HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Meeting - Council Workshop - Minutes - 11/19/2019
Approved
City Council Workshop
Workshop Regular Meeting
Minutes
November 19, 2019
Date: November 19, 2019
Time: 5:00 p.m.
Place: Chambers
I. CALL TO ORDER
Council President Boyce called the meeting to order at 5:02 p.m.
Attendee Name Title Status Arrived
Dennis Higgins Councilmember Present
Les Thomas Councilmember Present
Bill Boyce Council President Present
Dana Ralph Mayor Present
Satwinder Kaur Councilmember Excused
Brenda Fincher Councilmember Present
Toni Troutner Councilmember Present
Marli Larimer Councilmember Present
II. PRESENTATIONS
1. Parks and Urban Forestry Program
Parks Department Deputy Director, Brian Levenhagen presented information
on the importance of trees as a part of the City's public lands as follows:
How do trees help accomplish Kent Park’s Mission?
· Social equity and inclusion
· Health and wellness
· Public land and facility stewards
· Environmental sustainability
What opportunities exist for trees in Kent’s Park System?
· Building and maintaining park assets is extremely important to activating
parks
· Trees are living assets
· Go to parks to find places to play and picnic
· A tree provides a shady spot, a playground, a place to hide, a fort, an
opportunity to climb, a picnic spot and photo opportunity
· Rest stop
Trees role in natural areas:
· Ecological benefits
· Trees intercept Stormwater
· Energy Conservation
City Council Workshop Workshop Regular
Meeting
Minutes
November 19, 2019
Kent, Washington
Page 2 of 6
· Pollution removal
· CO2 Reduction
· Wildlife Habitat
· Increase property values
Parks Operations Superintendent, Garin Lee reviewed a tree’s requirements
throughout its life cycle
Challenges for Trees to thrive:
· Development
· Biological factors
· Climate stress
· Perception
· Damage from improper care
· Threats from illegal encampments
Lee reviewed why an Urban Forestry Program will help restore, preserve,
maintain trees while efficiently using resources to maintain the urban forest
with a sensible, systemic approach, including:
· Tree inventory
· Best Management Practices
· Policies
· Staff/personnel
Lee detailed the City’s current level of service on its urban forestry
Lee reviewed details on how are we moving the Parks Urban Forestry
Program forward?
· Finish Parks Urban Forestry Management Plan
· Work with consultants
· Review what we have
Parks interns Stacie Kessler and Alicia Jacquemin, provided a tour of the
Davey Treekeeper inventory system and the I-Tree program that calculates
tree benefits.
Proper maintenance will allow trees to provide more beneficial results sooner
for a longer period of time.
Lee provided examples of the cost of not investing in Urban Forestry. Best
management practices ensure the result meet the design intent. A completed
Urban Forestry Plan ensures that the right trees are planted in the right
place.
We are losing the opportunity to engage and educate Kent residents in Urban
Forestry
City Council Workshop Workshop Regular
Meeting
Minutes
November 19, 2019
Kent, Washington
Page 3 of 6
· Outreach
· Education
· Interpretation
If we want Kent to be healthier, happier, and more equitable, we must invest
in Urban Forestry. Not doing so means we will continue to lose it.
Next Steps include:
· Finalizing Parks Urban Forestry Plan
· Finish Park Tree Inventory
· Consider Urban Forestry funding for 2021-2022 biennium budget cycle
· Follow up with City Council in March in an expanded discussion about Natural
Resource Management.
Boyce expressed the need to pay close attention to Urban Forestry.
Lee confirmed the City does not inventory or track trees on private property.
Fincher requested street trees be included in the inventory.
2. Parks, Recreation and Community Services Comprehensive
Recreation Program Plan - Final Presentation
Parks, Recreation and Community Services Director, Julie Parascondola,
provided an introduction of the Comprehensive Recreation Program Plan
presentation.
Parascondola advised that the Parks Department as a whole, over the next 4
years, is and will be going through extensive transformational change with a
lot of mid/long term strategic planning occurring. This effort began with the
Park Operations Division with their new LOS framework, followed by the
Riverbend Golf Complex Business Plan completed in 2018 and the recently
completed Marketing and Engagement Plan you’ll hear more about in July.
Tonight, we will be sharing more on the Recreation Program Plan, later this
next month we will begin launching the update to our 5-year Human Services
Master Plan and Consolidated Plan and rounding it out in the biennium, with
a new updated 20-year Facilities Master Plan which is starting late 2019.
The need to think strategically is critical for the long-term success of our
department. You are all aware that this department, both in the past and
present day, has continued to receive the disproportionate share of budget
reductions due to the City’s financial challenges and/or priorities.
