2020
PIERCE COUNTY PARKS
ANNUAL REPORT
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| PIERCE COUNTY PARKS ANNUAL REPORT 2020
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Message from the Director “Just like you, we had to sit down and ask, what is safe? What is right? What is possible? And most of all, how do we continue to live, breathe, celebrate, connect and thrive in such a time as this?” Many people remember key years in their life for both good and bad reasons, and it’s doubtful that any of us will be forgetting 2020 any time soon. While I too look forward to a return to normalcy, I am grateful that I can look back on 2020 with pride as well. The Pierce County Parks team is an amazing group of people who never stopped serving you despite the challenges we faced together. When the stay home-stay local order hit, we responded with strategies to deal with escalating use of our trail system and how to keep children off playgrounds designed to inspire them to climb! When special events were cancelled, we produced take-it, make-it opportunities, like Come Fly a Kite. An envisioned Harvest Festival turned into Haunted Headlights at Frontier Park. Our Specialized Recreation Facebook Page became our own version of The Talk. Just like you, we had to sit down and ask, what is safe? What is right? What is possible? And most of all, how do we continue to live, breathe, celebrate, connect and thrive in such a time as this?
Being able to enjoy outdoor spaces is now recognized as being at the heart of quality of life in the Pacific Northwest – and something that needs to be expanded and more equitably provided. North Lake Tapps Park received an amazing facelift in 2020 and we opened Stan and Joan Cross Park, the first in Frederickson, this year as well. As we look into 2021, we will incrementally and safely move forward restoring programs and events and imagining innovative ones as well. While the design may change – with small groups, outdoor and virtual options leading the way – the passion and pride we put into serving our community won’t. Through gracious public support, our capital program has remained on track and we’ll be starting construction at Sprinker Recreation Center soon. Be sure to check out all of our Projects and Plans on-line at www.piercecountywa.gov/ParksProjects, enjoy your Pierce County Parks and trails (check out our new trails safety video series on-line as well!), and stay safe, healthy, positive and connected. We may not be able to control tomorrow, but we can choose to enjoy what we have today and those who share the journey with us. We look forward to the return of sports leagues, community events, picnickers in the park, weddings, and more of what we heard you want and need. Thank you for your support. Hopefully, you take pride in your Pierce County Parks Department when you read this report as I do. As always, we’d love to hear from you. Best wishes,
Parks had to do more with less, as we braced for reduced revenues and redeployed staff to help with COVID-19, wildfire and other emergencies, yet somehow we managed to meet you when we could, where we could so that Pierce County could continue to be a welcoming and adventurous place that allows us to pause to relax and play, every day.
R ox a nne Mile s DIRECTOR, PARKS AND RECREATION
PIERCE COUNTY PARKS ANNUAL REPORT 2020
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Park Inventory Pierce County Parks manages the largest area of park properties than any other park provider in the county with over 5,200 acres and over 40 miles of developed trails and walking paths. Throughout Pierce County, we provide: •
Regional trails connecting communities.
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Regional parks serving the entire county and that can host large special events.
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Multi-sport complexes hosting regional tournaments.
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Regionally significant special-use recreation facilities, such as an ice rink, equestrian arena, lakes, golf courses, and other unique offerings.
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Preaserved open spaces to explore and enjoy nature.
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Service to unincorporated areas outside municipalities or park districts areas.
Pierce County is divided into four management regions - designated as such for staffing and maintenance purposes, and to tailor programming services to meet the needs of different areas of the county.
North Region: Foothills Trail, Lake Tapps, Buckley, Bonney Lake. Carbon Ribon Valley
Central Region: Spanaway, Parkland, Mid-County
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| PIERCE COUNTY PARKS ANNUAL REPORT 2020
South Region: South Hill Puyallup, Graham, Ashford, Frederickson
West Region: Chambers Creek, Key Peninsula, Lakewood
Pierce County Parks Inventory: DEVELOPED REGIONAL PARKS Acreage Region
RESOURCE CONSERVANCY PARKS Acreage Region
Chambers Creek Regional Park Chambers Bay Golf Course 340 Chambers Creek Meadow and Trails 185 Chambers Creek Canyon 205
Developed
West
Spanaway Regional Park Central Bresemann Forest 66 Lake Spanaway Golf Course 129 Spanaway Park 89 Sprinker Recreation Center 44 Subtotal 1,058
UNDEVELOPED REGIONAL PARKS Acreage Region Carbon River Valley Regional Resource Conservancy Carbon River Valley 488 Fairfax Properties 1,080 Fairfax Town Site 155
North
DEVELOPED COUNTY PARKS Acreage Region
UNDEVELOPED COUNTY PARKS
South South South South South North
A creage Region
Orangegate 146.6 Central Plateau Park 80 North Subtotal 226.6
LOCAL PARKS Acreage Region Dawson Playfield 5 Gonyea Playfield 12 Lidford Playfield 10 Mayfair Playfield 5 South Hill Community Park 40 Subtotal 72
Central Central Central Central South
SPECIAL USE FACILITIES Acreage Region Developed Lakewood Community Center Swan Creek Park - Pioneer Way Undeveloped Hopp Farm Swan Creek Park - Waller Road
8 46 37
Undeveloped Buckley Forestland Preserve 221 Devils Head 94 Hundred Acre Wood 109 Nisqually River Interpretive Center 68 Rimrock Preserve 139 South Pierce Wetland Preserve 156 Swan Creek Park 23 - Waller Road Nature Preserve Subtotal 903
Central West South North West South Central South Central Central
LINEAR PARKS/TRAILS Acreage Region
Subtotal 1,723
Ashford County Park 84 Cross Park 64 Frontier Park 71 Heritage Recreation Center 47 Meridian Habitat Park 36 North Lake Tapps Park 135 Subtotal 437
Parkland Prairie Nature Preserve Seeley Lake Park Naches Trail Preserve
4 40
West Central
39 37
West Central
Developed Foothills Trail Nathan Chapman Memorial Trail
529 2
Undeveloped Half Dollar 4 Pipeline Trail 4 Subtotal 539
North South S outh Central
UNCLASSIFIED SITES Acreage Region Developed
Browns Point Lighthouse Parking Lot Purdy Sandspit Riverside Park Puyallup River Levee Trail
1 64 36 2
West West North North
Ellensworth Conservatory 1 Herron Point 0.3 Lake Tapps Habitat 17 Puget Creek Beach 2 Wales Property 3 Subtotal 126.3
Central West North West North
Undeveloped
CEMETERIES Acreage Region 265th Ave. Cemetery 6 Lake Tapps Pioneer Cemetery 1 Old Settlers’ Cemetery 4 Roy Cemetery 0.3 Subtotal 11.3
GRAND TOTAL ACREAGE
North North West Central
5,216.2
Subtotal 120
PIERCE COUNTY PARKS ANNUAL REPORT 2020
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Highlights & Major Activities Chambers Creek Regional Park The 720-acre park, created by the Sewer Utility, wraps around Chambers Bay Golf Course and offers spectacular water and mountain views. Trails extend into the adjacent 205-acre Chambers Creek Canyon. The park includes four miles of paved trails, children’s play equipment, an off-leash dog park, picnic areas, two miles of beach, two open space meadows – North and Central, two soccer fields, and a beautiful 9-acre Event Lawn. The Parks department also manages meeting and event rentals at the Environmental Services Building (ESB). The Event Lawn, located south of the Central Meadow, was designed to host large athletic events such as cross-country competitions and grass volleyball tournaments while providing an additional parking area for regional summertime events. The Event Lawn is the equivalent of three full-size soccer fields and features a state-of-the-art irrigation system. Along with the Central Meadow, the Event Lawn can be reserved for a variety of uses throughout the year. Before to the pandemic, Chambers Creek Regional Park and the ESB had a full schedule of County events and classes, wedding rentals, and field rentals booked. Just prior to closing in March, the annual Wedding Showcase offered the opportunity to partner with nearly 20 local vendors and businesses to present everything from venue tours and photographers to beverage/catering and wedding planner options to the community. In mid-March, the pandemic greatly effected special events, classes, rentals, and overall use at Chambers Creek Regional Park. As the “Stay Home, Stay Healthy” order was introduced, operations shifted to helping the community remain safe. When the park was able to reopen, visitors saw park signs encouraging social distancing and limited stays as well as new types of special events. The annual Kite Festival in August was cancelled and replaced with two, one day “Come Fly A Kite” events in August and October, where community members could purchase a kite kit to assemble and fly their own kites at the park. Social distancing circles were painted in the Central Meadow to allow each household to remain safely separated. Pierce County Kiteflyers Association joined in the fun on both event days. Come Fly A Kite days are slated to return in April 2021 and run once per month through October 2021, with a special exhibition event in August.
