HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolution_2021 Kittitas Co Recreation and Tourism Plan AdoptionKITTITAS COUNTY
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS
AGENDA DATE:
ACTION REQUESTED:
2021 AGENDA STAFF REPORT
July 6, 2021
Request to Approve a Resolution to Adopt the 2021 Kittitas
County Recreation and Tourism Plan
BACKGROUND: The official public comment period for the 2021 Recreation
and Tourism plan ended on May 7, 2021. Public Hearing
Comments received on June 15, 2021, are now
incorporated as Appendix to the Public Hearing draft plan.
The revised final plan is now ready for Board adoption.
INTERACTION: Public Works.
RECOMMENDATION: Approve the Resolution to Adopt the revised final 2021
Kittitas County Recreation and Tourism Plan.
HANDLING: Return one original to Public Works.
ATTACHMENTS: Resolution; 2021 Kittitas County Recreation and Tourism
Plan
LEAD STAFF: Mark R. Cook, Director and Nicole Ogan,
EnvironmentallTransportation Planner.
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
COUNTY OF KITTITAS
STATE OF WASHINGTON
RESOLUTION NO. 2021 -
Adopting the 2021 Kittitas County Recreation and Tourism Plan
WHEREAS: The Board of County Commissioners adopted the 2016 "Kittitas County, Washington
Park, Recreation & Open Space (PROS) Plan" with Resolution 2016-076; and
WHEREAS: The Board of County Commissioners has met on numerous occasions in 2021 revising
the 2016 plan to prioritize implementation projects and to include Tourism actions into a
single recreation and tourism plan; and
WHEREAS: A public comment period was open from March 11, 2012, until May 7, 2021, and staff
has incorporated comments that were received into the final plan draft; and
WHEREAS: The Board of County Commissioners did conduct an open public hearing duly advertised
on June 15, 2021, receiving final comments on the the proposed final draft of the 2021
Kittitas County Recreation and Tourism Plan; and
WHEREAS: Staff has incorporated public testimony for the June 15, 2021, public hearing into the
2021 Kittitas County Recreation and Tourism Plan; and
WHEREAS: The 2021 Kittitas County Recreation and Tourism Plan meets the planning requirements
of the Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office; and
WHEREAS: Maintaining and enhancing recreation and tourism opportunities in Kittitas County is
essential to promoting public health and welfare; and
WHEREAS: An important segment of the County economy benefits from access to recreation and
recreation -based amenities.
NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Board of County Commissioners, in the best interest
of the public, does hereby adopt the 2021 Kittitas County Recreation and Tourism Plan and all related
appendices and supporting documentation (Attachment A).
DATED this 6th day of July 2021, at Ellensburg, Washington.
Attest:
❑ Clerk of the Board- Julie Kjorsvik
❑ Deputy Clerk of the Board- Mandy Buchholz
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
KITTITAS COUNTY, WASHINGTON
Brett Wachsmith, Chairman
Laura Osiadacz, Vice -Chairman
Cory Wright, Commissioner
ATTACHMENTA
A
2021 KITTITAS COUNTY RECREATION AND TOURISM PLAN
2021 Kittitas County
Recreation and Tourism Plan
June 2021
Contents
ExecutiveSummary .......................................................................................................
Introduction....................................................................................................................
PlanObjectives..............................................................................................................................................................3
PublicInvolvement.........................................................................................................................................................4
Recreation and Tourism Demand...................................................................................
...5
County Led Recreation and Tourism Activities..............................................................................................................9
PlanElement 1: Trail Systems.......................................................................................................................................9
PlanElement 2: Resource Parks................................................................................................. ......12
Plan Element 3: Special Purpose Facilities..................................................................................................................13
Plan Element 4: Kittitas County's Strategic Role in Recreation and Tourism...............................................................14
Recreation and Tourism Activities Led by Others........................................................................................................15
Plan Element 5: Recreation programs......................................................................................................................15
Plan Element 6: Resource conservancies................................................................................................................17
Plan Element 7: Historical resources........................................................................................................................18
Plan Element 8: Playgrounds & fields..........................................................................................................................19
PlanElement 9: Recreation facilities............................................................................................................................20
Plan Element 10: Design standards.............................................................................................................................21
Plan Element 11: Financial Resources........................................................................................................................22
Plan Element 12: Kittitas County Tourism Infrastructure Plan.....................................................................................23
AppendixA...................................................................................................................................................................24
GrantCounty PUD via email: ......................................................................................................................
26
Mountains to Sound Greenway via email: ....................................................................................................
27
Kittitas County Chamber of Commerce via email: .........................................................................................
28
Cle Elum Downtown Association via email: ..................................................................................................
29
The Nature Conservancy via email: .............................................................................................................
30
Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission via email:....................................................................31
Executive Summary
The 2021 Kittitas County Recreation and Tourism Plan is organized in two parts. Part One addresses recreation
elements that are now being targeted for lead action by the County (Trail Systems, Resource Parks, and Special
Purpose Facilities), and includes the role the County is expected to play in strategically implementing all elements of
the plan. Part One contains priority action items expected to be implemented by Board employees using County
financial and human resources. Part Two of the plan defines actions led by others - the remaining seven elements of
the 2016 Park, Recreation and Open Space Plan (PROS) (Recreational Programs, Cultural Arts, Resource
Conservancies, Historical Resources, Playgrounds and Fields Recreational Facilities and implementation items
contained in the 2016 Tourism Plan), The plan does not prohibit Board investment in Part Two activities in the future,
but rather acknowledges who is best served to lead and implement activities defined in the 2016 plan that are no
longer being prioritized for Board direct implementation. Data gathered during the 2016 planning effort appears as
appendices in the 2016 PROS plan. It is presumed that recreational demand from King County has continued to
increase over the past five years, based on anecdotal data collected by County staff.
The 2016 Parks, Recreation and Open Space contains numerous appendices. This revision of the plan does not
include the vast amount of data contained in the 2016 appendices. Readers are encouraged to obtain the original
document with appendices (if desired) by downloading a complete version of the plan at the County's website
referencing Resolution 2016-076. Additionally, the Kittitas County Comprehensive Plan, Chapter 11: Recreation,
Parks, Open Space and Natural Environment, speaks to long range planning goals as they relate to potential
opportunities, community growth, the environment and safety.
Kittitas County intends to update the Recreation and Tourism plan on a five-year cycle concurrent with level of
service demands and population dynamics. During update cycles, data collection and analysis will be conducted, and
existing pertinent data updated and made available as plan appendices.
2
Introduction
This document outlines the choices that are available, and the means for implementing preferred actions found
to be of most benefit to all Kittitas County residents as well as accommodation of year-round tourism pressures.
This document is a revision to the previously adopted 2016 Parks, Recreation, and Open Spaces Plan, as well
as the Kittitas County Tourism Plan that outlines recreational demand and implementation actions found to
attract and benefit tourists since tourism is a major economic development objective and opportunity for Kittitas
County.
Kittitas County adopted its first Parks, Recreation and Open Space plan in 2016. During that same time, the County
produced a Tourism Plan that was not adopted. A single action item in the 2016 plan has been adopted to date. The
lack of plan implementation suggests a need to review the existing plan and determine if there are new priority
actions that might facilitate large scale plan implementation. In winter 2021, staff began working with the Board of
County Commissioners reviewing and revising the 2016 plan. Staff reviewed all plan supporting studies and data
from 2016 and determined the studies are still valid. As a companion effort, staff presented a preferred funding
mechanism intending to facilitate plan implementation through direct Board investment.
The plan is now organized into two parts. Part One addresses recreation actions that are to be led by the County
while Part Two defines actions to be led by others. Part One are actions expected to be advanced by Board
employees using County financial and human resources implementing Board led priority actions. The plan does not
prohibit Board investment in Part Two activities in the future, but rather acknowledges who is best served to
implement activities in the 2016 plan that are no longer being prioritized for Board direct implementation.
