included for the mapped access analysis. Map 2: Park Access
Analysis combines the park land and school site analyses, and
depicts the 11 identified areas of the city that are underserved for
park access.
Underserved Areas
The ¼-mile access analysis reveals significant areas of isolation from
park facilities and the recreational opportunities that they provide.
These underserved areas lack access to developed parks within
walking or close biking distance.
Numbered U1-U11, the underserved areas depicted on Map 2 face a
variety of access challenges, which fall mainly into one of two
categories. Many of the underserved areas identified a lack of park
and recreation opportunities within the ¼ mile target distance.
Increasing residential density will heighten demand for facilities
located closer to the town center renewal project.
K I N G C O U N T Y
CIT Y OF LYNNWOOD
CIT Y OF B RIE R
M E L O D Y H IL L S C H O O L S I T E
S N O H O M I S H C O U N T Y
(boat ramp)
68 TH
AV E
H A L L S C R E E K
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M C A L E E R C R E E K L A K E
B A L L I N G E R
A B B Y V I E W P O N D
LY O N C R E E K W
E S T
S LYNNWOOD NEIGHBORHOOD PARK
Bicentennial Park
Data Source: City of Mountlake Terrace, Washington December 2008
Map 2: Park Access Analysis
0 0.2 0.4 Miles
1/4 Mile School Service Area
1/4 Mile Developed Park Service Area 1/4 Mile Mini Park Service Area
1/4 Mile City of Lynnwood Park Service Area
Underserved AreaU#
Linear Park Private School Natural Area/Greenway Private Golf Course
Special Use Park City of Lynnwood Park
NeighborhoodPark Bicycle Route
PARK LAND
This section includes a breakdown of categories of park land. In
addition to the access analysis described above, the methods applied
to analyzing needs for each park category include public
involvement findings, national and regional trends and analysis of
the existing standards from the prior 2003 Recreation, Parks and
Open Space Master Plan.
Level of Service Summary
The existing level of service and recommended park land standards
for each land category are summarized in Table 5.1, below.
Table 5.1: Summary of Park Land Service Levels
Park Type Existing Level of Service
Recommended Level of Service Standard
Mini Parks 0.08/1,000 persons 0.07/1,000 persons
Neighborhood Parks 1.20/1,000 persons 2.91/1,000 persons
Community Parks 1.11/1,000 persons 1.76/1,000 persons
Natural Area/Greenway
Special Use Areas 2.86/1,000 persons N/A
Total 5.27/1,000 persons1 8.21/1,000 persons
*No standard is recommended for Special Use or Linear Park land. For consistency these
park types are not included in the total level of service.
The total of the recommended standards for each park type creates
a recommended city-wide level of service for park land that can
serve as a general target for the total amount of park land to be
provided by the city. Because this standard is based on a per-
thousand population, the standard can be applied to the current
population to gauge how well the park needs are being met as the
city grows.
Based on the recommended level of service standard, the current
and future additional park land needed can be derived. Table 5.2
summarizes the additional park land needed in 2008, 2014 and 2030
to meet the ¼ mile walking distance goal, provide additional space
Recreation, Park and Faciltiy Needs
for new recreation facilities and preserve additional open space in
the community.
Park Type Current Acres
Special Use Areas 59.50 N/A N/A N/A
Total 183.05 52.3 60.7 81.0
Park Land Needs by Category
This section presents additional information informing the needs
for land in each park type. The complete needs analysis report is
available from the Recreation and Parks Department of Mountlake
Terrace.
Mini Parks
Mini parks provide only a very basic level of service, and the cost to
benefit balance of a larger number of very small parks is not ideal.
Because no new mini parks are needed, the level of service will
decrease as the population increases. Mini parks could be
considered an alternative in cases where larger park sites cannot be
sited to fulfill access needs.
Neighborhood Parks
As the primary building block of a full service park system,
neighborhood parks often make up a significant balance of an ideal
park system. Mountlake Terrace’s current park land is
proportionally low on neighborhood level facilities. Assuming that
some of the local park needs will be met by the community park
and special use area expansion, approximately nine new
neighborhood parks are needed to reach the ¼-mile service area
ideal.
The need for additional community park space is based on
improving service for the residents on the west side of the I-5
freeway, which presents a major barrier to accessing the existing
community park site. The largest contiguous piece of public park
land west of I-5 is currently occupied by Ballinger Lake Golf course.
Input from the community has called into question the best use of
public land for community recreation at the golf course site.
Natural Areas & Greenways
Natural area open space is highly valued by the community. The
need to protect not only specific sites but the overall natural beauty
of Mountlake Terrace has been heavily emphasized through public
input. The built-out nature of most of Mountlake Terrace limits the
potential for new large portions of open space. However, there are
still a number of small sites that could be added to existing parks
and natural areas to increase the total acreage in this category. In
addition, some park land may be better used as natural area and
could be restored to a natural state. Recognizing the high value
placed on this park category, an aggressive yet realistic standard is
recommended. Expansion of natural areas is most likely to occur
around the edges of existing park land. In some cases, this would
mean utilizing areas prone to flooding while protecting sensitive
wetlands.
