HomeMy WebLinkAbout40-91 - Res. Approving an Updated Parks Recreation & Open Space Comprehensive Plan RESOLUTION NO. 40-91
IN THE MATTER OF:
Approving4.€"s updated Parks , Recreation and Open Space
Comprehensive Plan for Mason County ,
A resolution rescinding the 3979
Parks, Recreation and !ipeCr
Space Plan a.€s d adopting t i @ w _,•i e, Mason County Parks ,
P a � i Recreation �� a Open a� anp „ _mpr� tei , # ' _ Plan , settings t`
goals, policies , and recommendations 4 o . the provisions
parks and recreation areas
for Mason
Co„`Pui#`say residents : and
WHEREAS, the purpose of this plan is to guide Mason County in
it its R,.7mm•t t m e n t to provide a diverse , multi -faceted T, t is rn
of parks and recreation areas; „r
WHEREAS , the Parks , Recreation , and Open Space Plan no longer
adequately addresses `^h.e needs f o r parks M,n `i. recreation
areas ; and-
WHEREAS, the Mason County Board of Commissioners recognizes
5aPR.at parks and recreation areas are necessary for the well -
being
WHEREAS, the Mason County Parks a j k d Recreation E>«.,mdm w d F e h en,« m.
Plan provides the necessary guidelines for the provisions ;s-'
parks and recreation areas ; and
WHEREAS , the as i t 'i zeP4 of Idy,mon € v`;u nt•.r participated in the
de4,ae l opeIndest t of the plan through a P.�a.i°�, and Recreational
Survey and ,.b
ic hearings to analyze citizen needs
demands , and
WHEREAS , technical data , inventories, a n d analysis were done
to determine the condition oi existing parks and recreation
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WHEREAS , t h.e Mason County P l .aa.i d n r' n g Commission reviewed t i"d e
plan a n s.QT h Via,s recommended approval of t h e pl ,a•n y
NOW , THEREFORE , BE a . HEREBY RESOLVED that the Board of Mason
Count `, Commissioners hereby update the dasFa€Pi County Parks ,
:ecrau.a€anion and Open Space Plan as follows :o€:=s: (Attachment A)
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The Plan is updated and shall be in full force , and effective
this date .
DATED this 19tb day of March , 1991
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
MASON COLIKIFY WASHINGTON
Commissioner
AT T I L- 1
ISIT
Clerk of the BJrd
APPROVED AS TO FORM :
Prosecut � � Attorney
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PARKS; REC�REi�►T10N & OP'EN SPACE
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PARKS, RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE
COMPREHENSIVE PLAN FOR MASON COUNTY, WASHINGTON
Prepared by the Mason County Planning Staff
for
Mason County Board of County Commissioners
February 1991
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
MASON COUNTY
BOARD OF COUNTY COMMISSIONERS
William 0. Hunter Chairman
Michael D. Gibson
Laura E. Porter
MASON COUNTY
PLANNING COMMISSION
Philip Arkin Chairman
Rick Coleman
Jay Allen
Jim Connolly
Arnold Stoehr
Frank Porter
Mildred Warnaca
Robert Sund
Frank Bishop
MASON COUNTY
PARK ADVISORY BOARDS
All Members
MASON COUNTY
DEPARTMENT OF GENERAL SERVICES
Mike Byrne Director
George Harmon Parks
PLANNING STAFF
Erik Fairchild Planning Director
Grace Miller Shoreline Planner
Randy Neff Subdivision Planner
Wendy Van-Eaton Lev Growth Management Planner
Don Brush Shoreline Planner
Toni Armstrong Planning Technician
Written and Coordinated by
Sean Orr Enforcement/Long Range Planner
RESOLUTION NO.
IN THE MATTER OFs
Approving an updated Parks, Recreation and Open Space
Comprehensive Plan for Mason County®
A resolution rescinding the 1979 Parks, Recreation and Open
Space Plan and adopting the new Mason County Parks,
Recreation and Open Space Comprehensive Plan , setting forth
goals, policies, and recommendations for the provisions of
parks and recreation areas for Mason County residents: and
WHEREAS, the purpose of this plan is to guide Mason County in
it its committment to provide a diverse , multi -faceted system
of parks and recreation areas; and
WHEREAS, the Parks, Recreation , and Open Space Plan no longer
adequately addresses the needs for parks and recreation
areas; and
WHEREAS, the Mason County Board of Commissioners recognizes
that parks and recreation areas are necessary for the well -
being of the community; and
WHEREAS, the Mason County Parks and Recreation Comprehensive
Plan provides the necessary guidelines for the provisions of
parks and recreation areas; and
WHEREAS, the citizens of Mason County participated in the
developement of the plan through a Parks and Recreational
Survey and public hearings to analyze citizen needs and
demands, and
WHEREAS, technical data, inventories, and analysis were done
to determine the condition of existing parks and recreation
areas; and
WHEREAS, the Mason County Planning Commission reviewed the
plan and has recommended approval of the plan ;
NOW, THEREFORE , BE IT HEREBY RESOLVED that the Board of Mason
County Commissioners hereby update the Mason County Parks,
Recreation and Open Space Plan as follows :
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Section Page
1 .0 INTRODUCTION . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . i
2.0 GOALS AND OBJECTIVES . . 2
2. 1 Goals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
2.2 Policies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
2.3 Waterways and Beaches 3
2.4 Trails . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
2.5 Open Space . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
2.6 Wetlands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
2.7 Active Recreation Programs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
3.0 DESCRIPTION OF MASON COUNTY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
3. 1 Physical Setting . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
3.2 Topography . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
3.3 Climate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
3.4 Vegetation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
3.5 Fish/Wildlife . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
3.6 History. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
3.7 Population Distribution & Figures . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
3.8 Economics . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
3.9 Conclusions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
4.0 INVENTORY AND EVALUALTION OF EXISTING PARKS &
RECREATION AREAS IN MASON COUNTY . . . . . . 11
4. 1 County Owned Recreation Areas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
4. 2 Mason County Programs & Park Usage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 23
4.3 Recreational Inventory of Mason County . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
4.4 Recreation Policies of other Agencies 33
5.0 OPEN SPACE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
5. 1 Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37
5.2 Definition of Open Space . . . 37
5.3 Goals for Preserving Open Space 38
5.4 Conclusions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 38
6.0 ANALYSIS OF NEEDS AND DEMANDS 39
6. 1 Methadology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 39
6.2 Analysis of Public Input . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 40
6.3 Population & Recreational Land Acreage Comparison . 42
6.4 Critical need to update county parks . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 43
6.5 Conclusion . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 45
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Section Page
7.0 IDENTIFICATION OF ACTION PROGRAM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
7. 1 Enhancement of Existing Parks & Recreation Areas . . . 47
7.2 Future Parks & Recreation Areas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 47
7.3 Aquisition of Additional Land for Recreation . . . . . . . 48
7.4 Additional Planning Efforts . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 48
8.0 CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 49
8. 1 Improvements List . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
1 . - Walker Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
2. - Sandhill Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
3. - Union Community Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 50
4. - Latimer' s Landing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
5. - Mason Lake Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
6. - Shorecrest Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
7. - Foothills Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 51
8. - Mason County Recreation Area . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
9. - Truman Glick Memorial Park . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
10 . - Union Boat Ramp . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 52
8. 2 Future Projects and Acquisitions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
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SECTION 1 ®0
INTRODUCTION
The importance of leisure time has increased considerably
over the past years resulting in a much greater need for
.parks and recreational opportunities in Mason County. The
specific purpose of this document is to guide Mason County in
its committment to provide a diverse , multi -faceted array of
parks and recreation opportunities to its citizens and
visitors. This committment will assist in fusing the rural
character and urban needs of a dynamic and ever changing
community.
A secondary purpose of this plan is to provide the county
with a tool upon which to evaluate , the needs and demands of
county citizens and blend them in with the rapid growth that
Mason County is presently experiencing and how that growth
could impact recreational opportunities ®
Finally, this plan is written in such a manner that it will
comply with all requirements set forth by the Interagency
Committee For Outdoor Recreation . The Interagency Committee
For Outdoor Recreation is an important source of funding for
parks and recreation projects® Obtaining additional funding
was one of the many important reasons for developing the
plan .
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SECTION 2.0
GOALS AND POLICIES
2. 1 Goals
1 . To adopt , support and communicate the philosophy that
recreation means any activity which contributes to the
enjoyment , entertainment , education , and refreshment of
the citizens and visitors of Mason County.