Recognition of 2016 planning efforts cannot be overstated. The 2016 plan comprehensively evaluated parks,
recreation, and open space activities Countywide. Much of that effort is carried directly forward in this revised plan.
The 2016 plan objective "IDENTIFY ROLES AND RESPONSIBILITIES" is specifically achieved in this plan revision.
Plan Objectives
Identify and implement a series of prioritized actions appearing within the previously adopted 2016 Parks, Recreation
and Open Spaces (PROS), the 2016 Kittitas County Tourism Plan, and Chapter 11 of the Kittitas County
Comprehensive Plan, Plan actions are directed at meeting current and future recreational demands of County
residents and tourism demands supporting out of County visitors. The 2016 plan provides the following bulleted
listing of desirable plan outcomes:
Define the setting — in Kittitas County including climate, environment, wildlife habitat, history, culture,
population changes, and current development conditions.
• Inventory assets — including existing public and private open spaces, park and recreation facilities,
and recreational services that have been developed to -date by Roslyn, Cie Elum, Ellensburg, Kittitas
County, Washington State, and private non-profit and for- profit organizations.
• Forecast demand — for future open space, trails, park, and recreation facilities and recreation
services that may be provided by Kittitas County or other agencies.
•
Identify appropriate roles and responsibilities — that should be undertaken by Kittitas County to meet
critical open space, trail, park, and recreation facilities and recreation program needs.
• Develop the elements of a countywide plan — for Open space, trails, park, and recreation facilities
and recreation programs.
0 Determine costs and standards — involved in maintaining and/or improving open space, trails,
park, and recreation facilities and recreation program levels -of -service (LOS), particularly the
possible use of innovative financing tools or methods.
Define an implementation program — outlining the actions necessary to realize the plan including
supporting actions necessary to resolve agreements with the county, cities, school districts, state,
and other private non-profit and for-profit agencies.
Determine public opinion — through a series of public participation events and resolve final
project, plan, and financing particulars based on the results of public input.
Public Involvement
The Kittitas County Board of Commissioners (BoCC) and Kittitas County Department of Public Works (PW)
oversaw this revision planning process, with the assistance of the Kittitas County Treasurer's Office and the
Community Development Services Department. During the 2016 planning effort, Kittitas County conducted a
series of:
Intemet surveys — of county residents and tourists to determine their knowledge, use, condition
assessments, and plan proposals during this planning process.
Hand-out/hand-back surveys.— of Kittitas County Fair and Ellensburg Rodeo attendees to determine
their current utilization, program and park priorities of Kittitas Valley Event Center and other county
destinations.
Public workshops and forums — with agencies and city residents in Cie Elum and Ellensburg to
brainstorm their ideas for open space, trails, park, and recreation facilities; and to review and critique
the resulting brainstorm proposals prior to the development of final plan alteratives.
Internet survey of registered voter - towards the end of the process to determine final voter project and
program priorities from among the alternative proposals and resolve financing preferences with which
to implement this plan.
During the 2021 revision process, Kittitas County staff conducted a series of workshops with the Board of County
Commissioners creating a draft plan for stakeholder and public review and comment. An outline of the workshop
process appears below:
• Workshop 1: Defining prioritization for implementation of specific goals agreed upon by the BoCC,
identifying redundancies in the 2016 plan where goals may overlap, identifying goals and policies within the
2016 plan that are not appropriate for Kittitas County to lead, and identifying overlap or interworking the
Tourism Plan and the PROS Plan,
• Workshop 2: Implementation strategy
• Workshop 3: Funding options
Community outreach was conducted prior to the public hearing considering revised plan adoption. Drawing upon
potential Federal, State, local, and private key stakeholder groups and Countywide resident comment on the draft
plan is incorporated were appropriate by staff and as supported by the Board of County Commissioners.
4
Recreation and Tourism Demand
A summary of the PROS 2016 data shows Kittitas County's current and forecasted population estimates. Future
population estimates are extended to 2040. This data is shown below in Table 1. Increased population and multi
season or year-round recreational demands are increasing, putting added pressure on Kittitas County public land
uses and resources.
Kittitas County population - increased trom s, N4 persons in 1'UUU to 41,670 persons by 2015, fluctuating
between a high of 10.3% average annual rate of growth between 1900-1910 to a low of 0.9% between 1970-
1980. The growth rate for the past twenty years exceeds 20 percent for the period. This rapid growth rate
mandates that the County plan under the Growth Management Act GMA), even though the County initially
elected to plan under GMA many years earlier.
Washington State Office of Financial Management (OFM) estimates Kittitas County will increase to a population
of 55,436 persons by the year 2040 averaging 1.2% per year between 2015-2025 then declining to 0.9% per
year by 2035-2040.
Table 1. Population projections for years 2015-2040 for nine counties in Washington State
Population projections 2015.2040
County
2015
2040
Additional
Growth
Kittitas
42,592
55,436
12,844
30.2°/4
King
2,052,800
2,418,850
366,050
17.8%
Grant
93,390
138,337
44,947
481%
Snohomish
757,600
997,634
240,034
31,7%
Pierce
830,120
1,042,341
212,221
25.6%
Chelan
75,030
89,246
14,216
18.9%
Yakima
249,970
318.494
68,524
274%
Douglas
39,990
54,762
14,772
369%
Benton
188,590
247,856
61,266
32.5%
Total
4,380,684
5,362,956
982,272
22.4%
Washington State's Recreation & Conservation Office (RCO) develops a Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor
Recreation Plan (SCORP) every six years to help decision -makers better understand recreation issues
statewide and to maintain Washington's eligibility for federal Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF)
funds. RCO conducted a series of 12 -month diary surveys of a random sample of Washington State residents
in 2000, 2006, and 2012 to determine the type of indoor and outdoor recreation activities residents engaged in
over the year including the resident's age, gender, ethnicity, income, and regional place of residence. The
RCO SCORP surveys recorded what residents participated in of 140 different indoor and outdoor activities and
special spectator events including the participation rate and number of occasions per year by season, month,
week, and type of environment (urban, rural, mountain). The surveys did not record the location of the activity.
Appendix D shows a full list of Washington State tourist -oriented recreation activities in 2012.
5
RCO SCORP's 2018-2022 Recreation and Conservation Plan is similar to our PROS plan and follows a model
of identifying few priority areas based on assessment of demands, level of service by area, and survey results.
Additional, or more specified pians, were also created in support of an overall recreation pian. For example,
State Trails Plan, State Community Athletic Facilities Plan, Boating Grants Program Plan, and the Nonhighway
and Off -Road Vehicle Activities Grant Program Plan.
Participation rates — were highest for picnicking, barbequing, or cooking out (80.9% of the survey
respondents) and walking without a pet (71.3%).
Frequencies — were highest for walking without and with a pet (97.8 times per year).
Kittitas Coun is located straddling 4 of the SCORP regions for which the diary surveys were collated
including the:
North Cascades - extending north through Chelan and Okanogan and west through Snohomish, Skagit, and
Whatcom Counties.
Seattle -King — including all of King County.
South Central — including Yakima, Benton, Franklin, and Walla Walla Counties.
Columbia Plateau — including Douglas, Grant, Adams, and Lincoln Counties.
Table 2. Percentage and occurrences of participation for the top 5 tourist -oriented activities in Washington State by region.
Participation rates for top 5 tourist -oriented activities
Activity
SeaKng
NoCas
SoCntl
ColPlt
Picnicking, bbqing, cooking
78.3/0
833%
842%
851%
Walking w/o pet
78.1%
67.6%
719%
65.3%
Wildlife viewing
68.1%
61.6%
499%
55.3%
Sightseeing
584%
61.8%
513%
54.7%
Hiking
578%
59.1%
438%
365%
Frequencies for top 5 tourist -oriented activities
Activity
SeaKng
NoCas
SoCntl
ColPlt
Picnicking, bbging, cooking
20.8
217
17
18.9
Walking w/o pet
97.9
102.3
95.51119
Wildlife viewing
319
551
37.7
311
Sightseeing
14.3
15.4
171
121
Hiking
132
157
156
173
Since these surveys were conducted and the 2016 PROS plan was written, the RCO has compiled newer data
in an Assessment for Demand 2017 report (hftps://www.rrco.wa.gov/StateRecPlans/resourcesll and has
identified Kittitas County as part of the North Cascades region. Data is also broken down further into
demographics: age, race, education level of participants, malelfemale, and with/without children. Below are the
top 10 activites in the North Cascade range, which are very similar to the 2012 data reported above.