Unfortunately, in parallel, our Kent community has continued to grow in
population, underserved residents need our support now more than ever, our
youth throughout this City need our commitment to help guide them to
City Council Workshop Workshop Regular
Meeting
Minutes
November 19, 2019
Kent, Washington
Page 4 of 6
success, the health of our community is at staggering levels of risk, ranking
in the bottom throughout all of King County. We have high demands and
unmet needs for our services and so on. Unfortunately, collectively, this
places our department and staff in a constant defensive position in trying to
balance needs versus funding. We need to actively work with our community
to jointly make those hard decisions on what to focus our funding on, to
right-size our services, programs and infrastructure to better align with the
funding allocation provided to us. At the same time, internally, we need to
evolve our mindsets and practices to be more entrepreneurial on how we
plan and deliver our services, evaluate our performance and most
importantly, how we continue to engage those we serve, in that decision-
making and prioritization process.
These plans we are bringing forward have had thousands of community
feedback points from residents, we are analyzing industry and regional
trends, best practices, our peers and more. They will guide our next phases
of delivery but will also give staff the need framework and decision-making
models to both pro-actively and re-actively divest in programs and services,
if so mandated. Our department can no longer meet the needs of this
community or absorb continued budget cuts without equivalent impacts to
public services.
We are here specifically today, to share a bit more about the development of
our Recreation Program Plan, the first of its kind in Kent, which began in
February this year with a goal to finalize in late August.
Parascondola recognized and thanked the entire Recreation division for their
willingness to engage in this type of process, for their transparency in
sharing both their successes and their struggles, for their perseverance and
fortitude in weathering consistent uncertainty and sticking it out with us and
most of all for continuing to put Kent’s residents at the forefront of their
delivery, many times sacrificing their personal time with their own families.
It’s important that as our policy leaders, you all understand what we are
asking of our recreation professionals in this new plan moving forward. The
way that they are going to manage Kent’s programming framework and
portfolio, only 3 other agencies’ in this state are similar in managing to that
same level of excellence - out of 230+ recreation systems in Washington. It
is the right thing to do for staff, it’s the right thing to do for our residents and
I’m very proud of them and all they do for our community and I am
personally excited to see them rise to yet another occasion to showcase their
dedication and collective talents.
Austin Hochstetler, the plan’s Project Manager with Pros Consulting started
with a recap from the June presentation to Council that included information
City Council Workshop Workshop Regular
Meeting
Minutes
November 19, 2019
Kent, Washington
Page 5 of 6
on:
· Kent’s Parks System has faced many changes since 1988
· Parks and recreation plays a major role in community livability and community
health
· Stakeholders report Kent PRCS has not yet been leveraged, maximized or seen
as an essential service impacting community outcomes
Hochstetler reviewed the Kent survey findings:
Community outcomes - Top 5 areas where respondents believe parks and
recreation are somewhat or very valuable contributors are:
1. Enhancing Healthy Aging
2. Making Living in Kent Fun
3. Enhancing Community Connection
4. Protecting/Preserving the Environment
5. Enhancing Community Health
Underserved Areas and Market Providers -The community said top 5 unmet
needs are:
1. Fitness and wellness programs
2. Outdoor events
3. Cultural performances
4. Outdoor recreation
5. Aquatic programs
Hochstetler reviewed the core parks recreation and community services
program areas that focused on a comprehensive community inventory that
helps us understand equity, market share, niche areas, etc., including:
1. Fitness and wellness programs
2. Outdoor events
3. Cultural performances and similar providers
4. Outdoor recreation
5. Aquatic Programs
6. Senior Programs 50+ - Kent Parks owns the market - no other similar
providers
7. Adaptive Recreation (persons with disabilities) - Kent Parks owns the market
- no other similar providers
Parks is gathering data points to make business decisions and emphasizing
on equity (including geographical equity).
Hochstetler reviewed:
1. Top five programs offered by Kent Parks that residents participated in during
the past 12 months and the top five reasons why the respondent participated
in Kent Parks programs.
2. Recreation needs and barriers: By race, by income, by household
City Council Workshop Workshop Regular
Meeting
Minutes
November 19, 2019
Kent, Washington
Page 6 of 6
composition
Leon Younger, President of Pros Consulting reviewed the Action Plan:
· Recreation is consumptive by nature
· Kent Parks must understand the cost to deliver services - need to maximize
value and experience
· This is a business management and operational action plan because recreation is
a government business function
· Recreation services can be viewed as an “earned” department when leveraged
for public and economic benefit - creates economic development and impact,
health and wellness
Younger reviewed the Framework and Tactics:
Three main categories:
1. Operational Management
2. Programs and Services
3. Departmental Policies and Practices
Next steps
· Report completion by the end of 2019
· Adjustments and shifts
- Think through training of staff
- Minor shifts begin in 2020
- Bigger shifts and proposals to the Mayor and City council on what to advance
· Related planning processes - costing analytics - economic impact
This is a departmental plan that does not require council approval.