2. To properly maintain and create parks and recreational
areas that are aesthetically pleasing and that promote
public health , saftey, and the general welfare of the
individual user .
3. To promote family oriented park usage that will
discourage illegal activities which lead to the
degradation of recreational areas.
4 . To locate , design , and construct parks and recreational
areas in such a way that they are compatible and
beneficial to the natural environment .
5. To promote parks and recreational areas that provide for
a diversity of age and interest groups .
6. To promote the development of new multi -use parks and
recreational areas that will provide for the rapidly
growing population of the county.
7. To acquire shoreline and other land with recreational
value in areas where there is limited recreational
opportunities.
8. To develop and maintain a quality system of trails which
will provide for uses such as bicycling, walking and
jogging, ORV, and horseback riding.
9. To utilize and properly manage the many natural and
scenic open space areas of Mason County for recreational
activities.
10 . To develop a more comprehensive Open Space Plan that will
identify, preserve , enhance , and restore those areas
which are becomming directly affected by urbanization
which in return will maintain those areas of historical ,
cultural , and ecological significance thus preserving the
rural character of Mason County.
11 . To be responsive and adequately address the needs and
demands of individuals and groups, and to actively seek
public input in order to keep abreast of trends and
changes of this rapidly growing county.
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2 .-2 PolUici-ejs
1 . Parks and recreational facilities should be located , �
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designed and constructed to be compatible with the �
surrounding natural environment . �
2. The location , size and type of park and recreational �
facilities should be based on the needs and demands of �
the citizens in the the general vicinity where the �
facility would be located. �
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3. Parks and recreational facilities should provide a '
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variety of recreational opportunities for a diversity of `
age groups and interest groups. �
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4. Recreation facilities should provide adequate provisions '
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to keep park activities from adversly affecting adjacent �
properties. �
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5. Private enterprise should be encouraged to develop .
recreational facilities. �
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6. Parks and recreational facilities should be of a multi -
use type . �
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7. Park and recreational facilities should prohibit the use �
of off road vehicles (ORV) unless the facility is �
specifically designed for those activities. �
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8. The Parks, Recreation and Open Space Comprehensive Plan �
should be updated every 5 years. �
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2.3 and �
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Mason County has many miles of waterways and shorelines that `
are of recreational value . Therefore it should be a major �
priority to increase public access to those areas. `
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9. An effort should be made to acquire shoreline property (
in areas where public access is limited.. �
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10 . The Department of Natural Resources and Fisheries should �
be encouraged to provide public access.
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2. 4 Trails
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Trail systems for various uses such as bicycles , walking and �
jogging, ORV, and horseback riding are of special interest in �
Mason County.
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It . Trails should be constructed to provide for the �
growing population of the County. `
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12. Trails should traverse areas of natural beauty and
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special interest but in no way destroy or degrade the
naturalness of the surrounding environment .
13. Special areas should be acquired to provide trails for
Off Recreational Vehicals.
14 . Development of a Comprehensive Trail Plan should be
considered.
2.5 Oaen Space
Open Space land is valuable because it provides open areas
for recreational opportunities and is aesthetically pleasing
and preserves rural character .
15. Open space has a high aesthetic value therefore it
should be acquired to provide natural recreation areas
and provide for wildlife habitat .
16. Plats, mobile home parks and R,.V. Parks should provide
greenbelts and common open space .
17. Conserving natural open space for recreational
opportunities must be considered in parks projects.
2.6 Wetlands
Wetlands provide for water purification , flood protection ,
groundwater recharge , and habitat for fish and wildlife
species . All of these functions provide value to a.
recreational system and therefore wetlands should be part of
the parks and recreation plan .
18. Special consideration should be given to Mason County'
extensive wetland resources in regards to educating the
public on the importance of preserving these areas.
Recreation in the form of viewing wi 1 dl i fe and vwaterfowl
and other wetland organisms should be provided.
2.7 Active Recreation Areas
Mason County has a growing population with a diversity vlho
need to have different active recreation opportunities.
Therefore it should be a major prioity to develop active
recreation programs and facilities to support them.
19. Special consideration should be given to the need for
the development of recreation programs for indoor
activities such as basketball , raquet ball , swimming, and
vol IYbalI for all ages.
20 . New facilities should be considered for construction as
the need arises and funding becomes available .
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SECTION 3.0
DESCRIPTION OF MASON COUNTY
3. 1 Physical Setting
Mason County is located in the southeastern portion of the
Olympic Peninsula . The County is bounded to the east by the
waters of southern Hood Canal and Puget Sound and then
adjoins with Pierce County to the east and Kits.ap County to
the northeast . The county also adjoins Jefferson County to
the north , Grays Harbor County to the west and Thurston
County to the south .
The total area of Mason County is approximately 19027 square
miles, including 937 square miles of land, 90 square miler of
water with 190 miles of shorelines. The water areas include
portions of lower Hood Canal , Puget Sound and numerous lakes,
rivers, streams,, and wetlands. Hood Canal , the major western
arm of Puget Sound, penetrates nearly to the center of the
County from the north and hooks to the northeast , forming the
Kitsap Peninsula. The eastern arm of Puget Sound reaches
into the County from east to west forming many bays , inlets.
and islands . This unique physical setting results in
diversity of topography, climate , vegetation , fish and
wildlife , and economics and population .
3.2 12RgAraphy
Mason County lies on the western side of the Puget Sound
Trough which is a. structural break between the Cascade and
Olympic Mountain ranges. The northern portion of the county
is relatively steep due to its location along the base of the
Olympic Mountains. From sea level along Hood Canal the
Olympics quickly rise to elevations of over 6,000 feet within
six miles of the shoreline thus creating a. very steep and
scenic area. The high rising Olympics form many tributaries
in the northern portion of County.
The Skokomish and Hamma Hamma Rivers are the principle
drainages of the northern Mason County. The Sk.okomi sh River
is the largest river system on the western side of Puget
Sound, draining an area of 244 square miles and emptying into
the southern end of Hood Canal .
The southern and eastern portions of the County are of low
relief consisting of broad plains and low lying hills such as.
the Black Hills. This area contains many small lakes and
natural wetland areas that are important for fish and
wildlife .
The many miles of saltwater shorelines are characterized by
steep slopes descending to a narrow strip of beach . As a.
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result of the unique shoreline character , waterfront
development is rapidly increasing throughout the county.
These shorelines provide magn | + icant views of the water
bodies on which they are located, creating an aesthetically �
pleasing area in which to reside .
There are over 230 lakes in Mason County. Lake Cushman a
man made reservoir 4,010 acres in size , is the largest and is
located to the northwest in the Olympic mountains . Mason
Lake is the largest natural lake at 997 acres. Most lakes
range in size from 100 to 300 acres and are primarily located
in the southern portion of the County.
3.3 Climate
Mason County's climate is heavily influenced by maritime air �
masses from the Pacific Ocean . A low level gap between the
Olympic Mountains and the Willipa Hills allows these air
masses to pass into the southern extent of the county without
considerable interruption . The Olympics partially shield the `
northern County from the the more intense winter storms that
strike coastal areas. Thepeforep Mason County enjoys a mild
west coast maritime climate with relatively mild to cool wet '
winters and warm dry summers.
The average annual precipitation decreases from the northwest
portion to the southeast portion of the county. Precipitation `
ranges from 200 inches in the high mountains of the county's
northwest corner to 100 inches in the Olympic foothills to 50
inches along the county's eastern border . Rainfall in the
area is relatively gentle with many overcast and foggy days .
Snowfall is mainly l im| ted to the higher elevations with
intermittent flurries in the lower elevations at times when
Polar air masses move in from the north .
Temperatures are relatively mild in the winter with short
periods of cold temperatures. Summers are pleasant with
temperatures seldom reaching above 85 degrees.
Prior to logging activities in the county, this area was
largely an ancient coniferous type forest biome . The cutting
of the forest has contributed to the area becoming a mixture
of both coniferous and deciduous type trees resulting in the
formation of a new extremely diverse forest ecosystem. This
process is a direct result of man's activities.
