Parks and Recreation Plan

Parks and Recreation Plan 2021

v. 04/13/2021

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Contents About the Department................................................................................................................................................................................................... 3

Values ............................................................................................................................................................................................................................. 5

Outcome-Oriented Performance Framework................................................................................................................................................................ 6

Aquatics Division Work Plan - 2021 ............................................................................................................................................................................... 8

Parks Division Work Plan – 2021 .................................................................................................................................................................................. 13

Recreation and Cultural Arts Division Work Plan - 2021 ............................................................................................................................................. 19

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About the Department

Parks and Recreation Department The chart above outlines the department’s major services and associated advisory groups.

Parks & Recreation Department Mission Our mission is to build a great community together through people, parks and programs.

Divisions The department is organized into five different divisions coinciding with each of the major services provided. The following page briefly describes each division.

Aquatics This division provides swim instruction, water safety education, water fitness classes, and recreational swim opportunities for the community. Programming strives to be innovative by reflecting current societal trends, technology, and research findings in a safe, aesthetically pleasing, and family-friendly environment. The division is committed to promoting water safety by being a regional leader in advanced training for lifeguards and water safety instructors.

Parks and Recreation

Aquatics

Parks

Recreation and Cultural Arts

Arts Commission

Parks and Recreation Commission

Youth Council

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Parks This division is responsible for administrative functions, park system oversight and implementing the parks capital improvement program, including planning, acquiring land, designing, and developing parks and recreation facilities.

Recreation and Cultural Arts This division provides recreation and athletic programs along with community events, arts and cultural opportunities for the community.

Commissions The department supports two commissions that advise City Council.

Arts Commission The Arts Commission consists of seven members appointed by the City Council and serve in an advisory capacity on art related matters.

Parks and Recreation Commission The Parks and Recreation Commission consists of seven members appointed by the City Council and serve in an advisory capacity on parks and recreation matters. Youth Council The Youth Council members are appointed by the City Council to increase youth involvement in the community and serve in an advisory capacity on youth-related matters.

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Values Our core values define our culture.

Collaboration Together we accomplish what alone we cannot.

Customer Focused We strive to serve our community as best we can.

Fun If we cannot have fun, how can we expect to create fun opportunities for others?

Health Health and fitness leads to a more productive and happy life.

Innovation The best solutions are often creative solutions. Results Oriented We set goals; we prioritize goals; and we achieve goals.

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Outcome-Oriented Performance Framework

A simple logic model, such as that above, describes a sequence of events designed to bring about benefits or change over time. Inputs are the resources that go into a program (money, staff time, equipment, supplies, etc.). Activities are the items the program undertakes (programs, projects, work tasks, etc.). Outputs are the product of the activities (trails constructed, participation rate, satisfaction level, etc.). Outcomes are the changes or benefits that result from the program.

Desired Outcomes Covington Park and Recreation desired outcomes are stated in the Covington Parks, Recreation & Open Space Plan (PROS Plan) as goals. They are as follows:

Goal 1: Community Engagement and Communication - Encourage meaningful public involvement in park and recreation planning and inform residents through department communications.

Goal 2: Recreation Programming - Establish a varied and inclusive suite of recreation programs that accommodate a spectrum of ages, interests and abilities.

Goal 3: Parks, Recreation, Open Space and Trail System - Acquire and develop a high-quality, diversified system of parks, recreation facilities, open spaces and trails that is attractive, functional, accessible, and safe – providing equitable access to all residents.

Goal 4: Open Space: Natural Areas and Greenspaces - Protect and manage the City’s environmentally-sensitive lands, open spaces and natural and cultural resources to highlight their uniqueness, local history and environmental value.

Goal 5: Trails & Pathways – Develop a high-quality system of multi-use trails and bicycle and pedestrian corridors that connects to regional trails and provides access to significant local landscapes, public facilities, neighborhoods and businesses.

Goal 6: Park Planning – Plan for parks, recreation facilities, trails and open space system that is efficient to administer and operate, while protecting capital investment.

Inputs Activities Outputs Outcomes

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Work Plans Each division organizes their work in an annual work plan. Each work plan is organized by activity with details that include which outcome(s) that are being supported, priority classification, estimated timeframe for completing the activity, the amount of staff resources that are required, and performance targets to measure activity output. Following each year, an annual performance report measures work plan results by evaluating performance targets.

