HomeMy WebLinkAbout03 CHAPTER 2
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PARKS, RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE PLAN
Chapter 2
Our Auburn Community
Parks -- Creating Community through
People, Parks and Programs
In making decisions about the future direction our parks, open spaces,
and recreation programs will take, it is vital to know something
about who we are. The age of our citizens, where they live, their
hobbies and recreational interests, and our predicted population
growth-all these things inform us how our recreational spaces and
programs can be designed to serve the city's diverse population.
This chapter concentrates on two of Auburn's most important
resources: its people and its land. Both are vital to the decision-
making process. Who our citizens are will influence their preferences
and expectations for recreational opportunities. And the geographic
setting serves as the "canvas" upon which we can design our system
of parks and open spaces.
Planning Area
The plan for this study includes all areas within the Auburn
city limits. Parks located in nearby unincorporated areas
are discussed briefly, however development ofthese parks
do not usually occur outside the existing City limits. Auburn .
currently has parks outside the City limits.
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Population
Estimates
Population figures for 1990
and 2000 are based on actual
counts of persons in each
household. In each of the
intervening years our
population figures are actually
estimates reviewed by the
Office of Financial
Management.
Population numbers are not
updated each year for the
various categories discussed in
the remainder of this section,
therefore 2004 figures will be .
used to discuss who our
residents arc.
Auburn
1990 33,102
2000 40,314
2004 46,141
2010 68,696*
2020 85,556*
*projected estimates
CI1Y OF AUBURN, WASHINGTON
Community Profile and Population Changes
Every ten years the U.s. Bureau of the Census performs a detailed
population count of all residents of the United States. Data from
the 2000 Census reveals a great deal of information about who
we are. One of the most basic pieces of data provided by the
Census, which is useful to cities, is the overall population count.
For example, the Census shows Auburn's population increased
33,102 in 1990 to 46,141 in 2004. (See note about population
estimates in side-bar) Recent growth, as well as projected growth,
is attributable mainly to annexations and/or the construction of
new housing in the recently annexed areas. If Auburn continues
to grow at its current rate, and if it incorporates its potential
annexation areas as planned, then by year 2020, its population
will be approximately 80,000 people.
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Other 2000 Census data relevant to this Park Plan, and which will
be considered in the decision-making process, are listed below:
· Population by Age Group
· Households by Type
· Population by Race
· Housing
· Income
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Population by Age Group
The population is measured in increments of five years of age,
from 0 to 75+. Each of these increments shows an increase in
numbers, with the exception of 20-24 and 25-34 year-olds.
The largest increases in population group is the 35-60 year-olds.
Significance of Age Groups for the Park Plan:
Recreation programming adjusts by specific age groups, as
population increases and decreases in the various segments.
· Auburn's large population of children, from infants to nine
year-olds in 2000, affects our recreation programming
for years to come. Increased numbers of recreation
classes, or an increase in class size, may be necessary to .
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PARKS, RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE PLAN
meet the needs of this group as they mature. The same
is true of adults, ages 35 to 60.
· As our middle-aged and older populations experienced
the largest increases in growth, it may be necessary to
provide additional programming that meets the
specialized interests of these groups.
· Although the number of teens increased slightly, the
needs of this group are many. The present smaller youth
population may provide a good opportunity to develop
and refine a youth program.
Family Composition
Families composition (with and without children) comprise the
largest segment of Auburn's population. In the year 2000 Census,
Auburn had a total of 16,108 households. Families with children
comprise less than one-third of Auburn's total households. A nearly
equal number of households are people living alone or married
couples with no children. Single parents, mostly women, head
approximately 12% of family households with children.
Significance of Household Data for the Park Plan:
Recreation programs benefit single-parent households
reducing the pressure placed on an individual raising
children alone. Examples include:
· Recreation/learning programs in which children can
participate during periods when they are out of school,
but while parents are working.
· Innovative programs that give single parents an
opportunity to interact with other adults during the
evening or on weekends. Child care might be provided
on these occasions.
· Educational and social programs oriented toward the
single parent.
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CI1Y OF AUBURN, WASHINGTON
Population by Race .
Auburn's population is almost 79% white. Although this is a
majority, the number and percentage of people of color is
increasing in Auburn. Between 1980 and 2000 total figures for
people of color almost tripled, from 1,611 individuals to 6,932.
The greatest increase in actual numbers was in the Latino and
Native American category, while the largest percentage increase
was in the Latino population.
Although not strictly a consideration of racial composition, staff
observation and immigration trends reveal that this part of King
County is seeing a larger increase in Latino residents.
Significance of Racial Composition for Park Plan:
Facilities should be designed to take advantage of different
cultural interests and histories. Possible facilities and
programs are:
· Educational programs that acknowledge ethnic differences
and celebrate diversity.
