Milton PROS Plan by Framework

Overview

Why a PROS plan?

As cities throughout Washington plan for population growth, they devise strategies to meet the increasing demand for housing, employment, transportation, and more. Parks and recreation space represent an important piece of the puzzle, providing space for people to exercise, socialize, and connect with nature within their growing municipalities. This plan aims to work in tandem with other planning efforts to ensure that as Milton grows, the parks system continues to meet the needs of the population.

An approved Parks, Recreation, and Open Space (PROS) Plan allows the city to maintain eligibility for Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office (RCO) grants for six years after the date it is adopted. The plan thus focuses on funding within a six year time frame, but looks further forward to future goals as well.

This plan is also designed to meet the requirements of the State of Washington

Growth Management Act (GMA), and thus includes the following:

• Designation of the general location and extent of land uses including recreation and open space lands.

• Estimate of park and recreation demand for at least a ten-year period.

• Identification of lands useful for recreation, including wildlife habitat, trails, and connection of critical areas.

• Capital Facilities Plan (CFP) identifying funds necessary to implement the plan for at least a six-year period.

The goals and findings from this plan are to be reflected in the Parks and Recreation Element of the City’s Comprehensive Plan, which will provide a more high level summary of the information in this document. All comprehensive planning efforts are to use the same land use and population growth assumptions, reflecting a unified vision for the City of Milton (“City”) as it grows.

Why are parks important?

While we may think of parks as being grassy areas lined with trees, dotted with playgrounds, and traversed via paved paths, they can take a myriad different forms. This plan aims to outline why parks are important to people in Milton, and plan for a system that meets their needs. Some people use parks for exercise, playing organized sports, walking or cycling on trails, or bringing their yoga mat to stretch on the lawn. Others utilize parks as social spaces where they can meet with friends or attend events.

People learn in parks by reading educational signage or practicing how to identify plants. Parks can be sites for cultural exchange through performance or through vending of crafts or food. In

this plan, we also consider indoor facilities where people take classes or participate in clubs.

Unprogrammed open space can be used to protect ecological resources such as wetlands, and to maintain ecological corridors that allow for the movement of wildlife. Parks also contribute to the economic well-being of a city, adding value into neighborhoods and supporting tourism.

Public space is a vital resource, and by planning and designing parks to meet the needs of all citizens, the City can enjoy economic, health, and cultural benefits for years to come.

Background Documents

2015 Comprehensive Plan

This plan builds upon the Parks and Recreation Element of the 2015 Comprehensive Plan, which included an inventory of Milton Parks and Recreation facilities, defined a target Level of Service, and outlined a list of goals and policies.

2019 Parks Board Visioning Plan

Mayor Shanna Styron-Sherrell tasked the Parks Board with a visioning plan that focused on improvements to Milton Community Park, Hill Tower Park, and Olympic View Park.

2022 Parks Survey

In May of 2022, the City published a survey that asked residents to share their thoughts on Milton Parks and Recreation facilities. The survey was available for approximately 4 months and received 80 responses. These responses inform the goals and capital facilities projects in this report, and are summarized on pages 32-33.

2023 Existing Conditions Report

This report outlines up-to-date data on land use, housing, transportation, capital facilities, utilities, and parks in Milton. It also includes preliminary park inventory studies that informed this report.

What’s happened since the 2015 plan?

Mini-amphitheater designed for Milton Community Park

A stage and overhang structure was designed and is planned for construction in Spring 2024. This stage will serve as performance space for Milton Days and other city events, as well as a place to seek shade during hot days. Programming for the stage will be important, and is discussed later in this document.

Improvements to Milton Community Park

In May of 2022 the City celebrated the addition of a tennis court, three pickleball courts, shuffleboard, and a full-length basketball court. This project was partially funded through a grant from the Recreation and Conservation Office.

Construction of 9-11 Memorial

On September 11, 2019, a 35-foot beam from the World Trade Center was placed into the 9-11 Memorial in Milton Community Park.

Process

The development of this PROS Plan was done in collaboration between the City, the Parks Board, and the consultant.

The process began with a review of the previous Parks Element, the distribution of a survey about park goals and priorities, and the development of an existing conditions report outlining current conditions on land use, housing, transportation, and other Comprehensive Plan Elements. This information, combined with an inventory of existing facilities, helped shape the goals, policies, and projects defined in this plan.

A draft of this plan was presented to the Parks Board in spring of 2023, who were provided a written copy and invited to provide feedback. The community also had a chance to weigh in on the proposed Capital Improvement Projects and Hill Tower Park conceptual design at Milton Days in August of 2023.

Milton Parks Board

Milton’s Park Board is composed of seven members, who are appointed by the mayor and confirmed by the Council to serve 4 year terms. They provide guidance and feedback on park projects, volunteer their time at events, and help to coordinate volunteer efforts for parks projects.

Spring 2022

Park Survey

Facilities Inventory winter 2022

summer 2023

spring 2023 Plan review by City and Parks Board

summer 2023

Presentation to Parks Board

Community feedback on plan gathered at Milton Days

WINTER 2024

Adoption of PROS Plan

Milton at a Glance

Land + Population

Milton is located within both Pierce and King Counties, and contains Puyallup Off Reservation Trust Land.

As of 2020, Milton had a population of 8,211 people and is expected to grow by 9%, or 750 persons, by 2044. At the time of the census, the city was 71.9% White, which is higher than in both King County (58.2%) and Pierce County (65.7%). This census showed 11.3% of the city as Hispanic, 8.5% as Asian, and the remaining 8.3% as Black, Indigenous, Hawaiian, or 2+ races.

Since the year 2000, however, Milton’s population has become more racially diverse, a trend that may continue. Compared to White and Non-Hispanic community members, households of color in Milton are facing higher amounts of extreme housing cost burden

Milton’s population of “empty nesters,” or seniors without children in the home has also grown, while the proportion of school-age children has declined.

Transportation

Milton is accessed by Interstate 5 and Route 99, which bisects the west side of the city. It currently does not have bicycle facilities within the road network, but the city does host 2.8 miles of the regional Interurban Trail. Many streets lack sidewalks, especially local streets.

Using Pierce County Transit buses, Milton residents can travel to Federal Way, Tacoma, Edgewood, and Meridian. Driving, however, is the main mode of transportation in Milton.

Waterways

Milton contains a portion of Hylebos Creek and associated wetlands. The 2015 Parks and Recreation Element states that “special consideration should be given to protecting the Hylebos Creek and its associated wetland and floodplain,” and recommends the pursuit of grants and private financing methods to fund the restoration of riparian habitat.

Surprise Lake is located in the southeast portion of the city, and is surrounded by private development.

