HomeMy WebLinkAbout07 CHAPTER 6
PARKS, RECREATION & OPEN SPACE PLAN
· Chapter 6
Recreation and Cultural
Programs
Auburn-An Active Community
The City of Auburn Parks and Recreation Department has an active series
of recreation and cultural programs. Survey results show thirty-two percent
of the city's population participate in at least one of these programs.
Compared to other cities, this is a fairly high rate of participation. The
most active age groups are 5-14 and 45-54, both of whom participate at
levels of more than fifty percent.
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While interest in additional recreation programs is evident, the City has
difficulty providing these because of a lack of existing facilities and
classroom space. Currently, athletic and recreation programs are
conducted at the four middle schools, the four high schools and most
elementary schools.
Analysis of recreation programs repeatedly revealed the need for indoor
spaces for many types of athletic, cultural and recreational activities.
Development of a community center with meeting rooms, fitness/dance
rooms, gymnasiums and other similar facilities is necessary to meet
current recreation program needs. A community center would also relieve
some of the pressure now placed on other facilities, such as the Parks
and Recreation Administration Building, Senior Center, City Hall and the
Multi-purpose Building at Les Gove Community Campus.
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CIn OF AUBURN, WASHINGTON
A Variety of Departmental Programs
The Parks and Recreation Department programs are divided into seven
major activity areas:
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1. Athletic Programs
2. Cultural Programs
3. Heritage and Preservation Programs
4. Leisure and Education Programs
5. Marketing and Community Events
6. Senior Activity Center Programs
7. Specialized Recreation Programs
8. Teen Programs
City residents are offered a broad selection of leisure time activities
contributing to social interaction, physical recreation and health, and
cultural and artistic enrichment. The components are described
individually in this chapter.
In this chapter, the needs of each program are discussed in detail. Some
general conclusions and recommendations are also made about all
programs offered by the City. This overview guides the City's direction
to maintain the high quality of its recreation programs. .
Conclusionsl Recommendations
for All Recreation Programs
1. Increase Awareness
Continue to increase awareness of recreation programs by trying new
marketing avenues.
2. Class Scheduling
Offer some classes with both daytime, evening and weekend hours, to
meet the needs of those without traditional 8-to-5 work schedule. While
the current space shortage makes this difficult now, it would become
more possible with the construction of additional indoor recreation
facilities.
3. Families and Neighborhoods
Reinforce family structure and interaction by offering activities or outings
suitable to families. Continue to offer some programs at neighborhood
locations, thereby strengthening the role and identity of neighborhoods .
in the city.
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4. Environmental Education
Increase children's exposure to the natural world through activities and
fun learning opportunities at suitable locations. As parks are developed
around wetlands and other natural areas, students can be involved in all
stages, from design to implementation and maintenance. Adult
environmental education can also inform residents of the functions and
value of our open spaces (and the care and awareness of our urban
assets). An Urban Tree Board was created in 2004 to help educate
citizens of Auburn on the needs and benefits of trees.
S. Topics for Recreation Programs
Direction for recreation program topics are gleaned from several sources:
the public opinion survey conducted in 2004, direct requests to the Parks
& Recreation Department, and recommendations by Park & Recreation
Board and Parks & Recreation staff.
The survey is an especially rich source of ideas for activities. The Recreation
Needs Assessment should be reviewed periodically to generate new
strategies for recreation programming. The survey results most relevant
to recreation programming are shown in Table 6-1 on page 6-4. This
table indicates activities Auburn residents are interested in, whether
programs are currently offered, and whether facilities are available to
provide the activity.
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Table 6-1
Potential Recreation Programs and Facilities, Based on Survey Results
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Need for a Facility, or
Programs Available City-Owned for Additional
Currently
Activity Offered Facililties Facilities?