· Events that celebrate traditional holidays and occasions .
of the Muckleshoot Indians, Latino, Black, and Asian
populations.
· Facilities designed using the artwork of, or in the historical
style of, one or more of these cultures.
Housing
Auburn's 74% population growth in the 23 years between 1980-
2003 means that there is also a significant increase in new home
construction. Much of this construction is in multi-family units, in
mobile homes and manufactured housing. The city has a total
housing stock of about 19,489 dwelling units in 2004, which is a
16% increase in the total number of housing units since the year
2000. In 2004, 46% of Auburn's housing units are single family,
42% are multi-family and 12% are mobile homes. According to
the Year 2000 Census, the number of owner-occupied housing
units was 54% and the number of renters was 46%.
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PARKS, RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE PLAN
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Significance of Housing for Park Plan:
Increases in multi-family housing and decreases in average
house lot size mean that most people have smaller yards or
no yard at all. For some this is an advantage, but for those
with young children or with active recreational interests, it
means that public parks and open spaces become even
more vital. As a result, the following will be needed:
· New parks to meet the demands of increasing
population numbers.
· Developer impact fees paid by each new household
to contribute to the additional new park space that
will be needed or parks will be developed to meet
city standards.
· Connecting routes to the natural environment from
new residential development via an open space/trail
system.
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Income
Household income levels in Auburn are one of the lowest in King
County; however, the city also has some of the lowest housing
costs in the county. Table 2-1, using data from the 2000 census,
shows the difference in income between Auburn and King County.
Auburn also has a substantial number of households that fall into
the low and very-low income categories. More than 53% of our
households are considered "low income", which is defined by the
U.s. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) as a
household with a total yearly income equal to, or less than, 80%
of the King County median household income. "Very low income"
is defined as a household with an income equal to, or less than,
50% of the King County median household income. More than
32% of Auburn households fall into the very low-income category.
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Significance of Income Leveis for the Park Plan:
Data show that people with lower incomes tend to recreate
less than those with higher incomes. However, it may also
be true that populations with less financial flexibility need
local recreational resources more than those who can afford
vacations outside the city or state. The City may respond to
the needs of our less affluent citizens with some of the
following methods:
Table 2-1
Median Household
Income
Auburn
$39,208
King Count\
$53,157
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CI1Y OF AUBURN, WASHINGTON
· Recreational and educational programs designed to meet
special needs, such as:
1. Scholarships for needy participants, which are based
on family income and are available at 100%, 75%, 50%
and 25% levels. The Parks and Recreation Department
may want to evaluate this existing program to see if
it is sufficient to meet the needs of Auburn residents.
2. An increased number of "no-cost" or "low-cost"
programs
3. Programs devoted to improving skills or money
management
4. Child care during evening programs, especially those
oriented to low income or single-parent households.
5. Continuation and expansion of free community
sponsored events
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· It may be advisable to expand programs for special
population groups such as teens, the developmentally
disabled, and senior citizens, and include exploration of .
providing transportation, on-site counseling and mental
health services, adult day care, expanded health services
and more.
· Good geographic distribution of parks throughout the
community will be especially beneficial to low-income
families. Parks are ideally located within walking distance
of most residential neighborhoods.
Geographic Setting
Auburn's location in the Puget Sound region has a great influence
on the City as it exists today and in the future. Originally, geography
was a driving force in the development of the region. Auburn's
proximity to rivers made it an early transportation center for both
Native Americans and settlers. As the fertile valley began to be
farmed, train tracks were installed to move important food crops
and timber from the rural towns, like Auburn, to the larger cities
of Tacoma and Seattle.
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PARKS, RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE PLAN
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In the 1990s, Auburn's south King County location made it a
prime target for growth as the entire Puget Sound region
experienced a rapid influx of new residents. Auburn's 1980
population, of approximately 26,000, took a 74% jump to
over 46,141 in 2004. Although population is not expected to
continue growing at this rate, Auburn is still seen as a desirable
community in which to live due to its image as a family-oriented
small town. Its low real estate costs, compared with most of
King County, its ready access to highways and its small town
atmosphere will continue to attract steady growth. This growth
will create a continuing need for recreation facilities.
Topography
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Topography refers to the configuration of surface features of
the land-from minor changes in elevation to riverbeds,
mountains and other natural features. Topography is significant
because it affects how and where human activity occurs. Flat,
dry areas were traditionally developed first. These kinds of
sites easily accommodate the construction of houses, roads
and other structures. They are also well suited to park
development, which often requires broad, flat expanses for
the development of sports fields and other recreation facilities.