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| PIERCE COUNTY PARKS ANNUAL REPORT 2020
Chambers Creek Regional Park also hosted local youth soccer groups at the upper playfields in the Summer and Fall. Staff worked closely with organization representatives to clarify youth sports guidelines and finalize “Return to Play” plans, outlining all safety and risk mitigation measures that were required at the time. Over 7,000 participant hours were offered through the use of Chambers Creek Regional Park playfields. Chambers Creek Regional Park staff also worked with the University of Washington Athletic Department to secure the bid for the 2021 Pac-12 Cross Country Championships to be held at Chambers Creek Regional Park in March 2021.
2020 ACTIVITY NUMBERS: Special Events Bridal Showcase Come Fly a Kite Short Term Rentals ESB Room Rentals Field Rentals Park Visitors Trail Users Park Visitors COST RECOVERY: COST PER ACRE: EXPENDITURES: # SERVED:
425 70 6,285 7,684 1,082,207 128,153 2% $5,377.84 $1,154,093.15 1,224,854
Chambers Bay Golf Course Located in University Place, Chambers Bay Golf Course is one of the top public courses in the nation (#21 America’s 100 Greatest Public Golf Courses) and the Pacific Northwest's first course to welcome a U.S. Open Championship in 2015. The department oversees the 340-acre links-style course and clubhouse managed by KemperSports. With the installation of new putting greens in early 2019 and the resulting increase in golf activities, Chambers Bay was poised to establish new activity records. However, early in 2020, the worldwide outbreak of the COVID-19 virus drove a dramatic change of plans. As the pandemic's impact grew, the Chambers Bay Grill ceased operation on March 16, which was quickly followed by Governor Inlees’s “Stay Home, Stay Healthy,” mandate which required the remainder of the facility to close on March 26 - and it remained closed for the next 40 days. On May 5, updated guidelines allowed for golf's limited return with many restrictions, including limiting groups to two players. These mandates were relaxed on May 18 with the return of foursomes and the return of grill operations on June 5. In light of a worldwide pandemic, golf was widely accepted as one of the few recreational activities that could be enjoyed safely. With this in mind, July through December posted an amazing 23,514 rounds, despite the significant reduction in non-resident guests or group events, exceeding budget and prior year performance. This established a new record for the time period, beating the 2013 mark of 21,261 rounds. Total annual rounds of 35,149 were the second-best in history. COST RECOVERY: COST PER ACRE: EXPENDITURES: # OF ROUNDS:
113% $18,428.58 $6,265,715.80 34,758
We were still able to launch the inaugural Pacific Northwest 4-Ball Tournament, with a 70 team field, contributing to high rounds played by regional guests (23% Washington State outside of Pierce County). 20% of rounds related to memberships and local residents, 14%. Only 2% of guests were from outside the State due to travel restrictions. Approximately 73% of available tee-times were utilized. The Chambers Bay Academy has continued to grow, exceeding the prior year by 32%. While merchandising sales also stumbled with the absence of out of area guests, it also rebounded July-December, allowing us to exceed budget and prior year by $71k and $11k, respectively. Annual food and beverage were down by 14%, but ºperational efficiencies through earlier closure times allowed cost recovery - so total operational revenue for the year was only down by 4%. Food and beverage July through December may be the most impressive area of performance. Despite dramatic indoor dining restrictions, the available outdoor amenities were maximized, generating grill revenue that exceeded prior year by 6.7% ($27k), and on-course revenues surged beyond prior year by 25% ($64k). This represents a remarkable $13.59 per round. In short, golf prevailed as being one of the few pandemic-resilient industries, fully hitting performance targets by year end.
Lakewood Community Center The Lakewood Community Center offers many activities, programs, and services for local and regional residents. The center now serves as the location for the Specialized Recreation program in Pierce County, after a merger that incorporated Metro Parks Tacoma staff and programming. It also hosts the Lakewood Senior Activity Center and Pierce County Superior Court. The community center neighbors the 48-acre Seeley Lake Park and Trail. The 34,000-square foot center features a collegiate-sized gymnasium and popular meeting rooms. The gymnasium serves the largest number of public indoor pickleball and badminton players in the area.
Other popular activities in the gym normally include: semi-pro basketball events, collegiate basketball and volleyball practices, high school basketball and volleyball games, youth basketball leagues, Tiny Tots indoor play, birthday parties, family movie nights, private group sports rentals, and the Crafter’s Creations bazaar each November. Due to COVID indoor activities at Lakewood Community Center were cancelled from mid-March through December. COST RECOVERY: COST PER ACRE: COST PER SQ. FT: EXPENDITURES: # SERVED:
20% $3,937.42 $11.10 $469,063.42 27,422
PIERCE COUNTY PARKS ANNUAL REPORT 2020
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Lake Spanaway Golf Course
Spanaway Park
The 129-acre Lake Spanaway Golf Course, designed by the legendary A.V. Macan, is a beacon in the community as a championship course open to all with a marketing tagline, “Neighborhood Feel, Championship Pedigree.” Weather, course improvements, and marketing that appeals to new customers resulted in almost 1,110 more rounds in 2020 over 2019 despite a six-week closure.