Staff and Budget

Milton does not have any staff dedicated full-time to parks. Work related to the parks is instead performed by staff in other departments, with a priority placed on addressing safety and high community-use areas. Mowing of the parks has been outsourced to a private company, which has freed up staff to focus on other maintenance and highpriority issues.

Compared to other juridictions of under 20,000 people, Milton devotes fewer Full-Time Employees (FTE) and budget to its parks. Its operating expenditures per capita and per park acreage are also considerably lower than the medians

for jurisdictions of its size. This data comes from the National Recreation and Park Association (NRPA)’s 2023 Agency Performance Review.

As the City works to add facilities and programming to existing parks and to create new parks in Milton, the addition of staff and budget will be necessary. While it does not need to match expenditure per capita or any other metrics to other similar cities, these figures can serve as guidance for contributing adequate resources to the park system.

*Based on data from the NRPA for jurisdictions of less than 20,000 people

**Based on 2020 population of 8,211

***Based on 66.38, which includes the Interurban Trail, West Milton Nature Preserve, and Hylebos Park Expansion, as well as Neighborhood and Community Parks.

COMPARING STAFF & BUDGET TO NATIONAL MEDIANS

Goals + Policies

The recommendations for improvements and additions to Milton’s park system are informed by the following:

• The 2015 Comprehensive Plan Parks Element.

• Collaboration between the City staff and the Parks Board.

• The 2019 Parks Board Visioning Plan.

• Feedback gathered from the public at Parks Board meetings.

• The 2022 Park Survey.

• Feedback received at Milton days 2023.

• Guidance from the RCO Planning Manual and Growth Management Act.

• Accessibility mapping.

• Best practices in landscape architecture and urban planning.

The goals defined on the following page offer a holistic framework for working towards a park system that serves all of Milton as a resource for recreation, relaxation, cultural exchange, and ecological protection. The complete list of Goals & Policies starts on page 60.

Goals

PARKS PLANNED COMPREHENSIVELY

PARKS FOCUSED ON NON-MOTORIZED TRANSPORTATION

PARKS DESIGNED FOR EVERYONE

The City should provide a comprehensive and connected system of parks, trails, and open spaces that provide opportunities for recreation, respite, and gathering, while preserving Milton’s cultural and environmental assets.

The City should recognize the important recreational, health and transportation roles played by bicycle, walking and nonmotorized trail systems and support the continued development of the Interurban Trail as a benefit to the citizens of Milton and as a part of a regional trail system.

Milton’s parks, trails, and open spaces, as well as recreational programs, shall be planned and designed to people of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities with year-round opportunities for recreation, relaxation, and gathering.

PARKS FOR THE ENVIRONMENT

Planning, design, and maintenance of park lands should consider the health of the surrounding natural environment in order to balance the need for recreation uses with environmental protection and climate change mitigation.

PARKS FUNDED STRATEGICALLY

The City shall plan strategically to use tax dollars, local and regional resources to ensure the longevity of its parks, trails, and open spaces.

Parks in Milton

Milton currently has five city parks that range in size from 10 acres (Milton Community Park) to .5 acre (Olympic View Park), with features such as sports fields, playgrounds, a skate park, and a Veteran’s Memorial. There is one indoor facility, Milton Activity Center, which acts as a community gathering space and offers classes in dance, art, table games, and other enrichment activities.

In addition to developed park spaces, the City owns four parcels adjacent to Hylebos Creek, as well as land that was recently dedicated to the City by Olofsson Estate, which is available for development into Olson Park as of 2030.

Sports fields within the Fife School District contribute to recreation in Milton, hosting sports leagues throughout the year. Milton residents also have access to public parks in neighboring cities, such

as Edgewood Park and Five Mile Lake.

Some neighborhoods in Milton have private parks providing playgrounds, barbecues, open lawn and gardens. While these parks are not accessible to all residents, they do impact our understanding of where the greatest needs for new parks and facilities are.

The Interurban Trail is a regional, shareduse trail that traverses the city and offers space for walking, running, biking, and other activities. The completion of the trail to connect to Edgewood has not been completed as of this report, and will be an important step toward connecting with the larger, regional trail network.

The 2023 Existing Conditions Report notes that while Milton has many quality parks and recreation facilities, they are fairly uniform and do not address the needs of all ages, abilities, and interests.

MILTON COMMUNITY PARK

KEY:

EXISTING PARKS IN MILTON

Park Designations

Park designations help to define how a park is being used and who it serves. In the 2015 Parks Element, Milton parks were defined largely by their size, which is a traditional method that corresponds to a Level of Service analysis that focuses on acres per 1000 residents. The following park designations use a programmatic approach, which aims to define parks by who they serve and how people are able to use them.

Neighborhood Parks

This designation is used for parks that serve the neighborhood by offering passive and active amenities, which allow for recreation, relaxation, and socializing. They should provide basic facilities that allow for daily use by nearby residents, such as a playground, a sports facility, open lawn or plaza space, shade trees or a structure, plantings, and benches and/ or picnic tables. The idea is that everyone who lives nearby can enjoy these parks.

Community Parks

What distinguishes a Community Park is its ability to draw residents from various neighborhoods due to its size and breadth of facility, or because it offers something that is not available elsewhere in the park system. For example, Milton Skate Park is used by people in many neighborhoods because it offers a unique array of equipment for skateboarders.

Community Parks can be ideal places for community gatherings such as markets, concerts, or events like Milton Days festival, which is held annually in Milton Community Park.

Milton Community Park simultaneously serves as a Community and Neighborhood Park due to its size and programming.

Natural Areas and Greenspace Corridors

Much variety exists for parks of this nature. These areas provide visual and psychological relief from man-made development, while providing ecological functions such as stormwater infiltration and wildlife habitat. Low-impact facilities such as walking trails, benches, and environmental interpretive panels may be incorporated to allow for access and engagement with nature. There is also value, however, in leaving these acres untouched in order to preserve open space and maximize ecological function.

Indoor Facilities

Indoor facilities are key during winter months, and can facilitate activities such as dance, art, fitness classes, and table games. They can be important gathering spaces for elderly folks and other groups who may benefit from enriching activities in a setting that is protected from the elements.

School Facilities

While the sports fields and playgrounds on school grounds may be restricted to students during school hours, they are also used by local sports leagues and residents during off hours. Though these acres are not counted towards the Level of Service, they are noted in the Facilities Inventory as they do contribute to the overall amenities available to Milton residents.

Private Parks

These parks may be built by developers, Home Owner’s Associations, or other private entities, and are thus only available to the associated residents. While they are not included in Level of Service calculations, it is important to note where there is access to these spaces and what they provide.