Boyce indicated this lays the foundation for the next 5 years and indicated
we need to communicate this plan to the public.
Higgins liked the concrete suggestions / ideas for council to work on.
Meeting ended at 6:30 p.m.
Kimberley A. Komoto
City Clerk
Park Operations: Urban Forestry
Kent Parks, Recreation and Community Services
November 19th, 2019
Our Special Guest:
(Doug is a tree)
DOUG
Social equity and inclusion
•Everyone has a right to and deserves access to parks and natural areas.
•Presence of Trees in a neighborhood has a strong correlation with high income levels, quality of
life, health and happiness.
Health and wellness
•Trees have a positive impact on mental health.
•Access to Parks and Natural Areas combats stress,
diabetes, obesity, etc.
Public land and facility stewards
•Trees are ubiquitous across our public lands including,
parks, public facilities and open space.
Environmental Sustainability
•Trees provide numerous ecological benefits and increase environmental sustainability.
3
How does Doug help accomplish Kent Park’s Mission?
4
What opportunities exist for Doug in Kent’s Park System?
Developed Parks Natural Areas
Lake Meridian Park Clark Lake Park
5
Building and maintaining park assets is extremely important….
We go to Parks to
find Places to…
Play
Picnic
Climb
View Nature
Rest
Talk
Gather
Take a Picture
Be Inspired
Find Shade
What is Doug’s role in Developed Parks?
6
Building and Maintaining Park assets is extremely important….Trees are LIVING assets.
We go to Parks to
find Places to…
Play
Picnic
Climb
View Nature
Rest
Talk
Gather
Take a Picture
Be Inspired
Find Shade
What is Doug’s role in Developed Parks?
7
What is Doug’s role in Developed Parks?
Trees are an important part of EVERY great park!
A Tree is a….shady spot, playground, place to hide, fort, climber, picnic spot, photo op, rest stop….
8
What is Doug’s role in Natural Areas?
Mill Creek Canyon
9
Why should we care about Doug?
Stormwater Retention As Doug Grows…
Gallons of Stormwater
Intercepted by Douglas Fir as its
Trunk grows in Diameter
Tree Diameter Gallons
2 Inch 123
12 Inch 2,172
24 Inch 5,372
10
Why should we care about Doug?
Energy Conservation As Doug Grows…
Kilowatt Hours Saved by Douglas
Fir as its Trunk grows in Diameter
Tree Diameter KW Hours
2 Inch 5
12 Inch 59
24 Inch 145
Wind Speed
Reduction
reduces Air
Infiltration
11
Why should we care about Doug?
Pollution Removal
As Doug Grows…Pollution Removed by Douglas Fir as its Trunk grows in Diameter
Absorbs: ozone,
nitrogen dioxide,
sulfur dioxide
Intercepts: dust, ash
and smoke
Releases:
Oxygen through
Photosynthesis
Lowers: Air Temp.
Reduces: Energy Use
Tree Diameter
2 Inch 12 Inch 24 Inch
12
Why should we care about Doug?
CO 2 Reduction As Doug Grows…
Reduction in Atmospheric Carbon
by Douglas Fir Trunk Caliper in
Inches
Tree Diameter Pounds
2 Inch 28
12 Inch 259
24 Inch 521
Energy Savings also contribute to CO2 Reduction
13
Why should we care about Doug?
Wildlife Habitat
Green River water temperatures have reached lethal levels in the past and
adding quality shade trees along the river is part of the solution.
(Both photos taken at Park Orchard Park)
14
Why should we care about Doug?
Other Benefits As Doug Grows…
Overall Annual Monetary Value of
a Douglas Fir as its Trunk grows in
Diameter
Tree Diameter Annual Value
2 Inch $15
12 Inch $74
24 Inch $124
Research shows that trees positively affect the
economic vitality of communities by
increasing property values, office occupancy
rates, and shopping frequency, while lowering
crime rates and health care costs.
Studies show that people enjoy trees and are
less stressed with the presence of trees in a
landscape than they are without them.
People in tree-lined neighborhoods are more
likely to spend time outside getting to know
their neighbors and building community than
those in neighborhoods without trees.
15
It gets better…Doug has Friends in our Parks…
1080 acres
of parks and
open space
They need our help.
16
What do Doug’s health needs look like as he grows?
Established Doug
3-60 years old
1.Annual Monitoring
2.Pruning –Every 7 years
3.Assessment and Inventory
update Every 7 years
Mature Doug
60+ years old
1.Annual Monitoring
2.Pruning –Health and Safety
3.Fertilize
4.Pest Management
5.Removal (Sorry Doug)
Young Doug
1-3 years old
1.He needs to be
planted
2.Water
3.Mulch
4.Water
5.Training/Pruning
6.Water
7.Water…
17
What challenges are Doug and his friends facing?