Towering Douglas Fir trees watch over this 89-acres of beautiful park land in Spanaway Park adjacent to Lake Spanaway. The park includes two beaches, a public boat launch, a fishing pier, five picnic shelters with restrooms, children’s play equipment, a 3-mile paved trail system, softball fields, basketball courts, and several thousand feet of accessible shoreline along Lake Spanaway. The public boat launch and fishing pier are heavily used with year-round fishing at the park.
Due to COVID, the golf course was closed for operations on March 26. The facility remained closed for 40 days and reopened on May 5 with players limited to two-somes; effectively halving the course capacity until regulations were relaxed on May 18. As one of the only recreational opportunities during restrictions, we saw a 10% utilization increase over the prior year resulting in hosting more rounds than any of the previous three years. Restrictions prevented the hosting of any USGA championship play in 2020. Lake Spanaway was able to host the WA Golf Mixed Chapman on August 24 and the 53rd Annual Puget Sound Amateur in October which attracted 104 golfers from across the region in a two-day championship event, with the finals played at Chambers Bay Golf Course. Improvements to the course and clubhouse in 2020 included installation of a new drainage system on the #13 and #14 greens, and state of the art greens aerification which cause less disruption to the playing surface providing quicker recovery time and resulting in increased revenue.
The park typically hosts numerous public and private events and activities, including outrigger canoe races, hydroplane races, Water Lantern Festival, large military and company picnics, car shows, walks, runs, and scavenger hunts. However, gatherings and picnic shelter rentals were not allowed due to COVID. Parks staff worked diligently to provide a safe space for the public to actively recreate in. Walkers, runners and boaters galore utilized the park this past summer. Due to being one of two freshwater beaches in the park system, it is extremely popular on hot summer days. Fantasy Lights at Spanaway Park, the largest drive-through display of holiday lights in the Northwest, attracted 46,705 vehicles and over 256,000 spectators during the 44-night event in 2020. These were record-shattering numbers which showed us that families needed a fun and safe activity to enjoy. Recreation staff found a new and creative way for families to enjoy on-ice activity t with Skate at the Lake, a synthetic pop-up ice rink, made available over the holiday season. Over 300 participants took advantage of this creative, fun and safe outdoor skating option. The park is also the operational base for the Parks maintenance staff. Spanaway Park employees also care for the Lake Spanaway Golf Course located inside Spanaway Regional Park.
2020 ACTIVITY NUMBERS: Special Events Fantasy Lights Drive
46,705
Parks Visitors - Summer (park entrance fees) Memorial Day - Labor Day 63,870 Multiple trees were removed around the #17 green for improved growing conditions resulting in less chemical applications. The clubhouse cart storage expansion was completed to better serve regular users. Some of the restaurant equipment was replaced and the clubhouse lighting was updated. The restroom remodel project commenced in November and will be completed first quarter of 2021. COST RECOVERY: COST PER ACRE: EXPENDITURES: # OF ROUNDS: 7
94% $14,068.28 $1,814,808.00 43,897
| PIERCE COUNTY PARKS ANNUAL REPORT 2020
COST RECOVERY: COST PER ACRE: EXPENDITURES: # SERVED:
85% $9,079.44 $955,555.78 344,096
Sprinker Recreation Center Sprinker Recreation Center is a regional 74,100-square foot indoor and outdoor sports complex that includes a National Hockey League regulation-size ice skating arena, four indoor tennis courts, and several meeting and banquet rooms. The outdoor facilities include six outdoor tennis courts, two basketball courts, eight lighted softball/ baseball fields, children’s play equipment, climbing rock, a massive skate park, and entrance to the walking trails of the 66-acre Bresemann Forest. Sprinker hosts a variety of sporting events that draw from all over the Pacific Northwest region including figure skating, ice hockey, softball, baseball, tennis, climbing, and cyclo-cross events hosted by local partners and athletic organizations. The public rooms are utilized for meetings, receptions, birthday parties, and leisure classes. While COVID caused cancellation of ice activities and adult sports leagues, drop-in training programs like figure skating and Stick N Puck hockey supplied consistent opportunities through the summer and fall. We look forward to expanding our relationship in 2021 with the Greater Seattle Hockey League to continue to bring adult co-ed hockey teams to Sprinker Recreation Center. This league is projected to grow to six teams in 2021. With the rollout and great response of the Ice Bumper Car program in 2019 we couldn’t wait to see what 2020 had in store! Although they only operated the first three months of 2020, over 3,000 riders took part in this fun and unique experience.
2020 ACTIVITY NUMBERS: Sports Camps Youth
2,244
Leisure Classes Adult Youth
266 955
Sports Programs Public Ice Skating Ice Bumper Cars Hockey Figure Skating Skate Lessons Broom Hockey Skateboarding Tennis Raquetball
8,979 3,250 4,871 8,645 3,098 170 5,250 5,287 1,520
Special Events Daddy Daughter Dance Skating Exhibitions Birthday Parties Skate at the Lake Pierce Outdoor LIFE
The Pierce Outdoor Leadership Instruction and Field Experiences (LIFE) program is a collaborative project to provide court-associated youth living in unincorporated Pierce County with access to nature-based and recreationbased outdoor adventure experiences. Washington State University Cooperative Extension and Pierce County Juvenile Court are key partners for the program; 42 youth participated in the program in 2020.
260 70 664 300 42
Short Term Rentals Field Rentals Room/Facility Rentals
11,280 11,365
Parks Visitors Sprinker Complex & Bresemann Forest
67,059
COST RECOVERY: COST PER ACRE: COST PER SQ. FT: EXPENDITURES: # SERVED:
20% $2,738.22 $20.09 $2,205,529.15 122,729
PIERCE COUNTY PARKS ANNUAL REPORT 2020
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Meridian Habitat Park and Community Center Meridian Habitat Park and Community Center is a 36-acre park including a 15,500-square foot community center with a large meeting space suitable for hosting events and activities. The site also includes an outdoor amphitheater, event lawn, a nature-themed playground, restroom, an off-leash dog park, wetlands, a pond, and a variety of wildlife habitat.
Heritage Recreation Center Heritage Recreation Center is a popular tournament level sports complex located in the South Hill Community between Rogers High School and Zeiger Elementary School in Puyallup. It boasts baseball, softball, soccer, lacrosse, rugby, ultimate frisbee, and multipurpose fields. The 47-acre park is the result of a partnership between the Puyallup School District, which owns the land, and Pierce County which developed, operates, and maintains the facilities. The 1.6-mile Nathan Chapman Memorial Trail connects Heritage Recreation Center to South Hill Community Park. The complex includes a lighted baseball field with a synthetic infield, four lighted softball fields, five soccer fields, one multipurpose synthetic turf field, a children’s play area, and nearly 500 parking spaces available for major special events and tournaments. It hosts activities offered by the Puyallup School District, Pierce County Parks, and community partners. Heritage Recreation Center continues to be one of the most sought-after sports venues in the South Puget Sound area. However, 2020 proved to be a year in which usage was substantially reduced due to the COVID pandemic. While overall use for athletics was dramatically less than 2019, the use of the Nathan Chapman Memorial Trail exploded. 2020 realized a nearly 500% increase in trail users. Pierce County Parks is proud to increase the number of opportunities for people of all ages to participate in outdoor recreation during the challenges we faced in 2020.