The higher areas in the county, such as along the peaks
of the Olympics are characterized by small shrubs, l i chens, �!
grasses, and an occasional coniferous tree . �
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The areas just beTbw the high elevations are characterized by
coniferous forests of douglas fir , pacific silver fir ,
mountain hemlock , western red cedar , and a few species of
spruce . There are a substantial amount of deciduous type �.
species also in this area such as alder and maple . �
3.5 Fish/Wildlife
Prior to the appearance of the early settlers all indigenous
fish , shellfish , and wildlife were abundant in their natural
undisturbed state . A growing population inadvertantly led to �
increased pressure on the natural fish and wildlife resources `
of the area. However Mason County, due to its unique
vegetation communities and its extensive water bodies, still
supports a diverse population of both fish and wildlife .
Mason County has a diversity of fish species which use the
numerous water resources of the area. There are presently �
seven species of anadromous fish using County waters. They �
are Chinook , Coho, Chum, and Pink salmon , Gteelhead and
Cutthroat trout , . and Dolly Varden . , Resident fresh water
fishes include Raindow, Cutthroat , and Brook trout , Dolly
Varden ; Kokanee , Largemouth and Smallmouth bass, Mountain
Whitefish , and Yellow Perch . The principle marine fish are :
the Starry Flounder , numerous species of rockfish , Pacific
Herring, Candlefish , and Dogfish .
The many miles of beaches and estuarine areas contain a wide
variety of shellfish resources such as the pacific and native
Oysters, Dungeness and Red Rock Crab; Little Neck , Horse ,
Butter , Steamer , Geoduckn and Cockle Clams, and various
species of shrimp .
Wildlife is another important part of Mason County's natural
resources. There are many different species of mammals,
resident and migratory birds on the Olympic Penninsula . A
large majority of these species are found in Mason County.
Important mammals include such big game as the Roosevelt Elk ,
Black-Tailed Deer , Bobcat , Black Bear , Mountain Goat and �
Mountain Lion . Smaller mammals include such furbearers as
the Beaver ' Mink , Muskrat , River Otter , Weasel , Skunk ,
Coyote , and Racoon . Principle bird species include the Blue `
Grouse , Ruffed Grouse , Mountain Quail , and the Bald Eagle .
The major waterfowl species that use the many water bodies �
and wetlands include Mallard, Pintail , Widgeon , Canvasback ,
Ruddy Duck , Merganser , Coot , Wood Duck , Bufflehead ,
Goldeneye , and Green-Winged Teal Duck , Black Brant , Canada
and Lesser Canada Goose . �
The quality and quantity of the fish and wildlife resources .�
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in Mason County are an important aspect of the county's .
character in the recreationalists view. �
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Mason County has always had the benefits of its lush forests ;
and fruitful wetlands, rivers, lakes and marine habitats . �
Large populations of deer , elk , bear , salmon , trout , oysters, �
clams, eagles, and various other species have thrived in
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these habitats. This productive environment first enabled !
settlement by a number of native tribes. Tribes that spoke �
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the Twana language settled the shorelines and drainage areas
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of Hood Canal and the Skokomish River , while the shores of ,
Puget Sound were settled by such tribes the Squaxins and �
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Sawamish . �
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The first settlers came to this hospitable environment in the �
mid-1800~s. They brought the frontier spirit in search of
economic and life opportunities. The backbone of the local
industry was then , as it is now, logging. The first
settlements arose in the most strategic locations for
the shipment of logs to populated cities with larger mills.
These new settlements had such famil ( er names as Union ,
Hoodsport , New Kami } che ° and Oakland. Improved mechanization
and transportation for logging operations enabled more
extensive logging operations and greater milling in the
towns. In the 1920' s three new mills were constructed on the �
Shelton waterfront . These new mills combined with the �
improved mechanization and better transportation of logs to
town , made Shelton the central node of Mason County. The
beautiful scenery and the diversity of outdoor opportunuties
gave birth to a tourist industry which drew greater numbers
of seasonal residents. This trend along with increased �
diversity of the economy and the general growth of the Puget �
Sound area has resulted in a steadily growing population
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throughout the county. �
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3.7 '
Population Distribution �
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Most of Mason County's population is located in the eastern '
portion of the County. This area is dominated by saltwater �
inlets, lakes, and islands. In the southeast Totten and
Skookum inlets are extensively used for aquaculture . These !
areas is experiencing steady growth from the Olympia area and
Thurston County. '
Shelton is the only incorporated city in Mason County which
is situated on the west end of Hammersley Inlet . Twenty
percent (20%) of the County' s population resides in Shelton .
Shelton has experienced steady growth / n recent years as has
the general vicinity around the city. The industry in Mason
County is located mostly in and around Shelton . The fastest
growing area of the county is the area around Belfair ranging
down Case Inlet and into the Pickering Passage and the
Hartstine Island area .
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The Belfair and AlJyn areas are the commercial centers for
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the northeastern portion of the county. This area with its �
traditional ties to Kitsap County and Bremerton has
experienced a dramatic increase in population over the past �
few years with the expansion of the Puget Sound Naval �
Shipyard, the Trident Nuclear Submarine Base and other new �
commercial businesses in and around the area.
West and north of Be7fair , within the Great Bend of Hood �
Canal , is the Tahuya Penninsu7a. The Department of Natural �
Resources owns large parcels in this area. The land is �
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sparsely populated. However it is beginning to experience an
increase in growth .
Portions of the northern shore of Hood Canal and almost all �
of the southern shore are densely populated along with the �
areas of Hoodsport and L| iliwaup on the western shore .
Residential development along and near the shores of Lake �
Cushman is also becoming more densely populated .
,
^
To the south of the mountains at the southern extent of Hood �
Canal is the Skokomish River Valley , the county's richest
agricultural land. To the south and west of the Skokom} sh
River Valley is a plain cut by the Satsop River and its many `
�
small tributaries. The land is largely owned by coorperate
forestry interests with small population centers , such as
�
Matlock , Dayton , and Lake Nawatzel . `
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The following is a population demographics table for Mason
County: i
i
MASON COUNTY 1980 1984 1986 1988 1990 2000 '
Total Pop. 31 , 184 34»8OO 359400 36,800 38,300 46,800
Unincorporated 23,555 279200 279850 29r270 30 ,680 �!
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Incorporated 7»629 7»600 79550 79530 7»620 ,
Shelton 7»629 7n600 7v550 7v530 7r620
V. Population Increase 1980-1984 10 .3% 1984-1990 9. 1%
1980-1990 18.5% 1990-2000 27.3:/( est )
Land Area : 1 ,027 sq . mi .
Population per square mile 1980-30 1990-37 2000-47 (est)
Population figures were taken from the Office of Financial
Management .
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, 3.8 Economics «
Mason County's largest single industry is the production of �
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lumber and plywood products. Simpson Timber Company is the
largest employer in the industry and employs about 1 ,000
people .
The second largest trade in the county is areospace
manufacturing which is the production of aircraft components. �
Certified Manufacturing currently employs about 340 people . �
Barnes Machine Shop also produces aircraft components and `
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employes about 50 people . �
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Mason County is also known for its christmas tree production
which makes up a considerable part of the county's economic �
base . The trees are transported all over the United States ;
for sale .
Mason County is quickly becoming known for its extensive �.
aquacul ture industry. Shellfish growers in Totten and �
Little Skookum Inlet presently produce millions of pounds of �
shellfish produc-ts annually. Other Important areas for �
aquaculture are the North Bay and Case Inlet areas.
Shellfish products are shipped all over the United States and
to various parts of the world. �
The dependence of growth , development , and economic stability /
on the lumber and plywood industry has decreased somewhat .
New trades are beginning to move into the area because of
the availability of space . Many people in the county commute
to outside areas to work ; for example , the Puget Sound Naval `
Shipyards in Bremerton . Olympia also provides employment
opportuniuties for Mason County residents which creates '
growth for the southwestern portion of the county. The
overall population of the county continues to grow even
though its main economic base , the timber industry, continues
to decline in size . �
�
Mason County is projected to grow at a dramatic rate over the
next decade resulting in economic growth . As a result ,
Mason County could become an economically feasible site for
other businesses in the northwest . `
3.9 Conclusions
All indications show that Mason County's population will �
increase at a dramatic rate over the next decade . This `
;
increase will be fueled by economic growth in neighboring �
counties and the rest of the Puget Sound area. Populations �
from the urban centers will continue to filter to the more �
rural setting resulting in an increased need for better parks �
�
and recreation areas in Mason County . �
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SECTION 4 8 ^
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INVENTORY AND EVALUATION OF EXISTING `
PARKS AND RECREATION AREAS IN MASON COUNTY �
�
The primary responsibility of Mason County to its citizens
�
in regards to parks and recreation is to provide recreational `
`
areas, facilities and activities when and where it is '
feasible . �
`
Mason County~s primary objective is to develop and maintain a
well balanced system of parks and recreational areas for its `
citizens. The following section has been developed to show
the existing parks and recreational areas available in Mason
County.