Development: Numbers are declining without replacements=canopy loss; Less space to grow,
compaction & root disturbance, Fragmentation
Biological Factors: Native species loss, competition/damage from invasive plants, Increased pest and
disease threats
Climate Stress (macro and micro): (changes in water accessibility, temperature, etc.), inadequate age
& species diversity, environmental stressors (air pollution, etc.); wildlife habitat loss
Perception: seen as threat/nuisance to homeowners rather than
an asset
Damage from improper care: lack of resources to care for park
trees, public’s lack of understanding of tree benefits and proper
tree care practices
Threats from illegal encampments: trees are cut down, burned,
defoliated, human caused erosion exposing root systems, etc.
due to increased human intrusion into natural areas.(Illegal Pruning on Parks Property)
18
What will an Urban Forestry Program do for Park Trees?
A program that will help restore, preserve, and maintain our parks’ trees while
efficiently using resources to maintain the urban forest with a sensible, systematic
approach
Tree Inventory
•Tree Health & Maintenance for records and planning
Best Management Practices for
•Planting and Establishment
•Watering
•Pruning & Routine Maintenance
•Tree protection (i.e. construction)
•Pest and Disease management
•Wood Product Management
•Hazard Tree Management for Public Safety
Ordinances/policies
•Guidelines for tree responsibility & replacement
•Canopy loss or damage
Staff/personnel to manage and implement program
Earthworks Park
19
What is our Urban Forestry Level of Service now?
Storm Response Makes up 1.1% of Park Ops Hours but also includes non-tree related work like snow removal, etc.
Urban Forestry Task Percent of
Total Park
Ops Hours Level of Service
Hazardous Tree Evaluation/Removal 0.1%Responding to Complaints, not able to be pro-active
Tree Maintenance 0.8%Addressing Obvious Problems in our Most Visible Parks
Tree Removal 0.2%Removing Trees as Needed only in High Use Areas
Tree Watering/Establishment/Planting 1.2%Planting Trees when Park Projects or Events require
Total Urban Forestry Hours 2.3%Resources for basic actions based on immediate need
Should be roughly between 8%-15%, this number will be refined in the Urban Forestry Master
Plan.
20
How are we moving the Parks Urban Forestry Program forward?
•We hired two interns to complete our Parks Tree Inventory
•About 45% is designated to individual tracking in GIS inventory software
•Looking into alternative methods to evaluate properties too large to do
individual tree counts (Clark Lake, Mill Creek, Lake Fenwick, etc.).
•Hosted So. King County UF Continuum with Davey Resource Group
•Created a tree work request/completion process to improve workflow and
traceability
•We are going to plant Doug
How are we moving the Parks Urban Forestry Program forward?
TREEKEEPER® 8
Mill Creek Canyon
Demo
21
How are we moving the Parks Urban Forestry Program forward?
•Finish the Parks Urban Forestry
Management Plan
•Work with consultant to help with portions
we don’t have in-house resources to
complete
•Review what we have:
•Inventory, Resources, Operations,
Policies, Ordinances
•Set strategic goals for Trees in our
Parks
•Determine standards, policies and best
management practices to guide
decisions and investments.
•Establish performance metrics to
ensure plan is achieving Urban Forestry
goals. Lake Fenwick Park22
23
How will not investing in Urban Forestry affect Doug?
Proper maintenance will allow Doug
to provide more beneficial results
sooner for a longer period of time.
Costs go up during tree establishment
phase but they are quickly made up
for by significantly more return on
investment.
(Hauer, Vogt and Fischer, 2015)
What is the cost of not investing in Urban Forestry?
•Increase in invasive non-native plants
•Fewer native trees / Diversity
•Increased liability
•Increased reactive maintenance costs
•Reduced Tree Canopy Coverage
•Increased Pest Infestation/Epidemics
•Loss of Wildlife diversity/numbers
•Fewer Natural Area Recreational
Opportunities
•Fewer Ecological Benefits
What is the cost of not investing in Urban Forestry?
Safety and Liability Issues
North Meridian Park
Old Fishing Hole Park Riverbend Golf Complex25
26
What is the cost of not investing in Urban Forestry?
2010 2016
Toronto’s Sugar Beach Park
Best Management Practices ensure the result meet the design intent.
Completed Urban Forestry Plan ensures that the right trees are planted in the right place.
27
We are losing the opportunity to engage and educate Kent
residents in Urban Forestry.
Outreach/Education/Interpretation:
•Heritage Tree Program
•Green Kent
•Tree Ambassadors
•Youth Conservation Corp
•Partnerships with Local Organizations
•Arboretum/Nature Education
28
What should our holistic approach to Urban Forests in Kent be?