2020 ACTIVITY NUMBERS: 200
Short Term Rentals Field Rentals
24,420
Park Visitors Trail Users Heritage Recreation Center South Hill Community Park
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One exciting new program that was added in 2020 is Agents of Discovery (AOD). This interactive platform provides users with “missions” to complete. The missions encourage exploration of and familiarization with various parks and natural areas. “Agents” learn about features of parks, most importantly, the flora and fauna that inhabit them. AOD missions teach us about how and why to be good stewards of the natural world around us. While many activities were canceled, the nature-based playground, dog park and walking path were highly valued and used in 2020.
2020 ACTIVITY NUMBERS:
Special Events No Sun Fun Run
COST RECOVERY: COST PER ACRE: EXPENDITURES: # SERVED:
This unique park is a natural oasis in the middle of South Hill Puyallup. It typically hosts a variety of events and activities including car shows, family reunions, weddings, leisure classes, dances, corporate parties, and specialized recreation clubs and programs. The outdoor amphitheater normally accommodates activities such as movies and concerts which enhances the overall enjoyment of this popular site in the heart of unincorporated Pierce County.
57% $2,602.41 $361,140.39 665,771
| PIERCE COUNTY PARKS ANNUAL REPORT 2020
575,431 33,800 31,920
Leisure Classes Adult Youth
287 120
Short Term Rentals Room & Facility Rentals
5,004
Park Visitors 35,640 COST RECOVERY: COST PER ACRE: COST PER SQ. FT: EXPENDITURES: # SERVED:
5% $8,927.60 $28.64 $466,271.83 41,121
Frontier Park This beautifully forested historical site is located in the heart of the Graham community. It hosts to many events, activities and programs, including the Pierce County Fair, which was held virtually in 2020. As its name implies, it is a rustic park with unique features, such as an equestrian arena with stables, accessible playground, barns, outbuildings, and a quarter-midget racetrack. Various rental facilities are also available at the park, including the Lodge, livestock barns, horse arena, and picnic shelters. It is a popular site for a variety of events, celebrations, and community gatherings. A variety of leisure classes, activities and special events are typically offered throughout the various facilities in the park. However, COVID forced the closure of the park for a time and cancellation of most activities from March through the end of the year. In response to COVID, Parks offered a new special event, Haunted Headlights. This 'spooktacular' drive-through experience provided a safe and fun alternative to traditional trick-or-treating.
2020 ACTIVITY NUMBERS: Leisure Classes Adult Youth
1.376 221
Special Events Dances/Parties Haunted Headlights
260 3,400
Short Term Rentals Field/Arena Rentals Room Rentals Picnic Shelter Rentals
290 3,879 2,052
Long Term Rentals Quarter Midget Track 700 Park Visitors 63,615 COST RECOVERY: COST PER ACRE: EXPENDITURES: # SERVED:
9% $4,843.57 $383,324.83 75,501
Ashford County Park Ashford County Park is located in the beautiful upper Nisqually Valley just as you enter the town of Ashford. The quaint little town serves as the gateway to the Nisqually entrance of Mt. Rainier National Park. This 84-acre park opened in 2010 and features an accessible children’s play area, restrooms, 2.5 miles of paved trails, open lawn, and parking. The park’s centerpiece is a 55,000-square foot outdoor amphitheater which serves as a venue to host a variety of activities including concerts and community events. The natural beauty of this site makes it a hidden gem in the Pierce County Parks system. In February of 2020, a major winter storm descended on the Puget Sound region dumping record rainfall and causing substantial flooding, especially in the foothills of the Cascade Mountains. The Ashford Park trail system sustained damage as a result of this storm. The section of the trail which lies above the upper parking lot suffered a washout resulting from swollen creeks spilling out of their channels and clogging culverts that divert water under the trail. Efforts are underway to repair the damage which includes installation of larger culverts to contain excess water flow from large storms. The project is expected to be completed in 2022. Even though events were cancelled, park and trail use remained steady throughout the year.
2020 ACTIVITY NUMBERS: Park Visitors Trail Users Park Visitors
38,700 20,400
COST RECOVERY: COST PER ACRE: EXPENDITURES: # SERVED:
16% $360.03 $36,047.08 58,740
PIERCE COUNTY PARKS ANNUAL REPORT 2020
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North Lake Tapps Park Our most popular freshwater park is the 135-acre North Lake Tapps Park, 10,000 feet of waterfront access with spectacular views of Mount Rainier. North Lake Tapps Park offers one of two public boat launches on the lake. The park attracts picnickers, sunbathers, and swimmers during the summer. The park is popular with walkers, bird watchers, dog walkers, and fishermen the rest of the year. The lake is home to tiger musky, smallmouth bass, carp, yellow perch, and rainbow trout. The park has three miles of trails through the forest and along the shoreline. Every July, the East Pierce Fire and Rescue hosts “Splashtacular,” an educational event to teach families about the importance of cold-water safety. In late 2019, construction began on a new bulkhead surrounding the central peninsula and adjacent shoreline; Parks completed the work as expected and opened up fully in July. Its popularity made it a challenge to enforce restrictions on gatherings brought on by COVID. Parks worked with the Pierce County Sheriff and instituted measures to keep guests safe. The improvements to the boat launch area, new picnicking areas, expanded swimming beach, new restroom facility, and improved sightlines to all the great views made this park the ideal location for families who had been couped up at home all spring. This park is a true gem in the Pierce County Parks system under any circumstance or time of year.
2020 ACTIVITY NUMBERS: Park Visitors – Summer (park entrance fees) Memorial Day – Labor Day 72,073 Fall, Winter, Spring 14,415
Foothills National Regional Trail The Foothills National Regional Trail is constructed along a historic railroad bed and winds through the river valley southeast of Tacoma. It is a 12-foot wide asphalt trail designed for foot traffic and human powered vehicles, with a soft shoulder path for equestrians. Completion of the last paved trail section between the city of Buckley and the Town of South Prairie was celebrated in May 2018, allowing for 21 continuous miles of trail between the East Puyallup trailhead and the city of Buckley. The trail follows the Carbon River upstream through farmland and forest and offers unobstructed views of nearby Mt. Rainier. In addition to bicyclists and walkers, the trail is also popular with race organizers who put together several running and cycling events that begin and end in a variety of locations along the trail. While many trail events were cancelled in 2020, Parks worked with providers to create opportunities that met safety standards, resulting in 14 runs/races as well as being able to offer annual Pierce County Trails Day activities in July.