Priority Type Staff Resources Required #1: Highest priority Minimal: 0-50 hours #2: Important Moderate: 51-100 hours #3: Future priority Significant: 100+ hours

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Aquatics Division Work Plan - 2021

Activities Outcome Supported

(PROS Plan Goal) Priority

Type

Target Start Date

Target End Date

Staff Resources Required* Performance Targets (PT)

1. Provide recreation swim programs.

• Recreation Programming

#1 01/01 12/31 Significant PT 1.1: Provide recreation swim programs – adapted to comply with COVID-19 safety standards and regulations.

2. Provide diverse instructor-led aquatics activities for the community (including swimming lessons, water exercise classes, swim team, lifeguard training, etc.).


#1 01/01 12/31 Significant PT 2.1: Provide instructor-led aquatics activities – adapted to comply with COVID-19 safety standards and regulations. PT 2.2: 90% participant satisfaction. PT 2.3: Achieve American Red Cross Learn to Swim gold level designation.

3. Provide local groups with pool time for programs.


#1 01/01 12/31 Significant PT 3.1: Provide safe pool rental space for local groups – adapted to comply with COVID-19 safety standards and regulations.

4. Maintain the aquatic center facility to be safe, clean, functional, comfortable, and welcoming.


• Parks, Recreation, Open Space and Trail System

#1 01/01 12/31 Significant PT 4.1: Facility open to public 50 weeks per year – as COVID-19 safety standards and regulations allow. PT 4.2: Maintain public health permits. PT 4.3: All public health and fire inspections are satisfactory. PT 4.4: Follow COVID-19 safety standards and regulations for customer entry and participation; maintain up-to-date operations plan consistent with current regulations.

5. Complete scheduled and emergency repairs to facility and equipment.

• Parks, Trails, Open Space and Trail System

#1 01/01 12/31 Significant PT 5.1: Repair domestic hot-water system. PT 5.2: Repair roof/roof drain leak. PT 5.3: Fall protection inspection. PT 5.4: Update HVAC controller.



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Type

Target Start Date

Target End Date


6. Provide non-lifeguard CPR training program.

• Community Engagement and Communication


#1 03/01 12/31 Significant PT 6.1: Provide mandatory certification training for non-lifeguard staff at the aquatic center. PT 6.2: In cooperation with the city’s Safety Committee, provide CPR training for non-aquatics staff with certification requirements.

7. Review/update fee waiver and scholarships program.


#1 03/30 12/31 Minimal PT 7.1: Review fee waiver and scholarship program. PT 7.2: Propose update to fee waiver and scholarship program to improve access and equity.

8. Complete annual fee update. • Recreation Programming

#1 04/30 12/31 Moderate PT 8.1: Prepare divisional fee update proposal for approval. PT 8.2: Implement new fees, including updating fee information in printed materials, website, and recreation software.

9. Improve equipment storage and inventories.


#1 04/01 12/31 Moderate PT 9.1: Review storage needs for the aquatic center and programs, including a full inventory. PT 9.2: Reduce inventory by disposing of unnecessary supplies and equipment. PT 9.3: Seek and review storage savings options, including on-site possibilities or reducing the size of our off-site storage unit; implement appropriate options.

10. Update the aquatic center land lease.


#1 01/01 06/30 Minimal PT 10.1: Update the land lease agreement with Tahoma School District.



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Type

Target Start Date

Target End Date


11. Develop Water Safety Instructor II Program.


#2 01/01 12/31 Significant PT 11.1: Develop and implement new swim instructor training procedures. PT 11.2: Develop and implement swimming lesson quality control program.

12. Increase use of program evaluation systems.



#2 01/01 12/31 Moderate PT 12.1: Offer hardcopy and online surveys to program participants. PT 12.2: Create and implement process for merging results from hardcopy and online surveys.

13. Assist in developing the Recreation Guide.



#2 01/01 12/31 Minimal PT 13.1: Provide program information for 4 issues. (Publishing digital issues until program levels increase to support the return to hardcopy production and mailings.)

