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Home My WebLink AboutCity Council Meeting - City Council Workshop - 02/20/2024 (2) Approved City Council Workshop • Workshop Regular Meeting KENT Minutes WAS HiNaTor+ February 20, 2024 Date: February 20, 2024 Time: 5:15 p.m. Place: Chambers I. CALL TO ORDER Council President Kaur called the meeting to order. Attendee Name Title Status Arrived Satwinder Kaur Council President Present Bill Boyce Councilmember Present John Boyd Councilmember Present Brenda Fincher Councilmember Present Marli Larimer Councilmember Present Zandria Michaud Councilmember Present Toni Troutner Councilmember Present H. PRESENTATIONS 1 Downtown Subarea Plan (DSAP) Kristen 35 MIN. Update: Project Intro Holdsworth Long Range Planning Manager Kristen Holdsworth presented the Council with an introduction to the Downtown Subarea Action Plan. Staff is working with consultants on the Comprehensive Plan update to include Downtown Subarea Plan. Holdsworth advised the Puget Sound Regional Council develops policies and frameworks to help guide regional growth decisions with King, Kitsap, Pierce, and Snohomish counties. Vision 2050 is the updated Regional Growth Strategy for how to manage growth within the central Puget Sound. PSRC has designated 30 regional centers comprised of significant business governmental and cultural facilities and 10 manufacturing and industrial centers. Downtown Kent was designated a Regional Growth Center in 1995. Holdsworth talked about the purpose of regional centers. Cities must develop subarea pans to maintain their Regional Center designation from PSRC. The current DSAP was adopted in 2013. Holdsworth provided the history of the DSAP, boundaries, understanding the current 2013 DSAP, guiding principles, priority themes and progress since 2013. Holdsworth indicated that having the DSAP is a requirement to getting grant City Council Workshop Workshop Regular February 20, 2024 Meeting Kent, Washington Minutes ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................._............................................................................................................................................................................................................... funds - if the City has a regional growth center designation and a certified plan, they become highly competitive for grant funds. 2013 DSAP Guiding Principles: Memorable downtown experience Economic vitality Urban livability Pedestrian priority Enjoyable outdoor space Neighborhood compatibility Environmental sustainability Commitment to implementation Priority Themes: Create strong visual connection between Kent Station and Historic Downtown Enhance safety for parks Downtown Create gateways into Downtown and improve pedestrian infrastructure and connectivity Seek out opportunities for mixed-use development Improve safety around commuter rail station and parks DAP progress since 2013: Multi-Family Tax Exemptions Developments - Dwell and Madison Plaza Apartments Connections - Willis Street Roundabout Progress being made towards implementing quiet zones. DSAP update goals: Comply with PSRC Vision 2050 and Centers recertification Re-evaluation DSAP boundaries Align with visionary expectations of the Comprehensive Pan and realistic about market expectations The plan will identify short-term, high-impact action items Coordinate and leverage funding opportunities Explore private and public open space and recreational opportunities Remove Planned Action Ordinance. Goals to be addressed in DSAP update: Prioritizing access to opportunity for historically underserved communities Identify and minimize gaps in equitable access to parks Align with state greenhouse gas emissions reduction goals Highlight the use of the center in attracting regional population and job growth Document total housing units by types and affordability and reduce risk of displacement ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... Page 2 of 6 City Council Workshop Workshop Regular February 20, 2024 Meeting Kent, Washington Minutes ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................._............................................................................................................................................................................................................... • Expand access to economic opportunities Holdsworth indicated that prioritizing access is related to access to jobs and housing. Holdsworth addressed the DSAP boundaries and how to address activating retail in downtown. Holdsworth conveyed the LUPB brought up safety concerns. Staff will address crime prevention through environmental design in addition to land uses that can promote strategies as development happens. Troutner advised as a member of the Kent Downtown Partnership, she is confident in staff and appreciates staff's awareness of the KDP desire to be a part of the process. Boyd sought clarification on how the City is helping underserved communities and appreciated the plan to have conversations around access to housing opportunities and job training/job entry. Holdsworth advised that the City has already lifted height limits and lot line requirements that is increasing density opportunities. Councilmembers expressed an interest in having staff evaluate possible historical disparate impacts. 2 Mill Creek Canyon Earthworks Terry Jungman 40 MIN. Framework Plan - Final Presentation Terry Jungman presented the Mill Creek Canyon Earthworks Framework Plan Final Presentation and expressed appreciation of Parks staff that worked on the plan. Jungman indicated this is a 10 and 20 year plan - visionary work. Jungman indicated the Mill Creek Canyon is an amazing and quiet space and we should appreciate its current state. Mill Creek consists of a 2 mile stretch of greenbelt that consists of 147 acres of park land. Earthworks and Mill Creek Canyon consist of: Middle Mill Creek Park South Mill Creek Park Mill Creek Canyon Trails Mill Creek Canyon to 248th Mil Creek Park to 2771h Street Trail ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... Page 3 of 6 City Council Workshop Workshop Regular February 20, 2024 Meeting Kent, Washington Minutes ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................._............................................................................................................................................................................................................... Amenity top priority investments: • Restrooms Nature trails Farmers market events Paved walking and biking trails Natural areas/wildlife habitat Botanical gardens Goals: History & Culture Trail