2019 ACTIVITY NUMBERS: Special Events Foothills Dash 5K & 10K Pierce County Trails Day
140 50
Permitted Special Events Runs, Walks, Bike Rides (13 events)
962
Park Visitors Trail Users
COST RECOVERY: COST PER ACRE: EXPENDITURES: # SERVED: 11
57% $2,339.88 $348,301.84 86,488
| PIERCE COUNTY PARKS ANNUAL REPORT 2020
COST RECOVERY: COST PER MILE: EXPENDITURES: # SERVED:
1,088,972 13% $17,525.55 $423,744.21 1,090,124
Recreation Services The pandemic of 2020 negatively impacted families throughout Pierce County and limited the amount of activities and space people could use safely. Parks were inundated during this period as people flocked to open spaces for a moment of fresh air while still adhering to social distancing guidelines. Pierce County Parks shut down all event activities, athletic programs and recreation services through the second and most of the third quarter of 2020. There was a short opportunity at the beginning of fourth quarter to bring back additional outdoor recreation activities, however with the spike in new COVID cases over the holidays, Parks cancelled year-end programming. Although this has been a difficult year for everyone, Parks remains dedicated to providing the best in recreation services to our communities. As we turn the corner in this pandemic, our Parks and Recreation staff are designing new activities and programs with the most comprehensive safety guidelines to protect our users and families as they enter back into our Community Centers and Parks. We remain committed to provide the following programs as we transition into a safer, healthier period in 2021.
Adult Sports and Recreation
Youth Sports and Recreation
While COVID caused cancellation of the adult league sports programs for 2020, the drop-in Stick N Puck hockey program at Sprinker Recreation Center saw consistent numbers during the spring and summer months.
Early introduction to sports promotes sportsmanship, builds a healthy, active lifestyle, and develops youth athletic talent for competitive advancement. Although many youth sports were cancelled this year due to the pandemic, both Sprinker Recreation Center and Heritage Recreation Center were ready and prepared to respond to changing phasing guidelines and provide mitigation guidelines to ensure a safe level of service for team practices. Challenger International Sports and Kidz Love Soccer partnered with Pierce County Parks and offered instructional classes and camps for nearly 50 youth in 2020. Play enables toddlers to build their imagination and creativity while promoting physical fitness. The Tiny Tots indoor play program at the Lakewood Community Center had nearly 400 youth ages 5 and under, participate.
We look forward to expanding our relationship in 2021 with the Greater Seattle Hockey League to continue to bring adult co-ed hockey teams to Sprinker Recreation Center. We were able to run one league with an estimated attendance of 680 skaters during the first three months of the year. This past year with the introduction of the National Hockey Association’s newest franchise in Seattle; the SEATTLE KRAKEN, our partnership with the Greater Seattle Hockey League (GSHL) will provide Pierce County Parks a direct connection with this new franchise. We project that the GSHL league to grow to six teams in 2021. Co-ed pickleball and badminton attracted close to 12,000 participants during year-round programming at the Lakewood Community Center gymnasium.
Chambers Creek Regional Park playfields were permitted to two different local youth soccer groups from July 2020 to October 2020. Combined attendance for the two seasons totaled over 7,500 participants.
PIERCE COUNTY PARKS ANNUAL REPORT 2020
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Recreation Services Ice Arena Activities 2020 was set to be a record year for on-ice activities at Sprinker Recreation Center. While the majority of programs, lessons, public skates and ice bumper car activities were cancelled or rescheduled we were able to offer activity in some capacity throughout the year. Figure Skating, Stick N Puck hockey, and Learn to Skate were able to be offered with strict safety measures in place for our staff and users. We were able to provide a safe environment with social distancing measures in place which allowed the figure skating and hockey community some much needed activity during a time of constant change. On Saturday, October 24 Sprinker Recreation Center held its first Facebook Live Fall Ice Skating Exhibitions event. A total of 30 figure skaters performed individual programs while 30 social distanced spectators watched from the arena viewing area and 3,250 people watched on Facebook Live.
Volunteer Programs
Specialized Programs & Partnerships The Specialized Recreation program was greatly impacted by the COVID pandemic. The program ceased operations to comply with the Governor's restrictions. Despite this, the recreation staff was able to adapt to keep the community engaged by creating virtual programming. Videos through Facebook were easy to follow programs for participants offering crafts, cooking, stories, virtual tours, and funny songs. Recreation staff also created Park tours showing the community all the other park amenities besides playgrounds as well as other educational sites throughout the county. In August, Pierce County Parks and Recreation combined forces with Metro Parks Tacoma to offer Meet Me In the Park. This program offered in-person programming at different parks daily. This program was able to be offered through a CARES Fund grant. The park programs moved from park locations in the summer to inside buildings in the fall. We were able to offer many in-person programs like art, bowling, basketball, walking club, and social groups.
Volunteers provided 8,498 hours of service to Pierce County Parks by helping with a variety of activities including special events and programs, performing park beautification projects, being youth sports coaches and golf course marshals, and serving on two advisory boards. This year, Parks recognized individual and group volunteers virtually by creating a recognition website and video to highlight their amazing volunteerism during the pandemic. The following individuals were recognized for their outstanding volunteer service to Pierce County in 2020: • • • •
Chuck Morrison Connie Medeiros Susan Becker Patrick Niles
We also recognized the outstanding service of the following groups: • • 13
Pierce County Rotarians Pierce County Explorer Search and Rescue Unit | PIERCE COUNTY PARKS ANNUAL REPORT 2020
In late fall, COVID numbers rose again forcing everyone back into their homes. Meet Me In The Park staff continued virtual programs that participants could enjoy. Virtual programs offered were art, social groups, and fitness classes.
Golf Golf activities offered at Lake Spanaway and Chambers Bay Golf Courses are a notable program area for the department and county. In addition to recreational play, the courses provide lessons, driving range and academy options, tournaments, and junior golf programs. Due to COVID, both courses were closed to the public on March 26, 2020. They were able to re-open on May 5 and operated under a reduced capacity until May 18. From there it was full steam ahead with record number of golfers utilizing the facilities. A total of 74,240 rounds of golf were played between the two courses.
2020 Special Events & Activities • The annual Hot Spot basketball skills competition was held in the month of January. This was a partnership between Pierce College, Lakewood Parks and Recreation and Pierce County Parks. Nearly 50 kids participated in this skills competition. • More than 520 parents and their children attended the two annual “Daddy/Daughter” dances in February. • Between the No Sun Fun Run held at Heritage Recreation Center in January and the Foothills Dash held on the Foothills Trail in March, almost 400 runners attempted to achieve their personal best on the trails. Race options between these two events included a 1K, 5K, 10K and ½ Marathon. • Ice Bumper Cars operated through March and attracted 3,250 riders. • More than 425 people attended the 2020 Wedding Showcase on March 1 at the Environmental Services Building at Chambers Creek Regional Park. The event also attracted close to 20 different partners and vendors to present to the public. • The Foothills Trail was home to nearly 1,200 participants throughout 2020 for various private fun runs, such as popular Pop Up Races. • 375 young people explored our parks and trails using the Agents of Discovery interactive app to complete missions while learning science, biology, and environmental stewardship. • In July, Parks participated alongside our partners with ForeverGreenTrails with Pierce County's Trails Day and provided opportunities to get out during the initial COVID restrictions using a detailed mitigation plan to prevent spread during the event. Many people came out to use the trails, and of them, 50 people participated in the activities provided by parks that day.
