Leavenworth planning commission advances parks and recreation plan

LEAVENWORTH — The Leavenworth Planning Commission moved to recommend adoption of the Parks, Recreation and Open Space (PROS) Plan to City Council following a public hearing on June 3.

The PROS Plan will serve as the city’s guide for the acquisition, development and maintenance of a comprehensive system of parks, trails, recreational facilities, and open space. It will also be used to gain eligibility for outdoor recreation, conservation, and grants through the Washington Recreation and Conservation Office (RCO). Once the plan is certified by the RCO, the city is eligible for RCO grant funding for six calendar years.

The plan outlines a number of goals based on the gaps in parks and recreational facilities that support identified demands, needs, and public interests. The goals center around expanding community programming and improving public access, such as creating parks at a walkable distance from neighborhoods, providing options for year-round activity, improving parking, and establishing a system of trails, pedestrian facilities, and bike lanes between these recreational areas. It also has a preservation and enhancement element for existing nature and park facilities, sensitive areas, and open spaces.

During the public hearing, discussion focused on the condition and future use of the Osborn courts for tennis and pickleball. It opened with comments from resident Andy Day, a self-described active member of the local tennis and pickleball communities. 

“What's going on in many communities across the country is fervent advocacy for dedicated pickleball courts. I'm not here to do that,” said Day. “We're a small community, we have limited resources.”

Instead, Day requested more investment in the existing Osborn courts, which are owned by Cascade School District (CSD). Used for both pickleball and tennis, the courts currently serve the student population and the community at large. Day suggested an interlocal agreement in which the city could provide support through ongoing maintenance and improvements. 

“For a community of 2,500 people, to have six courts is wonderful,” said Day. “Those are such a vital piece of infrastructure in our community.”

Day warned that the facilities were vulnerable to deterioration if pavement cracks and weather-worn netting were not addressed. He also suggested ways to increase capacity, citing the growing popularity of both sports. By adding additional pickleball court striping and using portable nets, more games could be played simultaneously on the existing courts.

Day’s comments were supported by two other community members during the hearing. In response, the Planning Commission amended Goal 6.3 of the draft plan, which encourages partnership with the Cascade School District “to support public access to school grounds and recreational facilities.” The amendment broadened the goal to support maintenance and improvements and specifically included courts among the examples of school facilities covered by the partnership.

The Leavenworth City Council will review the plan next month, with final adoption pending council approval.

Taylor Caldwell: 509-433-7276 or taylor@ward.media