KEMPER PLAYFIELD, MILTON COMMUNITY PARK

ACTIVE AMENITIES

Children’s play equipment

Trails + walking paths

“Active lawn”

Sports courts

Sports fields

Dance floor

Skate park/roller skating facilities

Running track

Boat launch or swimming dock

Outdoor fitness equipment

Benches, picnic tables, + shade structures

Public art

Scenic views

Bathrooms

Barbecues

Interpretive signage

Dog facilities

Memorials

Wetlands, + wildlife viewing areas

Community Gardens

PASSIVE AMENITIES

Trail Designations

Trails may be developed in conjunction with other park types or independently, and can act as transportation routes for cyclists and pedestrians, as well as places to exercise, socialize, and enjoy nature. The following designations are from the 2015 Park Element:

Regional Trail

These paved, shared-use, long-distance, linear trail corridors are used exclusively by pedestrians, bicycles, and other approved trail users. Regional trails are typically 12’-14’ wide with a 2’ wide travel shoulder on both sides. The Interurban Trail is an example of a regional Trail.

Community Trail

These paved, shared-use trails are typically found within community parks or linking park facilities. Community trails are typically 8’-10’ wide. The path through

Milton Community Park is a good example of a community trail.

Informal Trail

Informal trails are earthen or soft-surface trails with limited horizontal clearances and may have challenging grades and obstacles. Providing accessibility and regular facility maintenance are issues typical of this type of trail, since they vary in width and surfacing. There are various unmapped and unmaintained trails connecting to the Interurban Trail; these are examples of Informal Trails.

Bike Routes and Sidewalks

Typically associated with the transportation system, these linear paths are heavily used within urban areas and should be included in trail planning efforts in coordination with the Public Works Department. Many of Milton’s streets currently lack sidewalks.

INTERURBAN TRAIL

Park Acres Designation Description

Milton Community Park 10 acres

Milton Skate Park 1.31 acres

Community Park + Neighborhood Park

West Milton Park 3 acres

Children’s play area, walking path, open lawn, picnic tables, shade structure, sports courts and fields, memorial, shade trees, and planned stage.

Community Park Skate park with children’s play area, benches, shade trees, and picnic tables.

Community Park

Two baseball diamonds with bleachers.

Hill Tower Park 2 acres Neighborhood Park Sloped lawn with large trees and a children’s playground, picnic table, and half basketball court at the bottom.

Olympic View Park .5 acre Neighborhood Park Sloped park with trees, lawn, and children’s play equipment.

Hylebos Park Expansion 9.07 Green space and natural corridors Undeveloped natural area

West Milton Nature Preserve 2.25 acres Green space and natural corridors Undeveloped natural area

Interurban Trail 38 acres Green space and natural corridors Undeveloped natural area

PARKS AND OPEN SPACE INCLUDED IN LEVEL OF SERVICE

Park Acres Description

Discovery Primary 2.2

Surprise Lake Middle School 3.66

Milton Activity Center 3

Hillcreek Park 1.1

Sterling Heights .43

Alder Street Park 9.07

Christy’s Crossing HOA Parks 1.44

Meadow Glen Windmill .52

Five Mile Lake Park 32

Edgemont Park 5

Woodlands Park .36

School Facilities Baseball/softball and soccer fields.

Indoor Facilities Arts, fitness, and table game programs for seniors, residents with disabilities, and the general public.

Private Park Sloped lawn with large trees and a children’s playground, picnic table, and half basketball court at the bottom.

Private Park Mostly fenced-in, linear park abutting neighborhood backyards, with two play areas and several shade trees.

Private Park Park containing a children’s playground, two barbecues, and ample open lawn.

Private Park Series of three small parks containing benches, picnic tables, children’s play equipment, and a half basketball court.

Private Park Grass, trees, a bench and an overlook surrounding a decorative windmill in a wetland area.

Parks Outside of Milton Lakeside park with a beach, fishing dock, barbecues and shelters, baseball field, and tennis courts.

Parks Outside of Milton Wooded park with baseball diamond, basketball court, picnic shelter, play area, and restrooms.

Parks Outside of Milton Small park with play equipment and lawn area.

Olson Park 3.03 Undeveloped park land

PARKS AND OPEN SPACE NOT INCLUDED IN LEVEL OF SERVICE

Undeveloped land slated for future park development.

Facilities Inventory

The term “parks” is general and can refer to anything from a collection of sports fields to a waterfront plaza, a lawn and small playground, or a large area containing gardens, trails, and active recreation facilities. They can be places for exercise, respite, socializing and learning—sometimes all at once. There is no one size fits all approach to parks planning, as it must reflect what the community desires and what the city has the capacity for.

Several factors affect how a park can be used, including:

• Existing landforms such as steep hills and lakes.

• Park amenities such as benches, sport courts, and paved paths.

• Park programming such as performances, art classes, or markets.

• Weather conditions and weatheroriented amenities such as shade structures, spray parks, and trees.

In maintaining and improving Milton’s park system, the goal is for everyone in Milton to be able to use the parks. This means accounting for different physical abilities, interests, and ages in park design and programming. Further, parks should be accessible by people who drive, ride a bicycle, use a stroller or wheelchair, or walk, which entails things like providing parking for bikes and cars, providing sidewalks between parks and residential areas, and striving for neighborhood parks to be available within ½ mile of every resident.

While park acreage per 1000 residents provides a rough overview of service levels, the facilities within the parks dictate how they are used. The following amenity inventories of Sports Facilities, Recreation Amenities, Passive Enjoyment Amenities, and Safety, Access, and Comfort Amenities provide a more detailed look at what is in Milton Parks. Private parks, school facilities, indoor facilities, and parks outside of Milton are also considered, as they do contribute to the stock of facilities that Milton residents can access.

SPORT FACILITIES IN MILTON

FIGURE2-KEMPER PLAYFIELD, FRAMEWORK 2023

Sports Facilities

Sport facilities are a key component in most parks systems, providing space for play and exercise for children and active adults. Fields and courts in public parks can be used by local leagues or informal groups and can serve a variety of ages. Fields at schools serve students, local leagues, and may be open for informal recreation during certain hours.

Field sports take up considerable space in parks and cities, and should be planned according to community need. Responses to the 2022 Parks survey did not indicate a lack of courts and fields, but maintenance of what is existing will be important moving forward.

Use of Fife School District Fields

Discovery Primary and Surprise Lake Middle schools form a joint primary/ middle school complex on a 32-acre site immediately south of Milton Way. These

are the only Fife School District facilities within the Milton city limits, and the only school facilities included in Milton’s parks inventory. Discovery Primary has a large playground area and play field which contains baseball backstops and can accommodate soccer fields.

