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SUBJECTSPARKS AND RECREATION › Park Planning, Design and Open Space
Updated 01/07

Park Planning, Design, and Open Space

Contents

About the Comprehensive Plan Park & Recreation Element

A mandatory requirement for a park and recreation element was added to the required GMA comprehensive plan elements during the 2002 legislative session. The new element must be consistent with the capital facilities plan element as it relates to park and recreation facilities. The element must include estimates of park and recreation demand for a ten-year period, an evaluation of facilities and service needs, and an evaluation of intergovernmental coordination opportunities to provide regional approaches for meeting park and recreational demand. (RCW 36.70A.070(8)). Although new or amended elements are to be adopted concurrent with the scheduled update provided in RCW 36.70A.130, that requirement is postponed until adequate state funding is available. The requirements to incorporate any such new or amended elements “shall be null and void until funds sufficient to cover applicable local government costs are appropriated and distributed by the state at least two years before local government must update comprehensive plans.” (RCW 36.70A.070(9)).

Benefits of Park and Recreation

Park Design and Standards

     General Reference

     Local Government Examples

     Misc Design Resources

Programs

Open Space and Comprehensive Park Plans

Additional Information Resources