Improvements Natural Resources Health & Connections Equity Implementation Parks Planning and Development Planner Kerry O'Connor talked about the public engagement process and provided statistics on all methods of engagement. Details were provided on the data collection and data processing in addition to the analysis. Key take aways relating to Park Use, Visitor Experience and Future Visions were required. The top 3 requested park experiences were: 1. Trail Improvements + map kiosks 2. Art and Play network 3. Native Plantings and Ecological Restoration The City has over 40 years of planning documentation related to Earthworks Park and the City will building upon those prior plans. Jungman talked about the assessments to neighborhood connectivity, park access and trails, stormwater and natural resources. Challenges: Accessibility Lack of programming- driven by funding Maintenance diminished Awareness Opportunities: Restore original design intent Creating a new space for programs Relinking senior center with Earthworks park Regional Connectivity Lack of link from East Hill to downtown ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... Page 4 of 6 City Council Workshop Workshop Regular February 20, 2024 Meeting Kent, Washington Minutes ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................._............................................................................................................................................................................................................... • Connecting 272nd street trail, Green River trail • Connecting Earthworks to the Kent Senior Center and downtown. Parks Planning and Development Project Manager Bryan Higgins provided an overview of the Proposed Park Improvements: Trail Network: Easy urban path, park trail and hiking trail components Earthworks Park Earthworks is a King County Landmark and any changes would need to go through the King County Landmark's Commission. Earthworks Park and Meadow improvements: Phased approach 1st phase activates relate to use 2nd phase builds on the first phase Plateau Adds loop trails Phase 2 - expand additional space If use and demand increase may install a pedestrian overpass Forest Canopy Upstream - South end off 267th Includes recently acquired Ransom and Mendell sites Parking Restroom Open Field Space for outdoor learning Serve as trailhead for Mill Creek canyon Jungman detailed the proposed funding plan: 0-10 year plan = $16M Capital Investment Phase 1 10-20 year plan = $16M Capital Investment Phase 2 Jungman talked about funding for Operations and Maintenance and the possible number of full time employees that would be needed to maintain the projects. Jungman advised next steps will include: Entering public comment period Final plan published April 1, 2024 Online story map April 1, 2024 Jungman also provided the Council with copies of Kent's Canyon of Connections - A journey to the future through a fully realized Mill Creek ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... Page 5 of 6 City Council Workshop Workshop Regular February 20, 2024 Meeting Kent, Washington Minutes ......................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................._............................................................................................................................................................................................................... Canyon Earthworks Park book. Councilmember Michaud expressed appreciation of all the amazing work of the Parks Department Staff in creating this plan. Meeting ended at 6:43 p.m. K% ley A- Ka"wtc- City Clerk ........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... Page 6 of 6 �■ ■�■ ��_ :r, ,,� ram■ �■ Tcf - -M i . �. .� �. .� .__ _-` �! �� __ .� �: ■ter � Musas.h's* ctl rx `? `� dIMF li Downtown Subarea k Action Plan Update Mk Council Workshop w 'I FA n y February 20, 2024 . _ \ Comprehensive Plan 2044 > Ff Building Our Future Together Puget Sound Regional Council & Regional Centers 1 . PSRC develops policies and frameworks to help guide regional growth decisions within • ' ' King, Kitsap, Pierce, and Snohomish counties 2. Vision 2050 is the updated Regional Growth as.Re Tonal Growth Centers and Manufacturin Industrial Centers . ,� i, Strategy for how to manage growth within �� , - etams��o i the central Puget Sound E�fen Eyer.� d,en ns 3. PSRC has designated 30 regional centers so9 wnnd comprised of significant business, Seattleag Ho - Kxla To`em ake ate governmental and cultural facilities and 10 s"Vefda'e lard°°isrtI-_ . ael eV-d-d o erlake t Btebay U Ptown�!'�Union e S�attleC�Fira[HiHll manufacturing and industrial centers �ot��,y emertnn H°;b��eW=aP a�aH onwamlan Indu tr�'al n kweur�eo Renton censer-eremennn nxwila - 4. Downtown Kent was designated a Regional - SaaTae ,K^t s ,w Growth Center in 1995 ederal .Auburn Vniverai[y Place ac a :o of Tacoma tuner Pacilic �� Downtown ■Su T taketwolotl Puyallup `, Comprehensive Plan 2044 S hHill - PraEanaFacn. KENT z� area�eaaly M Building Our Future Together Kent Downtown Subarea Action Plan ( DSAP) 1 . Cities must develop subarea plans to maintain their Regional Center designation from PSRC 2. The current DSAP was adopted in 2013 Downtown Action Plan 3. Vision 2050 requires review and update 1�-- -1 City of Kent of subarea plans by 2025 „ ,,.00 4. Includes design guidelines for Mir ` Downtown and SEPA Planned Action Ordinance r � 111 •: •wn e E INVESTING IN THE FUTURE Venture Downtown!Kenf.com �K�NT_ History h AP t e DS 1 . The "John Graham Plan " ( 1966) 2. The City of Kent and partners have collaborated to maintain -}-- { ir 1 r z .k vitality in the historic commercial core * 3 . Since 1966, there have been 4 -.01 ............ updates to the DSAP 1946 Cornucopia Festival Downtown Kent `, Comprehensive Plan 2044 '4KENT Building Our Future Together' Study Area Legend DOWNTOWN STUDY AREA L 11111` ■ — - s+riri REGIONAL GROWTH CENTER ICI�11♦I 3R n aG.T.r ' - Downtown Subarea —� im { �F �/1�_I R■�I If ' � 1�1 1� 4 ■Roommom NEVES mom mom mom mom mom mom Now mi HIM -■ eF r ME ■ �_I I i�■ �1 Q�� H r'i Vr.,.. . '}1� b� _ R.- �lP. .' �- � 1 �� /t`. w "- , • + ,� ■ ■1. � � ■! :_■�f■� �,:'S'il�� ■1 �!