PARKS, RECREATION & CULTURAL ARTS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
City of Lynnwood Launches Park Impact Fee Study

Community members, business owners, and developers are invited to attend presentations and comment on study recommendations. 

LYNNWOOD, WA (Wednesday, December 6, 2017) - The City of Lynnwood's Parks, Recreation & Cultural Arts Department is midway through a study to evaluate creating a park impact fee program as a way to help support future park development needed by new development and growth. 

One of the Parks, Arts, Recreation & Conservation (PARC) Plan strategic directions relates to ensuring sound management and maintenance of Lynnwood's park and recreation system. Included in the adopted PARC Plan is Action #3.9.2 which directs staff to "conduct a park impact fee study for the City and its MUGA to help finance park and trail capital needs related to population growth." Over 70 Washington cities and counties charge park impact fees including Edmonds, Mountlake Terrace, Mill Creek and Snohomish County.

In July, staff initiated a Park Impact Fee study with technical assistance provided by the Trust for Public Land (TPL). TPL is guiding staff to understand the many options a park impact fee program could take, assisting with outreach, and providing recommendations for the methodology of setting possible fees.

The Community is invited to a presentation on this study and to make public comment at the City's next Planning Commission meeting beginning at 7pm on Thursday, December 14th held in the City Council Chambers located at 19100 44th Ave W. A presentation of the study results will be shared with the Lynnwood City Council in late January with a public hearing to be scheduled in February 2018. Formal adoption of any proposed park impact fee will be discussed by the Lynnwood City Council following the public hearing. 

For more information on this study, community members are invited to review the frequently asked questions posted online, attend a public presentation, or contact Sarah Olson at solson@lynnwoodwa.gov.   

About Lynnwood Parks, Recreation & Cultural Arts

Our mission is to create a healthy community through people, parks, programs and partnerships. Lynnwood’s state-of-the-art Recreation Center attracts visitors from the greater Puget Sound region and is the hub of the department’s operations. Our parks system includes 17 parks, 134 acres of open space, 14 miles of trails, a Senior Center and an 18-hole public golf course. We offer a wide range of recreational facilities including sports courts, athletic fields, spray pools, a skate park, playgrounds and large open play areas, as well as nature trails, lakes, streams and forests. To learn more, visit www.PlayLynnwood.com.   

About City of Lynnwood

Incorporated in 1959, Lynnwood is the economic hub of South Snohomish County. Situated at the convergence of interstates I- 5 and I-405, Lynnwood’s accessibility, variety of housing and employment options, colleges and outstanding park system attract a wide variety of businesses and residents. For its diverse population of more than 36,000, Lynnwood is a great place to live, work and play. Lynnwood Moving Forward: Our Community Vision – the City will be a regional model for a sustainable, vibrant community with engaged citizens and accountable government. Lynnwood is…a great deal more!

Contact:
Sarah Olson, Deputy Director
Lynnwood Parks, Recreation & Cultural Arts
solson@lynnwoodwa.gov

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