• The Quarantine-19 19K Fun Run was held in August and just over 100 participants took part in the first ever Pierce County Parks virtual run! • In lieu of a two-day kite festival, Chambers Creek Regional Park hosted two “Come Fly a Kite” days as a local, neighborhood-focused activity in both August and October. A total of 70 people attended to build and fly kites in the Central Meadow, while also interacting with the Pierce County Kiteflyers Association. • More than 50 participants took part in the new Take It-Make It Experience from October through December. After registration, families picked up themed activity kits (Fall, Harvest, and Winter Holiday) at the Environmental Services Building or Sprinker Recreation Center, completed the activities, and joined us for a “Social Scene” Zoom meeting at the end with their peers to share projects and meet new friends. A prize drawing was held for each participant with prizes such as public skate tickets and Amazon gift cards. • Haunted Headlights was created to provide a safe and fun alternative to traditional trick-or-treating. This sold out event brought 780 vehicles carrying over 3,400 people through Frontier Park in October. • Over 200 Elf Hunters searched our South Region parks and trails to find elves and return them for a goody bag during the Great Elf Exploration held in November and December. • Skate at the Lake, a synthetic pop-up ice rink, was made available for the public to enjoy over the holiday season. Over 300 participants took advantage of this creative, fun and safe outdoor skating option at Spanaway Park in December. • The 44-night Fantasy Lights at Spanaway Park drive-through event attracted over 256,000 spectators in 46,705 vehicles. PIERCE COUNTY PARKS ANNUAL REPORT 2020
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Conservation & Natural Land Stewardship Conservation Futures & Open Space The Conservation Futures Program completed a total of three project purchases from the 2019 grant cycle adopted selection list including: •
Rocky Creek Estuary for Great Peninsula Conservancy
•
Wards Lake Park Expansion for City of Lakewood
•
Salmon Creek Park for City of Sumner
In 2020, 155 acres were conserved through the Conservation Futures open space grant program. In 2021, it is anticipated that eight additional projects totaling 697 acres selected during the 2019 grant cycle will be purchased. To date, 6,187 acres have been preserved through this program.
Natural Land Stewardship In 2020, Natural Lands welcomed a new Park Specialist who oversees habitat restoration and trail construction. Additionally, the Natural Lands program added a Washington Service Corps crew of six individuals to a 6-member Washington Conservation Corps crew to create a dedicated work force to improve unopened habitat and natural lands for public enjoyment. Despite COVID, the Natural Lands staff continued to work and improve natural areas. Trail standards were adopted to standardizes all planning, construction, and maintenance for all trail systems in Park open spaces and natural lands. A .35 miles trail of crushed rock was constructed at Naches Trail Preserve. This included installing split rail fencing and re-locating sensitive prairie plants to protect fragile ecosystems. The Bresemann Forest trail system was completely rehabilitated. This included decommissioning over two miles of damaging user trails, widening nearly two miles of existing trails, and extensive vegetation removal for improved sightlines. The Natural Lands team also finished the year clearing dense blackberry and ivy from eight acres along the trail system around Seeley Lake for user safety and to discourage dumping and encampments. Pitch-In-For-Parks events were limited for most of 2020. Under the direction of a new Volunteer Programmer through the Washington Service Corps, the program re-started in July under strict COVID-19 safety procedures and included themed events such as a Halloween ivy removal at the Old Settlers Cemetery and Tree Planting with Santa. Natural Lands developed several new programs with partnering organizations. South Sound Earth Day 2020 provided plants for our new Giving Tree program which gives away trees at select park locations. In partnership with Crown Bees, Pierce County Noxious Weed Board, and Pierce County Beekeepers we provided free mason bee kits and wildflower seeds through the Parks Take It-Make It program. 15
| PIERCE COUNTY PARKS ANNUAL REPORT 2020
Park Maintenance & Operations Our Parks maintenance staff takes a great deal of pride in making sure that developed parks and facilities are always ready for public use. They are responsible for opening the gates, ensuring functional utilities, servicing equipment, securing facilities, maintaining healthy vegetation, mowing the grass, hauling garbage, cleaning the restrooms and picnic shelters, lining the fields, manicuring the putting greens and fairways, maintaining miles of trails, and supporting recreation programs and facility rentals. In addition to the 12 large parks listed in this report, Pierce County Parks maintains 38 other properties including cemeteries, rental homes, local playfields like Gonyea, Lidford, and Mayfair, neighborhood parks like Dawson, and several parcels being held for future development. The Parks division applies a three-tier level of service (low, medium, and high) based on the degree to which the public has access to a site. The highest level of service is provided at our 12 developed primary regional and county park locations that offer programs and events in addition to passive drop-in use opportunities. Those sites that are seasonal or not developed are maintained on a more responsive basis to prevent misuse or deterioration of the site. The entire Parks system includes 5,234.9 acres of all types, as described in the inventory. Park care is divided into four geographic zones: • West Region Chambers Creek, Key Peninsula, and Lakewood • North Region Foothills Trail, Lake Tapps, Buckley, Bonnie Lake, and Carbon River Valley • South Region South Hill Puyallup, Graham, Ashford, and Frederickson • Central Region Spanaway, Parkland, and Mid-County National Benchmark Statistic: In 2020, the median-level operating expenditures nationwide is $7,160 per acre of lands managed by a park agency. The average cost per developed acre for Pierce County is $6,625.51, and $2,628 if costs are spread across all 5,235 acres managed by the department.
PIERCE COUNTY PARKS ANNUAL REPORT 2020
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Park Improvements Planned Maintenance Program (PMP) & Parks Project Team: The 2020 Maintenance & Asset Preservation (MAP) project team and accomplishments include those projects assigned and funded through the Planned Maintenance Program, Parks Sales Tax, Parks Maintenance and Operation budgets. In most cases, a cross-discipline Project Team is created. Their purpose is to ensure that parks and associated facilities are properly maintained and safe for public use. They demonstrate stewardship by extending the useful life of assets and properly repairing, replacing and improving assets in a timely manner.