6
Table 3. Top 10 (by percentage) of recreational activities in the North Cascades region.
4or'th C+ateades
Aeth ity
Cmezom
.a
1
Walking in a park, or trail setting
Walkiro
Visiting rivers or streams
Nature Activities
3
%115iiin a b:ach or tide pools
Nature Activities
66%
4
Attending Bn auldr)Lr concerl or eveni ie_g_
farmer'; r akel fairy_ s arlin events)
Leis11re activities al a ark
bis%.
5
Dav-hikingHiking
59%
6
SWi rnira wading all a beach - fzeshwaler
Swimming
Gather or collect things in a nature selling
W ., rock,.. shells, p9ants)
Nature Activities
8
Scenic or wildemess area
Si htseeing
3c?
Isla ,in
Leis'ue activjli� ata ark
50%
':WildIife
or natters? view ing
Nature Activities
'Sero
Follow-up surveys were conducted for each geotourism interest that included the mapped destinations and
attractions shown in the Kittitas County Tourism Plan following along with specific questions whether the
additional information would generate an increased interest in visiting Kittitas County. (Table 3 above).
Geotourism activities oeneratino MOST likely visitation after beano provided information on Kittitas
County attractions — include historical districts and landmarks (60% of the follow-up respondents will visit
more now that aware of attractions), fames, famers' markets, and produce stands (60%), public lands (55%),
wildlife habitat areas (55%), extent of wildlife species (55%), fishing access sites (53%), museums and Native
American sites (53%), historical railroads and roads (53%), hiking trails (53%), art galleries, studios, and
performances (50%) suggesting that outreach will generate higher tourism volumes in these activities.
Geotourism activities aeneratino LEAST likely visitation after beino provided information on Kittitas
County attractions — include horse trails (11 %), off-road vehicle (ORV) trails (16%), all- terrain vehicles (ATV)
trails (160k), hunting and shooting sites (16%), barns and farmsteads (20%), and bam quilts (25%) suggesting
that participants of these activities currently know of Kittitas County attractions suggesting that outreach will
be least effective for these attractions since they know or have already frequented these destinations.
An additional solicitation of survey respondents of "Table 3 Activities" -yields the following results based on "no,
maybe and yes" (Table 4):
7
Table 4: Survey results regarding the likelihood of increased visitation to iGttitas County
Will you visit Kittitas County more now that you are aware of the extent of destinations and attractions
in your geotourism area of interest?
Historical tourists
No
Maybe
Yes
Historical districts and landmarks
0%
40%
60%
Barns and farmsteads
15%
65%
20%
Historic railroads and roads
16%
32%
53%
Mining sites
15%
40%
45%
Logging areas and sites
26%
47%
26%
Museums and Native American sites
0%
65%
35%
Interpretive centers, kiosks, trails
10%
60%
30%
Cultural tourists
No
Maybe
Yes
Barn quilts
25%
44%
31%
Art galleries, studios, performances
6%
44%
50%
Museums and Native American sites
16%
31%
53%
Interpretive centers, kiosks, trails
6%
52%
42%
Environmental tourists
No
Maybe
Yes
Public lands
0%
45%
55%
Unique wildlife habitat areas
0%
45%
55%
Extent of wildlife species
0%
45%
55%
Interpretive centers kiosks, trails
9%
45%
46%
Agricultural tourists
No
Maybe
Yes
Farms, markets, and produce stands
7%
33%
60%
Wineries and breweries
13%
44%
44%
Barn quilts
13%
63%
25%
Recreational tourists
No
Maybe
Yes
Winter trails
32%
32%
37%
Water trails/boating access
11%
42%
47%
Horse trails
63%
26%
11%
Hiking trails
16%
32%
53%
Mountain bike trails
47%
26%
26%
Off-road vehicle (ORV) trails
63%
21%
16%
All -terrain vehicle (ATV) trails
63%
21%
16%
Dog trails and hotels that allow dogs
16%
42%
42%
Picnic facilities --groups
11%
44%
44%
Tent and RV campgrounds
26%
26%
47%
Fishing access sites
16%
32%
53%
Hunting and shooting sites
63%
21%
16%
PART ONE
County Led Recreation and Tourism Activities
The Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) has identified three implementation priorities best led utilizing direct
County resources (labor and investment capital). The three elements of this plan slated for direct implementation by
the BoCC are: Trail Systems, Resource Parks and Special Purpose Facilities. Each of these plan elements are
discussed in detail in this chapter of the plan. The County will continue playing a strategic role implementing all
elements of the plan.
Plan Element 1: Trail Systems
1.0 OBJECTIVE: Facilitate the planning, development, maintenance and operation of a variety of countywide
trails and paths including: winter, water, horse, off-road hike and bike, off-road recreational vehicle (ORV) and
all -terrain vehicle (ATV) trails, on -road bicycle touring routes and scenic drives that are directly related to
environmental resources as outlined in the 2016 PROS plan that are of most interest to Kittitas County
residents and tourists.
Work with other interested public and private groups and agencies, including The Kittitas County Recreation
Forum, Washington State Recreate Responsibly Coalition, Towns to Teanaway (T2T), The Nature
Conservancy, Suncadia, Washington State Departments of Fish & Wildlife, Natural Resources, and Washington
State Parks & Recreation Commission, US Forest Service (USFS), Fish & Wildlife Service, and Bureau of Land
Management (BLM), and Grant County Public Utility District to develop and maintain an integrated system of
trails and paths.
Action Item 1.1 Winter trails
Support a system of alpine skiing, dog sledding, ice skating, Nordic skiing, sledding or snow tubing,
snowshoeing, and snowmobile trallheads and trails for access to Wenatchee National Forest and Teanaway
Community Forest attractions.
Action Item 1.2 Water trails
Support a system of kayak, canoe, raft, and other hand cavy boat access landings and other improvements
for appropriate access to Kittltas County's lakes and rivers.
1.2.2: Where feasible designate a water trail network for hand -cavy or car -top craft including canoes and
kayaks navigable lengths of the Yakima and Columbia Rivers.
Action Item 1.3 Horse trails
Support a system of horse trails and riding areas for appropriate access to KEtttas county's National Forest
(USNF), Bureau of Land Management (BLM), and Washington State Departments of Natural Resources (DNR)
and Fish & Wildlife (DFW) public lands especially including the Alpine Lakes Wilderness, Teanaway Community
Forest, and LT Murray Wildlife Area as well as the Cle Elum Washington State Horse Park, Kittitas Valley Event
Center, and Ellensburg Rodeo stable bams and arenas.
Action Item 1.4 Hike and bike trails
C
Coordinate and support a comprehensive system of off-road hike and bike trails that access scenic,
environmental, historic, and open space attributes throughout Kittitas County — expanding and linking existing
trail systems into area -wide networks especially including between the urban areas and public lands in the
Alpine Lakes Wilderness, Wenatchee National Forest, Teanaway Community Forest, LT Murray, Oak Creek,
Wenas, and Whiskey Dick Wildlife Areas.
Action Item 1.5 ORV and ATV trails
Coordinate and support a comprehensive system of off-road 4 -wheel drive and all -terrain vehicle trails and
backcountry roads that access scenic, environmental, historic, and open space attributes throughout Kittitas
County expanding and linking existing trail systems in the urban and upper county areas into area -wide
networks including the Wenatchee National Forest, Teanaway Community Forest, Naneum Ridge State
Forest, LT Murray, Oak Creek, Wenas, Colockum, and Whiskey Dick Wildlife Areas.