In addition Mason County should further cooperate with the �
»
City of Shelton and other communities, adjacent counties,
local , state ^ and federal agencies to acquire and administer
park and recreational facilities for joint use and mutual �
benefit . Furthermore , Mason County should become a
coordinating agency for urban and rural recreation planning,
' and to provide a valuable link between local planning and �
state and federal efforts.
4. 1 County Owned Recreation Areas
The maps on the following pages show a generalized layout of �
each park and recreation area that Mason County owns and �
maintains for its citizens and other potential users. These
^ �
�
layouts are intended to serve as an interpretive tool for
people who are looking for a certain type of park or
recreation area.
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p...-.®s..------------ ------®---- -7
MASON COUNTY
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IMASON COUNTY
1
----------------------- RECREATION AREAS
1 — Walker Park 6 Sandhili Park
2 r Shorecreat Park 7 — Union Community Park
3 — M.C.R.A. S — Union Boat Ramp
4 — Latimer's Landing 9 — Foothills Park
5 — Mason Lake Park 1 — Truman Glick Park
12
'WALKER
WALKER PARK a
MASON COUNTY
WAMMHRSLEY INLET ramp
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WALKER PARK — 5.04 acres
Location : approximately 3 miles east of the City of Shelton
on Walker Park Road.
Walker Park is a small family orientated park with saltwater
beach access. Favored activities include picnicking,
beachcombing, scenic water view, and childrens play®
The park includes many picnic tables with one covered
barbeque shelter , restrooms, childrens play area and boat
ramp for small untrailered boats®
Physical setting includes heavy seclusion under large doualas
fir , hemlock , ceder and Maple trees with a small creek
flowing through the park into Hammersley Inlet ®
1
,SHORECRESTPARK
SHORECREST PARK
MASON COUNTY
r
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♦ P
Oc ® boat ramp
0
® ®® Oakland Bay
SHORECREST PARK — 3. 15 Acres
Location : approximately it miles northeast of the City of
Shelton on the north side and west end of Hammersley Inlet in
the Plat of Jacoby's Shorecrst .
Shorecrest Park is a family orientated park with saltwater
beach access. Favored activities include boat launching for
small boats up to 16 feet , picnicking, beachcombing , scenic
water view, and childrens play.
The park includes 3 picnic tables, i barbeque pit , boat ramp
and childrens play area .
Physical setting includes sloping land to the beach and water
with a few Fir and Alder trees.
1
• • • a
MASON COUNTY RECREATION AREA
MASON COUNTY
Johns Prari• Road
/
6
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parkingamp
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i
MASON COUNTY RECREATION AREA - 0 Acres
Location : approximately 6 miles north of the City of Shelton
and approximately 2.5 miles out Johns Prarie Road®
M.C.R.A. is Mason County' s largest athletic park with 7
baseball fields which are also used for softball and soccer ®
The park also includes restrooms, childrens play area,
storage shop and a caretakers apartment ® During periods of
high use a small concession stand is often operated for the
enjoyment of park users.
The park supports a number of user groups including Little
League Baseball , girls softball , adult softball and youth
soccer . Shelton High School also uses the park for its
junior varsity, C-baseball and girls softball teams .
15
A
HRSTENE BOAT RAMP
MASON COUNTY
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LATIMER S LANDING .59 Acres
Location : adjacent to the Hartstene Island Bridge on
Hartstene island Bridge Road on the east side of Pickering
Passage .
Latimer's landing is a saltwater access site boat launch for
boats up to 20+ feet in length ® It is the only public boat
launch in the area and has an extremely high use rate .
Parking is often limited.
The park inludes a small restroom, boat launch , user boat
dock . Parking is limited.
i
MASON LAKE PARK
MASON LAKE PARK l
MASON COUNTY
O'
`® undeveloped property
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bait ram
O
MASON LAKE ®�
MASON LAKE PARK 2.36 Acres
Location : on the northeast end of Mason Lake approximately 5
miles north of highway 3 on Mason Lake Drive West .
Mason Lake Park is the only freshwater access type park the
county owns and maintains. It provides the public access to
the northeast end of Mason Lake .
The park includes a boat launch for boats up to 18 feet ,
a dock , play area, restrooms, barbeque pit and an adequate
parking area.
Due to shallow water it is sometimes hard to manuever boats
and swim at this site .
17
SANDHILL PARK
SA NDHiLL. PARK
MASON COUNTY
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Sandhill Elemontary ®®
SANDHILL PARK — 30 Acres
Location : approximately 3 miles north of Belfair on Sandhill
Road adjacent to Sandhill Elementary School ®
Sandhill Park is the county's second largest athletic park
which serves the North Mason Area® There are presently d
baseball fields which are also used for softball and soccer ®
Future development of more fields is proposed.
Sandhill supports a number of athletic programs including
Pee Wee and Little League Baseball , adult softball and
soccer . This facility is extensively used and will need to
be expanded as the growth of the Belfair area continues ®
18
6
UNION
UNION COMMUNITY PARK s,
MASON COUNTY
BWPM®® awing
1
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bb hoop
1 I
fO9tioOMS caretaker
UNION COMMUNITY PARK 1 .92 Acres
Location : The park is located in the Community of Union
along the south shore of Hood Canal on Port Townsend Street .
Union Community Park serves the Community of Union as a
family orientated park . Favored activities include
picnicking, childrens play and general liesure activities.
The park includes restrooms, childrens play area , small
baseball diamond, picnic shelter , and a small basketball
court .
19
UN, JN BOAT RAMP
UNION BOAT RAMP
MASON COUNTY
Hood Canal
CL
I
Hood Canal Marina
01
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private reald®nc®a ' a 1
1
t
H Y toe
UNION BOAT RAMP ® . 16 Acres
Location : on south shore of Hood Canal in the Community of
Union just off of Highway 106 adjacent to the Hood Canal
Marina .
The Union boat ramp serves as a boat access site to southern
Hood Canal for boats up to 19 feet ® There is very limited
parking for this access.
Due to shallow water it is extremely difficult to launch at
low tides.
2
FOOTHILLS PARK
FOOTHILLS PARK
MASON COUNTY
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One way
FOOTHILLS PARK - 80 Acres
Location : approximately 2 miles northeast of Hoodsport
right off Lake Cushman Road on Hoodsport Park Road.
Foothills Park serves the Hoodsport and Lake Cushman area.
The park is an athletic park consisting of 2 baseball fields
which are also used for soccer and football activities . It
also provides restrooms and bleachers.
The park supports Little League Baseball and softball for the
area.
The park will be expanded as funding becomes available .
21
TRUMAN GLICK PARK
TRUMAN GLICK PARK i 1
MASON COUNTY
®ticker Creek ®®®®
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a open area
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Fora! Road
TRUMAN GLICK MEMORIAL PARK 40 Acres
Location : approximately 3 miles west of the Matlock General
Store right off Deckerville Road on Ford Road.
Truman Glick is a nature orientated park for family
picnicking and reunions. It is relatively undeveloped at
this time . Decker Creek flows through the park and creates a
very natural physical setting.
The park includes a freshwater creek , restrooms, barbeque
pit , open space and plenty of nature observation area.
22
4.2 Mason County Programs and Park Usage
Mason County currently owns and maintains 3 athletic parks
and recreation areas: Mason County Recreation Area (MCR.A) ,
Sandhill Park and Foothills Park . These parks provide for a
variety of recreational programs including: Little League
Baseball and Softball , Soccer , Football , Adult Softball and
Coed Softball . These three parks are the basis for the
county's athletic programs and are becoming areas of
extremely high use .
MASON COUNTY RECREATION AREA (MCRA) , located on Johns Prairie
Road northeast of Shelton , serves the urban and rural areas
of Shelton . The park provides 7 fields that are used for
basebal 1 , softball , soccer , and football for a variety of age
groups. M.C.R.A. is used by the High Schools Junior Varsity
and C baseball teams, and Girls Softball . The facility is
also used by Boys Bigball , Little League Baseball , Soccer ,
Football , Adult Softball , Coed Softball , and Sponsored
Softball Tourname.n ts.