Surprise Lake Middle School maintains a large baseball field which is used for little league baseball and by the school’s baseball team. The middle school also has a turf field with a rubber composite running track, which is heavily used by local sporting leagues and the School District. This field is lighted and provides the ability for local sports leagues and citizens to utilize the track and field during evening hours. Use of the facilities is scheduled through the Fife School District. During the summer months, the Fife School District administers a youth program offering educational and recreational activities. After the school day, on weekends, and during the

summer, various clubs and organizations make use of the school’s recreational facilities. The Fife-Milton-Edgewood Soccer League uses the school facilities between the months of October and February. The Fife-Milton Youth Football League uses the school facilities between the months of July and November.

Trends

Trends in popular sports can dictate what facilities are desired within the parks. The recent surge in people playing pickleball has spurred many cities, including Milton, to add designated courts to the parks.

Flexibility to use fields and courts for

different sports can help accommodate for shifting trends, such as fields that double as soccer and baseball fields, and tennis or basketball courts with movable nets for use in pickeball.

What’s Missing?

In the 2022 Park Survey, 20.51% of respondents described disc golf as missing from Milton Parks. The equipment required for disc golf is relatively easy to install but the sport can interfere with other activities in the park. The City should consider offering this amenity and study the possible locations for siting it.

Milton Skate Park

Private Parks

Recreation Amenities

While some people engage in organized sports for exercise, parks also facilitate other types of recreation such as yoga, tai chi, walking, or skating. Space to do these activities can be critical for elderly populations, but in general is important for a well-rounded park system.

The following amenities in Milton parks support their use for recreation outside of competitive/organized sports.

Trails and Walking Paths

Walking is a low impact form of exercise that can be done while socializing and simply requires a path. The Interurban Trail provides an excellent venue for walking as it is shaded by trees and is separated from cars.

As Milton is missing sidewalks in many of its neighborhoods, parks and trails are even more important to facilitate this form of exercise. While the school track can be an excellent space for training runners, it may not suit those who want to go slow or chat with friends. The addition of community trails in Milton parks could help to meet this need.

Open Lawn

Lawns provide opportunities for all ages exercise, be it a game of tag or a group yoga class. Yet lawns often require irrigation, fertilization, and they don’t provide the same ecological benefit that a more diverse, native planting does.

In designing new parks, lawns should be used with intention and sized correctly for the intended program, be it picnicking,

informal sports, or as a dog run.

Skatepark

Milton’s Skatepark provides a space for exercise, play, socializing, and expression. The City may also consider adding roller skating facilities, which can be as simple as a square of pavement and offer a space for other types of skaters.

Water Access

Public land on waterfronts not only allows people to connect to their local environment, it also provides opportunities for fun forms of exercise such as swimming, kayaking, or paddle boarding. Currently, Milton residents can visit Five Mile Lake in Auburn, but lack access to public land on their local Surprise Lake.

Children’s Play Equipment

Milton has several children’s play facilities throughout its Neighborhood, Community, and Private Parks. Because it lacks a Neighborhood Park, the west side of Milton also lacks playgrounds.

In addition to filling that gap, the City should strive to provide play options for older children and to artfully embed play facilities into park design. Thematic play spaces can include education about the surrounding ecology or artistic elements that play on a theme and contribute to sense of place. Ziplines, rope structures, and climbable features are popular options for older children and adults alike!

Top left: Play equipment is embedded within terraced gardens

Top right: Colorful elements cast playful shadows at Everett’s Emma Yule Park

Middle: A climbable replica of Mount Rainier at Kent’s new themed playground

Bottom: Ropes equipment at Renton’s Sunset Park

Passive Enjoyment Amenities

Parks are places for relaxing, enjoying nature, and socializing—and certain amenities can facilitate these activities.

Scenic Views

Views of the surrounding city, mountains, and waterways are community resources that should be protected. Views draw people to a park and create a sense of place. Though Olympic View Park is named for its scenic overlook, the clearest hillside view might be from private Hillcreek Park.

Gardens

Plant diversity has intrinsic beauty to humans as well as ecological benefits. Gardens featuring a variety of plants can add color and interest to a park, act as food sources and habitat for wildlife, and contibute to soil health.

With thoughtful design that includes native plants and other plants with

low water needs, garden maintenance requirements and irrigation needs can be kept low. Another solution to the maintenance required for gardens is to have community members or local organizations “adopt” a garden bed. These approaches could lead to unique plantings that reflect community creativity and contribute to the aesthetic value and ecological performance of the parks.

Heat Relief

As many cities throughout the U.S. are experiencing record high temperatures, it’s even more important for cities to incorporate heat relief into the design of public spaces. Relief from the heat is especially important for elderly populations, and can be achieved through planting trees, installing shade structures, and offering water in parks.

Many Milton Parks provide shade and include mature trees. Trees not only provide relief from the heat through shade, they have an overall cooling effect on the environment through evapotranspiration. Mature trees should be protected as much as possible.

Many respondants to the Parks Survey talked about heat relief. There was mention of the need for shaded playgrounds, as well as water bottle filling stations along the Interurban Trail. A popular request was for a Splash Park, which is becoming a popular park amenity.

View from Hillcreek Park

Spray Parks

Spray parks and splash pads have become popular amenities to offer in parks and plazas to help people, especially kids, cool off during the warm months. They can range from custom, thematic playscapes like in SeaTac’s Angle Lake Park (top) and Tacoma’s Norpoint Sprayground (bottom left), to simpler inset fountains like in Olympia’s Heritage Park (pictured below). Pictured left, a spray feature in Aspen, Colorado is embedded within a grate, providing an example of a lower cost option that can still bring much needed heat relief.

Public Art

Over 20% of respondants to the 2022 Parks Survey described public art as something that’s missing in Milton. Public art can contribute to sense of place, display the creativity of residents, and capture themes that feel relevant to the community. Memorable art can help to characterize neighborhoods and even act as a wayfinding device that helps people orient themselves. These cultural benefits can translate economically as well, acting as points of interest for visitors and drawing them into business areas.

Public art can take many forms, but popular types include sculptures, decorative utility wraps, and murals. While Meadow Glen Windmill is a private park space, it is an example of an art piece that adds interest to a space and helps to define the neighborhood around it.

The City has moved forward with plans to install a mural on the water tower in Milton Community Park. This will be a major step in bringing public art to Milton. There is an opportunity to install a second mural on the watertower in Hill Tower Park, which would add color, interest, and placemaking to that space.

The revival of Milton’s Art Commission could be an important step towards bringing more public art to Milton. This group could aid in identifying funding opportunities and distributing funds through grants to local artists, or using them to purchase materials for a project that the community can take part in.

Meadow Glen Windmill, a private park in Milton

Community members can help with pavement installations, which can double as art pieces and traffic calming interventions

An art installation in West Hollywood sends colorful reflections onto the sidewalk

FIGURE2-KEMPER PLAYFIELD, FRAMEWORK 2023 SAFETY, ACCESS, AND COMFORT

Safety, Access, and Comfort

These amenities facilitate the safe and comfortable use of Milton Parks:

Parking

Driving is the main mode of transportation in Milton. While the GMA directs cities to plan for multimodal transportation, parking for cars is still a consideration when designing or expanding a park.