1.5.2: Coordinate and support designation and operation of off-road 4 -wheel drive and all -terrain vehicle parks
that provide scenic routes, obstacles, and other skill courses for all off-road vehicles, interests, and skill levels.
Action Item 1.6 On and off -leash dog parks and areas
Coordinate and support a system of on and off -leash dog areas that provide controlled and convenient
exercise opportunities for dog owners including appropriate segments of the proposed horse, hike, and bike
trail systems.
1.6.2: Where appropriate, support development of off -leash dog parks that provide controlled and convenient
exercise and social area opportunities for dog owners near major Kittitas County destinations including the
Roslyn, Cie Elum, and Ellensburg historic downtown districts, Central Washington University, Kittitas Valley
Event Center, and 1-90 hoteltmotel concentrations.
Action Item 1.7 Streetscapes, parkways, gateways, and artworks
Support development of viewpoints and interpretive exhibits that integrate scenic corridors with specific
historical, cultural, environmental, and scenic points of interest.
1.7.2: Support efforts to install artwork in to trails, parks, park facilities, and historical sites — especially within
the historic districts.
Action_ Item 1.8 All trail services and furnishings
Support development and maintenance of a series of trailheads, trailside rest stops, viewpoints, interpretive
exhibits, and trail signage systems that integrate winter, water, horse, hike, bike, ORV, ATV, and dog trails
with specific historical, cultural, environmental, and scenic points of interest.
1.8.2: Coordinate within the county as well as partner with other municipalities to create continuous trail
corridors and local spur or loop routes with parks, schools, other public facilities, historical sites, and Roslyn,
Cle Elum, and Ellensburg historic downtown districts.
1.8.3: Support furnishing trails with appropriate supporting trailhead improvements that include interpretive and
directory signage systems, rest stops, restrooms, parking and loading areas, water, and other services.
10
1.8.4: Where appropriate, promote trailheads at or in conjunction with park sites, schools, and other community
facilities to increase local area access to countywide trail systems and reduce duplication of supporting
improvements.
1.8.5: Where appropriate, coordinate telephones, emergency call boxes, or other means by which trail users
can summon fire, emergency aid, police, and other safety and security personnel should the need arise.
1.8.6: Define trail improvements of a design and development standard that is easy to maintain and access
by maintenance, security, and other appropriate personnel, equipment, and vehicles.
1.8.7: Support an effective trail maintenance and restoration programs including the use of Adopt -A -
Trail for citizens and organizations to provide park maintenance and litter pick-up activities.
11
Plan Element 2: Resource Parks
2.0 OBJECTIVE: Coordinate the planning, development, maintenance and operation of a variety of resource -
oriented facilities including: fishing and hunting access sites, hand -carry boat access and launch ramps,
swimming beaches, picnicking areas, and tent and RV campgrounds that are directly related to environmental
resources as outlined in the 2016 PROS plan that are of most interest to Kittitas County residents and tourists.
Work with other public and private agencies, particularly The Nature Conservancy, Suncadia, Washington State
Departments of Fish & Wildlife, Natural Resources, and Washington State Parks & Recreation Commission, US
Forest Service, US Fish & Wildlife Service, and Bureau of Land Management, and Grant County Public Utility
District to develop and operate appropriate resource park facilities.
Action Item 2.1 Waterfront access and facilities
Support development of additional shoreline access for waterfront fishing, wading, swimming, boating, and
other related recreational activities and pursuits along the lake and river shorelines.
Action Item 2.2 Picnicking and day -use activities
Support development of additional picnic sites, shelters, and day- use group picnic grounds at major
resource parks and along major off-road trail corridors throughout Kittitas County.
Action Item 2.3 Campgrounds
Support development of additional tent and RV campgrounds within Kittitas County.
12
Plan Element 3: Special Purpose Facilities
3.0 OBJECTIVE: Coordinate and support the development and operation of facilities that have special or
unique interests, impacts or relevance to Kittitas County residents that may not be provided by another public or
private agency as outlined in the 2016 PROS plan. If practical, coordinate and assist other public and private
agencies including the Suncadia, The Nature Conservancy, Washington State Horse Park, among others, with
interpretive centers, museums, and other specialized facilities throughout Kittitas County. Local groups with
specialized interests and focus such as the Teanaway Community Forests Advisory Board, Kittitas County Field
and Stream, and Trout Unlimited may be of coordination interest as well,
Action Item 3.1 Special enterprises,
3.1 Where appropriate and economically feasible, support the development and operation of specialized and
special interest recreational facilities, such as water parks, non- profit and for-profit retreats and conference
centers, art and performing theaters, archery and gun ranges for Kittitas County residents and tourists.
3.1.2 Where appropriate, participate in joint planning and operating programs with other public and private
agencies for special activities like downtown farmers' markets, farm and bam tours, quilt tours, winery and
brewery tours, farm stays and bed- and -breakfasts, and other throughout Kittitas County.
13
Plan Element 4: Kittitas County's Strategic Role in Recreation and Tourism
4.0 OBJECTIVE: The County should undertake a strategic approach to open space, trail, park, and recreation
facilities and recreation services where Kittitas County assumes responsibility for functions of countywide
interest where there are no other viable sponsors and helps coordinate or support functions and activities that
have other viable sponsors.
Action Item 4.1 Coordinate activities
Take the lead role in providing information and coordinating services for open space, trail, park facilities,
and recreation program activities on a countywide basis. Update future population growth estimates,
inventory existing and proposed facility developments, identify probable countywide and regional facility
and program needs, and proposals of countywide facility and program solutions in each five-year plan
update.
Action Item 4.2 Planning and development services
Provide detailed planning and development services when:
4.2.1: There are no other designated agencies or organizations who can, or
4.2.2: The activity involves site controversies or environmental consequences that may not be equitably
resolved otherwise within Kittitas County.
Action Item 4.3 Development, operation, and maintenance
Help develop, operate, or maintain open space, trail, park, or recreational facilities or recreation program
activities provided:
4.3.1: The facility will have broad benefits for a large proportion of the countywide population and will be
financed using resident approved methods, or
4.3.2: Facility development and operating costs will be recaptured from direct charges of the populations
who use the facility, or
4.3.3: Facility development and operating costs will be compensated in some manner through inter -local
agreements with the using agency, area or benefiting user group, particularly where the demands will
originate from a county service requirement, or
4.3.4: The site or facility has intrinsic value apart from traditional operation and maintenance needs, such as
a passive natural area or wetland preservation.
The following goals and objectives are based on a strategic approach to countywide services, an analysis of
existing open space, trail, park, and recreation conditions, and the results of workshop planning sessions
and surveys.
14
PART TWO
Recreation and Tourism Activities Led by Others
Part Two of this plan identifies plan elements that the BoCC believes are best led by others than direct use of County
resources.
Pian Element 5: Recreation programs
5.0 OBJECTIVE: Promote healthy eating and active lifestyle programs and outreach activities of special
interest and lifestyle benefit for county residents. Promote, and work with other public, nonprofit, and for-profit
agencies, organizations, and vendors including Roslyn, Cle Elum, and Ellensburg cities, Cle Elum-Roslyn,
Ellensburg, Kittitas, Thorp, and Damman School Districts, Central Washington University, Washington State,
and others. Such programs may include athletic leagues and sport groups (like youth soccer, little league,
lacrosse, and football), youth, teen, and senior age groups, and special populations where these activities are
of major interest and benefit to county residents of all ages.
Action Item 5.1 Encourage Healthy lifestyle
Promote healthy eating and active lifestyle programs including education, awareness, enforcement, and
developmental partnerships for youth, teen, and senior age groups, and special populations where these
activities are of major interest and benefit to county residents of all ages.
Action Item 5.2 Encourage Active lifestyle
Facilitate development of a network of multipurpose parks, trails, facilities, and programs that encourage an
active lifestyle involving walking, hiking, biking, playing, swimming, exercising, and other pursuits that help
regulate weight and physical condition, and mental and physical health and wellbeing for all age groups.
