Pierce County adopts updated parks plan, adds protections and priorities

Pierce County Council adopted an updated Parks, Recreation and Open Space (PROS) Plan on May 26, 2026, after approving four council amendments and receiving public comment from park districts and trail organizations.

Staff presented the plan’s findings, which identified deficiencies in park and trail provision, prioritized investments in central and southern unincorporated areas, and estimated a capital need of approximately $172 million with about $33 million currently unfunded. The plan emphasizes increasing capacity at existing parks, opening new parks, improving access to green space and trails, and preserving existing park assets.

Council approved four amendments: technical corrections and vice‑chair title updates; a policy directing the parks department to pursue conservation mechanisms (e.g., conservation easements, deed restrictions or zoning) to protect county‑owned park properties from conversion; an amendment adding a conceptual future park near Lake Kapowsan; and revised language around revenue sharing asking the department to negotiate revenue‑sharing partnerships with the county’s four park districts and report back at least six months before the next biennial budget.

Public commenters, including Peninsula Metropolitan Park District and trail advocates, supported the plan and urged continued investment in planning and construction funding for trails and projects.

The council adopted the amended plan unanimously, 7–0. Staff warned that delivering the plan’s objectives will be challenging under current revenue levels and that the department will provide a homeless spend plan and biennial capital recommendations. The council directed parks staff to return with prioritized lists and implementation proposals for protected properties and to begin revenue‑sharing discussions.