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1. What is a PROS Plan and why is the City developing one now?

Everett is updating its 2016 Parks, Recreation and Open Space (PROS) Plan to guide its park system to meet community needs. The PROS Plan is a locally-prepared plan that will contain Everett’s vision, goals, service objectives, and a program for both park capital investment and park system operation. Every six years, the PROS Plan is updated to meet Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office (RCO) guidelines so Everett can be eligible for grant funding.

The PROS Plan will also create a capital plan with revenues and costs that can fold into the City’s Comprehensive Plan and budget, as well as support a parks impact fee so that as the City grows, the park system can be improved and sustained.

2. What is the project timeline?

The project will be developed over 2021 with adoption by March 1, 2022 to meet RCO requirements.

• Vision stage: spring 2021
• System concepts: summer 2021
• Draft plan: fall 2021
• Adoption: by March 1, 2022

At each stage we will seek public engagement through surveys, interviews, meetings, outdoor pop-up activities and walk shops, online open houses and more.

3. Where is my park?

Everett manages about 780 acres of property. This includes: more than 50 parks and green spaces throughout the city, golf courses, playgrounds, boat launches, sports courts and ball fields, contracted sports leagues, facility rentals, a community garden, ranger services and volunteer opportunities. Explore Everett parks and create your own adventure!

Everett’s focus is on providing and maintaining parks and recreation facilities for community enjoyment. Everett now contracts with recreation entities to bring programming to the community. For more information on the change in recreation resources see this page.

Other park and recreation providers in Everett include Snohomish County and the Port of Everett. School Districts also have assets that may be available after school hours. The PROS Plan Update will address the full range of park assets available in Everett from City and non-city providers. Understanding Everett’s niche and gaps in parks and recreation resources can help the City effectively focus its limited resources.

4. What plans does this build on?

The City’s 2016 PROS Plan will be updated to reflect new community needs. The PROS Plan Update will also build on City directives and plans including, but not limited to:

• Mayoral Directive for affordable housing for All
• Mayoral Directive for building unity, addressing racism and promoting equity of all
• The PROS Plan will also consider Everett’s Climate Action Plan, Metro Everett and Everett Station Area Plan, Comprehensive Plan and others

5. What's next for our Everett parks?

The PROS Plan is intended to help the City develop a vision and guiding principles, and achieve:

• Equity and balance – how best can Everett provide parks and trails within 10 minutes of all residents in each of the five council districts?
• Curiosity, wildness, and adventure –  how can Everett’s park system offer opportunities for education, connecting with nature, and facilities for human powered recreation?  
• Environmental and economic resilience – how can Everett’s park system be managed, maintained, and grow in a fiscally sound way? How can the City adaptively manage a healthy tree canopy to promote clean air and water, and conserve habitat?

6. How can you get involved?

Sign up to be on our contact list for future opportunities to share your ideas at meetings, online surveys and community events. Request to be added to the list.

Share the news about the PROS update with your neighbors. Your ideas can shape the vision for Everett parks, community wellbeing, and equitable investments. 

Check to the project webpage to see future opportunities to share your ideas to make this a great plan: everettwa.gov/PROSplan 

For more information, contact Cory Rettenmier, Recreation and Golf Manager, Everett Parks and Facilities via email CRettenmier@everettwa.gov or telephone 425-257-7314.