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HomeMy WebLinkAboutERC Report_Parks Recreation and Open Space Plan_V3DEPARTMENT OF COMMUNITY AND ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT ERC Report_Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Plan ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW COMMITTEE REPORT ERC MEETING DATE: January 5, 2026 Project Name: Adoption of Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Plan (PROS) 2026 Project Number: LUA25-000403, ECF Project Manager: Jason Lederer, Parks Planning Manager Owner: City of Renton Applicant: City of Renton Contact: Jason Lederer, 425-430-6547 Project Location: Citywide Project Summary: The applicant is requesting Environmental (SEPA) Review for a proposed update to the City’s Parks, Recreation, and Open Space (PROS) Plan, non-project action (please use this link), which serves as Renton’s functional plan for parks, recreation, and open space. Updated every six years, the PROS Plan serves three primary purposes: maintaining the City’s eligibility for state and federal recreation grants administered by the Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office (RCO); identifying current community priorities, needs, and service gaps through data analysis and community engagement; and providing a roadmap to guide future park development, maintenance, programming, and capital investment. The updated plan is scheduled for adoption in early 2026, and once adopted, will be incorporated by reference into the Renton Comprehensive Plan. Exist. Bldg. Area SF: N/A Proposed New Bldg. Area (footprint): Proposed New Bldg. Area (gross): N/A N/A Site Area: N/A Total Building Area GSF: N/A STAFF RECOMMENDATION: Staff Recommends that the Environmental Review Committee issue a Determination of Non-Significance (DNS). PART ONE: PROJECT DESCRIPTION / BACKGROUND The City of Renton is proposing adoption of the 2026 Parks, Recreation, and Open Space (PROS) Plan, which represents an update to the City’s functional plan for parks, recreation, and open space. The Plan provides a 20- year vision to guide the development, maintenance, and improvement of Renton’s park system and is adopted by reference into the Renton Comprehensive Plan. The Plan ensures continued eligibility for Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office (RCO) grant funding and fulfills the Growth Management Act (GMA) optional requirement to maintain a parks and recreation element within the Comprehensive Plan (RCW 36.70A.070). The update also maintains consistency with the City’s growth projections, aligns with adopted level-of-service standards, and reflects current community needs, service gaps, and capital priorities. The 2026 update builds upon and renames the 2020 Parks, Recreation, and Natural Areas (PRNA) Plan. It was prepared by the Parks and Recreation Department in collaboration with community members, stakeholders, and interdepartmental partners. Public engagement occurred March – September 2025 and included surveys, City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Development Environmental Review Committee Report PARKS, RECREATION, AND OPEN SPACE PLAN LUA25-000403, ECF Report of Monday, January 5, 2026 Page 2 of 3 ERC Report_Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Plan pop-up events, and participation at citywide gatherings such as Renton River Days and the Farmers Market. Nearly 600 survey responses were received, representing diverse neighborhoods and community demographics. Key components of the updated PROS Plan include: • A citywide park inventory and level of service analysis; • A capital improvement plan identifying priority projects and funding strategies; • Updated goals and policies to improve equitable access and environmental sustainability; and • Concept plans for the Tri-Park Area (Liberty Park, Cedar River Park, and the Cedar River Natural Area) and Tiffany/Cascade park areas. The update also revisits the Department’s mission, vision, and goals to align with the National Recreation and Park Association’s (NRPA) three strategic pillars—emphasize equity, environmental resilience, and health and well-being as central themes guiding future investments and initiatives—and aligned with the City’s 2025–2026 biennial priorities. PART TWO: ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW In compliance with RCW 43.21C.240, the following environmental (SEPA) review addresses only those project impacts that are not adequately addressed under existing development standards and environmental regulations. A. Environmental Threshold Recommendation Based on analysis of probable impacts from the proposal, staff recommends that the Responsible Officials: Issue a DNS with a 14-day Appeal Period. B. Mitigation Measures 1. None C. Exhibits See Attachment A: Draft 2026 PROS Plan D. Environmental Impacts There are no environmental impacts that are anticipated to occur in conjunction with the proposal. E. Comments of Reviewing Departments The proposal has been circulated to City Department and Division Reviewers. Where applicable, their comments have been incorporated into the text of this report and/or “Advisory Notes to Applicant.”  Copies of all Review Comments are contained in the Official File and may be attached to this report. The Environmental Determination decision will become final if the decision is not appealed within the 14- day appeal period (RCW 43.21.C.075(3); WAC 197-11-680). City of Renton Department of Community & Economic Development Environmental Review Committee Report PARKS, RECREATION, AND OPEN SPACE PLAN LUA25-000403, ECF Report of Monday, January 5, 2026 Page 3 of 3 ERC Report_Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Plan Environmental Determination Appeal Process: Appeals of the environmental determination must be filed in writing together with the required fee to: Hearing Examiner, City of Renton, 1055 South Grady Way, Renton, WA 98057, on or before 5:00 p.m. on January 20, 2026. Appeals must be submitted electronically to the City Clerk at cityclerk@rentonwa.gov or delivered to City Hall 1st floor Lobby Hub Monday through Friday. The appeal fee, normally due at the time an appeal is submitted, will be collected at a future date if your appeal is submitted electronically. The appeal submitted in person may be paid on the first floor in our Finance Department. Appeals to the Hearing Examiner are governed by RMC 4-8-110 and additional information regarding the appeal process may be obtained from the City Clerk’s Office, cityclerk@rentonwa.gov.