As an opportunity-based park category applied when park land lies
in a defined corridor with limited uses, the only need associated
with the one linear park in Mountlake Terrace is improvements to
the facilities contained within it. This park could present an
opportunity to meet local park access needs by adding additional
land or local park amenities to sections of the trail.
Special Use Areas
No park land standard is recommended for this category.
Acquisitions of new special use area park land should be limited to
the land needed for facilities that cannot be accommodated in other
neighborhoods or community park sites, and those that take
advantage of a natural feature that will dictate usage. The primary
need for a special use area that surfaced during the community
involvement process was for additional waterfront access.
Outdoor Recreation Facilities
As a city in a highly developed and interconnected region, facilities
in Mountlake Terrace reflect usage beyond Mountlake Terrace
residents. Recognizing this use pattern and the limited land
available for recreational uses, the needs assessment analysis and
public input suggested a departure from numerical standards or
guidelines for the number of facilities. Alternatively, in order to
tailor limited sites to the needs of the users, many facilities will be
added to redeveloped or new parks based on design guidelines and
the desires of the immediate neighbors of parks.
Because a park and recreation system is about more than just open
land, recreation facilities were also a part of the needs assessment
phase of the planning process. All of the structures, amenities, and
spaces that support the activities that people want in parks were
considered. Analysis was on the elements that are most important
and most utilized in each park classification, establishing a baseline
not only for the system as it exists, but creating a picture of
Mountlake Terrace’s ideal park system and the components that
should characterize it.
Soccer and softball/baseball fields present a unique need based on
the desire to support local and regional sport groups. Demand
models, land availability and public input about the current use of
sports fields and the value of these facilities to the community
directed the emphasis of community needs toward the intensified
use of existing sport fields, rather than the creation of new facilities.
Of the existing sports fields noted in the park and facility inventory,
only a sub-set are available for competitive play due to conditions
or scheduling constraints. Addressing these capacity issues emerged
as the greatest community need in this area.
Baseball/Softball Fields
Currently, the baseball/softball fields in Mountlake Terrace serve
both local recreational users as well as several neighboring cities. To
maintain the current level of service, based on the local population,
Mountlake Terrace will need one additional field by 2014 and three
more fields by 2030. Recognizing the limited opportunities to add
fields, needs could also be met by improving existing fields to
accommodate additional play (e.g. fields that exist on school district
sites) and potentially adding specific amenities such as lighting to
extend the number of time slots in the evening.
Soccer/Football Fields
Ballinger Playfield and Forest Crest Playfield, in addition to several
fields in the Edmonds School District, for a total of 17 fields of
varying size and condition. Northwest Nationals Premier Soccer
Club, the Terrace-Brier Soccer Club and MTYAA Junior Football
compete for time on fields with several constraints including size,
condition and sport season overlap.
Soccer field needs for the Mountlake Terrace population can be met
by existing fields with capacity to spare. However, club teams and
tournaments, which draw participants from a large geographic
range, provide reason to increase the size and amenities of these
facilities. One important factor in the utilization of existing fields is
the disparity in maintenance between city and school district
owned fields. Although there is potential for direct and indirect
economic benefits to the businesses of the city by drawing in more
visitors, attention should be given to the effect that increased costs
of maintenance and improvements can have on fees paid by smaller
local recreational clubs and competitive youth leagues.
Tennis Courts
The current centralized facilities at Evergreen Park and Mountlake
Terrace High School are well used. Future tennis facilities might be
grouped and included at a future west side community park
location. Small clusters of tennis facilities can broaden the
opportunities offered by neighborhood parks by providing an active
recreation element that can be accommodated adjacent to many
passive recreation uses.
Mountlake Terrace’s community expressed a high level of interest
in formal and informal basketball play, including an existing youth
athletic program for school aged kids. Covered courts are available
at Mountlake Terrace, Cedar Way and Evergreen elementary
schools in the Edmonds school district and two open outdoor courts
are located on the Recreation Pavilion site. Given demonstrated
interest in formal and informal basketball play for all ages, this is a
recreational element that should be considered in the design
guidelines for local and neighborhood park facilities.
Playgrounds
Playgrounds are essential elements of local park amenities that can
help create an identity for neighborhoods, while providing essential
recreational opportunities for fitness and creative exercise.
Provisions for some kind of children’s play are needed at every local
park facility, forming a basic part of local park design. Existing
facilities should be upgraded for safety and should reflect the new
understanding of the importance of unstructured creative play.
The park access analysis depicts school locations at the ¼ mile
service level. Often these sites provide some access to playgrounds
and open play areas, however, because of limitations of use during
school hours, these facilities provide only supplemental coverage of
the service areas. For school sites to provide the same type of
service as a public park, a separate play area that is accessible at all
times should be provided.
equipment beyond standard terms. Many facilities are now in need
of repair or upgrade in order to continue to serve the community.