14. Increase use of pre-recorded videos for communication with staff and public.



#2 01/01 12/31 Moderate PT 14.1: Create aquatics staff training videos for initial staff training on key secondary duties at the aquatic center. PT 14.2: Provide mandatory “Safety Briefing” through video to customers for COVID-19 safety standards and regulations. PT 14.3: Increase publication of marketing videos through social media.



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Type

Target Start Date

Target End Date


15. Update Emergency Action Plans (EAPs) for rescues.


#2 01/01 12/31 Moderate PT 15.1: Review rescue and first-aid EAPs against current American Red Cross standards, COVID-19 updates, and current practices and validate or update, as appropriate. PT 15.2: Update EAPs policy and procedural documentation and manuals. PT 15.3: Document updates, including rationale for changes.

16. Update the aquatics staff bloodborne pathogens training program.


#2 01/01 12/31 Moderate PT 16.1: Select or develop a new program for aquatics staff bloodborne pathogens training. PT 16.2: Complete new bloodborne pathogens training for all aquatics staff.

17. Update phone message system recordings.


#2 03/01 12/31 Moderate PT 17.1: Complete an audit of the existing phone message system and record over outdated messages. PT 17.2: Develop a new phone recording set-up, including instructions and scripts for updates. PT 17.3: Assist with IT updates and RFP for new phones system.

18. Update forms and flyers with CanvaPro.


#2 03/01 12/31 Moderate PT 18.1: Update all existing Aquatics Division forms and flyers to CanvaPro. PT 18.2: Create new flyers, including schedules and events flyers, in CanvaPro.



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Type

Target Start Date

Target End Date


19. Restructure customer service frontline staff levels and training.


#2 03/01 12/31 Moderate PT 19.1: Develop tiered customer service staffing levels and appropriate training instructions and materials. PT 19.2: Update policy documentation for appropriate levels. PT 19.3: Hire and train customer service staff, and cross-train appropriate staff for lower-tier customer service support.

20. Seahorses Summer Swim League program.


#2 03/01 10/1 Significant PT 20.1: Adapt the Seahorses Summer Swim League program for COVID-19 safety standards and regulations.

21. Participate in National Water Safety Month.



#2 03/01 05/31 Minimal PT 21.1: Coordinate National Water Safety Month proclamation from City Council. PT 21.2: Develop marketing materials and promote National Water Safety Month.

22. Seahorse Day celebration. • Community Engagement and Communication


#2 07/01 12/31 Minimal PT 22.1: Coordinate a celebration on the anniversary on the Seahorse unveiling ceremony.


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Parks Division Work Plan – 2021



Type

Target Start Date

Target End Date


1. Provide Parks & Recreation Commission support.


#1 01/01 12/31 Moderate PT 1.1: Provide staff support to the commission.

2. Complete 2020 department performance report.


• Park Planning

#1 01/01 02/28 Moderate PT 2.1: Complete performance report. PT 2.2: Provide report to Parks and Recreation Commission and City Council.

3. Develop 2021 department action plan.


• Park Planning

#1 02/01 03/31 Moderate PT 3.1: Prepare action plan with alignment to established levels of service, budget and strategic plan. PT 3.2: Provide action plan to Parks and Recreation Commission and City Council.

4. Complete Covington Community Park Phase 2 project.


• Trails and Pathways

#1 01/01 12/31 Significant PT 4.1: Receive retainage releases from state agencies and release retainage bond.

5. Complete acquisition of ECo Park property.


• Open Space: Natural Areas and Green Spaces

#1 01/01 3/31 Moderate PT 5.1: Request an RCO waiver of retroactivity. PT 5.2: Complete due diligence items (e.g., appraisal/review, title review, phase 1 environmental, critical areas report, etc.). PT 5.3: Complete boundary line adjustment. PT 5.4: Secure property through fee simple purchase. PT 5.5: Investigate opportunities for adjacent easements or property acquisitions.

Parks Division Work Plan - 2021


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Type

Target Start Date

Target End Date


6. Complete 2021 tasks for Jenkins Creek Park Expansion project.



#1 01/01 12/31 Significant PT 6.1: Request an RCO waiver of retroactivity. PT 6.2: Complete due diligence items (e.g., appraisal/review, title review, phase 1 environmental, critical areas report, etc.). PT 6.3: Secure property through fee simple purchase. PT 6.4: Administer King County CFT, WA RCO, and city funding.