M.C.R.A. is Mason County's largest athletic facility and
provided for the following numbers of people during the 1990
athletic season :
Group Number of Participants Annual Visits
Little League Baseball 800 avg. 20 avg.
Soccer & Football 500 avg. 10 avg .
Adult Softball 550 avg. 10 avg
High School Baseball 30 13 games
Practice 30
Softball Tournaments 10 2
Using a 2 viewers to 1 participant ratio for all events
resulted in estimated total of 82,000 park visits for
participants and viewers for the 1990 athletic season .
M.C.R.A. events begin as early as Janaua.ry with the start of
Little League practices and extend into early December with
Soccer . The extreme high use period begins in April when the
Shelton High School Junior Varsity and C-Team Baseball teams
are using the park along with Little League and continues
through September with Softball events. Park usage will
continue to increase creating a need for improvements to
accommodate growing needs .
23
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SANDHILL PARK, located in the area north of Belfair , serves ^
the Northeastern portion of the county. The park provides 6
ballfields that provide for a variety of activities
including, Little League Baseball , girls softball , and some
adult softball events. �
There were an estimated 450 Pee Wee , Little League and girls
softball participants in 1990 at Sandhill Park and there are
adult softball as well . The Park experiences a high use
period during the months of April , May and June .
Sandhill Park usage will continue to increase creating a need �
to improve the park on a yearly basis. �
�
FOOTHILLS PARK, located northwest of Hoodsport serves the
Hood Canal and northwest portion of the county. The park
provides two baseball fields which can also be used for
soccer and football activities.
Approximately 100 participants use Foothils Park for Little
Leage , Soccer , and Football events. /
Mason County's programs and activities are increasing the
need for additional and more improved athletic facilities.
The current facilities provide for baseball , softball , soccer ,
and some football activ | tes; however , the county lacks i
facilities for basketball , tennis, swimming and other indoor
recreation activities . Today's programs and facilities will
not meet future needs. Youth ages , families, senior citizens, �
�
handicapped and adults all represent growing segements of our
expanding population with growing recreational needs. Active
programs need to be a priority to provide for recreational
needs. �
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4.3 County Recreational Invtp or
A complete inventory of public and private recreation within
Mason County is included in the following pages. The
inventory is organized by the type of recreation . A list of
acronyms for owners is provided below.
Private Privately owned
Squax / n Squax i n Indian Tribe ;
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Mason Mason County
City City of Shelton
DNR Department of Natural Resources
PRC Washington State Parks and Recreation Comm.
�
WDF Washington State Department of Fisheries
WDG/QOW Washington State Department of Wildlife �
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ONP Olympic National Park .
USFS United States Forest Service
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TCL Tacoma City Light `
S 42 Southside School District
S 54 Grapeview School D i s t r i c t
S 309 Shelton School District
S 311 Mary M. Knight School District
S 402 Pioneer School District
S 403 North Mason School District
S 404 Hood Canal School District '
PmA Port of Allyn
PoG Port of Grapewiew
PoH Port of Hoodsport
PoS Port of Shelton
�
Boat Launch Abbreviations
P Paved
U Unpaved
F Fee
—
25
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31
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32
,
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4.4 Policies of other Agencies with
Recreational Facilities within Mason County
City of Shelton
Goals:
1 . To meet the recreational needs and desires of community �
residents and visitors. `
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2. To improve the quality of life for community residents . �
3. To make more effective use of existing parks .
4 . To select and develop new park sites to best meet the
needs and desires of the community.
5. To provide quality recreational programs desired by
community residents.
6. To protect and maintain important natural , cultural ,
and historic resources for public use enjoyment .
Washington Parks and Recreation Commission
Policy:
The purpose of the Washington State Parks and Recreation
Commission is to contribute toward providing people an
opportunity to enhance their lives through recreational
leisure time experiences , and to cause our environment to `
be protected° our heritage preserved, and our natural �
resources conserved. �
�
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Goals:
1 . Solicit citizen involvement and input in the decision
making process.
2. Improve park operation and maintenance of existing areas ^`
�
and facilities to improve safety and to better serve park �
users. /
3. Improve and/or increase public recreational opportunities
through cooperative agreements with other public agencies
and private enterprise .
4 . Preserve cultural , historical and significant natural
resources, including wetlands, natural areas, natural
forest areas and areas with threatened or endangered !
species and/or ecological communities. `
33
`
5. Educate and inform the public about recreational
facilities, programs, and opportunities available in state
parks. Increase public awareness of the importance of
outdoor recreation opportunities to both the tourism
industry and the quality of life of state residents and
visitors .
6. Increase outdoor recreation opportunities through special
services such as the campsite reservation , camping pass
and volunteer programs.
7. Provide locations for people to practice leisure time
pursuits.
8. Provide employees the opportunity to develop skills to
achieve their maximum potential and enhance personal
career development .
9. Provide youth .employment and job training opportunities
through park maintenace and development projects.
10 . Coordinate and provide opportunities for winter
recreation activities.
11 . Provide effective internal management practices to ensure
maximum public service through the efficient use of
public funds.
12. Provide park and recreational consultation services to
local government and other public agencies.
13. Encourage boating safety for all recreational boaters
using the waters of Puget Sound.
14 . Educate boaters about the effects of boat wastes on water
quality, marine and human health .
15. Minimize public and staff exposure to hazardous wastes .
16. Protect selected outstanding scenic river beaches.
17. Interpret parks natural and cultural resources to better
inform the park visitor .
Plans:
The State purchased Hope Island in September of 1990 and
will provide the 106 acre Hope Island as an open natural
park until a management plan for the island can be
developed.
34
�
Washington Department of Wildlife �
�
�
Policy: �
�
To provide wildlife-orientated recreation for the people of
Washington .
Washington Department of Fisheries �
Policy: /
1 . Develop the recreation potential of land and facilities
already owned by the Department . �
2. Acquire and develop tidelands and public access to these
tidelands.
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3. Acquire , develop , and redevelop boat launches and shore
fishing areas including fishing piers.
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4. Acquire , develop , and maintain areas critical to the
conservation of fisheries resources.
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Washington State Department of Natural Resources
Policy: �
To conserve and enhance the natural resources of the Tahuya
State Forest and any other Department of Natural Resources
owned and managed lands while attaining the highest long term
net income . `
Public Use Goal : �
Update and improve long-range public use management
strategies for the the Tahuya State Forest . �
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Objectives: �
1 . Inventory the types and levels of public use and determine
what uses will be accommodated consistant with trust �
obligations. �
2. Define a balance between the many public use needs placed �
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on the Tahuya State Forest and the capacity of the
resources and the trust to support these needs and the �
trust . �
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3. Locate , design , and develop future recreation facilities �
based on identified needs through DNR's Recreation �
Evaluation And Review Statewide Action Plan ^
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4. Develop a recreation maintenance and operation plan for �
all recreation fac i l i t i es. '
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5. Develop a law enforcement program and coordinate with
other entities when appropriate .
6. Develop public use education/information programs.
7. Provide on site management and control of public uses .
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8 . Minimize the of impacts of public uses on neighbors.
9. Conduct a public education program on Tahuya Penninsula
concerning urban interface/wildfire .
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10 . Facilitate delivery of emergency services in the Tahuya '
State Forest .
U.S. Park Service
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Policy: `
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The Olympic National Park is administered as a wilderness
area. Trails are open to hikers and horses only. The U.S.
Park Sevices manages the Olympic National Park for
public use . �
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SECTION 5.0
OPEN SPACE
Overview
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The Open Space Act , RCW 84.34 , permits counties to use
property tax reduction as an incentive for the preservation
of certain types of lands in their current use when such
preservation wi l l provide a public benefit . The purpose of
this section is to set forth a strategy for Mason County to
objectively apply this ability to ) ands within its borders .
5 .2 Open Space
There are three kinds of open space land - private , common
use , and public open space . Private open space consists of �
property surrounding single family residences or farms,
forest lands and other large parcels of undeveloped land .
Commen use open ipace is lend within a designated residential
development for the common access and by the a residents at
the time of plat or site plan approval . Public open space is �
publicly owned land available for the recreational use of the
entire community. An example is the Olympic National Forest .