Planned Maintenance:
Project Team highlights:
1. Installation of hot ash receptacles at Dawson Park, Gonyea Playfield, and Frontier Park 2. Frontier north restroom/shower remodel, interior taken down to the studs, electrical, plumbing, and insulation replaced 3. Lakewood Community Center parking lot painting 4. Shelter A drinking fountain replacement at Spanaway Park 5. Scour and installation of ½” metal plates to preserve 16 BBQ units in various parks 6. Spanaway house, employee break room and storage facility; preservation of building; repair of floor, ceiling, and roofing 7. Seven ADA project repairs at Dawson Park, Ashford and Chambers Creek Regional Park
8. Foothill Trail bridge replacement of rotten planks with treated lumber 9. Foothills Trail bridge, re-establish fill and missing damaged asphalt 10. Pin Pile bridge handrail repair 11. Installation of vent for air ventilation in combustible space 12. Installation of reduced pressure backflow assemblies at Shelter C, parking lot D and parking lot A 13. Installation of Kiosk sign for the Foothills Trail in Wilkeson 14. Five Memorial Benches installed at Foothills Trail, Nathan Chapman Trail, Naches Trail Preserve and Cross Park 15. Two door and lock repair and replacement – multiple park locations 16. Installation of temporary power conduit to gatekeeper booth at Spanaway Park 17. Voight’s Creek bridge abutment temporary repair 18. COVID-19 response, installation of Plexiglas barriers on ticket booths 19. Replace carpeting and water heater at Frontier caretaker house 20. Caulking of south exterior siding at the Frontier caretaker house 21. Installation of gas and power line warning signs on Nathan Chapman Trail 22. Purchase and installation of high flow ceiling fans at Spanaway Maintenance shop
Capital Project Completion The 2020-2030 Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan (PROS) was adopted by the County Council in early 2020. The PROS plan considered the needs of each region in the system and developed a 10-year list of capital projects that recommends new and upgraded amenities throughout the system. The PROS plan projects populate the 6-year Capital Facility Plan (CFP) which identifies those projects that can be accomplished with available funding. Capital projects are funded through three primary revenue sources: Park Impact Fees, 2nd Real Estate Excise Tax (2nd REET), and Park Sales Tax. Park Impact Fees are used to bring new capacity to the park system through 1) expanding the regional trail system, 2) adding new features in existing parks and 3) adding parks in urbanizing areas of the county. 2nd REET funds must be used for capital projects identified in the Capital Improvement Plan for planning, construction, or preservation of parks. Park Sales Tax funds can be used for financing, acquisition, capital construction, administration, maintenance and operations within the park system. Twenty projects were scheduled for 2020. Many projects were in the design phase, while other projects were completed in 2020. Funding not expended is carried into the next year for the completion of planned projects. Several small projects were completed in 2020, while some large projects finalized design and permitting in 2019, with construction planned for 2020. 17
| PIERCE COUNTY PARKS ANNUAL REPORT 2020
Parks Construction Fund: • $11,599,830 budgeted • $4,975,458 expended • $500,000 received from the WA State Legislature for Dawson Playfield • $100,000 received from WA State Dept. of Agricutural for ADA paths at Frontier Park
Trails Construction Fund: • $1,000,000 budgeted • $424,458 actual expended
Frontier Park Accessibility Path Paving As part of our Transition Plan for American with Disabilities Act (ADA) Improvements, Parks constructed new paved, accessible routes connecting parking stalls to various park buildings.
North Lake Tapps Bulkhead and Restroom Replacement Reconstruction of the bulkhead at North Lake Tapps Park started in 2019 and was completed in July 2020. The project provides a new bulkhead, picnic tables and bbq’s, a new beach, a trail to a Mt. Rainier viewpoint, replacement of a restroom, along with fishing pier and boat ramp improvements. North Lake Tapps Park
2020 Parks, Recreation, and Open Space (PROS) Plan Months of research and writing have led to Pierce County Parks’ first fiscally-constrained PROS Plan. A Demand and Needs Assessment, along with a current inventory of Parks’ properties, led to this 10- year plan for improvements throughout the park system to better serve the health and recreation needs of Pierce County residents.
Chambers Creek Regional Park Electrical Service The construction of electrical services to the Central Meadow at Chambers Creek Regional Park has been completed. This improvement will bring new programming to the park and better serve existing outdoor events.
Stan & Joan Cross Park Completion In 2019, design of Cross Park was completed, and construction began. Cross Park’s iconic hay and dairy barns are being renovated as a new community center along with a fully accessible playground, picnic tables, trails and open lawn areas. Additionally, the adjacent Naches Preserve was opened with a walking trail for public relaxation and enjoyment.
Dawson Playfield Construction started at Dawson Playfield and includes a walking trail, an upgraded and expanded playground, junior basketball hoops, fencing, signage and entry improvements. Anticipate opening of the park in late spring of 2021.
Additional 2020 Construction, Design, and Planning Projects: •
Reconstruction of the Foothills Trail bridge at Voight’s Creek
•
Seeley Lake vegetation clearing and sight distance improvements
•
Expansion of Chambers Creek Canyon Trail from Zircon Drive to the shore
•
ADA improvements throughout the system
•
Sprinker Recreation Center design of spray park, futsol, outdoor gym, turf fields and more
•
Design of the Pipeline and Parkland Community trails
•
Master Plans are in development for Orangegate Park and Half Dollar Park
•
A Cooperative Action Plan is in development for the Carbon River Corridor
PIERCE COUNTY PARKS ANNUAL REPORT 2020
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Financial Highlights The County adopted a biennial budget for the first time in 2020. The 2020 allocation for operating funds is generally 47% of the two-year budget. Additionally, COVID-19 resulted in a lack of earned revenues, which necessitated a reduction of $900,000 in General Fund operating resources and a reduction of $200,000 in the Park Sales Tax Fund in 2020. The Paths & Trails fund also needed to be supplemented with other revenues due to a reduction in Motor Vehicle Fuel Tax proceeds, which is the primary resource for trail maintenance. Chambers Creek Regional Park and Lake Spanaway Golf Course are enterprise funds that are meant to be site and self-sufficient, representing 45% of the operating budget. General Fund, Paths and Trails Fund and Park Sales Tax resources of $12,740,588, as well as allowable Conservation Futures funding, is used to maintain and operate the rest of the Pierce County park system. Of the $23,645,640 in planned expenditures, a total of $22,808,859 or 96%, was spent across operating funds. Resources were reduced $1.1million due to loss of earned revenue. The Conservation Futures Program funds acquisition and preservation of natural lands for public benefit; most of the funding is distributed through a grant program to partners across Pierce County. Applications are ranked and purchases approved in 2019 and budgeted in the 2020-2021 biennium must be expended by year-end 2021. Up to 25% of Conservation Futures funding can be used for maintenance of County-operated sites purchased with Conservation Futures funding. Regional Parks are the most expensive to operate given their size and facilities, but also have the most revenue generating potential. Golf courses, tournament facilities, rental venues, and events provide higher overall cost recovery expectations and performance. The health of Chambers Creek Regional Park and Spanaway Regional Park (inclusive of Sprinker Recreation Center and Lake Spanaway Golf Course), strongly influences the overall resource needs of the department.
Parks Related Funds & Spending
2020
Fund
Budget (47%)
Actual
General Fund ($900,000 reduction)
$8,747,052 $7,847,053
$7,862,707
Lake Spanaway Golf Course
$1,842,709
$1,813,974
$671,113
$679,342
Chambers Creek Regional Park & Golf Course
$8,880,343
$8,002,928
Parks Sales Tax ($200,000 reduction)
$4,622,422 $4,422,422
$4,449,908
$23,645,640
$22,808,859
Conservation Futures
$4,568,198
$3,138,621
Conservation Futures
$4,568,198
$3,138,621
Of the $12,471,563 in authorized capital expenditures, $9,530,688 was spent in 2020. Unexpended capital construction revenues are intentionally carried forward into the next year to accumulate so they are available to complete projects. Design work for Parkland and Pipeline Trails will result in construction costs in 2022 and future biennia.