7. Complete acquisition of Welcome Park (Calhoun pit) property.


#1 07/01 12/31 Significant PT 7.1: Verify “No Further Action (NFA)” status on ECY’s list of contaminated sites prior to acquisition. PT 7.2: Complete due diligence items (e.g., appraisal/review, title review, phase 1 environmental, critical areas report, etc.). PT 7.3: Secure property through fee simple purchase. PT 7.4: Administer/coordinate with WA RCO, King County Parks, and city funding.



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Type

Target Start Date

Target End Date


8. Complete aquatic/recreation center feasibility study.


#1 01/01 12/31 Significant PT 8.1: Complete the study in partnership with Maple Valley. PT 8.2: Provide staff support to the project’s steering committee. PT 8.3: As part of the study, complete public outreach. PT 8.4: As part of the study, complete a market analysis. PT 8.5: As part of the study, complete a business plan. PT 8.6: As part of the study, complete facility/space planning. PT 8.7: As part of the study, complete a site analysis. PT 8.8: As part of the study, complete concept designs/costs. PT 8.9: As part of the study, complete funding options. PT 8.10: As part of the study, complete cost-benefit and economic analyses. PT 8.11: As part of the study, complete a written report and presentation.



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Type

Target Start Date

Target End Date


9. Complete 2021 tasks for PROS Plan update

• Park Planning #1 01/01 12/31 Significant PT 9.1: Contract with consultant to assist city with PROS Plan update. PT 9.2: Update programs, facilities, and system inventory; update asset management. PT 9.3: Update goals and strategies. PT 9.4: Update plan elements, including a trail program and 6 to 20-year planning solutions for capital improvements. PT 9.5: Craft implementation programs with financial benchmarks. PT 9.6: Publish/adopt PROS plan documentation.

10. Update Parks Capital Investment Program (CIP).

• Park Planning #1 03/01 12/31 Significant PT 10.1: Assess current CIP program. PT 10.2: Develop CIP proposal. PT 10.3: Present CIP to Parks and Recreation Commission. PT 10.4: Present CIP to City Council.

11. Assist in master planning effort for Wingfield Open Space.


#2 01/01 12/31 Minimal PT 11.1: Partner with Public Works, Mid-Sound Fisheries and other groups to fund the development of a master plan.

12. Pursue funding for SoCo Park improvements.



#1 01/01 12/31 Significant PT 12.1: Support legislative request for funding.

13. Secure funding to returf CCP athletic field.


#1 01/ 06/30 Moderate PT 13.1: Complete letter of intent. PT 13.2: Complete grant application.



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Type

Target Start Date

Target End Date


14. Secure funding for Crystal View Park expansion acquisition.


#1 01/ 06/30 Moderate PT 14.2: Complete grant application process for King County CFT funds.

15. Update CMC Chapter 8.40 Parks, Recreation, Open Space, Trails and Public Spaces.


#2 01/01 12/31 Moderate PT 15.1: Review and propose update. PT 15.2: Present proposal to Parks and Recreation Commission. PT 15.3: Present proposal to City Council. PT 15.4: Implement adopted changes (e.g., updating park and facility signage).

16. Pursue Covington Highlands Trail development.


#1 01/01 12/31 Minimal PT 16.1: Coordinate with King County to progress Covington Highlands Trail development.

17. Manage wetlands at Covington Community Park.


#1 01/01 12/31 Minimal PT 17. 1: Administer phase 1 and phase 2 wetland monitoring and reporting. PT 17.2: Support the maintenance of wetlands.

18. Develop project library. • Parks, Recreation, Open Space and Trail System

• Park Planning

#2 01/01 12/31 Moderate PT 18.1: Create templates for bid documents. PT 18.2: Create templates for contracts. PT 18.3: Create checklist, cashflow, and other templates for project management. PT 18.4: Develop basic parks design and construction standards.

19. Update park system and park planning and development information available to the public.


• Park Planning

#2 04/01 12/31 Moderate PT 19.1: Update website pages with current park system and park planning and development information. PT 19.2: Develop park project awareness information for website, social media, and on-site signage (where applicable).