■�;;E _ "° f �� -� r■ -- ■___ � a ■+ OmiMEN tot" MENIMMIMEN Now ME _ � C • ■ IMI ME =10 � ,�� ., � — ��•�•— -- �'il!III L'"' q# i ■ �. Understanding the Current DSAP (2013) 1 . Policies and frameworks outlined in the DSAP are guided by the City's Comprehensive Plan � 2. Guides land use, transportation, parks and open space, economic development, and urban design practices 3. Provides an overview of population, economic, and employment trends - 4. Outlines growth estimates and expectations FP � � for Downtown - 5. SEPA: Planned Action Ordinance and Infill Exemption �� ' 2013 DSAP Guiding Principles 1 . Memorable Downtown Experience DSAP VISION 2. Economic Vitality "...the downtown is envisioned to be an 3. Urban Livability "extraordinary place" that is the "Heart of Kent" Economic vitality is of utmost importance, and the 4. Pedestrian Priority vision calls for a complement of retail and service businesses that serve as the economic backbone of 5. Enjoyable Outdoor Space Downtown. Downtown is recognized as a desirable place to live with a variety of housing choices 6. Neighborhood Compatibility including stylish apartments and condominiums. Well- designed open spaces, convenient services and 7. Environmental Sustainability retail shops, and entertainment %portunitl es contribute to the neighborhoodel of Downtown. 8. Commitment to Implementation Transportation options ive people choices to leave the automobile parked he increasing population of Downtown supports existing businesses and creates a need for new ones, contributing to the economic vitality of downtown" 2013 DSAP PriorityThemes 1 . Create strong visual connection between Kent Station and Historic Downtown ' FTM7 J ® � 2. Enhance safety for parks Downtown 3. Create into Downtown and gateways improve pedestrian infrastructure and 4 connectivity yam- i - 4. Seek out opportunities for mixed-use development 5. Improve safety around commuter rail p Y station and parks Comprehensive Plan 2044 KENT Building Our Future Together' DSAP Progress Since 2013 1 . Multi-family Tax Exemptions -A 2. Dwell at Kent Station - - 3. Madison Plaza on Apartments p � - Meeker "' 4. Willis Street Roundabout and monument 5. Progress being made towards - implementing quiet zones Comprehensive Plan 2044 '4KENT Building Our Future Together' DSAP Update Goals 1 . Comply with PSRC Vision 2050 and recertify Downtown Kent as a center 2. Re-evaluate DSAP boundaries 3. Align with visionary expectations of the Comprehensive Plan and be realistic about market expectations 4. Identify short-term, high-impact action items 5. Coordinate and leverage funding opportunities 6. Explore private and public open space and recreational opportunities 7. Remove Planned Action Ordinance/previous SEPA infill tools LComprehensive Plan 2044 khh "'KENxtheBuilding Our Fu MEEKER A �� J DOWNTOWN f �4U � } Kent - R, i�iiiiiiaiiiii�riiisiiaiaififirri .r�airi„,,,,,,,,, „ 018 _ _ ,,,,,,,,,,..... ��'• „7 The project seeks to reimagine a key commercial corridor and gateway to our downtown into a multimodal, urban complete -IL - - street with a strong sense of r T Existi rig pedestrian PRNATE PROJECT • RENT ELEMENTARY CAPRAL PRoIECT facilities good:bicycle PRIVATE oEVELOPMErrt'[future phase '� SCHOOL [1ut�re phase} future facility improvements PRIVATE DEVELOPMENT partnering with school to I possible planned(possible place. DEVELOPMENT construction In develop imp funding funding funding identified) Identifiedy under construction 2019 Comprehensive Plan 2044 "'KENT Building Our Future Together' Gaps to be Addressed in DSAP update 1 . Prioritizing access to opportunity for historically underserved communities 2. Identify and minimize gaps in equitable access to parks 3. Align with state and regional climate goals 4. Highlight the use of the center in attracting regional population and job g rowt h 5. Document total housing units by type and affordability and reduce risk of displacement 6. Expand access to economic opportunities LComprehensive Plan 2044 "'KENxtherBuilding Our Fu Council Discussion and Feedback 1 . How would you define success for the Downtown Subarea Plan update? 2. What concerns do you have about Downtown or the update? 3 . What voices or perspectives do we need to include in our engagement efforts? 4. Do you have any other feedback, ideas, or information you would like to share with the project team? '�KENT_ ,A'h%., IKEN71k er Questions? Kristen Holdsworth Long Range Planning Manager 2530856 * 5441 KHoldsworth@KentWA. gov 14KENT Mill Creek Canyon Earthworks Park Framework Plan CITY OF KENT - PARKS, RECREATION AND KENTCOMMUNITY SERVICES • N PARK PLANNING & DEVELOPMENT ,{.. � •�1.}yam �.:+ 5 � i at ., •rI a Z LA IT y, -'. : . ti ej '�':•i - r"�l' — . .-�- ,ram-- _ - �-`° ... r -�•�ti J w• �.,;. ' � ..`ti: -"z•r•r,�. -•• -��e k`h E _ ^��. _ ,}� .. fb.•e.wit. 'L]� ":y': TIM - - ]• 4r - '��• -.�k n` ,I- +r t - Iy�.ri. k. • r :'S 47,.... .v _ 4. ..}. � A �: •. r r'�' r. • '+ � *._ _. f .f '4' � � yr��.M � r� .. u i� '. � .Y. 9 J •�• r� y-�?, - r'# f°` .�. "'r•. •.r s�i,- � ��,1, .`''''iia,a ~rL r "+ f F* w * aa+''4 v� , •+ �.R�-L a r - }ti. Yti ., f ,�F •+ f .F r .� ?ram'- 1 L�'Y Y fi �-■y# - l � - ay`F r'+" NSA .y � r - y k' 4�1 4• , Lk �� •` r _ y L'1 u :'i• i 4 Ad ti l 2022 Parks and Open Space Plan I - w Amenity Top Priority Investments ----- 0 50 200 o RESTRO00A5 n� e ,o IL NATURE TRAILS LAPMER'S MARKET a EVENTS PAVED WALKING rev BIKING TRAILS � MATU PAL APEAS f r�WILQLIFEHABITAT `7 BOTANICAL a GARDENS i Park Need Current Recreational Value ►�, 2022 Parks and Open Space Plan Earthworks and Mill Creek Canyon Middle Mill Creek Park \ Creates newTiier4park,including resting point f at the halfway point of the canyon. 'K- IB ❑ , " South MW Creek Park D. Earthworks near$$$ _ \ Renovate to become aTier 4 park.Improve gateway/trailhead to the and Mill Creek Canyon hJ J t5 upper canyon utilizing recent property acquisition. Celebrate this natural resource and gateway a7 between downtown and East Hill.Update H Mill Creek Canyon Trails the master plan for Earthworks Park and Mill P C \ Continue work on pedestrian connection between downtown and East -Sti�01HE3R 1;; ,,�.;5;,- Hill on both sides of the canyon. Creek Canyon with a major emphasis on trail I A D and neighborhood connectivity,building K " ` ► Create crossings to connect Scenic Hill and East Hill.Crossings to include upon the recent work to cleanup and restore bridges at strategic locations for connectivity and views of the canyon. existing nature trails within the canyon. G' L \ Continue work on restoration of canyon and working with Earth Corps on E A, trail maintenance and improvement. LEGEND LEGEN Mill Creek Canyon to 24$th HighSchod IlkCreate a safe off-street connection between 248th,Campus Park,and Mill Creek Canyon. Middle5chad I� __ sleme.tarySchool NIX Creek pork to 277th Street Trail \ Implement the planned connection to 277th,eventually connecting Mill ■ KentPaeks Creek to the Green River Trail. Downtown Map 1 mile N - .ti ii!�• r�r 3 A2.. r F +,� ti J 'f Y iP � .r. •k a 5' re f ■ ' i i , x r�x • .,.� tip, T 'i. r1{En✓ + sEu 31 ol . 