Hills, steep slopes and poorly drained soils pose construction
challenges for both parks and other uses.
The dominant topographical features of Auburn consist of a
broad, flat valley bordered on the east by the Green River and
Lea Hill, with the West Hill forming the western edge of the
city. These hillsides create distinctive edges that contain
immediate views within- the city, but still allow views beyond
to the Cascades and Mount Rainier. The White River in the
southern part of the city creates an edge between the more
developed part of the city and the more rural.
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The city has followed a typical pattern of development, with
growth occurring in the valley in the early days of settlement,
and in the recent past. Most city parks are also located on
sites in the central valley. As this area reaches its capacity for
development, construction activities are moving to the more
difficult hillside terrain.
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CI1Y OF AUBURN, WASHINGTON
Significance of Topography for the Park Plan:
While the slopes of some hillsides are too steep and unstable
for construction of conventional park facilities, they may
be suitable for open space designation or pedestrian trails.
Topographic constraints are not an issue in the remaining
unoccupied valley locations, which might be considered for
park sites. In the west part of the valley floor, wet soils and
high ground water are common, making development of
these sites more difficult. These conditions would, however,
allow some interesting opportunities for pedestrian scale
recreation and education.
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Drainage
Auburn has a system of rivers and creeks that are valuable for
their drainage, flood control, fish and wildlife habitat, visual interest,
historical value, and recreational opportunities. The Green River,
White River, Mill Creek, Mill Pond and White Lake all provide
fascinating glimpses into Auburn's past. The integral role that these
bodies of water played in earlier decades has changed over the .
years, but is no less valuable.
Mill Creek, in west Auburn, is a small stream that passes through
open wetlands, retired pastures and fields. Earlier in the century,
portions of the Mill Creek channel were realigned and redesigned
to accommodate farming activities. With the demise of farming
here, Mill Creek is returning to its original drainage function. The
presence of wetlands along much of its corridor precludes extensive
development, although some industrial properties are already
present.
Although the alignments of the rivers were altered by human
activity, and the banks were engineered to contain the river during
flood events, they remain attractive and desirable recreation
resources. White Lake is the only naturally occurring lake or pond
in the city. It is presently in private ownership and not available for
public use. Should the area eventually be developed, White Lake
would be a very desirable recreation amenity.
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PARKS, RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE PLAN
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Significance of Drainage for the Park Plan:
In the past few years the City began to take advantage
of the recreational opportunities provided by these
drainage areas, with the construction of Isaac Evans
Park on the Green River, and Game Farm Park, Game
Farm Wilderness Park and Roegner Park on the White
River. Public access and future park development along
the rivers continue to be goals of the City. A summary
of potential projects utilizing naturally occurring
drainage ways include:
· Roegner Park which connects to Game Farm
Wilderness Park by a trail. that runs alongside the river.
Continuation of the trail from Roegner Park to W Street
and eventually to the Interurban Trail is planned.
· A master site plan by King County, which is being utilized
to develop a regional trail along the Green River.
Additional recreational use is envisioned along the west
bank of the Green River in north Auburn.
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· Mill Creek, which provides an opportunity for a system
of recreational activities along its length, from pedestrian
trails or boardwalks to educational interpretive sites.
Continued proposal of the interpretative park. The City
of Auburn is currently looking at the possibility of
incorporating an environmental park that generally
extends south from Emerald Downs to west Main Street,
from the West Valley to the east along the Interurban
Trail. This future site will include connections to the
Interurban Trail and environmental, educational,
interpretive signage describing the fish, plants, wetlands,
and bird migration patterns.
Vegetation
Historically, 80% of the trees in this region were Douglas fir, with
western red cedar, mountain hemlock and Sitka spruce present in
smaller amounts. This naturally occurring vegetation in Auburn
was largely replaced as land came into use for farming, housing,
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CI1Y OF AUBURN, WASHINGTON
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commerce and industry. Exceptions are the wooded hillsides, and
the wooded corridors along the Green and White Rivers. Many of
these locations were cut for timber years ago and now are second
growth woodlands.
In the valley, in the more developed portions of the city and in the
city parks, ornamental and introduced species predominate.
Wetlands in the west part of the valley vary in composition from
tree/shrub combinations of willow, dogwood, blackberries and black
cottonwood to non-tidal marshes consisting primarily of grasses
and rushes. Vegetation along the larger rivers consists primarily of
black cottonwood and with an occasional red alder and several
varieties of deciduous tree species.
Significance of Vegetation for the Park Plan:
All of these natural elements provide unique educational
and recreational opportunities. They are also different
visually, and each provides visitors with a different
experience. Possible ways to incorporate vegetation into
the educational and recreational experience include:
· Install signage about the natural history of Auburn and .
the Puget Sound in several park locations throughout
the city, each providing its own distinctive environment.