The addition of the mini-amphitheater in Milton Community Park may warrant additional parking, as programming for the new stage may increase the frequency of crowds visiting the park. Adding onstreet parking on Oak Street could be done in tandem with the addition of pedestrian facilities.

Bicycle parking is also a consideration in parks. While Milton’s streets do not currently have bicycle facilities, the Interurban Trail hosts cyclists, and the expasion of the trail to connect to Edgewood may increase trail traffic. A lack of bike parking discourages cyclists from visitin parks, forcing them to find creative solutions for securing their bicycles.

As Milton expands its parks and works towards a multimodal transportation system, bicycle parking is a simple amenity that can support this goal.

Water Bottle Filling Stations

Another amenity that can encourage walking and biking are water bottle filling stations. This was suggested in the 2022 Parks Survey to be add along the Interurban Trail. This could coincide with other improvements to the trail, such as benches and wildlife viewing overlooks.

Bathrooms

Currently there are portable toilets located at West Milton Park and the Skate Park, but Milton Community Park is the only park with permanent bathrooms. The 2019 Vision Report put forth by the Parks Board identified the need for more public restrooms in Milton Parks. Park updates and new park projects should consider including permanent bathroom facilities.

Park Survey

In May of 2022, the City invited residents to share their thoughts and experiences with Milton Parks in an online survey. Of the 80 respondents, 20% said they visit parks or trails in Milton daily, with 45% reporting weekly use. People shared their appreciation for the Interurban Trail and advocated for more access points, as well as amenities such as garbage cans and dog waste bags along the trail. They shared their love of Triangle Park and

What’s Missing From Milton Parks and Trails?

Access to Surprise Lake Off Leash Dog Area

Restrooms

Outdoor Events

Parking for Parks and Trails

appreciation for the recent addition of Pickleball courts, but lamented the lack of shade at the playground, the need for more parking, and desire for more park programming.

When asked what is missing from the parks and trails in Milton, the standout answers were access to Surprise Lake and an off leash dog area. Other features reported missing or desired are summarized below.

Gardens (Sensory, botanical, pollinator, arboretum, etc.)

Indoor recreation

Picnic Tables and Benches

Climbing Walls, Zip-Line, Parkour, or other Active

Individual Sports

Recreation Programming (athletic leagues, classes, community events, etc.)

Educational Opportunities

Outdoor Fitness Stations

Public Art

Community Food Forest, Farming, etc.

Disc Golf

PARK SURVEY: WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT MILTON PARKS?

PARK SURVEY: WHAT ARE YOUR HOPES AND DREAMS FOR MILTON PARKS?

Accessing Milton Parks

In striving to create a park system that everyone in Milton can use, we must think about how people get to the parks. The further people are from a park that suits their needs, the more barriers they will face accessing it. This is especially pertinent for people who do not have access to a car or the ability to drive, such as youth and the elderly. For those who use mobility aids or parents with strollers, the distance to a park can also be a signifcant barrier.

The accepted accessibility standard for towns like Milton is to have a Neighborhood Park within 1/2 mile of each household. This means that ideally every resident would be within a ten minute walk of a park that provided opportunities for rest, play, and socializing. While there are also accepted standards for distance to a Community Park, this is less pertinent in Milton, where the overall extents of the city is small.

The map on the following page shows a 1/2 mile radius around Milton’s two Neighborhood Parks, as well as Edgewood’s Woodlands Park, whose

service area extends into the south west portion of Milton. The largest gap in service is seen in the west side of Milton, which encompasses the area within the Puyallup Off Reservation Trust area. Closing this gap should be considered a high priority, and will help to achieve a more equitable distribution of park services throughout Milton. The City should work with residents who might access the park in order to determine how to best program it to meet their needs. The North East end of Milton is also outside of the half mile radius of a Neighborhood Park, though several neighborhoods have access to private parks, as shown on the map on Page 10. The development of the newly dedicated Olaffson Estate Area, which is designated to become Olson Park in 2030, could help to fill the gap in Neighborhood Park service on the north side of Milton. When developed, it will serve three senior living facilities, as well as Heather Hills Mobile Home Park. These groups should be consulted and considered to inform park design and programming.

KEY:

ACCESS TO MILTON PARKS: CURRENT

Park Profiles

The following pages outline potential improvements to Milton’s Neighborhood and Community Parks.

Milton Community Park

Community Park

Neighborhood Park

10 acres

Milton Community Park (aka Triangle Park) serves Milton as both a Community and Neighborhood park, offering sport courts and fields, shade structures, a playground, a Veteran’s Memorial and 9-11 Memorial. The site slopes down from east to west, and is wooded in the middle portion of the park. It is the venue for Milton’s yearly “Milton Days” festival, which will be served, moving forward, by the addition of a mini-amphitheater.

The eastern portion of the park contains three (3) tee-ball/softball fields, picnic areas, and a lighted tennis and field hockey court. Most recently, a pickleball and shuffleboard court were added. Kemper Playground is located in the western portion of the park and has a large youth playground facility.

The addition of a mini-amphitheater to the Lower Field is intended to facilitate community performances and gatherings such as the City of Milton’s annual

View from the Lower Field looking East

A fuchsia garden by New Fuschsia Society adds beauty outside the park restrooms

A sack race at Milton Days 2023

summer picnic. Construction of the stage is slated to start during summer 2024. Potential Phase II improvements to the Lower Field include a paved loop path, additional parking stalls, sidewalks, and landscape plantings along Oak Street. Park programming will be key to ensuring the success of the new amphitheater.

Mini-amphitheater Project

As of the writing of this plan, the City has a completed design for a new amphitheater to serve as a space for performances and gatherings in Milton Community Park moving forward (see following page for design renderings).

Program plan for Milton Community Park Stage

Given the investment the City has made in this new amphitheater structure, there should also be investment into programming it for maximum success. Booking performance artists and planning events is time consuming— unless Milton adds a staff member devoted to the parks, it may be wise to outsource some of the responsibilities for programming their new stage.

Seattle’s Volunteer Park has free weekly concerts during the summer thanks to management by the Volunteer Park Trust. Puyallup’s Pioneer Park has a stage that is activated by the Puyallup Main Street Association, who puts on the weekly Farmer’s Market as well as a yearly event called Meeker Days, which includes performances.

Recommendations for park improvements:

• Addition of pedestrian facilities on Oak Street, including sidewalks, planters, street trees and crosswalks.

• Addition of parking spaces along Oak Street.

• Addition of loop path and plantings.