515E -. i I XAEVSC� + f ._-I .. •� OATHCPfSR�rr' MITHuw Goals WV History + Culture Trail Improvements Natural Resources • Bring attention, recognition and increased access to this resource . Improvements will stitch the entire park together internally, as well • Connect people with the natural world in diverse ways. within the City of Kent park system. as provide essential connectivity to the surrounding neighborhoods, . Blend art and nature in an urban context. • AppIify stories of water, flora, fauna, and people through educational downtown Kent, and future development. . Stitch together land art, a multi-layered meadow, creek and forest experiences, participation, and discovery throughout the park. . Varied levels of trail experiences aim to allow visitors to access and experiences with a coherent trail system, experience the significant cultural and natural resources of Mill Creek Canyon Earthworks Park. 40 Health + Connections No Equity Implementation Enhance and welcome street connectivity, transit connections, Address equitable access with transit, pedestrian, and bicycle . Create excitement and momentum by early implementation. wayfinding, events and a continuous walkway along the edges of connections between the surrounding neighborhoods. . Prioritize access, connectivity and visibility at Earthworks Park and the canyon and park. Eliminating the ba Mier that is created by Canyon Drive. Upstream Park to anchor both ends of the canyon. Develop inclusive wayfinding that reaches outside and inside of the park. ICEHT MITHUN .s� ..� Public Engagement r_ 4 Upper Canyon Sou#h _ f f ,K �� 'f O. 71 rp -lb TOL V-b(�2 3 I IKETV MITHON Public Engagement DATA COLLECTION DATA PROCESSING ANALYSIS 0100. DPARK USE PUBLIC OUTREACH 1 +2 2 CITY OF KENT SURVEY VISITOR ONLINE SURVEYS RESPONSES -0 EXPERIENCE -0 FUTURE EVENT COMPARISON VISIONS KEY TAKEAWAYS 2 PUBLIC WORKSHOPS -0 PARTICIPANTS WORKSHOP FEEDBACK ANALYSIS SITE i 00 DESIGNS 0 too # da # * • � • 4 NEIGHBORHOOD Le COMMENTS+ OUTREACH TAGS EVENTS ��HT MITHUH Engage • Activity over time p Months 2.000 t5oo Online Engagement t,000 22,074 Visits 500 Aware 0 • Jun 2022 Ju12022 Aug 2D22 Sep 2D22 0.2022 Nov N122 Dec 2D22 Jan 2D23 Feb 2023 AAer2D23 Apr 2023 IAey 2023 Jun 2023 Al 2023 lug 223 Sp 2023 Oct 2023 Nov 2023 Dec 20M Feh 20" •Yis@s •YisHors •Corrtn 6u[iona •Contnhu[ors • Informed • - In-person - - nt 663 people Public Engagement KEY TAKE AINAYS PARK USE VISITOR EXPERIENCE FUTURE VISIONS Most park users visit both Earthworks Park and Mill Creek Park visitors appreciate the biodiversity and 'natural' character Prioritizing circulation will address community needs Canyon of Mill Greek Canyon and support additional physical and experiential interventions Trail improvements appeal to both first time and repeat Programmed experiences are comparatively implementable visitors Park improvements are an opportunity to engage a and could improve perceptions of comfort in the park variety of users with the environment and history of Mill Lack of awareness, reduced programming, and lack of Creek Canyon and Earthworks Park maintenance have reduced the number and frequency of Wayfinding will improve accessibility within the park, while visitors neighborhood connectivity improves access to the park Park improvements must balance community visions, natural resources, and maintenance capacity i. Top 3 requested park experiences: 85.5% of survey respondents had TRAIL IMPROVEMENTS Visited the park I + MAP KIOSKS Lack of awareness * ART + PLAY is a significant NETWORK limitation to park use Trail improvements encourage more frequent repeat Visitors (71.4%) NATIVE PLANTINGS + ECOLOGICAL RESTORATION " r MITHUN I�E1V . b MITHUN - ipw m �• �...f a %. z _ `+ S x 1' "`'+j 1�Y - MLL Ci�lf fAl[�Sfi Altlf ASsw EARTH R66 t -44 - SR.tiu5r[c euN urohTE A e MFl H CRFS kx CRC.ANYCX+PARK F * Rvd08lgi Rupwt — �' JdnUary M6 iMANYM rRAJL ei�i'nYi.°i.K";2,w* MILL CREEK CANYON PARK �d f # if �14 'd Nam" r ' .� . , i I pow 5�•�-w- �PIQn�422 T A gathering at Earthworks Pork from the Kent Parks Archives MITHUK Assessment REGIONAL • ]OHNSDN PrT#36 LAND ART ., � � -. T4'NATERWORKS IlY. R15,.14Z� �� RMar ? s° GARDEN iN REHTON BY ROBERT HOR '� � _ .� {r.. to LbRi�A JOAi7hiir f447 T i - •y`l - ' _ - • •*� ""'� _ - EAST HILL NORTH rc o Irk Orchard K _r -r P - "�' emit - Eleme 5chod • _ -`:ae� +FT .41 _: _ _ +'+ Meridran Middle Schoch now _ Iwo �: - r IC,ent Memorial Pork 1�'� r 1 _ +� t a x��.� - +. EARTHWORM PARK BY Eo.t Hill Mill r_IreF HERBERT GAYER,1951 E]emmt�ra School "F'�Ll4:• -" Y,�yi Commons •. - r unity Center Middle Schad t t t MILL CREEK Kent YWCA Ckrrk Lake Park #� r _ - - t gomerbury t { . tit r aDWNTOWN'' MILLCREEK Park { U to t °ram '6urf n Green "' -- - �C�_ 144 ill Fortin Sortun CANYOEI —'ErEmentar;S=h�cl a 1 Keen Ekmemo may ang�rw SEnkrr Actrr by �@",.Yan; - Mi.d—r,Porky t t ry Kent Ci all t Kent Library tom° Centrr }Kiwanis Tat... Campus Willi:5t ."?IF w-ate Pork Lot 2'i - - �mMeridian - rtus Railroad � Hgh Scholl 7 r SCENIC HILL r t Kent Voll y Early Parr`'-4r—ni Tat ---- t Lrornirg Center Latl ------ ------------------------ ------- -- .---- - . 4 ti. y� Scam lbks i Scenic Hill Park#,, t Park 4reon il—TI.Q t { ] l _ Scenic Hill Elrmenmry Schad EAST HILL SOUTH Futurc connectirns G=Ricer Trail 277th rrkkx Trail DEVELOPMENTLegend PARK LAND BIKE FACILITY FUTURE r ISTORIC LAND ARTS ITES SITES OF SITE BOUNDARY MEET ME ON Assessment NEIGHBORHOOD CONNECTIVITY i r ii i 4+ Yf ilki,. . �I•', -`' .'�. .. . ,,,II.'�� '±- _ r, mot. l+. .� n �' .� il, � �• t _ rpm 40 I� I' Ih'I�III' ar � .. .. •'�I��II::I Illllq� •��'I��IIKI� ��• Illgll3 gliu� Legand PROPOSED PARK TRANSIT STOPS IMPROVEMENT SITES — SITE BOUNDARY PARK TRAILS �P PARKING MILL CREEK �� POTENTIAL PEDESTRIAN ❑ PARK LAND O T E B CANYON CROSSING . '• POSSIBLE MULIMDAL ADA PATH � RETAIL STORE � * RESTAURANTS SIDEWALK WITH CURB •�, IMPROVEMENTS E}{ISTfNCa PARK ENTRANCESKETIT M l T H U H GREENWAY Assessment PARK ACCESS & TRAILS r► 11�_ f 77 P .. i. -771pppr P pkuK d 0 ¢' N Legend , POTENTIAL PARK ENTRANCES .— SITE BD4iNDARY Llk•11TEDACCE55* ••••• PARK TRAIL PARKING POTENTIAL ACCESS* PROPOSED PEDESTRIAN r"i PROPOSED PARK C,4hEY0#*I CROSSING LJ ADA PATH IMPROVEMENT SITES � • + POTENTIAL NEIGHBORHOOD MILS CREEK ACCESS ?sr PARK LAND ��1tEHT M I T H O N EXISTING PARK ENTRANCES -•_.- •. Assessment STORMWATER .�X r _ rwr Lower Mill . .Creek Dom ��--� - - - __ - 4 _ F•A; � �`� �£grthwwki The carryon receives unt re at ed urban stornn ater y n" runoff from surrounding irnpervious surfaces; .. Par�r+n _ . . _-,T increased rainfall frequency and intensity,and : /� L�°"Jx. groundvaterseepsfrom the hillsides. Sediment Pond V .; -•� Mill Creek '.1.ri,� - ,..ter Existing Trail ••\- �- .