Action Item 5.3 Promote Operations of Numerous Activities
Promote the operation of environmental, historical, cultural, and recreational programs providing instruction,
volunteerism, and participation in habitat restoration, community gardens, water- based recreation, trail
development and security, interpretation programs, summer and day camps, maintenance, and other site-
specific activities at park sites and properties in Kittitas County.
Action Item 5.4 Support Historical Societies
Support historical and cultural societies to develop and display artifacts, reports, and exhibits; and conduct
lectures, classes, and other programs that document and develop awareness of Kittitas County's heritage at
park sites and properties.
Action Item 5.5 Promote Art and cultural
Promote programs for arts and crafts, classroom instruction in music and dance, physical conditioning and
health care, meeting facilities, daycare, latchkey, and other program activities for all cultural, age, physical and
mental capability, and income groups in Kittitas County by all agencies and vendors.
15
Action Item 5.6 Support Athletics
Designate and preserve appropriate sites and facilitate agreements with user and league organizations to
operate basketball, volleyball, tennis, soccer, baseball, softball, and other instruction and participatory programs
for all age, skill level, and income groups in the County.
Action Item 5.7 Promote Cultural Arts
Promote development of high quality, diversified cultural arts facilities and programs that increase awareness,
attendance, and participation opportunities at parks and properties in Kittitas County.
Action Item 5.8 Support Programs
Support successful collaborations between Cie Elum-Roslyn, Ellensburg, Kittitas, Thorp, and Damman School
Districts, Central Washington University, Yakama Nation, and other public agencies, service groups, schools,
arts patrons, and artists that optimally utilize artistic resources and talents at parks and properties in Kittitas
County.
Action Item 5.9 Incorporate Artworks
Where appropriate, incorporate public artworks including paintings, sculptures, exhibits, and other media for
indoor and outdoor display to expand resident access and appropriately fumish public places in parks and
properties in Kittitas County.
16
Plan Element 6: Resource conservancies
6.0 OBJECTIVE: Assist with the planning, coordination, and preservation of unique environmental areas,
wetlands, wildlife habitat, open spaces, forestlands, and scenic areas. Work with other public and mission
related non-profit and private agencies, such as CIe Elum-Roslyn, Ellensburg, Kittitas, Thorp, and Damman
School Districts, Central Washington University, Washington State Departments of Fish & Wildlife, Natural
Resources, Parks & Recreation Commission (P&RC), US Forest Service (USFS), US Fish & Wildlife Service
(USFWS) Bureau of Land Management (BLM), Nature Conservancy, Yakama Nation, Suncadia, and others to
provide access to and create an effective approach to the following conservation issues.
Action Item 6.1 Conserve Wildlife habitat
Identify and help conserve critical wildlife habitat - including nesting sites, foraging areas, and migration
corridors within or adjacent to natural areas, open spaces especially within the Alpine Lakes Wilderness,
Wenatchee National Forest, Teanaway Community Forest, LT Murray Wildlife Area, Oak Creek Wildlife Area,
Wenas Wildlife Area, Naneum Ridge State Forest, Colockum Wildlife Area, Quilomene Wildlife Area, and
Whisky Dick Wildlife Area, and along the Yakima River and Columbia River shorelines.
6.1.2: Preserve sensitive habitat sites that support threatened species and urban wildlife habitat - particularly
around the Little Kachess and CIe Elum Lakes, and along the Yakima River shorelines.
Action item 6.2 Natural area
Preserve and protect significant environmental features - including unique wetlands, open spaces, woodlands,
shorelines, waterfronts and other characteristics that support wildlife and reflect Kittitas County resource
heritage — especially Teanaway Community and Naneum Ridge State Forests.
6.2.2: Provide public access to environmentally sensitive areas and sites that are especially unique to Kittitas
County and surrounding area — including the length of the Iron Horse State Park/John Wayne Trail corridor from
Snoqualmie Pass through Yakima River Canyon to the Columbia River at Vantage.
Action Item 6.3 Conserve Forestlands
Identify and conserve forest cover and the scenic attributes woodlands provide — especially the Wenatchee
National, Teanaway Community, and Naneum Ridge State Forests.
Action Item 6.4 Conserve Open spaces
Define and conserve a system of open space corridors or separators to provide definition between natural
areas and urban land uses in and adjacent to Roslyn and Cle Elum — especially the open spaces created by the
Teanaway Community Forest and the recent acquisitions by Central Washington Forest, LLC and managed by
The Nature Conservancy.
17
Plan Element 7: Historical resources
7.0 OBJECTIVE: Assist where appropriate in the planning, coordination, and preservation of unique
archaeological, historical, cultural, scenic, and man-made places, sites, landmarks, and vistas. Work when
appropriate with other public and private agencies, such as the Roslyn Museum, Kittitas County Historical
Museum, Historic Thorpe Mill, Olmstead Place State Park, Gingko Petrified Forest, Central Washington
University Museum of Culture & the Environment, Washington State Historical Societies, Yakama Nation, and
others, to create an effective approach to the following resource conservation issues and proposals.
Action Item 7.1 Enhance Historical features and interests
Identify, preserve, and enhance Kittitas County's heritage, traditions, and cultural features - including historical
sites, buildings, artworks, views, and monuments within park sites and historical areas — especially Roslyn, Cie
Elum, and Ellensburg historic downtowns.
7.1.2: Identify and incorporate significant historical and cultural lands, sites, artifacts, and facilities into the open
space, trail, and park system to preserve these interests and provide a balanced social experience — especially
including important Native American sites, homesteads, farms and barns, commercial buildings, railroad,
mining, logging camps, and other places of interest in Kittitas County.
7.1.3: Work with the Central Washington University, Washington State Historical Society, Yakama Nation, and
other archaeological and cultural groups to incorporate historical and cultural activities into park developments
and recreational programs.
Action Item 7.2 Incorporate manmade environments and features
Incorporate interesting manmade environments, structures, activities, and areas into the open space, trail, and
park system to preserve these features and provide a balanced recreational experience including historic
mining, logging, railroad, and roads as well as the Wild Horse Wind Farm and Ellensburg Solar Ranch.
7.2.2: Work with property and facility owners to increase public access and utilization of these special sites and
features.
18
Plan Element 8: Playgrounds & fields
8.0 OBJECTIVE: Support development of an integrated system of playgrounds, courts, and fields that are of
most interest to Kittitas County residents. Assist with the planning of a system of local and regional athletic park
facilities including competitive athletic fields that are of interest to Kittitas County residents and regional league
tournament participants.
Coordinate and assist as appropriate other public and private agencies including Roslyn, Cie Elum, and
Ellensburg cities, Cie Elum-Roslyn, Ellensburg, Kittitas, and Damman School Districts, Central Washington
University, and youth sports league organizations. Help site and sponsor the development of major competitive
outdoor and indoor athletic facilities for all age and skill groups that are within reasonable geographic service
areas of Kittitas County resident populations.
Action Item 8.1 Support Playgrounds and tot lots
Support development and designation of a network of play sites and facilities that meet playing standards and
requirements for all age groups and skill levels within convenient walking distances of residential
neighborhoods.
Action Item 8.2 Support Recreational courts
Support development and designation of a network of community park sites that provide a variety of
recreational courts (such as basketball, sand volleyball, and tennis courts) that meet the highest quality pick-up
and competitive practice and playing standards and requirements for all age groups, skill levels, and
recreational interests within convenient walking distances of residential neighborhoods.
Action Item 8.3 Support Skateboard courts and challenge courses
Support development of equipment and furnishings that provide specialized activities (such as skateboard,
rollerblade, climbing walls, and challenge courses) that meet the highest quality competitive practice and
playing standards and requirements for all age groups, skill levels, and recreational interests.