Not in a
structured
1. Running or Walking program Trails, Paths, Sidewalks Yes
All city parks and trails including Game
Farm Park, Game Farm Wilderness Park,
Backyard Idea Garden, Environmental
2. Visitina Nature Areas No Park, and Lakeland Nature Area Yes
Indoor: Performing Arts Center, ARHS
Theatre (Auburn School District), GRCC;
3. Attending live Outdoor: Game Farm Park and Les Gove 'Yes, a small performance space
theater/conc_ert ¡>erf0rmances Yes Park downtown
4th of July,
Veterans Day Community Center/Indoor facility
4. Attending community Parade, needed for inclement weather and
special events KidsDay Existing parks and streets are used for banquet seating
5. Adult fitness/aerobics Yes, Senior Center and Parks Adm. Exercise Room & Gymnasium
classes Yes Building. School gy.ms are limited. with appropriate amenüies
,
6. Recreational Yes with Auburn School District Pool and Auburn
~immi~g/swim lessons agreement ValleyYMC~£,ool No
-----...------..--------
Yes with Auburn School District Pool and Auburn
7. Swimming for agreement Valley YMCA Pool. Agreement with
exerciselwater fitness classes with city YMCA No
Shared space with Senior Center, Parks -- Yes, classroom & space in
8. Adult classes Yes Adm. Building, Auburn School District neighborhoods
Yes, Driving Range, addüional
g. Golf Yes Auburn Golf Course parking, new clubhouse
------ ----------
Through unified bicycling programs.
Interurban Trail, Non-motorized trails, Yes, Green River Trail and
10. Bicycling Yes White River Trail connections between other routes.
_11' Senior_ Citizen Programs Yes n_Senior Activüy genter Yes,Çlassroom space
12. Youth Baseball Yes ¡ Multiple fields No
13. Participating in theater, . Senior Activity Center, Parks Adm. Yes, space with appropriate
dance. visual arts Yes Building, Performing Arts Center (ASD) amenities
Outdoor: Game Farm Park, Brannan Yes, 16 additional fields needed &
14. Youth Soccer Yes Park, and YMCA upgraded field turf
15. Using gyms for No City-owned, School District and Need for 3 gyms identified in the
basketball, volleyball Yes GRCC limited gym use Recreation Needs Assessment
16. Summer camn nronrams Yes, Indoor classroom & gym
Yes Les Gove Park, Game Farm & Schools space
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Need for a Facility, or
Prog rams Available City-Owned for Additional
Cu rrently
Activity Offered Facililties Facilities?
_....,.~ ~-
Not in a
17. Skateboarding/lnline structured Yes, need additional skateparks
hockey program Sunset Park and Brannan Park indicated by high usage
Yes, need classroom &
Les Gove Bldg_, Senior Center, Parks gymnasium with appropriate
18. Youth classes Yes Adm. Bldg., ASD & private facilities amenities
~ - No, City of Kent meets regional
19. Ice-Skating/Hockey No No needs
Multiple courts & AHS and ARHS tennis No, according to recreation needs
20. Tennis Yes courts assessment
Game Farm Park, Brannan Park, Fulmer No, according to recreation needs
21. Adult Softball Yes Park assessment
Game Farm Park, Brannan Park, Fulmer
Park, GSA Park, Sunset Park, Lea Hill No, according to recreation needs
22. Youth Softball Yes Park, Les Gove Park assessment
23. Football/Lacrosse/Field ~ No, according to recreation needs
Hockey Yes Limited: Flag Football assessment
Auburn Valley YMCA Pool and Auburn
24. Competitive Swimmina No School District Pool No
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CITY OF AUBURN, WASHINGTON
Athletic Programs
Many area residents participate in the athletic programs sponsored by
the City's Parks and Recreation Department. In 2003, approximately
7,000 youth and adults participated in these programs, an decrease of
approximately 10 percent since 1997. This is compared to an estimated
population increase of about 1 percent for the same period, for residents
age 5 and over.
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Several explanations can be given for the decreasing recreation rate.
This is partially due to residents having more options for meeting their
recreational, health, and fitness needs. In addition, many people have
a perception of less leisure time in their lives today.
Residents have the opportunity to become involved in many sports
activities, and can participate as an individual, or as part of an organized
team or league. Programs are provided for both youth and adults, and
are further divided into coed programs, and all male and all female
programs.
Survey results show that 9 percent of the city's population would like to
see more adult sports offered and additional 19 percent would like to
see more youth sports.