National trends in recreation and play features now recognize that
opportunities for safe, creative play – beyond traditional play
structures – are important for child development and socialization.
Play facilities can be essential for attracting young families to the
area and maintaining Mountlake Terrace’s reputation as a family-
friendly community.
Other Facilities
In addition to the facilities noted previously, other types of facilities
should be considered for inclusion in local parks. Public input
indicated a desire for park facilities that would support additional
recreational opportunities. These facilities included picnic shelters,
amphitheaters, community gardens, skate parks, disc golf and dog
parks. The provision of any new facilities should be based on the
design guidelines for parks included in Appendix C, which indicate
facilities to consider and facilities to avoid based on park type.
Trails & Pathways
The city park system includes a portion of the Inter-Urban Trail,
which extends along Halls Creek at the western border of the city,
following the track of the former Interurban Trolley that originally
ran between Ballard and Bellingham. There are a number of other
shorter trails throughout the city, such as internal pathways
providing access to amenities within parks and along the city’s
greenway.
several locations throughout the community and should be added to
the park system on an opportunity basis. Creating connections to
several important destinations located along existing linear park
corridors could also increase the value of trails for city residents as
well as members of neighboring communities.
A second improvement that is needed in the community’s trail
system is formal trailheads, locations where trail users can meet up
with the trail and get information about the route and distance to
other points. Trailheads should be located where existing parks or
destinations provide access to important trail segments. Trail access
to the Inter-Urban Trail, for example, will become particularly
important as the new segments of the trail are finished.
A future “Lakeview Trail” has already been identified in the 2007
Transportation Master Plan to connect the new Mountlake Terrace
Transit Center and the Interurban Trail. Funding options are being
explored.
Indoor Recreation Facilities
Due to the relatively long, wet winters in the Northwest, many
seasonal and year-round sports require indoor recreational space.
Indoor spaces provide an important opportunity to continue an
active lifestyle throughout the year and provide gathering places for
the community.
This section addresses the needs for different types of indoor
recreation spaces. The discussion includes existing types of spaces in
Mountlake Terrace as well as ideas for future spaces generated
during the public involvement process. Following the discussion of
the needs for each individual type of space, further discussion is
included regarding the appropriate mix of spaces within one
facility.
The existing Mountlake Terrace Recreation Pavilion is a well-used
facility that has been adapted to suit many of the needs of the
community. The renovations that have been completed over the life
of this building have helped the building adapt to changes in
recreational trends and maintain its position at the heart of the
community. However, some site and building limitations will
continue to affect the casual recreation and programming options.
The potential of the market area beyond the city limits opens many
new recreation possibilities if the community desires to take on the
role as a regional recreation provider.
With the willingness of the community to fund a major expansion
or replacement of the Recreation Pavilion, a new facility would
need to include many of the types of spaces already present in the
existing facility. A new facility would allow for the creation of more
functional and attractive spaces with a mix of recreation
opportunities that are both better suited to the current needs and
more flexible in order to respond to future changes in recreation
trends. Any new or renovated facility should include:
• Expanded pool with similar elements (lap lanes, lazy
river, spray features) and more space between features
• Gymnasium space, in partnership with school facilities
rather than additional facilities if possible.
• Purpose-built fitness/dance studios
art spaces, a formal gathering space and other indoor spaces
matching identified community needs.
Aquatics
intensive facilities included in park systems. The existing facility in
Mountlake Terrace has maximized its available space. Additional
demand could be met with a larger facility. However, the current
facility is adequate to serve Mountlake Terrace residents alone. A
larger aquatic facility would only be appropriate if the community
was focused on meeting the needs of a larger regional market area.
Gymnasiums
School District, specifically Terrace School, to provide access to
gymnasium space. This partnership allows the city to use the gym
space for basketball, volleyball, open gym and other miscellaneous
activity programs. There appear to be adequate gym facilities to
serve the local residents, with access being the limiting factor.
There is unmet demand in the secondary market area. Additional
facilities exist at school sites and could be added to the
programmable space managed by Mountlake Terrace Recreation
through additional school partnerships.
In addition to the courts provided inside of gymnasium spaces,
additional specialized courts can be a part of a recreation and park
system. Many indoor sports cannot be played on the hard court
floor of a standard basketball/volleyball gymnasium. Examples of
this include indoor tennis and racquet/hand ball courts. Currently
Mountlake Terrace provides three indoor racquetball courts at the
Recreation Pavilion. While these courts were among the most
highly-used facilities in the Pavilion when it was initially built, the
sport of racquetball has been in decline. As part of renovations to
the Pavilion, half of the original racquetball courts were re-
purposed for other programming needs. The remaining three courts
have continued to see a decline in use. No additional specialized
indoor courts were raised as issues in this community.
Fitness/Dance Studio
Many modern recreation centers are being constructed with large
open studio spaces that can be used for a variety of fitnes

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