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Type

Target Start Date

Target End Date


20. Maintain Covington’s Tree City USA status.


#1 01/01 12/31 Moderate PT 20.1: Provide staff support to Tree Board (Parks and Recreation Commission). PT 20.2: Complete Tree City USA requirements and submit Tree City USA application.

21. Develop department concessions policy.


#1 01/01 06/30 Moderate PT 21.1: Develop and implement a concessions policy for the department.


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Recreation and Cultural Arts Division Work Plan - 2021



Type

Target Start Date

Target End Date


1. Provide a youth spring soccer league.


#1 03/05 04/28 Significant PT 1.1: Provide Spring Soccer Skills Clinic – adapted to comply with COVID-19 safety standards and regulations. PT 1.2: 90% participant satisfaction.

2. Provide a youth T-ball and baseball league.


#1 04/26 06/30 Significant PT 2.1: Provide youth T-ball and baseball program – adapted to comply with COVID-19 safety standards and regulations. PT 2.2: 90% participant satisfaction.

3. Provide a Major League Baseball Pitch, Hit, Run and Agility Competition.


#2 05/19 05/19 Minimal PT 3.1: Provide Major League Baseball Pitch, Hit, Run and Agility Competition – adapted to comply with COVID-19 safety standards and regulations. PT 3.2: 90% participant satisfaction.

4. Provide a youth flag football league.


#1 06/28 08/28 Significant PT 4.1: Provide youth flag football program – adapted to comply with COVID-19 safety standards and regulations. PT 4.2: 90% participant satisfaction.

5. Provide an NFL Punt, Pass & Kick Competition.


#2 07/17 07/17 Minimal PT 5.1: Provide an NFL Punt, Pass & Kick Competition – adapted to comply with COVID-19 safety standards and regulations. PT 5.2: 90% participant satisfaction.

6. Provide a youth fall soccer league.


#1 08/30 10/30 Significant PT 6.1: Provide youth fall soccer program – adapted to comply with COVID-19 safety standards and regulations. PT 6.2: 90% participant satisfaction.



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Type

Target Start Date

Target End Date


7. Provide a youth volleyball league.


#1 10/25 12/18 Significant PT 7.1: Provide youth volleyball program – adapted to comply with COVID-19 safety standards and regulations. PT 7.2: 90% participant satisfaction.

8. Provide coach and referee training, including compliance with laws regarding concussion and sudden cardiac arrest information.


#1 01/01

12/31 Minimal PT 8.1: Update policies and forms to comply with any changes to related laws. PT 8.2: Distribute coaches’ packets promptly. PT 8.3: Provide coaches’ meetings and training sessions before the start of each sport season. PT 8.4: Have 75% in attendance at coaches’ meetings.

9. Develop athletic league coaching program.


#2 01/01 12/31 Moderate PT 9.1: Create a parent/coach athletic advisory group. PT 9.2: Meet 4-6 times annually. PT 9.3: Develop a volunteer coach recognition program.

10. Review athletic league participant recognition.


#2 01/01 12/31 Minimal PT 10.1: Survey participants for input on their preferred method of recognition along with any associated fees/cost. PT 10.2: Develop participant recognition program.

11. Obtain athletics sponsorships. • Community Engagement and Communication

#1 01/01 12/31 Moderate PT 11.1: Increase the total number of team sponsorships to 210. PT 11.2: Increase the total number of banner sponsorships to 6. PT 11.3: Send thank you cards before the sponsored season ends.

12. Manage inventory and storage.


#1 01/01 12/31 Moderate PT 12.1: Inventory and organize storage prior to the beginning of each season.



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Type

Target Start Date

Target End Date


13. Provide winter recreation classes and programs.


#1 01/01 03/31 Significant PT 13.1: Provide winter recreation programs – adapted to comply with COVID-19 safety standards and regulations. PT 13.2: 90% participant satisfaction.

14. Provide spring recreation classes and programs.


#1 02/01 06/01 Significant PT 14.1: Provide spring recreation programs – adapted to comply with COVID-19 safety standards and regulations. PT 14.2: 90% participant satisfaction.