Options that will move Kent forward:
•Fund a Parks Urban Forestry Program
•Land Acquisition-King County Land
Conservation Initiative
•Tree Retention –Fee -In-Lieu
•City-wide Tree Canopy Goal
•Carbon Sequestration Funding
•Explore using surface water management fees
to help fund citywide Urban Forestry Program
(i.e. Bellevue, Vancouver)
If we want Kent to be healthier, happier, and more equitable...
...we must invest in Urban Forestry.29
Not doing so means we will continue to lose it.
30
Next Steps for Parks Urban Forestry
•Finalizing Parks Urban Forestry Plan
•Finish Park Tree Inventory
•Consider Urban Forestry funding ask for the 2021-2022 biennium
budget cycle
•Follow up with City Council in March in an expanded discussion
about Natural Resource Management.
•Plant Doug
31
Questions?
Inspiring communities to action
Comprehensive Recreation Program Plan
Kent, WA
Agenda
Quick Recap
o System History
o Planning Context
o Existing System
o Planning Process
o Findings
o Key Recommendations
Discussion and Next
Steps
Recap –June Council Presentation
3
Discussed in June…
The system has faced many changes since 1988
o Population increase of 97,650
o Net loss vs adds –down (3) ball fields and (6) soccer fields)
o City investment strategy has greatly affected Recreation negatively
Parks and recreation plays a major role in community livability and
community health
Stakeholders report Kent PRCS has not yet been leveraged,
maximized or seen as an essential service impacting community
outcomes
4
Investment
Note: Between 2005-2019, Recreation staff lost 6.0 FTEs (17% reduction), while in the same time period City staffing increased by 108 positions.
Numbers do not include Regional Fire Authority.
5
Key Survey Findings (community outcomes)
Top (5) areas where respondents believe parks
and recreation are somewhat or very valuable
contributors:
1.Enhancing Healthy Aging
2.Making Living in Kent Fun
3.Enhancing Community Connection
4.Protecting/Preserving the Environment
5.Enhancing Community Health
6
Key Survey Findings (prioritization of services)
77%of respondents believe it is equally
important or more important to fund parks,
trails and recreation facilities.
7
Q6. Compared to other City services (such as police,
zoning, code enforcement, and streets) how important
is it to fund parks, trails, and recreation facilities?
Areas that will reach the most community residents with additional
investment:
o Enrichment programs
o Outdoor programming in parks
o Nature programs
o Arts & crafts
o Performing arts programs
o Outdoor water recreation
Key Survey Findings (program interest areas)
o Outdoor events
o Fitness & wellness
o Cultural performances
o Outdoor recreation
o Senior programs (50+)
o Aquatics programs
8
Underserved Areas/Market Providers
9
The Community Said…
Top (5) unmet need areas:
1.Fitness & wellness programs
2.Outdoor events
3.Cultural performances
4.Outdoor recreation
5.Aquatic programs
10
11
Focused on a
comprehensive
community
inventory that helps
us understand
equity, market
share, niche areas,
etc.
Q8 11 How Well Needs Are Met: Fitness and wellness programs
2019 Kent Parks, Recreation and Community Services Interest and Opinion Survey
Shading reflects the mean rating for all respondents by CBG (merged as needed)
Percent Needs Met
Mean rating on a 5-point scale
ETC INSTITUTE
1.0-1.8 (0%)
1.8-2.6 (25%)
2.6-3.4 (50%)
3.4-4.2 (75%)
4.2-5.0 (100%)
No response
13
15 “fitness”
providers
identified
No fitness
identified in the
west
No fitness
identified in the
north central
Q8 17 How Well Needs Are Met: Outdoor events
2019 Kent Parks, Recreation and Community Services Interest and Opinion Survey
Shading reflects the mean rating for all respondents by CBG (merged as needed)
Percent Needs Met
Mean rating on a 5-point scale
ETC INSTITUTE
1.0-1.8 (0%)
1.8-2.6 (25%)
2.6-3.4 (50%)
3.4-4.2 (75%)
4.2-5.0 (100%)