__ Fa Washout - - - - - ,I. -- s- - Upper M$f t Creek dam ti - -. --. �- Strategies taImprove Riparian Habitat ` Collect]and treat Restore riparian Stabilize banks and`�`:�'u.i Enhance future \ atormwater habitat zones improve infiltration habitat areas � \ •\ upstream Legend #. * ME AREAS In BANK EROS I ON :•U N DARY FUTU RE ■ - EM * now mW STREAM BUFFER PARK LANE)■ Assessment NATURAL RESOURCES _I. Native flora and fauna - � s% found in Mill Creek Canyon ' cn:•�„ - 1. •.I.i:x:-� '`j. - J 61.,k-r¢-led Annua Uurk Ered kxv Pi au-.ed Co bR 9uIn LeM : Huw Rhg6kd Woodp—e,, r.' Plateau 'YF4'•s l:�• 5r•n Park h. -.r r i•. -: �R, _ f+ Lour�l�- • YVRWrn}i-q E4oe4 ka[i Hi:.I, NieA Wild r../rg R1 SW ord FWn ` f• ��✓k ,, Cedar Co t.nwood Invasive flora found ; '`' Mid-Canyo in Mill Greek Canyon sArs f.A F r '� •ter' .t� - v lu�rul Yc now Archangel K—t—d HAY English lay UPiKr� •I. __ Scenic Hi ti Jag gr tr i IrY -�� i fin' } � Hill[•. � :T' � ,rp - {• �: •�c. r rid r w R. ,ys '. 4. d •F.ti iFp •7 _ W Jy-�,-_r,. �r� @@�� am ? 5 S�, �, f'' Earifiwarks LowarCarryon id-Canyon Up iConyan•- .. Legend FUTURE OPPORTUNITY VTE INYASIVE HOLLY INVASM LAUREL PARK LAND INVASIVE KNOTWEED INVASIVE YELLOW ARCHANGEL SITE BOUNDARY rOr : Vaal' ■ • a a - / i I Li 07 lip As r5{ ti• ..ti+-. r7�•mc+ .' -, van C f �- OL6pAX . � Es Legend EXISTING PARKING ••••• NEIGHtIO RHOOD ACCESS ix F ADA PATHEXISTINGkE�TI��DMS +L PROPOSED TRAIL ACCESS � PAVED PATHS ♦ SITE OF INTEREST EXISTING TRAIL ACCESS PARKLANDFazes EXI5TINCrtfRAELS Fs■ PROPOSED TRAILS TRAILHEADS PROPOSED PARKING SITE INVESTMENT AREAS + _ aaaaaaaa MILL CREEL{ PROPOSW RESTRO.OMS ICEi+iT hI I T H U N Proposed Park Improvements TRAIL NETWORK Mum- M • # ' i • N i • ' MEADOW �.... � PROPOSED ... �p CK PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE CROSSING PROPOSED CREEK F CROSSING :. . r EARTHWORKS FOREST .PARK CANOPY r 900 + 250 - 350 �_, �y +� - -.- ;..Z..� _...-•-,.,�,.-may 300 200 0 250 15d 200 i150 IN Fw 50 I r p Sl q K A AA ° 0 0.5 1 1.5 - �� CANYON TRAIL (ONE WAY) DISTANCE &ELEVATION RIM TRAIL (LOOP) DISTANCE &ELEVATION Legend EXISTING PARKING LOT �^ ACGESS16LE MEADOW LOOP WATER TRAIL 0PROPOSED BARKING DOWNTOWN HIKE TRAIL ACCESSIBLE BRIDGE LOOP PAR TNERSH-1P .ADVENTURE LOOP FAMILY RIM TRAIL PROPOSED RESTROOM M I T H U N DOWNTOWN RIM ROUTE . . . . . RIM AND CANYON TRAIL 0 SITE OF INTEREST x ' Proposed Park Improvements TRAIL NETWORK Easy Urban Path Park Trail Hiking Trail Sidewalks surrounding the canyon with paved surfaces, minimal Trails along the top of the canyon and park and accessible loop Trails into andthrough the carryonwith uneven packed earth elevation gain and short mileage. trails with gravel or sidewalk surface and lowtD medium elevation surfaces,higher elevation gain and at times trail obstacles to gain- navigate. Accessi6ie Fridge Lapp . 0.25 miles . 1.5 miles Downtown Rim Route WokerTmil Adventure Loop Hike to Downtown . pored . gravel,pored . 2 miles one way . 2 miles . 1.5 miles . 1.5 miles . paved,gravel path . gravel . packed earth . packed earth LKEEHER r •"':f�'• Kgnt J '• KENT MITHUN Proposed EARTHWORKS PARK ALLACCE55 STORMWATER CANYQN pp7}{ TREES FACILITIES EDGE Path re-aligqnments Replant to ndmorked Rest oration and Restoration and to praride.R CYI trees that were uppkeep of the uppkeep of unstable compliant mutes. removed stormwcter and rain sfeep sloppe and See page right for garden poolsthr�ough stormwcterrunoff. options ❑rnainte na nce Add a french drain - progrcm along the entire base _ ter. { I,.•��-� Woad Brid Renav�►atian _ ry� � rt ' xaa � �rw rcT .ecEsslerF wn-is ec�Y �x€¢r*lEa ' PLANTING HISTORIC rJv, _ Re-emphos¢e historictrees Renrnations ore contained on both sides of space and within theinterior of the lazE meet requirements for current building include new salmon bearing stream plumbing fixtures,electrical l Nm+ londsco pe mono ge ment. service,and interior lighting. P:"}"' Remove cattollsfwater Replace plantings on green roof -- s, plantings in the ring pond ❑nd extend roofiop patio with ram xfrl.ro rt - ❑nd refresh pplantings in retaining wall se of and grand f[Hide the raingardens that hove crner Sr�ax _ become or ergrown Titus Path i i i i / • i \r LP Pan09Ca 4a�a4^9u 4 u0.9w1 �� LkR IIlAORMgI� i� 1�MN a �. O � t fJdN��o9rrE�STfiE ffk4/Jpp�l��n.�lf , C ��µU"'� NA:i1RE 7ewisHrwo PO 0.ESiOFATIOOR.\i16N �a tp"e �l P �oo�utinuta�an.� ti NLLV14'hy5�� r O 1 4ti�rCS,�,R ,N` NEVV BRIDGE NASURE TIIAI?FLLAO ♦ �i ICAYLIGHT � Klbsc -............ ; GukyElli * T ........... e Ile op ■ mom ,h � o xm,ro,5�,w+�x�mnu�u - BIK[ .. . � { ..... Imo.. rrr^ YLaln ... ... �/ Pl.ndn_ •...•-•- —1kPA" PUKIC .� ...�' PEAtEAU E09P flkl��iJl7 PE4EAV E00 T � �• MAPOW 11AS w ..... y •. rnA¢P95"ArM" •�' ••• - EILERCISE•PA0.110110. _ '~ 'y 4ltT.F h EGIIl M TRFR '"• [atNTOea TRArT'ti+• 'f SEATRiG ;Ff r rGN lAmr,•' :.SEATINS -V A CEss z .....•'••••, .... l +of4 L�T155 •M1�{y�.... ARFA - .''ii.. _ - ASM r _ ... •J5l1V1'kIG• .a - Fr v-u.RJ f ' •' -..I-- ti •'' 'l•'v.li E..'�:- i � 1 - CAMPUS RAW BIKE AUNG PULL k-' -• ..-... .-• C1+h"t CR"JF MArt-eklr 5m �ww ART ` ,.,. ...� ..-__�.. ,•� PLATEAUL40P ". .L• 4..... .".7 �A TRAIL ..................... +ti MEADOW ' ............ *� A +, F FLES?ORATION I GAN1'aN iPAI}tip' .......... SE0.TING AccESS + � ', pRta 40 y AREA ~1 ~* •�SEA71NG •,�, y � � '4y ��*�` _ ' Ste'. •.... ' . .-.. -,..-... `.. PAP" ,� rr�earr FFI-D BIKE PEDESTRIAN -. PI.AYli - - -- - •• ..._.. C 4VFRVASS CAN T PUKIC --" •• -„ ,. I`aN DAIVF(STgTr=RStJFF]'pr ART •••a-..�-._ :.. r TRAIL �ti :• . fx EKC LSE+PA.RICOUR I FLAZA EQLRYMENFTRAL CANTON YRAlt% •Sf ATINCi •Q ActE55 yf_1[• .. � o AREA --h��jj a O q14 •,�a: fir 4 y SE AITNG'• a } 1*� AREA • STd0.' f q• • PI ATFOR ti+ `• Trt � AMfItiCJaV `r. �T Rik H!W RS7Gr s' ti � . � . QusEa e.asao 4Kc�sswrLF - ceceuw� remR4 iT', NICE T NlKi - i44RKFH6 PFRIR✓.J * �t m 1ryr FRP - ]EA51h ` SiGEf'( _ 9E ATI -'•.�j-o -�.E } f - Mkk •..,,.,IfE 4�r "rWn°�rp •'��:.,::::�:--- - - - - ... -:-4',�'" ='. ..: - -, � � ...,... - [.t�k' -•'r r .....,aTigy'�M�p ..�..s+¢" °'`rz•� •�r ��t ^r�� +H �{�. •r?;royq�.r.:.:. t EN E6 y Ep 0. . - •� �CROiS�Hi -�'. c�EvssNw S. TC CINK:.Fft3l.),S C-R1055WALK I; Ao� rr Ye BIKE NG P r�U.4 . rpt�Ahr'•9 1Y at dUE pa'&'F'�b F r NrqfIN l r�aoseo `� ClllEIC - _ t S'fr rj RAISES '�� +p• ,} 1C4G55WAiK Fes. - . 1. Y+ W- 4 - '• i f . - e.� lily'• ��. BIKE PARKING ••,._ _ - .r �xfggq � •. •_ � SEATI ..sla , "y pAk?A _ f ~ "+SJ.r� �•M.• . + •, .'.S CE'COAe,C. N1rTE5 •��• .. :. �[ay� it y� - n'S A.O'rjy r4.1 AfWL4 Pt �4 low ft �c.. . •4t'•Jiffk-... ; �* 6yFAY & 1• FAr 7r{r pt4t,�. �.�`� � tffpk GE cKtfx or V 1 1 ti • CF Ef CF I-F]FF..I •• .......... � + IC�•} 4 r� . % . . .. - . . . /� . . xa �_ - ' & lq- 1 K,41iems m/ CRUK,'CR m z � » £ x wl .. . e ¥� ��` � f � ol/ / / � �•5 2° � ....., . ! �Fk ..