Community Engagement in Parks Decision-Making
The Parks Department must engage the community with the Kitsap County Parks’ PROS Plan, assessments, classifications, maintenance, and Capital Improvement Plans. The community is the primary stakeholder and financial supporter.
Supporting Information
- Decisions on parks need to be made after adequate public notification and public meetings. The public, stewards, and volunteers need to be included in planning and implementation throughout the process, and not dictated to by Parks Staff and developers.
- Communities take better care of parks they have a relationship with – have a sense of shared ownership and responsibility.
- Ensure the Parks Advisory Board “functions as an interface between the community and the county” in the PROS Plan. “The Board provides advice to the Commissioners and the Director of Parks concerning the acquisition, development, and administration of parks and recreation facilities throughout the County.” (Kitsap Parks Advisory Board)
- County Parks Department shall communicate information through County email, website, and social media channels to inform the public about upcoming meetings, and park decisions.
- Hold educational tabling at public events, community centers, and libraries.
Why this important to Kitsap County
Public engagement in our parks is good for everyone, including the Parks Department. Residents and groups will be better informed and more supportive of the Parks Department’s action, along with increased public engagement in county parks, including volunteer support. These communications will allow the Parks Department to better respond to residents’ concerns.