Open space land is valuable to the public for a number of
reasons. It provides recreational opportunities; it is
aesthetically pleasing and it increases neighboring property
values. It also creates natural boundaries which provide
neighborhood identity and protects natural resources such as
ground water recharge areas, streams, soils, tidal areas,
wildlife , and agricultural lands.
Mason County still enjoys extensive open spaces. The Olympic
National Park and National Forest occupy the northwestern
portion of the county. In addition , there are large tracts �
of forest land in the western and northern parts of the
county which are part of large land holdings by private
timber companies or the Department of Natural Resources .
There are also many forested lands in the more populated
areas north of Shelton and northeastern Mason County. �
Farmlands in river valleys: particularly the Skokomish , also
provide open space . The increasingly rapid growth in Mason
County is consuming open space where it is needed most --
major residential areas. New strategies for the preservation
of open space must be identified in order to retain adequate `
open spaces in the more heavily populated areas of the
county. �
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5.3 Goals for Preserving gpen Space
1 . To develop guidelines for a more definable Open Space
Plan .
2. To identify, restore , preserve and enhance those sites
of historical , cultural , and ecological significance
as a means of enhancing the quality of life for present �
and future generations. �
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3. To promote programs which preserve and conserve open
space .
4. To encourage organized private groups to provide
park , recreation and open space fac i l i t i es and
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services.
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5. To encourage open spaces within urban centers to �
compensate for higher residentia\ densities.
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6. To analyze and support applications for current tax use
exemption in open space areas for their recreational value
to the public .
5.4 Conclusions
Mason County's open space is a major recreational aesthetic
and natural resource . One major concern at this time is the
need to maintain open space in major residential areas. �
Therefore , the county should design a separate open space ^
plan which includes the provisions for greenbelts and open
space in residential developments along with preserving
natural open space areas throughout the undeveloped lands of �
Mason County. �
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SECTION 6.0
ANALYSIS OF NEED AND DEMAND
6. 1 Methodology
The Mason County Parks, Recreation and Open Space
Comprehensive Plan has been designed in relationship with the
following procedures®
1 . Analysis of a 1990 countywide mail survey to determine
the perceived quality of existing Mason County parks and
recreation areas, and to determine more specific needs
and demands for park and receation areas in Mason County.
2. Analysis of a 1988 countywide mail survey to determine
the perceived quality of existing Mason County parks and
recreation areas and to determine more specific needs and
demands for park and recreation areas in Mason County .
3. Review of an analysis of Mason County growth , and
analysis of population projections supplied by the
Office of Financial Management .
4 . Analysis of existing Mason County parks and recreation
areas including physical observations and analysis of
each area to determine quality and need for enhancement .
5. Input from the general public and special interest groups
during Planning Commission Public workshops on November ,
19, 1990 and December 17, 1990 and a scheduled Planning
Commission Public Hearing on January 22 , 1991 in which
the Planning Commission voted unanimously to approve the
plan as written .
6. Written input from Park Advisory Boards and the public
from press releases to local newspapers on August 23 and
30 , 1990 , November 1 , 1990 , January 3, 1991 , January 31 ,
1991 and the press release for the Board of County
Commissioners hearing March 14 , 1991 .
7. Comparing space standards vs. population .
8. Comments were received from school districts per
telephone conversations.
The survey questions have been included and an a.na.lys. is.
completed. Question design and specific survey methodology
was a cooperative effort between Mason County and the
Washington State University Cooperative Extension Office .
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6.2 Analysis of Public Input
PUBLIC SURVEY 1990
During September of 1990 , Mason County conducted a countywide
mailout survey to assess the recreational needs of its county
citizens. This survey was conducted by mailing out a
designed questionnaire to all Mason County school districts,
community service groups and special interest groups. The
survey was also published as a mail -in survey in the Shelton-
Mason County Journal . These surveys requested suggestions
and ideas on how Mason County should go about providing a
quality system of parks and recreation
for its citizens.
1 . Of those surveyed, 63i: felt Mason County parks and
recreation areas are not adequate to support the needs of
county citizens.
2. Eighty six percent felt that Mason County parks and
recreation areas needed to be enhanced to provide a
greater diversity of park and recreational activities .
3. There was a need (85%) for more saltwater and
freshwater access.
4 . The question of a special tax to support a. more diverse
parks and recreation program received considerable
support C 81:0 .
5. There is a need for a swimming facility in the North
Mason area.
6 There is a need for more areas for senior citizen
activites such as nature trails for walking, sightseeing,
and beach activities near the more urban areas of Shelton
and Belfair .
7 . If the population of Mason county grows at a rate
projected by the Office of Financial Management (27 .3%)
over the next 10 years, there will be a need for more
athletic facilities such as baseball , softball ,
and soccer fields.
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PUBLIC SURVEY 1988
In 1988 Mason County conducted a countywide survey to assess
the recreational needs of its citizens. This survey began
the process of updating the Parks, Recreation and Open -,pace
Plan . Although this information was completed two years ago
it is still considered an important source of citizen input .
The following conclusions are a result of the survey:
1 . Most people thought there was a need for more liesure
and active parks in Mason County.
2. There was .a need (68%) for more public access to the
shorelines and waters of Mason County.
8. There was a desired need (59%) for more boat launch
and moorage type facilities along the shorelines of Mason
County.
4 . A majority of the people (69%) in Mason County owned a
boat , and 62i: 'of these people used their boats in
saltwater most of the time .
5. A majority (60%) of the people surveyed felt Mason County
parks and recreation areas were not adequate and felt
that they should provide a wider diversity of recreational
activities.
PARK ADVISORY BOARD MEETINGS
Park Advisory Board Meetings are usually held on a monthly
basis . There was a great deal of input from these meetings
that was analyzed and directly implemented into the plan .
As noted above , the development of the parks and recreation
comprehensive plan began as far back as 1988 . Input from
park advisory boards was directly implemented into the plan
by evaluating meeting minutes from 1988 to the present .
Mason County's park manager also received verbal input from
these boards. At each meeting the boards commented and
provided direction for the needs of their parks.
The Walker Park Advisory Board requested projects that would
enhance their park and make it more desireable in the
surrounding community. Such projects included better beach
access, picnic fac i 1 i t i es, and removal of some of the heavy
canopy cover to allow for more sunlight .
The Sandhill Park Advisory Board also requested more
enhancement of their park . The population around Sandhill
Park is growing rapidly, creating a greater need for a better
park in that area. The Union Community Park group requested
similar enhancement projects . All of these groups along with
the other park groups realized and emphasized the need to
enhance the county's existing parks and recreation areas .
1 41
With this information Mason County was able to analyze their '
requests and establish a list of projects that adequately
addressed their needs and demands . This information proved
to be very useful in the drafting of this plan .
PUBLIC MEETINGS
A series of public meetings were held during the review and
development process of this plan . Meetings and workshops ,
were held before the Mason County Planning Commission and The
Board of Mason County Commissiomers. At these meetings and
hearings these bodies and the public provided valuable
comments and input into this plan .
The Mason County Planning Commission held public meetings on
November 19, 1991 and December 17, 1991 to review the draft
plan . At these meetings public input was taken . These
meetings were very useful in gathering additional comments
and information which lead to several revisions of the draft .
On January 22, 1991 the Mason County Planning Commission held
a public hearing ' totake final comments and to officialy
forward their recommendation the the Board of Mason County
Commissioners. The public in attendance commented on the
plan and generally felt it would meet the needs of the '.
county. These needs are to enhance all county owned parks
and to focus on those with salt and freshwater access and
athletic facilities. The Planning Commission voted
unanimously to recommend approval of the Parks, Recreation
and Open Space Comprehensive Plan as written .
The Board of Mason County Commissioners held a public hearing :
on February 26, 1991 to consider the proposed plan for
adoption . The hearing was continued until March 19, 1991 to
further address additional comments . At that time , the Board
of Mason County Commissioners adopted the Mason County Parks,
Recreation and Open Space Comprehensive Plan . �
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NEWSPAPER SURVEY AND ARTICLES
Over the course of the publ i c process the plan received �
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exellent newspaper coverage . The articles addressed key �
issues and increased residents' awarn*ss to the plan . These
articles solicited for comments and were a key component in
gathering public input .