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Adult Athletics
Adult athletic programs revolve primarily around the sports of softball,
basketball, volleyball and flag football. Soccer plays a smaller role,
possibly because many adults today did not play soccer as children.
Women's activities show the most dramatic decrease, with City records
showing 25 percent less participants in 2003 than in 1997. Coed
programs also show a sizeable decrease of 20 percent for the same
period, while activities with mostly men participating decreased by about
15 percent. Programs such as flag football and basketball still attract
primarily men, although they are open to all players.
There is a growing trend of people doing more family centered activities
and other individual sports and activities. Adult athletic program
offerings should be directed at meeting the needs of individuals and
families.
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PARKS, RECREATION & OPEN SPACE PLAN
Youth Athletics
Youth athletic programs are offered for children as young as
four years old, and serve up to age 18. The introduction of a
T-Ball program for four to six year olds has been extremely
successful, with 654 children playing in 2003. This program is
partially responsible for a huge increase in co-ed sports for
youth. Soccer is another sport that has seen a large increase in
participation, with 956 children participating in 2003, compared
to 825 in 1997.
Athletic Programs Needs/Recommendations
1. Increase Participation by Women and Girls
Continue to expand the co-ed, women's and girls programs as new recreation facilities are
provided. Investigate ways to inform more women ofthe women's athletic programs. Encourage
participation of women in programs traditionally dominated by men.
2. Coordinate with Schools
Continue to coordinate programs with schools. Work with the local school district to maximize
use of current facilities.
3. Offer Programs in New Sports
Experiment with offering athletic programs/classes in new or developing sports such as in-line
skating, frisbee golf, bocce, mountain-biking, and extreme sports (skateboarding, BMX bike
courses). Place an emphasis on family and individual oriented programs.
4. Track Local Interests
Track interest in sports, which would be appropriate for league play, such as tennis, but for
which there is currently insufficient demand in Auburn.
5. Gymnasium Space
Currently adult fitness and dance classes are held in school gymnasiums. School gyms are not
available during the day and are increasingly used for a variety of community programs. This
has created increasingly difficult scheduling issues. Scheduled City activities are often pre-empted
by school activities. This causes youth and adult programs to be rescheduled, since there are no
back-up locations available. City-owned and scheduled gymnasium space is needed just to maintain
the current course offerings. Gym space is vital if these very popular programs are to be expanded
to keep up with the community's growing population. An addition of a Community Center with
gymnasium space will be reviewed during 2004-2005.
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Cultural Programs
The Arts Section
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Introduction
The City of Auburn Arts Commission (CAAC) was founded in 1985. The commission is made
up of 12 members from the community, appointed by the Mayor with the approval of the City
Council. It is a local arts agency dedicated to serving the citizens of Auburn by fostering
cultural growth and enrichment. The commission, with staff support from the Parks and
Recreation Department, has developed a community arts program that includes performing
arts, visual arts, public art, literary arts, arts-in-education, and grant programs through a
variety of city, county government, and local community funding sources. The commission
represents the community and makes recommendations to the Mayor, the City Council, and the
Council Committee on Planning and Community Development.
Auburn Arts Commission Mission
To foster cultural growth and enrichment within the community while sponsoring programs
representative of the arts spectrum. In recognition that the arts contribute enormously to
Auburns quality of life and foster economic growth, the commission strives for excellence,
diversity, and vitality in its programming, while broadening the availability and appreciation of .
the arts.
Principal Goals:
1. To promote art as a community-building activity that embraces the diversity of
Auburn.
2. To expand and explore opportunities for art, keeping them accessible and affordable.
Community Art Programs
The commission's principal programs are: performing arts, visual arts, public art, literary arts,
arts-in-education and grants.
Performing Arts provide lively entertainment and enrich the cultural fabric of the city. The
commission presents year-round series of community events including:
· The acclaimed BRA VOl and BRA VOl Kids, a world-class mix of local, national and
international performances, held at the Auburn Performing Arts Center and the Auburn
Riverside Theatre, which run September through April.
· Shades of Summer, a rich variety of outdoors concerts in the parks held for young kids
on Wednesdays at noon in Les Gove Park, and for families on Friday evenings at Game
Farm Park.
· The commission provides stage entertainment and artisans for arts and craft booths at
Auburn's celebrated 4th of July Festival.
