Open Space

PUBLIC OPEN SPACE

Goal: Make the public open space system a unifying feature of the neighborhood that strengthens it's unique identify.

(Click image to view PDF of map)

Objectives:

  • Strengthen the neighborhood's connection to the natural environment by improving pedestrian access to existing open spaces.
  • Create a variety of open space types (trails, woods, athletic fields, plazas, etc.) to accommodate changing demographics.
  • Establish a healthy urban ecology by protecting and restoring native vegetation and animal habitats.
  • Intensify the use of natural storm water management and sustainable landscape practices to enhance water quality.
  • Strengthen neighborhood identify through development of entrance features at key locations (signs, historic markers, etc).
  • Emphasize the Civic Center Drive entrance to the city as a Community Gateway through landscaping and beautification.

Recommendations:

  • Kutzky Park Neighborhood Association continues the official "adoption" of Kutzky Park and Cascade Creek through semi-annual park clean-up events.
  • Eliminate non-user parking in tennis center parking lot year-round.
    • Change current parking restrictions from 'three-hour parking, May 1 through September 30, Monday through Friday' to 'three-hour parking, Monday through Friday.''
  • Explore the feasibility of the following park programming improvements in Kutzky Park:
    • Adding a Dog Park
    • Adding a leisure ice skating rink
    • Relocating the basketball court to a more site appropriate location within Kutzky Park
    • Improving the public availability of programming and facilities at the Tennis Center to capitalize on this asset within the neighborhood
  • Close off the 13th Avenue NW vehicular entrance to Kutzky Park, converting to pedestrian-only entrance, and adding vehicular access to the Kutzky Park parking lot from 16th Avenue NW.
  • Upgrade playground equipment at United Way site through city Parks Department.
  • Create pedestrian access from 2nd Street SW to St. Mary's Park.
  • Create or improve safe path connections where needed, prioritizing Cascade Creek path connection at 11th Avenue NW and future connection to Cascade Lake at 16th Avenue NW.
  • Make the existing mid-block connection near the 13th Avenue foot-bridge more accessible.
  • Work with public and private interests in securing property for new mid-block connections;
    • West Center Street to 1st Street SW between 11th and 7th Avenue
    • West Center Street United Way playground site to 1st Street NW