Comments received from the public through newspaper
solicitation were directed towards enhancing existing county
owned parks. Many residents around the south Shelton area
said they would like to see Walker Park enhanced so that it `
would become more desireable to family orientated users. �
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Other comments received from this particular input process '
focused on the need to update existing county parks �
particularly Sandhill Park , Union Community Park , Latimer' s �
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Landing, and Shor6�rest Park .
PERSONAL MEETINGS :
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On many occasions public citizens visited the Mason County
Planning Department to directly submit comments on the plan . �
These visits often turned into short meetings where planners
could learn more about the needs and demands of interested
citizens. These meetings were very useful in the planning �
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process. Approximantely 20 different meetings of this type �
were conducted. Eighty percent of those surveyed through �
these meetings wanted to see Mason County enhance its �
existing parks in order to make them more desireable for
public use . Another important issue that regularly came up
in these meetings was the need to acquire additional land for
future freswater and saltwater access for recreation sites .
6.3 Population compared with Park
and Recreational Land ALC±aqe
Through the public input process agreat deal was learned
about the needs and demands of county citizens and interested
parties. The number of parks that Mason County had to offer
was a repeated question on the process. Most people felt
that there were enough parks but they were in poor condition . '
Therefore the Planning Department did an evaluation on park
land acreage .
The Interagency for Outdoor Recreation suggested comparing
our existing facilities with established minimum local
recreational standards as developed by Michigan State
University, By using the minimum standards the following
needs would be apparent :
Based on a population of 30 ,680 , which does not include the
population inside the Shelton city limits, and on a minimum
local recreation standard for county's of 10 acres per 1000
persons, Mason County would need 307 acres to provide
adequate recreation for its citizens.
At present Mason County owns approximately 235 acres which is �
utilized as some type of recreational facility. This leaves
Mason County with a 72 acre deficit in park and recreational
land acreage . However , one must take into consideration that ^
the Mason County area offers many other recreational '
opportunities with State Parks, Department of Natural
Resources Recreational areas, and the access to the Olympic
National Park and Forest .
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Mason County is close to providing the minimum acreage as
suggested by the chart developed by Michigan State
University. Top priority will be to enhance parks and
recreation areas that are currently provided by Mason County
and then look to acquire the additional acreage that would
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accommodate the growing population .
Mason County's population is projected to grow at a rate of
27.3% over the next 10 years which will result in an �
approximate population of 39,000 not including the
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population of the city of Shelton . The projected population ^
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figure would create a need based on minimum local recreation �
standards for 390 acres. Therefore Mason County should look
to acquire additional park and recreational lands to
accommodate a growing need after enhancing existing parks and �
recreation areas . �
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6.4. Critical need to� 1update� Mason {�ountx Parks
Upon evaluation of conclusions drawn from the surveys, public
meetings, and the parkland acreage comparison Mason County
has determined that existing county owned parks shall undergo `
an extensive updating process in order to provide a quality �
system of parks and recreation areas for its citizens. The
county will ensure this determination with the following list `
of projects which was derived ved from , the 199O and 1988
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countywide mail in survey, Park Advisory Board meetings , �
written input from press releases through the Shelton/Mason
County Journal , The Daily Olympian , and The Bremerton Sun ; �
Planning Commission workshops on November 19, 1990 and �
December 17, 1990 ; Planning Commission publ i c hearing on
Janaury 22, 1991 ; and Board of County Commissioners publ i c �
hearing on March 5, 1991 . �
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PROJECTS
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1 . WALKER PARK BEACH STABILAZATION AND ENHANCEMENT PROJECT
The Walker Park beach stabalization and enhancement project �
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was derived from input obtained through the 1990 and 1988 :
countywide survey and through monthly Walker Park Advisory
Board meetings which were coordinated by George Harmon , Parks �
Manager . Upon evaluation of the surveys, Advisory Board
requests, and additional information from the parks manager
it has been determined that Walker Park needs a bulkhead to
ensure the stabalization of the bank and beach access areas . �
The bank is beginning to erode and could endanger picnic `
areas on the top of the bank . The park also needs a new
small boat launching area. The small boat launching area is
recommended by the Walker Park Advisory Board. Enhancement
of the existing structures and recreation areas will also be i
part of the project due to the abundance of requests by the
public , through the survey, to enhance the park so it was `
more desireable to use . �
2. SANDHILL PARK IRRIGATION SYSTEM AND EXPANSION PROJECT
Through numerous meetings with the Sandhill Park advisory �.
Board and evaluation of the 1988 and 1990 public survey it �
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has been determine,d that Sandhill Park must have an ,^
irrigation system 'installed to keep the ballfields in a
playable condition throughout the summer . Enhancement of the
park structures such as restrooms * new fields , storage shed
and possibly the addition of an aquatic centern were also �
requested by the Advisory Board and through the public input �
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process. �
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3. UNION COMMUNITY PARK ENHANCEMENT PROJECT �
Union Community Park needs a gazebo, storage shed, childrens '
play area, chain link fencing, secuity lighting, and a new
baseball field. The areas and structures currently present
�re guite degCad�d Thi � prgject was deriv�d froM Union
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�ommun / ty Parx �Aov [sory �oaro mee� / ng� and `he public .
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surveys. �
4 . LATIMER'S LANDING PARKING AND EXPANSION PROJECT
Latimer's Landing is a very high use saltwater access
facility to Pickering Passage in Puget Sound . This area
currently has limited parking. This project would include
increasing the parking area and extending the dock for a �
fishing area. Also a new restroom and shower facility will `
be part of the project . �
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5. MASON LAKE ENHANCEMENT PROJECT �
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Mason Lake Park needs another boat launch to provide for `
increased summer usage . The area around the launch and dock `
needs to be dredged out so that boats an'd swimmers can �
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adequately use the area . '
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6. SHORECREST PARK BOAT RAMP AND ENHANCEMENT PROJECT
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Shorecrest Park will undergo an extensive upgrade which `
will include a new boat launch , turnaround, new picnic ;
structures, and rip-rap bulkhead to stabalize the eroding �
bank . These enhancements were requested by local residents �
through the survey and by telephone . `
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7. FOOTHILLS PARK CONTINUANCE OF DEVELOPMENT PROJECT �
Continue to develop this park into a county sports
recreation area. �
8. MASON COUNTY RECREATION AREA CONTINUANCE PROJECT �
Continue to upgrade and develop this park to meet growing '
needs of the rapidly growing county popoulation . �
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9, TRUMAN GLICK MEMORIAL NATURE AREA PROJECT �
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This park is a secluded recreation area in the western �
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portion of the county and would be an exellent nature
recreation area. The project would include designating
overnight camping areas, creating a trail system,
constructing a new shower and restroom facility , construct an
interpretive center , and provide creek access sites .
10 . UNION BOAT RAMP PARKING AND EXPANSION PROJECT
The major concern for this recreation area is the limited
parking. The main goal here is to increase parking provide a
better boat launch .
This list is not an unchangeable schedule of committment but
does stipulate a set of projects for the county to follow in
its endeavors to enhance its parks and recreation area..
6.5 Conclusion
In summary, County residents have expressed the need to
enhance the existing parks and recreation areas owned and
maintained by Mason County. Residents also see a need to
accommodate a growing population with the development of
additional park and recreation areas.
Mason County residents emphasized that they want more
saltwater and freshwater access areas so they can enjoy the
shorelines and waters of the county. Other needs commonly
expressed by residents were for walking, nature observation,
and bicycling trails; senior recreational activity areas,
swimming facilities, ballfields, indoor recreational
opportunities, soccer fields, and a golf course .
* Samples of the conducted surveys are provided in the
appendix to this plan .
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SECTION 7.0
MASON COUNTY ACTION PROGRAM
The primary purpose of this plan is to provide the guidelines �
to develop and administer a quality system of parks and
recreation areas within Mason County. This chapter outlines �
general actions to be taken by the county to develop a parks �
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and recreation program.
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The action program is only a guideline . As the needs and
demands of county citizens change this action program should
be reviewed and when necessary amended to reflect the �
changes.
7. 1 Enhancement of ,Existing
Parks� and Recreation Areas
The primary responsibility of Mason County will be to '
maintain and enhance existing county owned parks and
recreation areas . Guidelines for fulfilling these �
respon i bi l ) t i es should be as follows :
1 . To maintain existing parks and recreation areas in such a �
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way as to promote their use .