No response
Desire to
see parks
activated
Q8 08 How Well Needs Are Met: Cultural performances
2019 Kent Parks, Recreation and Community Services Interest and Opinion Survey
Shading reflects the mean rating for all respondents by CBG (merged as needed)
Percent Needs Met
Mean rating on a 5-point scale
ETC INSTITUTE
1.0-1.8 (0%)
1.8-2.6 (25%)
2.6-3.4 (50%)
3.4-4.2 (75%)
4.2-5.0 (100%)
No response
16
Q8 19 How Well Needs Are Met: Outdoor recreation
2019 Kent Parks, Recreation and Community Services Interest and Opinion Survey
Shading reflects the mean rating for all respondents by CBG (merged as needed)
Percent Needs Met
Mean rating on a 5-point scale
ETC INSTITUTE
1.0-1.8 (0%)
1.8-2.6 (25%)
2.6-3.4 (50%)
3.4-4.2 (75%)
4.2-5.0 (100%)
No response
18
Q8 04 How Well Needs Are Met: Aquatic programs
2019 Kent Parks, Recreation and Community Services Interest and Opinion Survey
Shading reflects the mean rating for all respondents by CBG (merged as needed)
Percent Needs Met
Mean rating on a 5-point scale
ETC INSTITUTE
1.0-1.8 (0%)
1.8-2.6 (25%)
2.6-3.4 (50%)
3.4-4.2 (75%)
4.2-5.0 (100%)
No response
20
Kent Swim
and Tennis
Club X
YMCA X
Q8 33 How Well Needs Are Met: Senior programs (50+)
2019 Kent Parks, Recreation and Community Services Interest and Opinion Survey
Shading reflects the mean rating for all respondents by CBG (merged as needed)
Percent Needs Met
Mean rating on a 5-point scale
ETC INSTITUTE
1.0-1.8 (0%)
1.8-2.6 (25%)
2.6-3.4 (50%)
3.4-4.2 (75%)
4.2-5.0 (100%)
No response
22
Kent PRCS
owns the
market
2019 Kent Parks, Recreation and Community Services Interest and Opinion Survey
Shading reflects the mean rating for all respondents by CBG (merged as needed)
Percent Needs Met
Mean rating on a 5-point scale
ETC INSTITUTE
1.0-1.8 (0%)
1.8-2.6 (25%)
2.6-3.4 (50%)
3.4-4.2 (75%)
4.2-5.0 (100%)
No response
Q8 01 How Well Needs Are Met: Adaptive Recreation (persons with disabilities)
24
Kent PRCS
owns the
market
Emphasis on Equity
25
Survey Respondents
26
Existing Users…
27
Asian Indian; Chinese; Filipino;
Japanese; Korean; Vietnamese;
Other Asian Black/African American
Hispanic, Latino, or Spanish
Origin White
American
Indian or
Alaska Native
Native Hawaiian,
Guamanian or
Chamorro, Samoan,
Other Pacific Islander Other
17.9%12.1%16.4%56.4%5.7%3.6%1.4%
1 47.8%43.8%33.3%31.0%
2-3 39.1%43.8%33.3%43.1%
4-6 8.7%12.5%16.7%19.0%
7-10 4.3%0.0%5.6%5.2%
11+0.0%0.0%11.1%1.7%
Community events/festivals Sports leagues Arts & culture Community events/festivals
Fitness & wellness Youth (5-11)Fitness & wellness Sports leagues
Senior adults (50+)Senior adults (50+)Drop in use of the senior center Arts & culture
Drop in use of the senior center Arts & culture Community events/festivals Youth (5-11)
Youth (5-11)Natural area stewardship/Green Kent Aquatics Fitness & wellness
Location of program Location of program Location of program Location of program
Topics are relevant/interesting Good value for program fee Good value for program fee Good value for program fee
Quality of program Topics are relevant/interesting Quality of program Quality of program
Quality of program instructors Times program is offered Topics are relevant/interesting Topics are relevant/interesting
Good value for program fee Dates program is offered Times program is offered Times program is offered
Community events/festivals
Have you participated in any recreation programs offered by Kent PRCS during the past 12 months?
How many different recreation programs have you participated in during the past 12 months?
35.7%
35.7%
7.1%
14.3%
7.1%
Top five programs offered by Kent PRCS participated in during the past 12 months.
Good value for program fee
Topics are relevant/interesting
Friends participate in programs
Times program is offered
Sports leagues
Youth (5-11)
Arts & culture
Education/enrichment classes
Top five reasons why you participate in Kent PRCS programs.