15. Provide summer recreation classes and programs.


#1 04/01 08/31 Significant PT 15.1: Provide summer recreation programs – adapted to comply with COVID-19 safety standards and regulations. PT 15.2: 90% participant satisfaction.

16. Provide fall recreation classes and programs.


#1 07/01 12/31 Significant PT 16.1: Provide fall recreation programs – adapted to comply with COVID-19 safety standards and regulations. PT 16.2: 90% participant satisfaction.

17. Organize an Arbor Day event. • Recreation Programming

• Parks, Recreation, Open Space, and Trail System

#1 08/01 10/31 Moderate PT 17.1: Meet Tree City USA requirements for an Arbor Day event.

18. Organize an outdoor family concert event.


• Parks, Recreation Open Space and Trail System

#1 03/01 08/18 Minimal PT 18.1: Organize an outdoor family concert – adapted to comply with COVID-19 safety standards and regulations.

19. Organize an outdoor family movie event.



#1 03/01 08/27 Minimal PT 19.1: Organize an outdoor family movie – adapted to comply with COVID-19 safety standards and regulations.



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Type

Target Start Date

Target End Date


20. Organize the Summer Concerts in the Park series.



#1 01/01 08/04 Moderate PT 20.1: Organize the Summer Concerts in the Park series – adapted to comply with COVID-19 safety standards and regulations.

21. Organize the Holiday Tree Lighting event.



#1 08/01 12/04 Moderate PT 21.1: Organize the Holiday Tree Lighting event – adapted to comply with COVID-19 safety standards and regulations. PT 21.2: Obtaining $1,000 sponsorships and grants.

22. Review/update fee waiver and scholarships program.


#1 03/30 12/31 Minimal PT 22.1: Review fee waiver and scholarship program. PT 22.2: Propose update to fee waiver and scholarship program to improve access and equity.

23. Complete annual fee update. • Recreation Programming

#1 04/30 12/31 Moderate PT 23.1: Prepare divisional fee update proposal for approval. PT 23.2: Implement new fees, including updating fee information in printed materials, website, and recreation software.

24. Provide Arts Commission support.


#1 01/01 12/31 Moderate PT 24.1: Provide staff support to the commission. PT 24.2: Develop and implement a workplan for the Arts Commission and staff that serves to focus resources on prioritized activities.

25. Complete next phase of vinyl art wraps.


#2 04/01 12/31 Minimal PT 25.1: Develop a streamlined program for vinyl art wraps. PT 25.2: Implement new program and complete next phase of vinyl art wraps.



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Type

Target Start Date

Target End Date


26. Install revolving public art sculptures at Covington Community Park.


#2 04/01 12/31 Minimal PT 26.1: Install art anchoring system. PT 26.2: Complete art-call. PT 26.3: Install two public art sculptures.

27. Prepare proposal to increase admission tax rate to fund arts program.


#2 05/01 12/31 Minimal PT 27.1: Prepare proposal for consideration. PT 27.2: Present proposal to Arts Commission. PT 27.3: Present proposal to City Council.

28. Provide Youth Council support.


#1 01/01 12/31 Moderate PT 28.1: Provide staff support to the Youth Council.

29. Assist in developing the Recreation Guide.



#2 01/01 12/31 Minimal PT 29.1: Provide program information for 4 issues. (Publishing digital issues until program levels increase to support the return to hardcopy production and mailings.)

30. Improve staff team organization with cross-training.


#2 01/01 12/31 Moderate PT 30.1: Complete cross-training within the division to assist with workloads and to provide back-up support.

31. Develop an art maintenance program.


#1 01/01 12/31 Moderate PT 31.1: Complete an annual art inventory. PT 31.2: Develop and implement a public art inspection procedure/form. PT 31.3: Provide report to Arts Commission and City Council.

32. Support cultural interests of the community.


#1 01/01 12/31 Moderate PT 32.1: Foster and support opportunities for cultural groups to participate in programs and events.



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Type

Target Start Date

Target End Date


33. Market and promote activities.


#2 01/01 12/31 Significant PT 33.1: Create and distribute flyers to local schools and businesses. PT 33.2: Manage and maintain community event social media pages.

Documents

Parks and Recreation Plan