2 . To make improvements and additions to areas that citizens
identified as very important to them in the survey. These
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improvements have been listed in sections 6 and 8. �
3. To greatly enhance existing parks, recreation , and
publicly owned areas with saltwater or freshwater access .
7. 2 Future Parks and Recreation Areas.
The secondary responsibility of Mason County will be to
develop county owned properties to meet future needs and
demands for parks and recreation .
1 . Development and/or acquisition of properties near existing
parks and recreation areas for possible expansion of
existing parks and recreation areas .
2. Development of county properties with saltwater or
freshwater access should be a priority.
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7.3 Acguisition of Additional Land
for Parks and Recreation
In order for Mason County to deal with the future needs and
demands for parks and recreation areas the acquisition of
additional land is important . The following is a. list of
guidelines the county should follow for the aquisition of
additional land.
1 . Acquire lands that are strategically located in the
highest growth areas.
2. Acquire lands with saltwater or freshwater access.
3. Acquire lands which provide buffer zones between land uses
in order to absorb noises and activities associated with
parks and recreation areas.
7.4 Additional Plann'inq Efforts
In addition to basic guidelines for park improvements , new
development , and park land aquisitions, additional planning
efforts are needed. The following is a list of planning
effots that will greatly enhance the parks and recreation
program:
1 . As park and recreation demands increase , it would be
esssential to appoint a parks and recreation coordinator
to organize park uses, enhancement projects , and to
prepare for future recreational needs.
2. As parks and recreation demands increase , it would be
essential to hire additional personnel to facilitate the
increasing work load .
3. Mason County should study the impact of tourism on county
parks and recreation areas.
4. Mason County should explore different funding sources for
enhancement projects. Special consideration should be
given to a tax specifically for parks and recreation .
Acquiring grant money should be of high priority.
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SECTION ' 8.0
CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM
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The following is a six year capital improvement program that
is intended to carry out the primary responsibilities of the
county as set forth by the action program of this plan . The
program will include a description of proposed areas and �
facilities to be enhanced and a list of the specific �
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enhancement projects. An official project description , list �
of capital costs and time schedule will be formulated to be �
submitted to potential funding sources. �
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The primary focus of this six year capital improvement plan �
is to improve Mason County' s existing parks and recreation �
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areas. This policy of action will provide county citizens
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and the general public with higher quality parks and �
recreation areas. �
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The following is a list of park projects that will be the
focus of the capital improvement program. This list is not �
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an unchangeable schedule of committment and can be changed to
meet additional concerns and needs.
1 . - Walker Park
2. - Sandhill Park
3. - Union Community Park �
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4. - Latimer's Landing .
5. - Mason Lake Park �
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6. - Shorecrest Park
7 . - Foothills Park �
8. - Mason County Recreation Area
9. - Truman Glick Memorial Park
10 . - Union Boat Ramp
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The above projects will be prioritized and detailed further
as el i gi bi l i ty for additional funding from the Interagency
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Committee for Outdoor Recreation and other sources is �.
attained with the adoption this plan . These projects are
what Mason County needs to accomplish in the next 6 years in
order to have an adequate parks system. They have been '
broken down into more detail on the following pages .
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8. 1 Improvements List
1 . - Walker Park
Proposed Improvements:
Rip-Rap bulkhead on beachfront and bank stabalization .
* Construct steps to beach in concrete with safety rails .
* Remove all hazardous trees.
Provide safer access to park entrance .
* Rebuild old boat ramp and make it accessible for small
hand trailered boats .
* Develop new parking lots to accomodate new users.
* Construct new kitchen shed or gazebo.
* Build interpretive center for marine information .
Construct new foot bridge across creek .
* Clear and grade location for childrens play area .
* Purchase large childrene play toy.
* Develop park land across Walker ,Park Road into nature
area for hiking and etc .
2. - Sandhill Park
Proposed Improvements :
* Install new irrigation system at fields 1 -2-3
* Install extension of irrigation system from field 5 to 6 &
7.
* Build restroom and shower facility, with septic system .
* Stablize bank behind fields 1-2-3.
* Build park equipment storage shed and small office with
telephone .
Establish an Aquatics Center .
* Purchase and installation of chain link fence throughout
park .
* Terrace and landscape parking lot barrier .
* Designation of new football and soccer fields.
* Acquisition of additional bleachers-.
3. - Union Community Park
Proposed Improvements:
* Remove brush , grade and level newly acquired land next to
existing park .
Construct new baseball and soccer field.
* Retrench drainage ditch behind restroom facility.
Designate and construct childrens play are:. .
Construct gazebo for group outings .
Build park equipment storage shed.
Install new irrigation system for entire park and drinking
fountains .
* Install chain link security fencing around park .
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4. - Latimer's Landing
Proposed Improvements:
* Acquire additional land to expand park .
* Construct new restroom and shower facility with septic
system.
Provide a fishing platform off existing dock .
Install marine information board.
Expand parking lot .
* Install telephone Booth .
* Extend docks to accommodate additional users .
5. - Mason Lake
Proposed Improvements:
Construct additional boat ramp next to existing ramp .
Extend dock to accommodate new users.
* Further develop parking lot area and provide safer foot
access.
* Construct stepped access to parking lot .
Provide additional lighting to park .
* Designate and construct day-use picnic area .
Provide swimming area next to dock and dredge out .
* Develop hiking trails.
6. - Shorecrest Park
* Rip-Rap bulkhead of beachfront .
* Retrench creek bed and drainage ditch .
* Remove old boat ramp and construct new boat ramp tp
access water at low tides .
Construct dock for boaters and fisherman .
* Construct restroom and shower facility with septic system .
* Develop paking lot to accommodate boat trailers.
7. - Foothills Park
Proposed Improvements:
* Construct two tennis courts .
* Designate and construct picnic areas.
* Designate and construct childrens play area.
* Clear and grade additional parking area .
* Construct park equipment storage shed.
* Purchase and install ballfield scoreboard .
Continue development of parkland.
* Landscape and beauty of entire park .
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8. - Mason County Recreation Area
Proposed Improvements :
* Purchase and install childrens play toys with security
fencing and gates.
Provide night lighting at fields 6 and 7.
* acquire additional park land behind fields c, 6 and ?.
Construct batting cages.
* Purchase new full size soccer goals and mobile bleachers .
Update of irrigation system and electronics .
* Remodel clubhouse and restroom facility.
Construct player dug-out area .
9. - Truman Glick Memorial Park
Proposed Improvemnts:
* Establish overnight camping locations with picnic tables,
fire pits, and tenting area.
* Establish group camp-out area with covered gazebo .
* Build restroom and shower facility. Install septic
system.
Establish interpretive center for nature park .
* Provide additional freshwater access locations.
Install adequate security lighting throughout park .
* Build bridge across creek to access nature areas and
hiking trails.
* Construct exercise areas along trail routes.
10 . - Union Boat Ramp
Proposed Improvements:
* Construct new boat ramp to access water at low tides.
* acquire additional land to accommodate for much needed
parking space .
* Construct shellfish identification board.
This capital improvement program will be used to guide Mason
County in its efforts to provide a quality system of parks
and recreation areas for its citizens and the general public .
Capital costs will be calculated and a time schedule set for
each project prior to all scheduled submission dates for
anticipated funding sources .
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8.2 Future Projects and Aguisitions
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The following is a list of future projects and aquisitions �
that would help Mason County create better parks and �
recreation areas for its present and future citizens. �
These projects and acquisitions are suggestions and do not ^
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set forth any commi t tmen t by the county. These suggestions ;
are taken from public comment and county staff . �
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1 . Enhance and develop county owned street ends in Union and
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Lilliwaup for public picnic areas . �
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2. Acquire additional 40 acres adjacent to Foothills Park �
future expansion of the park . �
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3. Consider acquiring part or all of Simpson owned land on
the north side of Lake Nawatzel for a county recreation �
area. `
4. Consider acquiring and developing a recreation center in ,
the North Mason area that could provide recreation for �
all ages in the form of swimming, walking, jogging, �
basketball , tennis, and soccer . �
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5. Consider acquiring and developing a site for a public �
fishing dock or pier in the Pickering Passage and Case
Inlet areas to provide fishing opportunities for people �
who do not have access to a boat . �
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6. Expand and develop Mason County recreation programs. �
7. Consider the development of a centralized county /
recreation and aquatics center . �
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