TOP: Following the construction of a new miniamphitheater, Phase II Improvements could include a loop path to shape the space and act as a walking circuit

BOTTOM: On non-event days, the mini-amphitheater can serve as a shade and seating structure

Hill Tower Park

Neighborhood Park

2 acres

Hill Tower Park gets its name from the City of Milton water tower that is situated immediately adjacent to the site. This park also contains a pump house associated with the City Water System and is a good example of joint use of parks and utilities. Classified as a Neighborhood Park, Hill Tower offers accessible portable restroom facilities, a paved area for basketball, mature trees, and children’s play equipment. The park slopes up to the East, making it a good spot for taking in a view or bringing your sled on a rare snowy day.

Hill Tower Park’s central location places it a short distance from Milton Community Park, the Skate Park, Discovery Primary School, Surprise Lake Middle School, and several churches. Improvements to the park could strengthen this area as a hub for recreation and gathering, and improved connections between them would facilitate increased access and use.

Improvements to Hill Tower Park could also supply missing park amenities that

are desired by the community, such as a splash park, community gardens, and public art. Further, the parcel to the north is on the market, presenting the possibility of expanding the park area.

Recommendations for park improvements:

• Redesign to include missing and desired amenities, such as a splash pad, community gardens, public art, and plaza space.

• Consider the addition of a small cafe and/or space for food trucks.

• Update play equipment to integrate with new design and offer play structures that appeal to a variety of ages.

• Consider purchase of Parcel 6000000180 to expand the park.

View from Hill Tower Park looking West

Conceptual Design

The following pages show a conceptual design the reimagines Hill Tower Park as a neighborhood hub with additional amenities. The major design move is to turn the existing parking lot into a public plaza, which opens up the possibility for various events, gatherings, and activities. Parking can be accomodated via angled street stalls.

The update to the existing playground equipment is another central feature of this design, which imagines unique play

features embedded into the hillside, allowing for more imaginative play. A splash pad is drawn into the southwest corner of the play area.

The design is flexible and can be updated according to community and city desires. For example, the shade structure depicted could be a small cafe, which would act as a draw and could generate revenue for the parks. The sports court could remain in use for basketball or be used differently.

Right: Plan view drawing of Hill Tower Park concept

Below: Existing aerial image of Hill Tower Park

SHADY AREA

Perspective rendering of Hill Tower Park redesigned with an updated play area and the addition of a plaza, public art, shade structures, and porch swings.

Public Feedback

The poster depicted below shows feedback received at Milton Days in August 2023. Visitors were given three circle stickers and asked to “vote” for their three favorite program options. The following were the most popular:

• Splash pad

• Zip lines

• Food trucks

• Climbing rope play structure

Post-it notes were also made available, and people were prompted to answer what they like to do at Hill Tower Park,. Several mentioned that the site is used for Pokemon Go or that they bring their

dog there. One mentioned hill sprints; another, tai chi.

Many instead provided additional feedback on the redesign, and there was a general attitude of support for the parking lot turned plaza. The following comments were also made:

• The design should be accessible, with a hard surface for walking or rolling.

• The ability to watch over children while sitting in the shade or enjoying the plaza is appreciated/desired.

• The porch swings suggested in the design could be used by moms and babies.

• Idea for exercise equipment such as pull up bars.

• Desire for soccer field.

West Milton Park

Community Park

3 acres

West Milton Park is primarily used for baseball, with two fields, bleachers, and lighting for evening games. The ball fields are routinely used by various youth and adult sports associations during most seasons of the year. It’s location next to an Interurban Trail access point makes it accessible by bicycle, and the site currently has a bike rack that can fit 7 bikes.

Previously, West Milton Park was designated as a neighborhood park; however it lacks the passive recreation amenities to allow for such use. With the addition of amenities such as park benches, shade trees, gardens, a playground and a walking path, West Milton Park could function as a Neighborhood Park. Spatial contstraints, however, may make this an inferior option compared to other ways to provide a park on the west portion of Milton.

The east portion of the City-owned parcels on which West Milton Park is located is currently zoned and used for Capital Facilities. To the north is undeveloped,

private land. If this land were to become available, there would be an opportunity to expand West Milton Park.

If West Milton Park continues to function primarily as a ballfield, there are still ways to improve it. The large parking lot and groups brought by baseball games presents an opportunity to bring food trucks to the site and feed hungry players and fans. This could be used as a fundraising strategy for the parks or simply a programming option to improve the experience.

Recommendations for park improvements:

• Explore strategy for food trucks in the parking lot - this would need to include permit and zoning considerations, as vending in parks is currently prohibited.

Baseball fields at West Milton Park

TOP: Bringing food trucks to West Milton Park’s parking lot could further enliven the space during games and could also be a source of revenue for the parks.

BOTTOM: While there are barriers to expanding West Milton Park, doing so could be part of a process of creating a park network that includes the Interurban Trail, trails or a boardwalk through the Hylebos Creek area, and West Milton Park.

KEY:

Olympic View Park

Neighborhood Park

.5 acres

Olympic View Park is Milton’s smallest park, located within the King County portion of the city. It contains a children’s play set, lawn, and two picnic tables. While the park’s border of trees impacts its namesake view, they also provide shade and a feeling of respite from the surrounding neighborhood.

Recommendations for park improvements:

• Olympic View Park’s size and location make it an appropriate candidate for an “Adopt-a-bed” pilot project. The “Adopt-a-bed” program could invite a resident or local group to take on the landscaping of a designated park planter. This would help to add botanic interest to Milton’s park, which could have ecological benefits as well as aesthetic, without adding to maintenance costs. For Olympic View Park, this would be done in the entryway, adding to the park’s curb appeal and helping to spread the word about the nascient program.

The entryway to Olympic View Park

Olympic View Park’s lawn and playground area

Milton Skate Park

Community Park

1.3 acres

The Skate Park is a 1.3 acre site located at the intersection of Milton Way and 23rd. The Parks Board along with volunteer nonprofit organizations acquired the property and funding to construct the skate park in 2003. The skate park contains a 7,000 sq. ft. U-shaped, 9ft deep bowl, and a 3,000 square foot street course with ledges, banks, stairs, rails, manual pad and even a taco. The park also contains off street parking spots, picnic benches and a children’s play area.

While the Skate Park is primarily intended for young adults and other skateboarding enthusiasts, a small play area and shaded picnic tables invites some additional users into the space. Because the park abuts a wetland, expansion of that park would be costly and would infringe on important ecological space.

Recommendations for park improvements:

• Improvements to the Skate Park are not a priority at this time. If there were room to expand the park, the addition of low barrier skate equipment geared towards novice riders could expand its use. The addition of a flat area for roller skating could also increase park usership.

