The city Parks and Recreation Department has infused public input into its Strategic Action Plan, a blueprint that will guide its actions over the next five years.

Tim Gallagher, superintendent of the parks department, recently attended one of 30 open house meetings the city has held. Gallagher replaced Ken Bounds as department leader last October and has overseen the plan work.

"We get such good constructive feedback on the plan that way," said Gallagher. "It's good for me to come to see how it's working or isn't working and get a sense of how people feel about things."

He said the ideas gathered at open houses are really vetted amongst staff and incorporated into the vision strategy.

A similar public process was held to help shape this draft version of the plan in December last year. Paper and online surveys have also been distributed to gauge public opinion about the department's strengths, challenges or what it might do differently.

Gallagher said the plan is being developed during a time when the department is evolving and transforming.

"Over the last 10 years we have seen both significant expansion of the (system) and rapidly changing local demographic needs," wrote Gallagher in a letter to the community. "In light of these changes, we must strategically evaluate our facilities, services and operations to continue to meet our future commitments ..."

The draft plan is organized into six goals that identify areas where parks will focus its efforts during the next five years.

The first four goals are externally focused; providing active stewardship for the city's parks and open spaces; supporting healthy lifestyles and diversity through recreation; strengthening relationships with the public; and maintaining department land and facilities.

The remaining two goals are internally focused toward building capacity within the department and strengthening structures and systems.

Dan Johnson with the parks department planning and development division said the final plan would tentatively go to the Seattle City Council for approval by fall. He told community members they could submit their comments by the end of the month in a variety of ways, through e-mail, in writing or by phone.

"The goal here is to reach out to as many people as we can because you're driving this bus," said Johnson.

Several people said they wanted to see another parks levy on an upcoming ballot.

So far, Mayor Greg Nickels has no plans for another levy that would match 2000's $198 million Pro Parks Levy, but City Council members recently released the results of a poll that showed 67 percent of those asked are in favor of a continuation of the levy to purchase land and develop more parks.

At least three council members, president Richard Conlin, Tom Rasmussen and Tim Burgess, have said they will push for a new levy based on that community response and a need for more open space due to increased density in neighborhoods.

"Growth is not taking a break in the city, so we can't take a break in developing open space and parks," Conlin said.

The current parks levy expires at the end of the year. It funded the acquisition of 42 acres of open space, including 15 new neighborhood parks, and 70 park development projects, such as habitat restoration and athletic field improvements.

Doug Broadbent, president of the Magnolia Soccer Club, said he came to the open house to look for opportunities for the growing number of youth sports players.

"We need more fields," he said. "There's a lot of demand."

The population has grown across the city and so has the number of players on his teams, doubling in the last several years to more than 800.

Long-time Seattle resident Gary Gaffner was impressed with the city's plan.

"I don't think there's any doubt the parks department is trying to do a good job delivering a parks system," he said. "I think this whole effort is a really positive example of parks trying to do the right thing."

But he pointed out it is mostly written in "agreeable terms." For instance, the comment sheet asks the public to mark "agree, disagree, or unsure" to statements like "facilitate public access to parks and open spaces," and "provide an inclusive environment for youth and teens."

Another resident, "Julia," said she was frustrated that her concerns weren't addressed at the meeting. Parks' staff wanted her to submit comments but no one could offer any feedback.

"I was kind of hoping someone could answer a question," she said.

Review the entire plan online at http://www.seattle.gov/parks/Publications/ParksActionPlan.htm. Comments can be submitted online by April 30 at http://www.seattle.gov/PARKS/, by emailing parksplan@seattle.gov or calling 684-4075.

Rebekah Schilperoort may be reached at 783.1244 or rebekahs@robinsonnews.com