Location of program
Recreation Needs and Barriers: By Race
28
Race/Ethnicity Top Five Most "Needed"Top Five Most "Important"Top Five Most "Unmet" Need Top 5 Barriers to Participating in Programs More
Outdoor Events Fitness & Wellness Programs Summer Meal Assistance for Youth I do not know what is being offered
Fitness & Wellness Programs Cultural Performances Teen (12-19) Programs No time to participate
Senior Programs (50+)Senior Programs (50+)Aquatic Programs I do not know locations of programs
Cultural Performances Outdoor Events Before School Programs Program times are not convenient
Outdoor Recreation Outdoor Recreation Technology Programs Fees are too high
Outdoor Events Fitness & Wellness Programs Outdoor Programming in Parks No time to participate
Fitness & Wellness Programs Outdoor Events Teen (12-19) Programs I do not know what is being offered
Cultural Performances Aquatic Programs Before School Programs Program times are not convenient
Outdoor Recreation Outdoor Water Recreation Technology Programs I do not know the locations of programs
Performing Arts Programs*Cultural Performances**Extreme Sports Fees are too high
Outdoor Events Outdoor Events Extreme Sports No time to participate
Cultural Performances Fitness & Wellness Programs Community Gardening Programs I do not know what is being offered
Fitness & Wellness Programs Outdoor Recreation Historical Programs Topics are not relevant/interesting
Outdoor Recreation Cultural Performances Family or Multi-Age Group Programs Program times are not convenient
Enrichment Programs Enrichment Programs Summery Playground Program with
Structured Drop-in Use I do not know the locations of programs
Outdoor Events Outdoor Events Before School Programs No time to participate
Cultural Performances Outdoor Recreation Outdoor Programming in Parks I do not know what is being offered
Outdoor Recreation Fitness & Wellness Programs Technology Programs Topics are not relevant/interesting
Fitness & Wellness Programs Cultural Performances Gymnastics/Tumbling/Cheerleading Program times are not convenient
Senior Programs (50+)Senior Programs (50+)Social Service Programs Use services/programs of other agencies
Outdoor Events Outdoor Events Before School Programs Program times are not convenient
Fitness & Wellness Programs Fitness & Wellness Programs Nature Programs No time to participate
Outdoor Recreation Youth Sports Leagues,
Tournaments, and Camps Family or Multi-Age Group Programs I do not know what is being offered
Family or Multi-Age Group Programs Arts & Crafts Outdoor Programming in Parks Fees are too high
Aquatic Programs STEM Programs***Adult Programs (18+)Program not offered
Other
Asian Indian; Chinese;
Filipino; Japanese;
Korean; Vietnamese;
Other Asian
Black/African
American
Hispanic, Latino, or
Spanish Origin
White
Recreation Needs and Barriers: By Income
29
Household Income Top Five Most "Needed"Top Five Most "Important"Top Five Most "Unmet" Need Top 5 Barriers to Participating in Programs More
Senior Programs (50+)Outdoor Events Adaptive Recreation I do not know what is being offered
Fitness & Wellness Programs Social Service Programs After School Programs Fees are too high
Social Service Programs Adult Programs (18+)Aquatic Programs I do not know locations of programs
Arts & Crafts*Senior Programs (50+)Before School Programs Lack of transportation
Enrichment Programs*After School Programs**Community Gardening Programs*****No time to participate
Fitness & Wellness Programs Fitness & Wellness Programs After School Programs I do not know what is being offered
Senior Programs (50+)Senior Programs (50+)Outdoor Recreation No time to participate
Cultural Performances Social Service Programs Outdoor Water Recreation Fees are too high
Outdoor Events Adaptive Recreation Adult Programs (18+)I do not know the location of programs
Enrichment Programs Outdoor Events***Extreme Sports******Program times are not convenient
Outdoor Recreation Fitness & Wellness Programs Summer Meal Assistance for Youth No time to participate
Fitness & Wellness Programs Senior Programs (50+)Family or Multi-Age Group Programs I do not know what is being offered
Outdoor Events Outdoor Events Performing Arts Programs Topics are not relevant/interesting
Senior Programs (50+)Cultural Performances Nature Programs Program times are not convenient
Cultural Performances Outdoor Recreation Social Service Programs*******I do not know the location of programs
Outdoor Events Fitness & Wellness Programs Before School Programs No time to participate
Cultural Performances Outdoor Events Extreme Sports I do not know what is being offered
Fitness & Wellness Programs Outdoor Recreation Adaptive Recreation Program times are not convenient
Outdoor Recreation Senior Programs (50+)Outdoor Programming in Parks Fees are too high
Senior Programs (50+)Cultural Performances****Adult Programs (18+)Program not offered
Outdoor Events Outdoor Events STEM Programs No time to participate
Cultural Performances Cultural Performances Teen (12-19) Programs Program times are not convenient
Fitness & Wellness Programs Outdoor Recreation Historical Programs I do not know what is being offered
Outdoor Recreation Fitness & Wellness Programs Outdoor Programming in Parks Topics are not relevant/interesting
Performing Arts Programs Aquatic Programs Programs with Your Pet Use services/programs of other agencies
Outdoor Events Outdoor Events Technology Programs No time to participate