Parks Impact Fees
$6,646,150
$5,078,838
Parks Second REET
$3,763,163
$3,557,210
$10,409,313
$8,636,048
Paths & Trails Construction
$2,919,640
$679,210
Parks Construction
$7,577,923
$7,514,806
This report details how operating funds and capital funding is spent and the return on investment for our community. All public resources are leveraged to bring in additional funding to operate or improve the park system.
Conservation Futures Acquisition
$1,974,000
$1,336,672
Construction Project Funds
$12,471,563
$9,530,688
TOTAL PARKS FUNDING
$51,094,714
$44,114,216
The Construction Revenue (Park Impact Fees/ Parks Second REET) is transferred into the Construction Fund when projects are ready to commence. Approx. $12.5M in resources (30%) of the department’s funding is reserved for capital projects to preserve or improve the park system or the Conservation Futures grant program. The projects are prioritized and scheduled in the department’s adopted Capital Facilities Program.
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| PIERCE COUNTY PARKS ANNUAL REPORT 2020
Paths & Trails
Operating Funds
Construction Revenue
Financial Highlights General Fund Total Expenditures $7,862,707 The general fund allocation to the Department in 2020 was $5,979,566. Earned and other sources of revenue normally provide an additional $2.5M in resources. That was reduced by $900,000 in 2020 due to COVID impacts on the department’s ability to offer programming, rentals and special events.
Administration $1,797,367
$4,151,745
53%
Recreation
24%
$1,913,595 (was budgeted at 30% and actual was 32% prior year)
Parks has a target of 50-75% cost recovery at its regional parks, given the mix of highly individualized activities (such as golf and Fantasy Lights) which are pay-to-play, as well as a wide range of activities and park amenities that are free to access. Because golf was one of the few available activities in 2020, the courses at both sites fared fairly well, however, Chambers Creek Park cost recovery was down slightly from 2019 due to the loss of the facility rental and catering business during COVID. At Spanaway Regional Park in particular, Lake Spanaway Golf Course produced a 94% cost recovery rate, and Spanaway Lake Park, 85%, against a traditional 42-45%
Parks Alternative Funds
Parks Maintenance and Operations
23%
(Resource Stewardship & Department Leadership)
rate of recovery. This was due to a significant reduction in seasonal summer staff due to limits on picnic shelter rentals, sports, and special events, while Fantasy Lights had a record-breaking year for attendance and revenue. Sprinker Recreation Center's athletic fields and ice rink had a target of 36% cost recovery, however, with limited opportunities for programming, $600,000 in cost reductions occurred to offset $600,000 in lost revenues, resulting in a site cost recovery rate of 20%. In general, a few strong lines of business helped offset the unique challenges of 2020, enabling the performance at our regional parks to remain somewhat stable.
Regional Parks
2020
2018
2019
2020
Program Grants
$18,300
$130,247
$59,281
Advertising & Sponsorships
$45,450
$24,459
$18,250
Partnered Contributions
$336,282
$280,390
$249,450
In-Kind Donations
$275,615
$51,179
$18,637
Spanaway Regional Park
Volunteer Service Value
$160,350
$144,466
$84,397
Expenses
$4,991,499
Revenue
$2,950,662
TOTAL ALTERNATIVE FUNDING
$835,997
$831,341
$430,015
Chambers Creek Regional Park Expenses
$8,002,928
Revenue
$6,407,429
Cost Recovery
Cost Recovery
80 %
60%
PIERCE COUNTY PARKS ANNUAL REPORT 2020
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Park Performance Miles
Cost Per Mile
Cost Recovery (CR) Target
Actual CR
21
$17,525.55
0-25%
13%
Acres
Cost Per Acre
CR Target
Actual CR
Counts
Chambers Bay Golf Course
340
$18,428.58
100%
113%
34,758 rounds of golf
Chambers Creek Regional Park and Chambers Creek Canyon
390
$5,377.84
25-50%
2%
North Lake Tapps
135
$2,339.88
25-50%
57%
86,488 park visitors
Lake Spanaway Golf Course
129
$14,068.28
25-50%
94%
43,897 rounds of golf
Spanaway Park
89
$9,079.44
25-50%
85%
344,096 park visitors and Fantasy Lights admissions
Heritage Recreation Center*, South Hill Community Park and Nathan Chapman Trail
89
$1,374.31
25-50%
76%
665,771 sports, trail, and scheduled activities; *Cost share with Puyallup School District
Ashford Park
84
$360.03
0-25%
16%
58,740 park visitors
Frontier Park and Lodge
71
$4,843.57
25-50%
9%
75,501 Program, event, and park visitors Maintained as an extension of Spanaway Park, requiring travel; community and partner sport use at Gonyea
Park Site
Foothills National Recreation Trail
Local Parks, Playfields and Habitat (Dawson, Gonyea, Lidford, Mayfair, Parkland Prairie, Swan Creek)
Service
1,090,124 event and trail users
1,224,854 event, program, and trail visitors
72
$1,420.28
0-25%
0%
Sq. Ft.
Cost Per Sq. Ft.
CR Target
Actual CR
Meridian Habitat Park & Center - 36 acres
15,509
$28.64
25-50%
5%
Sprinker Recreation Center (with 44-acre sports complex and 66-acre Bresemann Forest)
74,100
$20.09
25-50%
20%
122,729 event, ice, hockey, sports, and park visitors
Lakewood Community Center (with 46-acre Seeley Lake)
34,000
$11.10
25-50%
20%
Limited indoor use due to COVID restrictions
Center-Based Site
Average Cost Per Developed Acre Average Acres per Maintenance FTE System-wide Cost Recovery 21
| PIERCE COUNTY PARKS ANNUAL REPORT 2020
Service Level
41,121 event, program, and park visitors
$6,625.51
Total Recreation Program Users
476,333
60.59
Total Passive Park & Trail Users
3,340,928
Total Users
3,817,261
71%
2020 In Review TOTAL ACRES
2,781 Regional Parks
Pierce County Parks operates a well-used and well-maintained park system! The Pierce County Parks inventory includes over 50 sites on 5,216.2 acres of parkland.
437 Developed County Parks 226.6 Undeveloped County Parks 72
Local Parks
120 Special Use Facilities 903
Resource Conservancy Parks
539 Linear Parks & Trails 126.3 Unclassified Sites/Cemeteries
$44,114,216
3,340.928
Total Parks Expenditures
Trail and Park Users
476,333
4,964.5
256,000
Recreation Program Participants
Park Volunteer Hours
People visited Fantasy Lights at Spanaway Park
Customer Support
74,240
452
28,842
Total rounds of golf
Facility Reservations
Telephone Calls
Chambers Bay Golf Course Lake Spanaway Golf Course
PIERCE COUNTY PARKS ANNUAL REPORT 2020
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9850 - 64th St. W. University Place, WA 98467 253-798-4199 pcparks@piercecountywa.gov www.piercecountywa.gov/parks