Council removes parking‑structure reference and $20 million from Lake Wilderness Park Master Plan draft

The City of Maple Valley reviewed the Lake Wilderness Park Master Plan final draft at its Jan. 26 meeting. Parks & Recreation Director and Assistant City Manager Dave Johnson and BerryDunn consultant Dannielle Wilson presented the draft and answered Council questions.

During deliberation, Councilmember Dana Parnello moved to remove the reference to a parking structure and the associated $20 million figure from the master‑plan materials; Deputy Mayor Didem Pierson seconded the motion. The motion carried 5-0 with Councilmember Les Burberry recorded as abstaining. The Council directed that the revised plan return to a future meeting for further review and potential approval.

Background and significance: The Lake Wilderness Park Master Plan frames capital priorities and long‑term uses for a primary community park. Removing a specific parking structure reference and the $20 million estimate narrows the draft’s capital commitment language, leaving final project scope and funding options to be clarified at future meetings.

Next steps: Staff will return the amended Park Master Plan for Council consideration with any updated cost estimates and recommended funding strategies.