This spring, the Burien Parks, Recreation & Cultural Services Dept. began the process of updating the Parks, Recreation and Open Space Master Plan. The plan update will guide the city in its management and development of park properties and recreation programs for the next six years.

The process started with updating the inventory of the city's parks, but will also include opportunities for public input, beginning with the Vision for Burien community forums currently taking place. (See www.burienwa.gov/vision4burien for details about the visioning forums). Other public meetings will take place over the next six months.

A survey is also available for the public to begin providing some input to the planning process. To take the survey, which is in both English and Spanish, go to the Parks Plan website at www.burienwa.gov/ParksPlan and follow the links.

Updating the Parks, Recreation and Open Space Master Plan enables the city to meet the requirements for park and recreation plans as set by the State of Washington Recreation & Conservation Office. It also makes Burien eligible for a variety of state and federal grants for acquisition and development of parks and recreational facilities.

The state requires that the plan be updated every six years. The document must also fulfill Growth Management Act planning requirements for Comprehensive Plan Elements as outlined by the Washington State Department of Commerce (RCW 36.70A). A Capital Improvement Plan (CIP) is developed based on existing conditions and proposed improvements for the various facilities and programs recommended