Action Item 8.4 Support Athletic fields
Support development and designation of a network of sites for organized sports leagues (such as soccer,
lacrosse, softball, and baseball fields) to meet the highest quality competitive practice and playing standards
and requirements for all age groups, skill levels, and recreational interests — including competition field sites in
Roslyn, Cie Elum, and Ellensburg as well as potential joint ventures with Cie Elum-Roslyn, Ellensburg, Kittitas,
Thorp, and Damman School Districts, and Central Washington University.
19
Plan Element 9: Recreation facilities
9.0 OBJECTIVE: Help coordinate the planning, development, and operation of specialized indoor facilities
including aquatic facilities, gymnasiums, arts and crafts, classrooms, meeting rooms for special populations,
children, teens, seniors, and the general population that are of major interest to Kittitas County residents of all
ages. Coordinate and assist other public and private agencies including Roslyn, Cie Elum, and Ellensburg
cities, Cie Elum-Roslyn, Ellensburg, Kittitas, and Damman School Districts and related nonprofits, and for -
profits, among others, to realize the following effective facilities and services within reasonable geographic
service areas of Kittitas County resident populations.
Action Item 9.1 Support Aquatics centers
Support development and operation of outdoor and indoor aquatics facilities that provide instruction, aerobics,
recreation, and competition facilities for all age groups, skill levels, and aquatics interests on a seasonal or
year-round basis —working with Roslyn, Cie Elum, and Ellensburg cities, Cie Elum-Roslyn, Ellensburg, Kittitas,
Thorp, and Damman School Districts, and related nonprofits and for -profits, among others.
Action Item 9.2 Support Recreation centers
Support development and operation of multiple use indoor recreational centers that provide gymnasiums,
physical conditioning, recreational courts, and other athletic spaces for all age groups, skill levels, and
community interests on a year-round basis — working with Roslyn, Cie Elum, and Ellensburg cities, Cle Elum-
Roslyn, Ellensburg, Kittitas, and Damman School Districts, and related nonprofits, and for -profits, among
others.
Action Item 9.3 Support Community centers
Support development and operation of a system of multipurpose community centers and facilities that can
provide arts and crafts, music, video, classroom instruction, meeting facilities, eating and health care, daycare,
latch key, and other spaces for all age groups including preschool, youth, teens, and seniors on a year-round
basis.
Action Item 9.4 Support Arts centers
Support development and operation of special indoor and outdoor cultural and performing arts facilities that
enhance and expand music, dance, drama, cultural and historical interpretations, and other audience and
participatory opportunities for the county -at- large including special summer farmers' markets and festival
events in the Roslyn, Cie Elum, and Ellensburg historic downtown districts.
Plan Element 10: Design standards
10.0 OBJECTIVE: Develop and maintain design guidelines to ensure facilities are accessible, safe, and easy
to maintain, with life cycle features that account for long-term costs and benefits.
Action Item 10.1 Develop Accessibility Standards
Develop and maintain design guidelines for outdoor picnic areas, trails, playgrounds, courts, fields, parking lots,
restrooms, and other active and supporting facilities to be accessible to individuals and organized groups of all
physical capabilities, skill levels, age groups, income, and activity interests.
Action Item 10.2 Develop Design Standards
Develop and maintain design guidelines for indoor facility spaces, activity rooms, restrooms, hallways, parking
lots, and other active and supporting spaces and improvements to be accessible to individuals and organized
groups of all physical capabilities, skill levels, age groups, income, and activity interests.
Action Item 10.3 Develop Maintenance Standards
Design, retrofit, and develop Kittitas County facilities that are sustainable, of low maintenance, and high-
capacity design to reduce overall facility maintenance and operation requirements and costs including the use
of xeriscaping, drought resistant vegetation, native species, and low-water requirements.
Action Item 10.4 Encourage Sustainability
Where appropriate, incorporate low maintenance materials, settings or other value engineering considerations
that reduce care and security requirements, and retain natural conditions and experiences.
Action Item 10.5 Encourage an "Adopt" Program
Where practical and appropriate, implement an Adopt -a -Trail and Adapt -a -Park program where volunteer users
and citizens can perform maintenance, collect litter, and other support activities.
Action Item 10.6 Incorporate Pest Management
Incorporate Integration of Pest Management principles in the management of landscape resources by utilizing a
holistic approach to managing pests using biological, cultural, mechanical, and chemical tools.
Action Item 10,7 Improve Security and safety
Implement the provisions and requirements of the American Disabilities Act (ADA), Washington State Building
Codes, and other design and development standards that improve park facility safety and security features for
park users, department personnel, and the public -at -large.
10.7.2: Develop and implement safety standards, procedures, and programs that provide proper training and
awareness for county personnel.
10.7.3: Define and enforce rules and regulations concerning activities and operations that protect user groups,
county personnel, and the general public -at -large.
10.7.4: Where appropriate, use adopt -a -park programs, park watches, and other innovative programs that
increase safety and security awareness and visibility.
21
Plan Element 11: Financial Resources
11.0 OBJECTIVE: Develop guidelines for creating effective and efficient methods of operating, maintaining,
acquiring, and developing facilities and programs that accurately distribute costs and benefits to public and
private interests.
Action Item 11.1 Support Project Financing
Investigate innovative available methods, such as impact fees, land set -a -side or fee -in -lieu -of -donation
ordinances, and inter- local agreements, for the financing of facility development, maintenance, and operating
needs in order to reduce costs, retain financial flexibility, match user benefits and interests, and increase
services.
Action Item 11.2 Encourage Joint Ventures
Consider joint ventures with other public and private agencies including Roslyn, Cle Elum, and Ellensburg
cities, Cie Elum-Roslyn, Ellensburg, Kittitas, and Damman School Districts, Central Washington University,
Washington State Departments of Natural Resources, Fish & Wildlife, Parks & Recreation Commission, US
Forest Service, US Fish & Wildlife Service, Bureau of Land Management, Yakama Nation, Suncadia, The
Nature Conservancy, Kittitas County Chamber of Commerce, and other public, nonprofit, and for-profit
agencies where feasible and desirable.
Action 11.3 Encourage Public and private resource coordination
Integrate Kittitas County resources and funding with available monies and resources from the cities, school
districts, and other regional, state, federal, nonprofit, and for-profit agencies in a manner that will best serve and
provide for Kittitas County resident interests.
11.3.2: Cooperate with the cities, school districts, and other regional, state, federal, nonprofit, and for-profit
agencies to avoid duplication, improve facility quality and availability, reduce costs, and represent Kittitas
County resident interests through joint planning and development efforts.
Action Item 11.4 Develop Proiect Cost/benefit assessment
Define existing and proposed land and facility level -of- service (ELOSIPLOS) standards that differentiate
requirements due to population growth impacts, improved facility standards, and county and local, resident and
tourist nexus of benefits.
11.4.2: Create effective and efficient methods of supporting acquisition, development, operation, and
maintenance of open s pace, trail, park, and recreational facilities in manners that accurately distribute costs
and benefits to public and private user interests.
Action Item 11.5 Support Recreational Programs
Support development and operation of recreational programs that serve the broadest needs of the Kittitas
County population, recovering program and operating costs with a combination of registration fees, user fees,
grants, sponsorships, donations, scholarships, volunteer efforts, and the use of general funding.
11.5.2: Where appropriate, support providing recreational programs, like retreat and conference facilities, water
parks, horse parks, archery and gun ranges, for those interested groups who are willing to finance the cost
through user fees, registration fees, volunteer efforts, or other means and methods.
22
Pian Element 12: Kittitas County Tourism Infrastructure Plan
12.0 OBJECTIVE: Increase tourism opportunities within Kittitas County.
As identified by the BoCC, the Kittitas County Tourism Infrastructure Plan, hereafter The Tourism Pian,
would be best led by other entities within Kittitas County with expertise in tourism and revenue generation
mechanisms. The Tourism Plan lists within its elements several possible entities for implementation of
plans focused on tourism. These possible entities include city, county, tribal, state, and special enterprise
groups.