Milton Skate Park in action

Interurban Trail

Regional Trail

2.8 miles

38 acres

Milton’s Interurban Trail offers residents and visitors a place to exercise, experience nature, and travel across town. The trail is part of the growing Interurban Trail network, which spans Pierce and King Counties along the historic railway. Once completed, the trail will connect from Tacoma to Everett, allowing for connections between several cities and to other regional trails.

The City is currently in the design process for a trail segment that will connect to Edgewood’s portion of the Interurban Trail. While Edgewood’s trail portion is currently only .69 miles, they are planning

to add 1.12 miles of trail in order to connect to the next leg of the Interurban Trail.

The 38 acres of right-of-way surrounding the trail is counted in the Natural Areas and Greenspace Corridors category; the area provides an ecological buffer for Hylebos Creek and maintains a feeling of separation from the city for trail users. While protecting this area is important, there are also opportunities to increase access to the trail and improve the experience for trail users.

New trail access points, amenity nodes, and trailside parks were items brought up in the Park Survey. The map on the following page shows potential areas for these improvements within the ROW and City-owned parcels.

Milton’s Interurban Trail Section

KEY:

POTENTIAL TRAILSIDE IMPROVEMENTS

Level of Service (LOS)

According to the RCO’s Planning Manual, Level of Service is a measure of the status of an entire park and recreation system to inform future need. While not required, the RCO recommends it as a useful tool for determining strengths and weaknesses of parks and trails systems, and suggesting where additional resources may be needed.

Often a park system’s level of service is calculated as acres per 1000 residents. As the city grows in population, additional park land must be acquired or developed in order to maintain that LOS.

In Milton, some of the park system needs are related to land acquisition, such as access to Surprise Lake. Other needs

relate more to park programming, such as the desire for a splash pad, which can be added to an existing park. Other needs present the question of which route to take, such as the need for a Neighborhood Park to serve the west portion of Milton. Should the City develop an existing parcel of land within the Hylebos Creek area, improve West Milton Park so that it qualifies as a Neighborhood Park, or acquire a new parcel of land?

The strategy outlined on page 50 describes the three core components of a successful park system in Milton. The LOS adopted for this plan aims to guide the City towards meeting these goals.

CURRENT & FUTURE LEVELS

ACRES NEEDED TO MAINTAIN ADOPTED LOS STANDARD

Strategy

LAND

Acquiring land to meet the parks, recreation, and open space needs of a growing population

ACCESS

PROGRAMMING

Striving to provide a park within 1/2 mile of each home in Milton that people can get to in a car, on wheels, or by foot

Providing park amenities that meet the needs of all Milton residents

Potential Projects to meet Community Park Needs

+ development of Surprise Lake-adjacent parcel, depending on availability.

Park design and construction to meet community needs, including a dog park, trails, and play equipment.

In conjunction with the completion of Milton’s Interurban trail section, the City could develop a city-owned parcel or acquire a parcel adjacent to the trail and develop into a park.

Park Needs

Acquisition of south west parcel Acquisition, Design + Development

Hylebos Creek Area Design + Developement

Addition of bike racks, benches, play equipment, and/or a pathway would be different without acquisition of additional land, but possible.

Bringing a park to this area of Milton would help close the gap in park access for the west side of town and could connect to the Interurban Trail.

Developing a portion of the Hylebos Creek area could create a wooded neighborhood park on the west side of Milton.

KEY:

POTENTIAL PARK ACCESS FUTURE

Though not designated until 2030, the development of the Olaffson Estate into Olson Park will fill a gap in park access for the north east portion of Milton. The west side of Milton’s park access depends on which projects are pursued, but could entail the expansion of West Milton Park and its connection to the Hylebos Creek area.

Even given these two projects being completed, there would still be a gap in park access on the west. To have a park that residents can easily access on foot or wheels, a park serving this area should be west of the I-5 and Highway 99. The City should explore appropriate parcels for acquisition.

Capital Facilities Projects

Given community feedback, City goals, and accessibility analysis, the following project goals have been identified as priorities:

Project Priorities:

• Access to Surprise Lake

• Dog Park

• Splash Pad

• Park for west side of town

• Expansion of Interurban Trail to connect to Edgewood and to provide an additional access point within Milton

The Capital Facilities list reflects these priorities, while also considering project costs and what is feasible for the next 6-year funding cycle versus what will be planned for further in the future.

Park Project Priority Level Potential Grant Funding

Neighborhood Park on west side of Milton

Acquisition of land or development of a portion of Hylebos Creek area

Milton Community Park

Addition of parking spaces and pedestrian facilities on Oak Street, including sidewalks, planters, street trees, crosswalks, bike racks, and lighting

Addition of loop path and plantings on Lower Field

Hill Tower Park Park redesign including spray park

Purchase of north, adjacent parcel

Expansion of park into north parcel

Olson Park Park design and construction including dog park and trails

Interurban Trail

Additional connection point

Design and construction of new park adjacent to completed trail section

High

• RCO - Land & Water

Conservation Fund

• WWRP - Local Parks

Medium

Water Access

Disc Golf

Purchase of land bordering Surprise Lake

Medium

• RCO - Land & Water

Conservation Fund

• WWRP - Local Parks

High

Medium

• RCO - Land & Water

Conservation Fund

• WWRP - Local Parks

• RCO - Land & Water

Conservation Fund

• WWRP - Local Parks

• RCO - Land & Water

Conservation Fund

• WWRP - Local Parks

Low

• RCO - Land & Water

Conservation Fund

• WWRP - Local Parks

Low

• RCO - Land & Water

Conservation Fund

• WWRP - Local Parks

High

Development of waterfront park High

• WWRP - Local Parks

• WWRP - Water Access

• RCO -Land & Water

Conservation Fund

• WWRP - Local Parks

• WWRP - Water Access

Addition of Disc Golf facilities 6 years $20,000

City Gateways/Wayfinding* Gateway sign and wayfinding to key city locations 6 years

*From 2020-2025 Capital Improvements Projects

Goals and Policies

Goal 1

Policy 1.1

Due to their central locations, Milton Community Park (aka Triangle Park) she continue to be developed as key community facilities in the city’s park and recreational planning efforts.

Policy 1.2

The City should should prioritize the ecological health of Hylebos Creek and its associated wetland and floodplain when considering the development, acquisition, and maintenance of parks and open spaces.

Policy 1.3

The city shall strive to provide a Neighborhood Park accessible within 1/2 mile of all residents in Milton.

Policy 1.4

Where feasible, the City should acquire land adjacent to existing parks, trails, and open spaces to enhance the potential uses of those facilities and to

improve linkages between the facilities.

Policy 1.5

The City should strive to provide public waterfront access to Surprise Lake.