· While existing and proposed parks already encompass
the river environment, explore the wetlands and forested
hills as two other natural environments that could be
used for possible park sites.
· Reintroduce native species, particularly in less urban
parks. Not only are these varieties generally low
maintenance and disease resistant, they also provide
valuable wildlife food and habitat.
History
From its beginnings, Auburn was a crossroads. Tribal groups such
as the Skopamish, Smalhkamish, and Stkamish lived along the
intersecting rivers. They forged trails over the Cascade Mountains,
traded with tribes living east of the mountains, and canoed down
river to gather shellfish and trade with coastal tribes.
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In the mid-1800s, the first pioneers arrived
in the White River Valley. Railroads reached
the area in the 1880s and brought
adventurers from the east and Midwest
United States, as well as Europe and Asia.
Early farmers, and many immigrants, from
both Europe and Japan, tilled the rich soil
and planted a variety of crops. The harvests
were abundant and soon the White River
Valley became one of the prime agricultural
centers in the region.
Auburn's central location between Seattle and
Tacoma was a key factor in the rapid growth
of the area. A powerhouse, built in 1911 on the upper White
River, served Auburn as well as the needs of the cities of Seattle
and Tacoma. This facility also served the legendary Interurban
Railway. In 1910 the Northern Pacific Railroad selected the town
as the site of its western freight terminal. When scores of permanent
rail workers arrived and needed housing, Auburn experienced its
first population boom.
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World War II saw the second transformation of Auburn. The most
dramatic change, however, affected the local Japanese American
community. When the federal government relocated the residents
of Japanese ancestry to distant internment camps for the duration
of the war, many families lost businesses, homes and farms. Most
of these families never returned.
Although Auburn remained a strong agricultural community for
some time, the city became even more industrialized in the years
following the War. The Boeing Company opened an aircraft plant
in Auburn in the 1960s. The occasional winter and spring flooding
that wreaked havoc for the early pioneers was brought under
control when the U.s. Army Corps of Engineers built the Mud
Mountain and Howard Hanson Dams. The metamorphosis of a
small frontier settlement into a well-developed industrial center is
a story that continues to evolve.
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CI1Y OF AUBURN, WASHINGTON
Significance of Auburn History for the Park Plan:
Unfortunately, this rich history is not known to many residents. Recreational sites can be
a key tool in introducing residents to local history. The following ideas would contribute
to furthering local historical knowledge and appreciation:
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· Use park design, artwork, interpretive material and recreation programs to highlight
past events and lifestyles to help bring history to life.
· The acquisition and interpretation of historically significant sites should be explored.
Olson Canyon is a desirable site for this kind of use.
· The White River Valley Museum provides a valuable educational, cultural and
recreational resource. The continued marketing and educational programs of the
museum and their efforts to increase numbers of visitors will further enhance its
value to the community.
Recommendationsl Conclusions
in Response to
Our Auburn Community .
Data concerning our population, natural resources, and history give us valuable information
about how to best serve our people's park and recreation needs. The following conclusions can
be drawn from the data provided above:
1. Age/Composition
Our young, growing population, with many single-parent families and an increasing population
of elderly residents, has extensive needs for recreation and service programs, as well as recreation
facilities.
2. Race
Auburn's changing racial composition can be incorporated into its historical, cultural and
recreational programming and in development of facilities.
3. Housing
With increased density of housing, an increased need for parks and open space to replace the
lost "backyard" is occurring.
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PARKS, RECREATION AND OPEN SPACE PLAN
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4. Income Levels
The lower income levels in Auburn mean that there is a greater need for public recreation
facilities. Our residents also require classes and programs at reasonable rates or no cost. Teens,
the elderly and families with several children are particularly in need of free or reduced fee
services.
5. New Park Development
Specific park land and facilities needed to serve new residents should be determined as
development occurs or is planned. Park site selection should ensure that the site will physically
accommodate the identified facilities. Areas with extensive steep slopes and wetlands may be
difficult areas in which to develop active recreation facilities, although they may be suited to
open space or passive activities.
6. Scenic and Resource Lands
Land with high scenic or natural resource value should be utilized for parks and open space.
Public access to these locations should be guaranteed through site selection and design.
. 7. Ecosystems
Itis desirable to have parks located in a variety of ecosystems present in the city. This means we
plan parks in, or adjacent to the rivers, creeks, wetlands and wooded hillsides found throughout
the city.
8. Art and History
The inclusion of historical artwork, public art, and information in the development of parks will
broaden their value to the community. It can provide an added source of enjoyment and
education to the recreational experience.
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