Kittitas County Chamber of Commerce
Kittitas Valley Event Center
+ Ellensburg Downtown Association
Ellensburg Farmer's Market
Roslyn Farmers Market
Suncadia
Central Washington University
a City of Ellensburg
City of Cle Elum
City of Roslyn
Yakama Nation
Northern Kittitas County Historical Society
F Department of Natural Resources
Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife
Kittitas County Parks and Recreation District #1
23
Appendix A
Public Comments Received
24
Press Release Public Works
2021 Kittitas County Recreation and Tourism Plan
Kit#itas County, WA - 04/06/2021 - The Public Works department is requesting public comment
of the 2021 Recreation and Tourism Plan.
The plan outlines the choices that are available, and the means for implementing preferred
actions found to be of most benefit to all Kittitas County residents as well as the accommodations
of increasing year-round recreation and tourism pressures. This document is a revision to the
previously adopted 2016 Parks, Recreation, and Open Spaces Plan (PROS), as well as the
Kittitas County Tourism Plan, that outline the County's recreational demand and proposed
implementation actions found to attract and benefit tourists as tourism is a major economic
development objective and opportunity for Kittitas County.
The 2021 Kittitas County Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Plan (PROS) is organized in two
parts. Part One addresses recreation elements that are now being targeted for lead action by
the County (Trail Systems, Resource Parks and Special Purpose Facilities) and includes the role the
County is expected to play in strategically implementing all elements of the Recreation and
Tourism Plan. Part One contains priority action items expected to be implemented by Board
employees using County financial and human resources. Part Two of the plan defines actions
proposed to be led by others - the remaining seven elements of the 2016 PROS Plan
(Recreational Programs, Cultural Arts, Resource Conservancies, Historical Resources, Playgrounds
and Fields Recreational Facilities and implementation items contained in the 2016 Tourism Plan).
The 2021 Kittitas County Recreation and Tourism Plan is available on the Board of County
Commissioner's Facebook page: https:f fwww.facab sok.comIRages%categorvfGovernment-
Oraanization f Kittitas-County-Board-of-Commissioners-1872282056322181
Kittitas County, from the Cascades to the Columbia, and online at ttf,:I.jwwa.co.kittitos.wo.us
Contact: Nicole Ogan, , (509)962-7610
25
Grant County PUD via email:
Hi Nicole — Thank you for the opportunity to comment on the 2021 Kittitas County Recreation and
Tourism Plan.
Grant PUD is committed to providing high-quality recreation amenities at the Rocky Coulee
Recreation Area, Vantage Recreation Area, Huntzinger Boat Launch and ADA Fishing Pier, and
The Cove Day -Use Area. In coordination with local agencies, including Kittitas County, Washington
State Parks, and the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife, Grant PUD manages its lands
along the Columbia River in a manner that not only provides recreation opportunities for visitors
to Kittitas County, but also protects and enhances the shoreline's natural resources. Grant PUD
looks forward to continuing this coordination.
Thank you,
Shannon Lowry
License Compliance and Lands Services Manager/Grant PUD
Environmental Affairs
PO Box 878, Ephrata, WA 98823
509.766-1700/ desk
509.289.9244 / cell
509.754.6831 / fax
slowryi)gcpud.org
www.gcpud.org
26
Mountains to Sound Greenway via email:
For the consideration of Public Works staff,
Thank you for undertaking the revision of the Kittitas County 2016 Parks, Recreation, and Open
Spaces Plan. The original plan, its supporting tourism plan, and the attending surveys and studies,
did a remarkable job of categorizing Kittitas County's assets, needs, challenges, and
opportunities. It was comprehensive and aspirational, but more than anyone could have expected
the County staff to take on without a dedicated Parks and Recreation staff. I am excited to see
the County setting priorities and providing staff with the guidance they'll need to begin
addressing recreational infrastructure needs! The priorities selected in the revision make good
sense and play to the County's standing expertise.
As a resident of Thorp and an employee of the Mountains to Sound Greenway trust, I am
personally and professionally engaged in several trail/access planning projects locally. The best
known of these is the Towns to Teanaway (T2T) project, an effort to link the Upper County
communities of Cie Elum, Roslyn, and Ronald over private lands to the Teanaway Community
Forest via a sustainable system of nonmotorized trails. In 2019, the Kitittas County Parks and
Recreation District #1 (KPRD1) officially took on the role of legal and fiscal sponsor for T2T. As a
subordinate group of Kittitas County government, KPRD1 has taken some initial steps down the
path the revised PROS plan looks to pave — holding easements for public recreational amenities,
providing some maintenance services, and offering some guidelines for safe and responsible
recreation.
Considering KPRD1's official standing with the County, and T2T's status as a sponsored KPRD1
project, I would like to encourage the revised PROS plan to specifically call out Towns to
Teanaway under Plan Element 1: Trail Systems. Official recognition in municipal planning
documents is often a requirement for projects like T2T to pursue grants and other funding
opportunities for capital construction. I'm very glad to see the type of project and activities
generally referred to in Action Items 1.4 and 1.7 but being listed by name would do much for our
future ability to implement T2T for the further success of organized recreation in Kittitas County.
Thank you for your consideration!
Sincerely,
Nicky Pas! (she/her)
Upper Yakima Basin Community Coordinator
Mountains to Sound Greenway Trust
(509) 656-4073
27
Kittitas County Chamber of Commerce via email:
Hey Nicole,
Thank you so much for looping us in on this! The plan is looking great, and we are excited that it
aligns with the work we are doing. Just a few thoughts- take what you see fit and leave the rest.
Will this be a public document once finalized? What does the timeline look like? How often will it
be updated?
Under public involvement, "Public Workshops and Forums" is listed- let us know how we can hells
with this, we also have a Small Business Development Center in upper county that can be used to
help facilitate anything the Bocc sees fit.
Under Plan Element 1: Trail Systems, l noticed that a lot of the goals along with the gaps we are
filling with our project. In the following paragraph, the plan mentions working with private
and public agencies. I work closely with the Kittitas County recreation forum as well as the State's
Recreate Responsibly coalition- this is an impactful group of skilled land owners, user groups,
organizations etc that we may want to include!
On Plan Element 4: Our Strategic Role in Recreation and Tourism, who will be updating the future
population growth estimates, inventory existing and proposed facility developments? Where
should this data be kept?
Should we be listed under Action Item 11.2?
Thank you so much,
Madison Ford
Director of Tourism and Events
28
Cie Elum Downtown Association via email:
Hi Nicole,
To set the framework for my questions — this is my first time involved in this plan, so I may have
questions / thoughts that were addressed in 2016. Basically, it's a very comprehensive plan. i
don't have any results based information to compare with this plan that would allow me to
suggest any changes. However, I did have a couple of questions.
Pg 3 Inventory assets — including existing public and private open spaces, park and
recreation facilities, and recreational services that have been developed to -date by
Roslyn, Cle Elum, Ellensburg, Kittitas County, Washington State, and private non-profit and
for- profit organizations (If this is a comprehensive plan for Kittitas County, why is this not
going to Hyak or to Vantage? For future planning, extending those boundaries and
indicating that additional areas will be survey to begin the assessment process for
additional resources that would strength and support a County -wide Parks, Recreation
and Open Spaces plan.
Where and how was the Recreation and Tourist Demand survey's conducted? How was the
local data reported? I'm asking because it would be interesting to compare survey results
(if you are administering them again) by the same sectors. It might also be interesting to
compare response change / rate / interest — to see where change and interest have
happened. Hopefully, responses are being gathered from some of the outlying areas —
that would support any change or growth interest in expanding this plan to support
additional parks, outdoor spaces, etc. beyond Roslyn west or Cle Elum east.
• This plan is very comprehensive — what has been achieved since 2016 and will those
achievements be used to help prioritize outcomes and goals?
What would be the process to add the Cie Elum Downtown Association to section 12.0?
Thank you for including me,
Debbie
Debbie Bogart
Executive Director
123 E First Street
509-433-7330
CLE ELY
c�:.�a
ASSOCIATION
FM
The Nature Conservancy via email:
Good Morning Nicole,
Thank you for the opportunity to provide comments on the 2021 Recreation and Tourism Plan. We
appreciate the County's efforts to advance this important work.