__. • PRGPOSEG � _ -�4�•` ... ' CUM - CR85:I NG R. F •ervL IL3M 1.1 f � ', .. -- `.i. r • YKEX•ror.Esr f.::•-Ei6 PL= S NATURE PLAv C_� ' AREAS ,. .-]P5 • tips' % 0 h 4;,��pi �T' it .�4 l�'`� •••�-TG q'' f % J ?� L CfJRRI� Funding Plan CANOPYFOREST r y _may 7. 1r. i f ; + YEAR PLAN Trails and Trailheads $5,5M Upstream $5M Earthworks $2,4M Meadow $1M Upstream $2M Plateau $6M Meadow $1M Forest Canopy $41Y PHASE 1 INVESTMENTS Plateau $21VI Titus Festival Street $TBIJ Forest Canopy $1M Canyon drive Overpass $TB❑ PHASE 2 INVESTMENTS Cross Canyon Bridge $2,1M - - - - - - - - CAPITAL INVESTMENT $16M CAPITAL INVESTMENT $16M CAPITAL INVESTMENT *The above numbers are planning level cast estimates and include escalation through January 2024.Estimates for work within the right-of-woy requires further engineering. rcEN`T MITHUN Operations & Maintenance PHASE $1,aoo,oao UPSTREAM COMPLETE $80d,00D PLATEAU $600,000 COMPLETE TRAILS Ahl� TRAILHEADS $400,444 COMPLETE FOREST SUSTAINED MAINTENANCE IN PHASE 2 CANOPY COMPLETE $200,000 ' *factors in park usership and market factors could affect EARTHWORKS COMPLETE O+M resource budget � � 1 TRAILS AND EARTHWORKS r PLATEAU jig& UPSTREAM ADDITIONW 14DDITI0NS "ITION4F ANNUAL O+M COSTS $22,396 $46,360 $71,973 $99,323 $262,223 $387,889 $401,445 $483,768 $500,700 $541,146 $591,001 $611,686 $632,738 $660,059 $683,161 $707,072 $731,819 $757,483 $783,943 $811,381 2024 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 2033 2034 2035 2036 2037 2038 2039 2040 2041 2042 2043 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 ASSUMPTIONS:3.5%ANNUAL ESCALATION MITHUN 2,080 hours of 4,160 hours of maintenance per year maintenance per year = 1 full time equivilence = 2 full time equivilence maintenance worker maintenance workers ANNUAL COST 2024 ANNUAL COST 2034 $22 , 396 OPERATIONS+MAINTENANCE OPERATIONS+MAINTENANCE +3 + TRAIL AND TRAILHEADS NEW PARK IMPROVEMENTS +1 PARK IMPROVEMENT Next Steps Public Comment 2/20 - 3/20 `. �• Engage KentParks.com � J� '.;.'}}•te�r _ � �•Lr_ _ _ IF` ,, . • ► Final Plan Published 4/1 ► Online Story Map 4/1 .�;, .,� rr'.: ._ .• .. . ► Trail Washout Repair summer 2024 _ ► Planning/Design Phase 1 lo Upstream i �`4�'• •, � ''° r .. O ► Earthworks ► Trail Improvements Y .t J k' ''f L1 � i• -• 5' re f ■ ' i i , x r�x • .,.� tip, T 'i. r1{En✓ + sEu 31 ol . 515E -. i I XAEVSC� + f ._-I .. •� OATHCPfSR�rr' MITHuw THE BUILT FEATURES AND ACTIVATION EVENTS YOLI SAW IN THE STORY AAE A REF{-ECYION OF FEEO19�ACK FROM THE PU&-IC DURING A COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT PROC.EAS THAT TOOK PLACE BETWEEN 2022 ANIP 2023. IMPROV€V AfGNA6C IF YOU ARE EXC.ITEP ABOUT THESE FROPUSED PARK-WIDE ANa A4AdNT€fVAl<r of IMFROVEMENT�.WE ENCOURAGE YOU TO LEAFIN MORE ABOUT I•IISTOR(c ELEMENTS THIS PLAN AND SHARE YOUR SUPPORT of THIS PRo7ECT. CREATION of P4ATEAU 7i4AM It3 'r PA 9K PARK wrfi!FOCUS ON OUT7700R LEfsf�JSfffYG CIILTIVfiTIPN CUT CAMAS --- C)46ArION OF F09676T C4W0PY PARK ALONG Mf3fNTENANCE M€4POFV5 f �PaY/I P4AC S€ CREArfoN OF PF EA+ rNWPR#S Opel l t4 p149K Ar y' 1. KEN•r SOUTH ENO OF MILL 67-04MWATER BARK ' lQy ME9IPI4N CREEK CANYPf4 {�, � - �� hIICy4��Cf•IPOL - IT #� L CANYON AM€RICAN0.1 fl- �� ;. Y�� .� ram. _ � �..ti,rr � �' � ~�` � ��\ I� � '-� �i�+!'�• 1 r t NTILe CREEK �\ �}k��I� RIVEN r� . , , may 0,( � RIM TRAIL % � 'f MfL4 CEN�C z RAM TO NIL L VowNrOMIlV I4EfiI T IMPRPVEO WATER N471VC hAPIMAT ACCE-4S ALONG Mfl L f3EA7-VRATfCVV c9ccK 7•HR0UC H0Ur TI-IE CAfVYON f1#Ar[ ANL7 RCUJ-AT't0 3GE CoAw-T VCTlCW orA � �IF3KffvG Tl4,q VGt40V7-V-AY PEPESTRi AN 6RV6JF �NROLIGIIO[1T PARK OVER M144 CF CCK F€$T f�oart}5 CANYON t i { 1 l T4 Vh5f-1 � pf1� CADO4 Questions ? {I J l k+ \ 8Y # r ■ seats * ■ # } i 0. y ■ ■ s ■ ■ s 4 � ■ i • t # ■ s ■ ■ i # ■ ■ ■ #. { ■ i i t ■ ■ • i i ■ i ■ ■ t i ■ i i ■ t # i i i # ■ • # • ■ ■ ■ • • ■ ■- i ■ i ■ • i ■ # • # # i ■ ■ ■ r ■ • 4 • # • t t u• r t;r � f A "K ` +de KENT'S CANYON OF CONNECTIONS AJourney to the Future Through a Fully Realized Mill Creek Canyon Earthworks Park ABOUT This graphic novel is a part of the City of Kent's Mill Creek Canyon Earthworks Park Framework Plan, which is the first step in a long-term reinvestment plan to support canyon improvements for Kent's growing and diverse community. The story takes us through a future Mill Creek Canyon Earthworks Park where fictional characters experience the proposed park-wide improvements from the plan as built features. These proposed interventions focus on improving the regional and neighborhood connectivity, access and trails, park amenities, storm-water solutions, and natural resources. The goal of the graphic novel is to communicate future design and planning possibilities for the canyon in a format that is accessible to the public and sparks community support for the next decade of park reinvestment. CREDITS In collaboration with Kent Parks Planning and Development Staff; Story by Debra Guenther, Dakota Keene, Zoe Kasperzyk, & Charlie Able; Illustrations by Charlie Able. Kent's Canyon of Connections was made possible by: • KENT MITHUN WAS H I N G T 0 N maKS YOU MAY BE FAMILIAR WITH EARTHWORKS, THIS IS A STORY ABOUT A BELOVED THE ICONIC LAND ART STORMWATER PARK, PLACE IN KENT, WASHINGTON... BUT DID YOU KNOW THAT MILL CREEK CANYON IS ALSO A PART OF THIS SAME PARK AND TRAIL SYSTEM? CANYON (PROPOSED) TRA/L EARTHWORKS _." 0000 dom 00, MEADOW i 4 CANYON OF CONNECTIONS TOGETHER, THESE IMPORTANT PARKS HAVE THE POTENTIAL TO BE A THIS STORY GOES BEYOND OUR PRESENT CHERISHED DESTINATION FOR BOTH RESIDENTS AND VISITORS ALIKE, BUT DAY AND ENVISIONS WHAT THESE PARKS ASPIRE TO BE_ THEY REQUIRE ESSENTIAL INVESTMENTS TO UNLOCK THEIR FULL POTENTIAL. (PROPOSED) �� PEDESTR/AN CREEK �` (PROPOSED) CROSSING '. FOREST j CANOPY q � H/STOR/C CREEK REMNANTS cRosSING `' UPSTREAM PARK (PROPOSED) OUR STORY STARTS AT THE DOWNSTREAM END OF THE CANYON AT EARTHWORKS PARK_._ CITY OF KENT, WA / KENT PARKS, RECREATION& COMMUNITY SERVICES 5 EARTHWORKS EARTHWORKS PARK WAS DESIGNED BY THE f ARTIST HERBERT SAYER AND OPENED IN 1982. I.=` IF YOU'VE BEEN THERE, YOU'VE PROBABLY NOTICED THE RINGS OF I WATER AND DOUGHNUT-SHAPED EARTH MOUNDS, BUT DID YOU KNOW THEY v _, SERVE A VERY SPECIAL PURPOS E? f � 1• E r i S ' � r X FUN FACT: EARTHWORKS PARK WAS DESIGNATED AS KENT'S FIRST EVER "LANDMARK" IN 2008. C� CANYON OF CONNECTIONS THE SCULPTED LAND ACTS AS A DAM TO DETAIN WATER DURING STORM EVENTS AND PREVENT FLOODING DOWNTOWN, WHILE STILL SUPPORTING A HEALTHY CREEK ECOSYSTEM. DURING FLOODS, ; PORTIONS OF THE LAND ART ARE HIDDEN AND THEN SLOWLY REVEALED AS THE WATERS RECEDE. , -¢ 4 } Iagk f E 4 z a � } Fyn � ��a- ,-....,. � 3 >•. I • � i BUT FORTUNATELY THERE'S .. , . _ NO FLOODING TODAY, SO WE '- SEE THE KENT COMMUNITY GATHERED FOR A STREET FAIR ' AND CONCERT HAPPENING ALONG TITUS FESTIVAL STREET. CITY OF KENT, WA / KENT PARKS, RECREATION& COMMUNITY SERVICES 7 AS WE LOOK CLOSER AT EARTHWORKS PARK, WE SEE A GIRL, NAMED Al AFTER ENJOYING THE STREET FAIR ON TITUS FESTIVAL STREET, AISHA HEADS INTO EARTHWORKS PARK TO MEET UP WITH HER GOOD FRIEND, MIA. TOTALLY! I'VE BEEN LOOKING AT A COMPUTER ALL DAY SO HEY, AISHA! I'M EXCITED TO BE OUTSIDE. J Al� HEY, MIA! GLAD YOU MADE IT! •••••••••• .:.......... ............ YOU READY TO GO FOR A HIKE? WELL, I'VE BEEN WANTING TO �f •• WALK THE FULL CANYON TRAIL. ! WOULD YOU BE II UP FOR THAT? H9 SURE! I HAVEN'T DONE THAT •;r: BEFORE SO LET'S GO FOR IT! •;.•.;;;;;; ........... S CANYON OF CONNECTIONS ^" �o� `•air••:: ••t Wy f AISHA AND MIA BEGIN THEIR JOURNEY WALKING UPSTREAM THROUGH EARTHWORKS PARK. e Si aT,' r� V A 3 t t f J 1 AS THEY ENTER THE MEADOW, THEY NOTICE A GROUP OF PEOPLE GATHERED AROUND SOMEONE SPEAKING. At1- CITY OF KENT, WA l KENT PARKS, RECREATION& COMMUNITY SERVICES 9 MEALPOW y' A GROUP OF PARK VOLUNTEERS IS WORKING WITH A PARK STEWARD IN THE MEADOW. s NATIVE MEADOWS, ONCE PLENTIFUL, HAVE BECOME A THREATENED HABITAT IN OUR REGION. _ TO�YA�lE GOING TOBE A MEADOW. P WE ARE FORTUNATE TO HAVE " THESE NATIVE CAMAS SEEDS WHICH HAVE BEEN PASSED DOWN THROUGH GENERATIONS OF INDIGENOUS SEEDKEEPERS. j, sti " 1 low is I BEFORE CONTACT WITH WHITE SETTLERS INDIGENOUS COMMUNITIES RELIED ON CAMAS ROOTS AS PART OF A COMPLEX DIET THAT CHANGED WITH THE SEASONS. THE ROOT IS CONSIDERED A "FIRST FOOD" WHICH IS A TRADITIONAL STAPLE _ � a FOOD FOR INDIGENOUS COMMUNITIES. z I R IN THE SPRING, THE MEADOW WILL BE FILLED WITH BLUE FLOWERS AND THE BULBS CAN BE HARVESTED INTO MEAL OR STEAMED TO EAT 10 CANYON OF CONNECTIONS i� LOCAL INDIGENOUS COMMUNITIES HAVE BEEN WORKING TO REESTABLISH TRADITIONAL DIETS AND CULTURAL PRACTICES BY RESTORING THE ECOSYSTEMS THAT SUSTAIN THEM. T WHEN COOKED, THE SULBS r x ARE SWEET, CREAMY, AND TASTE LIKE BAKED PEAR. PLANTING A CAMAS MEADOW WILL ALSO IMPROVE THE STORMWATER FUNCTION OF THIS AREA AND HELP ' TO RETUVENATE MILL CREEK. ii i r1 xl � {a `t r P 6� I�ilii,�i III I �I I � a. ..a. t • r^•'pk E CITY OF KENT, WA / KENT PARKS, RECREATION& COMMUNITY SERVICES 11 CANYON TRAIL - �.. SO H'�k,.-• ,fin ti,�. EVER AVE YOU BEEN TO THIS PART . OF THE PARK? 4 ..... NO, I ALWAYS THIS IS '•• THOUGHT IT •i•:: REALLY WAS TUST THE ,I;. PRETTY! EARTHWORKS.._ •" iiii•�ii• i• i�:••�iiiii ii• THE ADDITION OF NEW WAYFINDING WILL MAKE IT EASIER FOR VISITORS TO KNOW WHERE THEY ARE IN THE PARK AND TO FEEL SAFE ABOUT TRYING NEW TRAILS. i ti s e� �k1 r n x„ F M p ye 12 CANYON OF CONNECTIONS OK, DON'T JUDGE ME, BUT MY MOM GOT ME ONE OF THOSE PLANT IDENTIFICATION GUIDES. ' HMM, LET'S SEE... NO, I LOVE IT! r HAVE YOU FOUND ANYTHING ON THE LIST? !•ice •!•••• ! ��'s � ,"� s.v,: • • ! • f ! • ♦ • • i s ! • • • • • R • ! • • • # # • ! !E • ! • • ke • • • 4( • • ! • • ! • R • ♦ • • • • • • • • • # •'g • • f 40 ,,; • • • i • • • ! • • # # a • • • • ♦ s • ♦ • CITY OF KENT, WA / KENT PARKS, RECREATION& COMMUNITY SERVICES 3 ,1 BLEEVING HEART Ab Poo _ gyp✓ / � %'a i CHICKEN OF THE .. 2 I I I I �i x I THINK THOSE MIGHRIGHT? rr � �► ` �. BE SALMONBERRIES... Y � r a OH, YEAH! DEFINITELY! f WWIN £ ,i OOOH, AND LOOK--- THEY LOOK TUST LIKE SOH MY GOSH, THESE MUST BE SO COOL! LITTLE HEARTS! BLEEDING HEART FLOWERS. f t • •`mow• +' - �. CITY OF KENT, WA / KENT PARKS, RECREATION& COMMUNITY SERVICES 1 S k: 1 • az a i r ` I ix pp - /J 1 T s p. F Sb iC gt t i 1.r i 4 [ rf • fi S F 6 :f .:•. • - r f� ;y a4 t s . w NEW TRAILS AND STAIRS WILL ALLOW FOR MUCH EASIER PARK ACCESS, CONNECTING CANYON TRAILS BELOW TO PARKS ALONG THE RIM CITY OF KENT, WA / KENT PARKS, RECREATION& COMMUNITY SERVICES 17 PLATEAU AL AS MIA AND AISHA ENTER THE PLATEAU, THEY SEE A LOCAL HIGH SCHOOL CLASS WITH THEIR TEACHER. � z Z a r M x OK CLASS, 15 MORE MINUTES UNTIL WE HEAD BACK_ TIME TO WRAP UP YOUR BIRD ` IDENTIFICATION WORK SHEETS_ t ALREADY? THIS FIELD TRIP FLEW BY! / T a. r ¢� � 3 r aS Y (�9 THE ADDITION OF SEATING AND A PLAYFUL = 'LOOP PATH' HAVE MADE THE PLATEAU A WONDERFUL GATHERING SPACE FOR ALL AGES- NO NO PUN Gi IG INTENDED, CARLOS? S CANYON OF CONNECTIONS GNVGK�E WELL, IT LOOKS LIKE YOU'VE UGH, I KNOW MR. H. IDENTIFIED ALL THE BIRDS I'VE SEEN... ON YOUR SHEET BUT ONE.... w w r i i THE NORTHERN FLICKER_.. I A STELLER'S TAY_._ ...AND EVEN A PAIROF HOUSE FINCHES_.. ............... BUT NO CEDAR WAXWING! r HEY, WE'RE SO CLOSE. LET'S SEARCH NEAR THE BERRY BUSHES_ IT SAYS HERE THEY LIKE THOSE_ CITY OF KENT, WA / KENT PARKS, RECREATION& COMMUNITY SERVICES 19 r I v „r fi ASSY, LOOK. ; Ft � � •c IN THAT TREE— , ..«..,...•. '` 0.ativ c �� cS.. Poke. THINK I SEE THE ,rc CEDAR WAXWING! r WOW, ITS Sol BEAUTIFUL! , h 1 IMF;. •� ?I1 r HABITAT RESTORATION WITH MORE NATIVE PLANTS WILL ENCOURAGE MORE WILDLIFE TO ENTER THE PARK. 20 CANYON OF CONNECTIONS � V,'. � LET'S GATHER NEAR f x' �p THE ENTRANCE AND i START WALKING BACK s, m" 'x TO KENT MERIDIAN vole` PM a > r ALRIGHT EVERYONE, IT'S TIME TO WRAP UP. MAKE SURE YOURy - WORK SHEETS ARE :r ` COMPLETE. 1 fi IrS. .r o / tt ` AS MIA AND AISHA CONTINUE THEIR HIKE THROUGH THE CANYON, THEY COME UPON A COUPLE HAVING A CONVERSATION. CITY OF KENT, WA l KENT PARKS, RECREATION& COMMUNITY SERVICES 2� HISTORIC I REMNANTS L IT'S HARD TO BELIEVE THIS MM—HMM. m AREA USED TO BE LOGGED � THE TREES CERTAINLY HAVEi f GROWN BACK. t ax• plat- WELL- SURE, BUT IT'S BEEN OVER 100 YEARS AND THESE NEW TREES STILL AREN'T AS BIG r .. • AS THEY ONCE WERE. fc �I MEAN, LOOK AT THE SIZE OF THIS STUMP! � a , r I � 1 J IT EVEN HAS THE NOTCHES 4r FROM WHEN THEY CUT IT DOWN. OH YEAH, I -`� LEARNED ABOUT THOSE # - ON A GUIDED HIKE WITH THE ¢' KENT HISTORIC �' I SOCIETY. IN THE 1800'S, LOGGERS WOULD CUT gg NOTCHES INTO THE TREE ABOVE THE 3 d BASE AND THEN WEDGE IN A WOOD PLANK, CALLED A "SPRINGBOARD", ON WHICH THEY I STOOD TO CHOP AND SAW THE TREE DOWN. 22 CANYON OF CONNECTIONS TT'S STRANGE TO PICTURE SUCH A BIG LOGGING INDUSTRY HERE IN MILL CREEK CANYON.__ I k a kt AS MORE SETTLERS CAME TO THE AREA, MORE TIMBER WAS NEEDED FOR DEVELOPMENT. MILL CREEK CANYON PLAYED A CRITICAL PART IN THAT DEVELOPMENT. � w y ...BUT THERE ARE CLUES THAT LET YOU KNOW IT WAS HERE. : : ,p n THE OLD DAM, NOW TUST MOSS—COVERED REMNANTS, USED TO CONTROL THE FLOW OF MILL CREEK TO TRANSPORT LOGS y DOWN TO THE SAWMILL AT THE END OF THE CANYON. CITY OF KENT, WA / KENT PARKS, RECREATION& COMMUNITY SERVICES Z3 i w 77 YOU KNOW, IN SOME ,I ..TRANSFORMED :` OR AT LEAST THAT'S ONE WAYS, ALL THOSE INTO THE HISTORIC WAY TO THINK ABOUT IT. OLD TREES ARE BUILDINGS OF KENT... STILL AROUND US... �o. ° 7 t �y .. iF S5y', • ••� OH, HENRY, YOU'RE SUCH A HOPELESS ROMANTIC_ 3 T s � n DID YOU HEAR WHAT THAT COUPLE SAID ABOUT ALL ? THE LOGGING? r t� I . v}• ." 