Cultural Performances Fitness & Wellness Programs Extreme Sports I do not know what is being offered
Fitness & Wellness Programs Outdoor Recreation Trips Program times are not convenient
Outdoor Recreation Aquatic Programs Before School Programs Topics are not relevant/interesting
Aquatic Programs Cultural Performances Arts & Crafts Use services/programs of other agencies
$100,000-$124,999
Over $125,000
Under $25,000
$25,000-$49,999
$50,000-$74,999
$75,000-$99,999
Recreation Needs and Barriers: By Household Composition
30
Household Type Top Five Most "Needed"Top Five Most "Important"Top Five Most "Unmet" Need Top 5 Barriers to Participating in Programs More
Aquatic Programs Aquatic Programs Before School Programs No time to participate
Outdoor Events Outdoor Events Arts & Crafts I do not know what is being offered
Outdoor Recreation Youth Sports Leagues, Tournaments, & Camps Outdoor Programming in Parks Program times are not convenient
Youth Sports Leagues, Tournaments, & Camps After School Programs Fitness & Wellness Programs No child care
STEM Programs Outdoor Recreation Technology Programs Program not offered
Outdoor Events Outdoor Recreation Family or Multi-Age Group Programs No time to participate
Outdoor Recreation Outdoor Events Outdoor Programming in Parks Program times are not convenient
Cultural Performances Youth Sports Leagues, Tournaments, & Camps Lifeguarded Swimming Beaches User services/programs of other agencies
Youth Sports Leagues, Tournaments, & Camps Cultural Performances Adult Sports Leagues & Tournaments I do not know what is being offered***
Fitness & Wellness Programs*Lifeguarded Swimming Beaches Nature Programs Fees are too high***
Outdoor Events Fitness & Wellness Programs Youth Sports Leagues, Tournaments, & Camps No time to participate
Cultural Performances Outdoor Events Extreme Sports I do not know what is being offered
Fitness & Wellness Programs Enrichment Programs Historical Programs Program times are not convenient
Enrichment Programs Outdoor Recreation Social Service Programs I do not know the location of programs
Outdoor Recreation Cultural Performances Community Gardening Programs Topics are not relevant/interesting
Senior Programs (50+)Senior Programs (50+)Extreme Sports No time to participate
Fitness & Wellness Programs Fitness & Wellness Programs Summer Playground Program with Structured
Drop-in Use I do not know what is being offered
Outdoor Events Outdoor Events Holiday/Out of School Programs Topics are not relevant/interesting
Cultural Performances Cultural Performances Summer Meal Assistance for Youth Program times are not convenient
Outdoor Recreation Outdoor Recreation Before School Programs**Fees are too high
Households with
Children Under 10
Households with
Children (10-19)
Households with no
Children (Ages 20-54)
Households with no
Children (Aged 55+)
Barriers to Participation
USERS
1.No time to participate (51.4%)
2.Program times are not convenient (25.0%)
3.Program not offered (17.9%)
4.I do not know what is being offered
(14.3%)
5.Topics are not relevant/interesting (11.4%)
6.Classes/programs are full (10.0%)
7.Use services/programs of other agencies
(10.0%)
NON-USERS
1.No time to participate (46.6%)
2.I do not know what is being offered (31.0%)
3.Topics are not relevant/interesting (18.3%)
4.Program times are not convenient (17.9%)
5.I do not know locations of programs (16.4%)
6.Fees are too high (13.4%)
7.Use services/programs of other agencies
(9.0%)
The Action Plan
32
Introduction
Recreation is consumptive by nature
Kent PRCS must understand the cost to deliver services
This is a business management and operational action plan
because recreation is a government business function
Recreation services can viewed as an “earn” department when
leveraged for public and economic benefit
33
Framework
Three main categories
o Operational Management
o Programs and Services
o Departmental Policies and Practices
Three timeframes
o Short-term (FY19-20 and FY20-21)
o Mid-term (FY21-22, FY22-23, and FY23-24)
o Long-term (FY24-25, FY25-26, and FY26-27)
16 high-level strategies along with 93 distinct tactics
34
Operational Management
Key Tactics
o 1H: Increasing the allocation percentage of youth and teen funds
o 1I: Increasing the City per capita allocation of city-wide arts funding
o 1L: Business Development program/staff position
o 1N: Transitioning to a Park District
o 2A: Cost of service goal
o 2B: Permanently fund the $100,000 in scholarships
o 4A: Staffing standards
o 4D: Review and modify recreation staff job descriptions
35
Programs and Services
Key Tactics
o 6D: Program divesture at the activity level
o 7A: Key Performance Indicators (KPIs)
o 7E: Mini-business plans for core program areas
o 9A: Analyze partnership contributions
o 11A: Social equity planning
36
Departmental Policies and Practices
Key Tactics
o 13A: Partnership policies
o 13B: Pricing policy and fee development philosophy
o 13E: Consumer Price Index (CPI) applied annually
o 14C: Maximize the Marketing and Engagement Plan
37
Action Plan Questions
What are your thoughts?
38
Discussion and Next Steps
39
Next Steps
Report completion
o Finalization, layout, and delivery
Adjustments and shifts:
o Minor shifts to begin in 2020
o Larger adjustments and shifts to rollout with the 2021-2022
budget development process
Related planning processes:
o Total cost of revenue and service delivery
o Economic impact of park and recreation services assessment
40
Discussion
41