The Nature Conservancy is referenced six times in the plan and most of those references are
accurate and supported from our perspective. However, there is one reference that we request is
adjusted.
The reference currently reads:
"Action Item 6.4 Conserve Open spaces
Define and conserve a system of open space corridors or separators to provide definition
between natural areas and urban land uses in and adjacent to Roslyn and Cie Elum —
especially the open spaces created by the Teanaway Community Forest and the recent
acquisitions by The Nature Conservancy."
While The Nature Conservancy is a partner in the land ownership, it is actually owned by the
Central Cascades Forest, I.I.C. To clarify, we propose the following edit:
"Action Item 6.4 Conserve Open spaces
Define and conserve a system of open space corridors or separators to provide definition
between natural areas and urban land uses in and adjacent to Roslyn and Cie Elum —
especially the open spaces created by the Teanaway Community Forest and the recent
acquisitions by the Central Cascades Forest. LLC and managed by The Nature
Conservancy."
Thanks — we look forward to hearing if this is acceptable to the County.
Darcy Batura (she/her) The Nature Conservancy
Forest Parfnerships Manager 110 E First Street
Cie Eium, WA 98922
(509) 304-5200 www.washinatonnature.ora/centralcasca des
30
Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission via email-,
Peler M. Mayer
Director
S'rAf'r rYr v ASHNGFON
WASHINGTON STATE PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION
1111 ieraei Road S.W. • P:O_ Bax 42550. OiympFa, VVA 95804.2650. (360) 902-BSW
TDD Teleox0m nitcetione Devlee for the Due- 3ay.^,334U$
MrrMOda .vvri.ua
June 9, 20x1
Nicole Nan
KR.t:tas County Pubtic Works
Ellensburg, WA
Re: Gnmrnerits for County Hncreation and Tourism Pian
Thank you forte opportunity to rorn menton the 2021 Kittitas County Recreation and Tourism Plan.
State Parks 15 CA'rrrrtitted to prov'ding high-gaaity recreation opportunities at one of the most unique
areas within the state and courriinating a Iosrg-terrn vWon far recreatwm in collaucrattun with Mitt€tas
County, Washington Dr.partment of rlsh and WPidife, Grant PUT), and nthnr prapFrty owners in thr
area.
AS yeti aro aware, Weshingtan State Paft i5 cumantly engaged Ina long-range pfanning effort at Gtrrkyw
Petrified f crest State t'ark, which ' ncludes the Waneaum itecreatim Area. Ubu Classification and
i41an: ecrrwnt Planning d'art (C IM130' (r; a filer -stage pracnss tha! usln?'nztr_5 to adnpr art of land
classifir,A!'ook and long -teat bWunda6es hythe Washingtoh State Parks ar+:i Reerestion Com rnisslon. We
appreciate the caurty's feedback pravkted during Stage 2 of the CAMP prncess and armurage
contlimued Input in the next planning stagnF. Wlth oxpocted increases to papulagan and growh&
recres! io'1 dernard, ff�e Ginkj r, p anrirg efrurt rend tie county's Recw'ratlan and Tar;rlsm (Fart offer a
tlnrr(y and unlgrre apportun(ty :o ran0drr a ItQI tstir. vision frrrthe Vantge arca ;hat rnmprctnrnts
extstInc and future plans indWtnL the county's comprehensive plan, shorellne master f rovarn, Gmnl
Pt;p's recreation plans and other grans. State }narks wove r like to be an active partner with KIttN.as
County rend nthrr land ,rangers, praprrtyy nwripm, other stakeholders to plan and Implement a
collective vision for the area.
Areas of potential collaboration and shared interests Include.
• Trails- Including our and off -matt trofis and cordEnated trail standards where approp0ate
Re-sar,ree Path- ramping, rlay Pv. and wMerams s
Special faurpow '7edlitles (e.g, Stmte horse Park)
Resource conservan6es
Histoftallcuttural resources
flnanchki resources
Sn addrtlon, the foRGwing crsrnments end questions are provided for your consideration.
rastarn Region Hopaq artera .r 270 9e' St. W9 Sulfa 200 • East Wenatthee. M 0OW2 * (609) 065-4319
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• It would be helpful to Include maps that identify areas of opportunity, including priority trail
alignments and proposed locations for new facilities. The Ginkgo CAMP plan is a timely
opportunity to capture priorities and potentially outline actions and timelines for Funding and
implementation. Among other recreatdonai features, the Alternative ApFwoaches proposed for
public comment in Stage it of the CAMP planning effort Include new trails to potentially connect
the Palouse to Cascades Trail with Wanapum Recreation Area, tithe new Vantage Bay
Development and potentially to the town of Vantage and conntnereial opportunities on the
north side of I-90. New trails, are also proposed in the area around the Ginkgo Petrified Forest
interpretive Center, "There is also an opportunhy to Identify Vantage liJighway as a on-street
Ihicycle route —which will vornect Vantage, Ellensburgand Beverly through existing and
scheduled improvements, winch will culminate with the Beverly 3ridge opening lotorthis ypar.
Beyond Ginkgo, it would be helpful to understand priorities in other parrs of the county.
• According to the d aft document, the Courly anticipates be'mg the lead for Part One of the Plan.
W1 phin irrp;errmentatlen be led by the Vt.tllr taeeft Depamiert, and are ftrc mrinurccs to
.c � purY Irr: cierr, en?ation?
• it Fa4t Toro, it wauld he #.Opful to understand the role the i moi y expucts to play in support of
these efiolts, as wall es the level of priority and impaAan: a of differf-t play; elements.
■ Plan Elenrant6— ResourceConservancies: Consider addh% the Ice Age Flood InaltutelPrisgram
La the Obgective section,
• Plan Element B — Act$on item 5.1 and &2: Consider galling out Ginkgo Petrlfled Forest State Park
and €ts uWo.7ve stet of rescu.rces riot found In other areas uF tw a state irtlta fng pe:rVied ;resod, ler
Age hoed rernriams, cu.tura; and historical resourml s as v&41 xs !Fzveral rare specter. of p!,,ants
and animals.
Fire Firment 7— FlistaKral R smarm. rorA. Wer atddliig the i.^.aa apwri DWI l:c Vfe Tr lues to the
ist of other eutPtiesp rptet the 06"W Na ixsl kardmark (XNL„r designation hod a:y Gankgn
Petrified Forest State Park
• Pl4�en Element 13 — infrastrun!);rn flan: Add W4shlrlgtDpr Mst-,-� l',nrks and Camnrissior
IQ the gist of enlitfes.
As sane move Intra Stec 3 rat the CAMP prormm, we kook forware to hear"ng rnure from County staff and
dpvelopIng a final plant that iefiects areas of shared nturests and fullure collaboratitrr.. Milch is
develalsrnent of a Pr64min;ary Rccommercdsat€sm..itage 3 wrli t3tetf, =ur Fater this summer cr v..arly fall,
Cance drgaftod, we Will 50cit feedback for the Prrellminary R"arn inerulaVon. We owed this to owur
1aWr tlria suinrner cr early fall, With the Input collected, State Daft. ,011 men's' fu ward to develop a 1 -. W
Recontingrie4tiorf for%omirisslon review and approval. This Ps Vkely not', v uccu► until sometime next
yew
i'ltank you for the oppoatknfty to 4orr°Irnvr t an lhik plan and the louk iar*ara to ii tum wilabvrakion. If
you have questions acid additional commenu,, please direct them to
Sincerely,
scoff Griffith, Region Manager
r"S�C,rfe int^.yl:s%��.'.-`:��f€lis..i��:: ,'.rF� � � .1. 1�,� �'II.L'�' ^'4�M1 l�•rv� 1�,.'%°'titrl'!°:�, w'ii'�t �}��:� ' 4 ��[n�' �a'>'t�'l{�
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