Parks and Open Space Zoning Project

The March 7, 2024 Parks and Recreation Commission (PRC) meeting continued the work of developing a Parks Zone draft to provide a recommendation to the Planning Commission and the City Council. Commissioners and City staff reviewed questions on the project, established the framework to reapproach the creation of the Parks Zone, identified areas requiring more research and follow-up, and discussed key issues, areas of consensus, and public engagement opportunities.

The recommendation coming out of this meeting was to separate the zoning work into two distinct tracks: one for open space and one for all other park properties. This is consistent with the “tiered approach” that was discussed at prior meetings and in the initial conversations with the Planning Commission. The PRC and Open Space Conservancy Trust (OSCT) will collaboratively address development of the Open Space Zone with the goal of providing a recommendation to the Planning Commission on May 8, 2024. After the PRC and OSCT provide a recommendation on the Open Space Zone, the PRC will begin working on developing a Parks Zone to address all other park properties for the duration of 2024 and possibly into 2025.

Members of the OSCT Board joined the PRC to participate in the discussion and lend their expertise regarding open space properties. This team-oriented approach will continue throughout the creation of the Parks Zone.

Meeting materials and the recording of the discussion are available here.

The Planning Commission and Parks and Recreation Commission held a joint special meeting on February 8, 2024, to discuss the revised process and the collaborative work ahead. City Manager Jessi Bon presented on the background of the Parks Zone idea, as well as the adoption of the PROS Plan and the process of updating the City's Comprehensive Plan. She also outlined the timeline for the Parks Zone project and opportunities for the public to engage. Those materials and a recording of that meeting can be found here.