Policy 1.6

The City should plan Milton’s parks, trails, open space, and recreation program needs based on population projections, citizen input, best practices, and guidance from the Parks Board.

Policy 1.7

Pursue partnerships with the Fife School District, Tribal governments, state agencies, businesses, developers, user groups such as youth sports leagues, and neighborhood groups in order to provide and manage parks, trails, and open spaces.

Goal 2

The City should recognize the important recreational, health and transportation roles played by bicycle, walking and non-motorized trail systems and support the continued development of the Interurban Trail as a benefit to the citizens of Milton and as a part of a regional trail system.

Policy 2.1

The City should strive to provide safe and convenient access to the Interurban Trail for all Milton residents by maintaining trailheads that are well-connected to residential areas by pedestrian and bicycle networks.

Policy 2.2

The City should maximize the benefits of the Interurban Trail as a regional trail connection by completing the trail section to connect to Edgewood, seeking opportunities for trail-adjacent parks, and providing wayfinding to connect regional trail users to destinations throughout Milton.

Policy 2.3

Provide a safe, comfortable, and enriching trail experience through amenities such as interpretive signage, benches, and water bottle filling stations along the Interurban Trail.

Policy 2.4

The City should encourage access of parks by bicycle by providing bicycle racks in parks and coordinating park planning efforts to align with planned bicycle facilities.

Goal 3

Milton’s parks, trails, and open spaces, as well as recreational programs, shall be planned and designed to people of all ages, backrounds, and abilities with year-round opportunities for recreation, relaxation, and gathering.

Policy 3.1

Neighborhood Parks should be designed to serve all age groups and provide amenities for both active and passive recreation.

Policy 3.2

The City should provide ample opportunity for public feedback on park planning and design through online surveys, in-person events, and small focus groups in order to encourage participation from as many people and demographics as possible.

Policy 3.3

Special consideration should be given to low income residents, youth at risk, the elderly, people with disabilities, and any and all marginalized groups when making decisions about park, trail, and open space design and planning.

Policy 3.4

Offer a wide variety of parks and recreation programs to meet the community’s diverse needs for exercise, play, gathering, and relaxation.

Policy 3.5

Design, construct, and retrofit parks to offer universal accessibilty for people of all physical abilities, meeting and exceeding Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) Standards for Accessible Design.

Policy 3.6

Ensure that Milton’s parks, trails, and open spaces are safe, well managed, and provide an inclusive atmosphere.

Goal 4

Policy 4.1

The City should seek to improve ecological health through strategic preservation of open space, habitat restoration efforts, and sustainable design of parks and trails.

Policy 4.2

Park, trail, and open space design should help to mitigate impacts of the urban environment through the preservation of large trees, the use of rain gardens and other low impact storm mitigation strategies, and other sustainable design strategies where appropriate.

Policy 4.3

Park design should showcase and support local ecology through the use of native plants and plants with low water and fertilizer needs.

Goal 5

The City shall plan strategically to use tax dollars, local and regional resources to ensure the longevity of its parks, trails, and open spaces.

Policy 5.1

Pursue and maintain partnerships with the Fife School District, Tribal governments, state agencies, businesses, developers, user groups

such as youth sports leagues, and neighborhood groups in order to provide and manage parks, trails, and open spaces.

Policy 5.2

Developers shall mitigate impacts of their development by providing parks, trails, and open spaces, or fees in lieu of such, through the SEPA Environmental Review process and/or through development fees. Parks, trails, or open spaces provided should support the goals put forth by the most recent Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Plan.

Policy 5.3

In commercial areas of the City, developers shall mitigate the impacts of their developments by providing public spaces and facilities such as plazas, courtyards, and pedestrian connections, through the SEPA Environmental Review process and/or design standards, as appropriate.

Policy 5.5

The City should participate in regional park, trail, and open space planning to ensure that Milton residents benefit from tax revenues intended to fund regional open space needs.

Policy 5.6

The City should identify and pursue grant opportunities to further the City’s parks, trails, recreational and open space planning efforts.

Policy 5.7

The City should promote the use of property tax reductions and encourage and support the participation of community-based non-profit organizations, offering options and alternatives to development, in the interest of preserving desirable lands as a public benefit.

Park Staffing and Partnerships

According to the National Recreation and Park Association, cities of Milton’s size have an average of 1 Full Time Employee dedicated to parks per 10,000 residents. Milton does not currently have a Parks Department, which means that responsibilities related to parks planning and management fall to Public Works staff. A full time employee dedicated to Milton’s parks would help to ensure that the projects described in this plan are able to become a reality, but would require additional investment by the City. Another avenue for increasing the impact of Milton’s parks is to strengthen partnerships with community groups.

Milton’s Parks Board

Partnerships between park and recreation agencies with nonprofits and community groups can allow parks departments to accomplish more for their constituents. The findings of the NRPA’s recent report on Park and AgencyFoundation Relationships found that most parks and recreation leaders report that their agency-foundation relationships are largely positive and value the ability of these nongovernmental groups to fundraise, provide expertise, advocate for the parks, and to work outside the scope and constraints of government agencies. Far and away, parks department leaders place the highest value on the fundraising or philanthropic support these organizations lend.

Milton is currently supported by the Parks Board, the members of which attend meetings and events, provide feedback on projects, and run volunteer days for park maintenance. Because this group is not a 501c3, their ability to fundraise is limited, but there is still potential to expand the role that this group plays in supporting Milton’s parks. In terms of the recommendations put forth in this plan, the main role the Parks Board could take on is in the management and promotion of the new mini-amphitheater in Milton Community Park.

Programming for

Milton Community Park Mini-Amphitheater

The new stage at Milton Community Park has the potential to gather people for performances of all kinds. A defined program will be critical to maximize the potential of this space. The Parks Board could be involved in setting this venue up for success by:

• Helping to book acts for the stage.

• Maintaing a calendar of events.

• Event promotion.

• Event day support.

Given the volunteer basis of the Parks Board, these activities would still be contingent upon Milton City staff and will require City investment in order to deliver

the maximum benefit to the community. While the Parks Board’s support could be integral to sustaining an active calendar of events at Milton Community Park, a 501c3 would be most effective at leveraging these events for park fundraising.

A 501c3 for the Parks

A “Friends of Milton Parks” or similar such group could raise funds for the parks, helping the City accomplish many of the goals laid out in this plan. The NRPA’s report points to general success within these partnerships, and while they are less common in smaller cities, the benefits to the park system could be significant. Taking from the findings of this report, the groups would need to be aligned on their spending goals, and great effort would need to be taken to ensure that the increase in funds were to be equitably distributed.

While this group could fill gaps in park funding, they would not replace the need for a FTE. Rather, their success would hinge upon regular communication with a City staff member devoted to the parks, as documented in the NRPA’s findings