· For Community Festivals, such as Auburn Downtown Sidewalk Sale and Auburn Good .
OI'Days, the commission sponsors a selection of stage entertainment.
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Visual Arts are represented through a series of temporary rotating art exhibitions at the City
Hall Gallery. Each fall, artists are selected in a juried process to create eight exhibitions that
showcase paintings, printmaking, and photography. Artwork is also shown downtown at the
Sounder Transit Station.
Public Art. In 1988 the commission created its Art In Public Places program and each year
commissions one new work of art to enhance the city's parks, streetscapes or civic institutions.
Auburn has a significant inventory of public artworks (refer to Public Art Inventory
attachment). A 2000 publication, "Public Art in Auburn," gives visitors an overview and map
for a self-guided tour of the city's artworks. See pages 3-48 and 3-49 for a list of artwork and
location map.
Recommendations
· Recognizing the aging of the city's Public Art collection, develop a maintenance and
restoration program. Establish an annual budget to clean and restore the art works,
and have an "emergency" fund to deploy costs of refinishing damaged artwork due
to vandalism. Be creative in the establishment of these funds as monies used to
purchase the art works from the city's real estate taxes (REET) cannot be used for
anything other than capital purchases.
· Through a partnership with the South King County Cultural Coalition, Boeing, and
ArtsFund, the city should provide funding for a Regional Economic Impact Study.
This will establish the regional economic impact value of the city's performing,
public, and temporary art exhibits.
· Continue and expand Community Art Programs and define its relationship to total
city goals and programs.
· Involve business, downtown development, artists, and arts Drganizations, together
with the public sector, to actively partner in providing community art programs.
Education
Basic arts education includes the discipline of literature, visual art and design, performing art,
and media art (video, film, television and radio) to all students.
There are four reasons why basic art education is important:
· To give our young citizens a sense of civilization
· To develop creativity
· To learn the tools of communication
· To provide tools for critical assessment of what one reads, sees, and hears
Arts education should be a basic and sequential part of the school curriculum in Kindergarten
through grade 12. In the Auburn School District, arts education is not sequentially taught.
In 2001-2004 the City of Auburn, in a consortium partnership with Gildo Rey Elementary
School and the Auburn School District, received funding from 4Culture (formerly the Cultural
Development Authority of King County) to develop a K-5 Artisans In School program. It was a
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vital first step towards encouraging the Auburn elementary schools to include the visual arts as
a part of the regular classroom curriculum.
Recommendations
· The city should continue its support and find ways to further expand the K-5
Artisans In School program.
· The city should continue to encourage, and work collaboratively with the Auburn
School District and the arts community, to develop community based arts education
programs for all ages, K-12 grades.
· The city should continue to encourage the school district to include all forms of art
as a basic part of the education curriculum.
Resources for Artists and Arts Organizations
The vitality of the arts in any community is largely dependent on the artists and arts
organizations that live and work there. There are some resources and amenities for artists in
Auburn, such as the commission's Arts Organization Support Grant program. Funds are also
available for local artists and arts organizations through the Washington State Arts
Commission, and 4Culture (formerly the Cultural Development Authority of King County).
Local artists have some opportunities to display and sell their work, or to perform locally, but
overall there could be more. Support and assistance programs should involve public and
private partnership.
Recommendations
· The city should continue to find means to expand support and assistance to local
artists and arts organizations. The private sector and the arts community should be
active partners in this process.
· Where appropriate, the city should create economic development policies that
increase the resources available that encourage or provide incentives, which attract
and keep local artists and arts organizations in our community.
· Review and expand funding available in the existing grant programs for Auburn
artists and arts organizations.
· Strengthen the work of the Parks Arts Recreation and Cultural Foundation (PARe)
and continue to research and explore applications for funding from local, regional,
and national individuals, corporations, foundations and government sources. It is
essential to establish a separate 501.c.3 foundation in order for the City of Auburn
Arts Commission to solicit funds for its programs.