3 • • • • i '• OH, YEAH.'I DIDN'T KNOW ANY OF ME TOO, I WANT z ', THESE TREES TO 1 THAT. BUT I'M REALLY GLAD KENT PRESERVED THIS AREA AS A PARK. LIVE FOR ANOTHER W4 HUNDRED YEARS. r` 24 CANYON OF CONNECTIONS a* -s x P p"; Ot s WOAH COOL o�. r • • • • • • a • • • • • • Af • # • i • • # • • • • • • `t• • r ! • • # • • • • i • • • '.1 • 0 • • # • • • ! • • is • t • • ! :• • • : • ♦ i • • • • fr •} • • 1 • • • • ♦ • • • i • • { M `� • • • f • # • • • • • • # • • a • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • f • • • • • # • • • • • • i • • • • • • # • • • • • , • • a • • • • ! f •i• • 1 CITY OF KENT, WA l KENT PARKS, RECREATION& COMMUNITY SERVICES ZS PEDESTRIAN T.BRIDGE — s F , s fw.� e.Xi i HI NANCY, MAX COULD � SMELL DAISY FROM :fr .• ACROSS THE CANYON! HI FILMON, IT'S SO YOU KNOW, WE OR SHOULD I ! _ - N, MIGHT NEVER HAVE SAY "OUR DOGS GOODOD TO SEE YOU! '! MET IF IT WEREN'T WOULD NEVER FOR THIS BRIDGE___ HAVE MET?!" • w s , , I t i AND I KNOW DAISY IS HAPPY TO SEE HER FRIEND MAX! ° OH, I KNOW_ I'M SO GLAD WE DON'T — -•• HAVE TO TREK ALL THE WAY AROUND `kll OH HOW NICE! THE CANYON ANYMORE_ A FEW KIDS IN MY NEIGHBORHOOD NOW WALK TO ' . SCHOOL BECAUSE OF THE BRIDGE. f YEAH, THIS VIEW UP THE CANYON IS REALLY COOL_ 26 CANYON OF CONNECTIONS aT9 ALRIGHT, WE SHOULD GET OH, THAT SOUNDS FUN! THANKS, NANCY. GOING. WE'RE ON OUR WAY T HEAR THEY'RE GOING HAVE A NICE EVENING. TO CHECK OUT THE POP-UP TO HAVE FOOD TRUCKS. AT FOREST CANOPY_ }` ` BYE, DAISY! HAVE A GREAT TIME! i � � q , i '3r♦ +t k THE ADDITION OF A NEW PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE WOULD ENCOURAGE PEOPLE TO WALK TO NEARBY RETAIL AND FUTURE DEVELOPMENT WHILE ALLOWING KIDS TO WALK TO THE ELEMENTARY AND HIGH SCHOOL, CREATING A MUCH MORE PEDESTRIAN FOCUSED AND ACCESSIBLE EXPERIENCE. ' I THE INSTALLATION OF TRAILS ?' AND A PLANTED BUFFER ALONG THE CANYON RIM WOULD MAKE ! THE WALK BETWEEN TRAIL-HEA12S SAFER AND MORE ENTOYABLE. 1 ` . CITY OF KENT, WA l KENT PARKS, RECREATION& COMMUNITY SERVICES 27 FOREST CANOPY AS FILMON AND MAX ENTER THE PARK, THEY ARE GREETED BY A PARK STEWARD. n HI, EVERYONE- AV s _ lb,; s 'I WELCOME TO FOREST CANOPY, WE'VE GOT A TON {� ° OF FAMILY—FRIENDLYDAY.POP—UPS GOING ON TO ,, t., Zl 3` A � { f.i d 2S CANYON OF CONNECTIONS WE HAVE FOOD TRUCKS... w •mot, _ ...AND PLAY AREAS... F } ' Y A BIKE COURSE FOR KIDS... ♦ Oi NL i ...AND ART INSTALLATIONS... EVERYONE IS WELCOME, SO WE I! HOPE YOU HAVE A GREAT TIME! iL TRANSFORMING lOOTH PL. INTO A PARK SPACE • xu ;: COULD BECOME AN AMAZING AMENITY, FOR THE CITIZENS OF THE CITY OF KENT. CITY OF KENT, WA l KENT PARKS, RECREATION& COMMUNITY SERVICES 29 bx� Y ' 'f w � Fr_ c i r sn 1 S I HEY, AIGHAI HI, MIA! HOW'S IT GOING OH HEY, FILMON_ ,I Y; s • ♦ • • • ! 30 CANYON OF CONNECTIONS WE WERE HIKING THROUGH YEAH, WE'RE ACTUALLY TUST THE CANYON AND HEARD ON OUR WAY TO UPSTREAM SURE! THERE WERE FOOD TRUCKS PARK. WANT TO TOIN US? AT lOOTH SO WE CAME UP TO GRAB A SNACK. .�: THIS EVENT IS �••�•• •• REALLY COOL!J 00 ... u� THE TRIO (+1) HEAD BACK DOWN INTO MILL CREEK CANYON_ WITH THE ADDITION OF A NEW TRAIL TO UPSTREAM AND A LOWER CREEK CROSSING, PEOPLE WOULD BE ABLE TO CONNECT BETWEEN THE PARKS MORE EASILY. i 4 I 1 CITY OF KENT, WA / KENT PARKS, RECREATION& COMMUNITY SERVICES 3� UPSTREAM PARK I d �fe • e� _ r 'No .,_. t4oM. - NoM t t 32 CANYON OF CONNECTIONS �lJ Jill THE NEW UPSTREAM AREA WILL BECOME AN IMPORTANT NEIGHBORHOOD PARK AND ENTRY TO THE CANYON TRAIL SYSTEM. WITH NEW PARKING, RESTROOMS, AND PLAY FACILITIES, PEOPLE FROM ALL OVER KENT WILL ENJOY THIS NEW GATEWAY INTO THE CANYON00, } r , , VY t �f. CITY OF KENT, WA / KENT PARKS, RECREATION& COMMUNITY SERVICES 33 'AL-RIGHT IT'S GETTING LATE. I YEAH, ME TOO, THANKS SO MUCH SHOULD PROBABLY HEAD HOME. FOR DOING THAT HIKE WITH ME. *90650000ae%'a ARE YOU KIDDING?! THAT WAS SO MUCH FUN! M " (OK, I WILD LET ME KNOW WHENEVER YOU WANT TO HIKE THE CANYON AGAIN. % i HAVE A GOOD YOU TOO, MIA! NIGHT, AISHA! ! �• y i ♦• ��t .^ti e�•�i •e. sxa sue! • • •5, s • • ♦` i • i� • • ♦ ! • s ♦ • • 34 CANYON OF CONNECTIONS S Yi may. t WITH NEW PARK INVESTMENTS MADE IN THE COMING YEARS, THE CANYON WILL BE USED MORE THAN EVER. •w THE RANGE OF EXPERIENCES FROM THE CANYON RIM, DOWN TO THE CREEK IMMERSED IN THE CANYON, AND OVER TO EARTHWORKS PARK WILL 3 HAVE SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE_ MW e s' IT'S SO SPECIAL TO ENVISION SUCH AN IMPORTANT �* NATURAL RESOURCE CHERISHED BY THE WHOLE COMMUNITY. CITY OF KENT, WA / KENT PARKS, RECREATION& COMMUNITY SERVICES 35 THE BUILT FEATURES AND ACTIVATION EVENTS YOU SAW IN THE STORY ARE A REFLECTION OF FEEDBACK FROM THE PUBLIC DURING A COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT PROCESS THAT TOOK PLACE BETWEEN 2022 AND 2023. IF YOU ARE EXCITED ABOUT THESE PROPOSED PARK-WIDE IMPROVEMENTS WE ENCOURAGE YOU TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS PLAN AND SHARE YOUR SUPPORT OF THIS PROTECT. CREATION OF PLATEAU PARK WITH FOCUS ON OUTDOOR LEARN/NCB CULTIVATION OF CAMAS MEADOWS MAINTENANCE OF EARTHWORKS STORMWATER PARK CANYON - TRAIL MILL CREEK i LaiLj t � RIM TRAIL TO DOWNTOWN ' KENT IMPROVED WATER NATIVE HABITAT ACCESS ALONG MILL RESTORATION CREEK THROUGHOUT THE CANYON TRAIL 36 CANYON OF CONNECTIONS IMPROVED SIGNAGE AND MAINTENANCE OF HISTORIC ELEMENTS THROUGHOUT PARK CREATION OF FOREST r" CANOPY PARK ALONG 1007H PLACE SE CREATION OF UPSTREAM PARK AT KENT- I+ F SOUTH END OF MILL MERIDIAN CREEK CANYON HIGH SCHOOL Y : ram, ,F AMERICAN %\ i EAST ••::r H/LL � TO i RIVER / MILL CREEK ✓ D DAM i TRAILHEADS IMPROVED SIGNAGE PARKING AND CIRCULATION CONSTRUCTION OF A C21 THROUGHOUT PARK PEDESTRIAN BRIDGE OVER MILL CREEK t RESTROOMS CANYON CITY OF KENT, WA / KENT PARKS, RECREATION& COMMUNITY SERVICES 37 ACKNOWLEDGMENTS FROM THE AUTHORS First thanks go to the Kent Parks, Recreation & Community Services Department for their vision and collaboration on this project. Special thanks to Mithun for believing in the power of this project and supporting its development. To the residents of Kent, we hope you enjoyed reading this story as much as we enjoyed creating it. This project is by, for, and about you. MORE INFO Creating excitement and momentum by sharing the Mill Creek Canyon Earthworks Park Framework Plan and this graphic novel is an important early step in the long- term reinvestment process. If you would like to learn more about the project, please scan the QR code below. 1 ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ ■ £ c : .. i r 5 Ro yo —V4 � �JM Nwr eIJ F dt-.+.. Y . . "•'off Ap ^'ha F ,y.•�{Y �v S 1 � • KEN T M I T N WAS H I N GTO N -- - ins WI-