Facilities
Auburn is a center for the arts in south King County, and is home to numerous prominent arts
organizations, such as the Auburn Symphony Orchestra (a fully professional orchestra), The
Evergreen City Ballet, Auburn Avenue Dinner Theatre, the award-winning White River Valley
Museum, Splab! (a literary and poetry organization), Global Voices Radio, and more. Each
offers outstanding programs within the community.
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Quality performances attract people region-wide to state-of-the-art indoor and outdoor
theaters. Auburn is unique in south King County to have an abundance of premium
performance space. The Auburn Performing Arts Center is a beautiful state-of-the-arts 1,100-
seat theater, located on the campus of Auburn High School. Auburn Riverside Theatre, a 400-
seat facility located along the Stuck River at Auburn Riverside High School, accommodates
small concert groups. Auburn Avenue Dinner Theatre, a landmark historical theater in
downtown Auburn, offers patrons a unique dining and theater experience. In 2004, the
Muckleshoot Indian Tribe opened their White River Amphitheatre, which has a 20,OOO-person
capacity. Also in 2004, Green River Community College opened its new Kennelly Commons
with a 250-seat performing arts center. In 2005, a 400-seat theater will open at MountainView
High School located on Lea Hill.
The City Hall Gallery offers adequate exhibition space to visual artists and there are several
small private gallery spaces in the downtown core and at Green River Community College.
Additionally, the White River Valley Museum has a gallery dedicated to rotating temporary art
exhibitions. While many visual and performing artists reside in Auburn, there are no dedicated
public spaces for artists to work or rehearse.
Recommendations:
· The city should participate in a Cultural Facility Needs Assessment by assessing the
role of all segments of the community in providing arts facilities (new, private,
school and regional arts facilities, etc).
· The city should clarify its own role as a provider of arts facilities, by developing a
short and long-range plan for arts facility development.
Access
Equal access to public, visual, and performing arts programs and recreational services is a
fundamental component of the Parks and Recreation Department Plan, including all of the City
of Auburn Arts Commission's programs. Interested citizens must be well informed about
these programs and opportunities. They should understand that arts programs are available
that can meet their own particular needs.
Recommendations:
· The city should continue to assure that all its community arts programs are equally
accessible to all interested Auburn citizens.
· The city should continue to encourage all arts providers to evaluate their programs
and to provide equal access.
· The city should work collaboratively with the private sector, and the arts and
educational communities to assure that all community arts programs are well
publicized.
· The city needs to further develop multiple sources of marketing to reach diverse
audiences. This could include more creative approaches to the production and
distribution of posters, postcards, press releases, use of list-serves as a marketing
tool, use of Auburn School District Kid Mail, etc.program in 2001-2004.
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Heritage and Preservation
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City-Wide Historic Preservation
The City recently established a Landmarks Preservation Board. Two sites in the City were
designated historic landmarks: the Carnegie Library and the Mary Olson Farm. Opportunities
and methods for the preservation of historical sites and landmarks need to be identified, and City
staff members need to coordinate efforts between the Planning Department and the Museum.
To accomplish these goals, it is desirable for the City to undertake a planning process addressing
these issues and create a means for ensuring our historic resources remain integral and valued
elements of our community.
Mary Olson Farm
In 1994 the City acquired the historic Mary Olson Farm. Recognized as an Landmark Heritage
site by King County and the City of Auburn, Olson Farm dates from the 1880s, and vividly
portrays a working farm of the early 1900s. The house, barn, and many of the outbuildings are
intact, but in need of substantial restoration and rehabilitation. The site offers opportunities for
living history programs, the study of nature and the environment, small arts performances or
classes, and passive recreation. It is the goal of the Parks and Recreation Department to preserve
the Olson Farm and restore the site to its former condition to accommodate visitors for special
education programs and family events.
An award-winning master site plan was completed in 2000 for the Farm. It is hoped the site will
be sufficiently restored to open to the public by 2010.
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In 2003 the White River Valley Museum leased the buildings on the Farm with the intention of
restoring them as quickly and economically as possible with grant funds. To date, using state
and county grants, all buildings were re-roofed, the barn structure was substantially strengthened
and its foundations were replaced. The Weaving Shed was fully restored with new foundations,
roof, entry awning, repaired windows and siding. Drainage solutions for the entire farm valley
were designed and partially completed. The caretaker's mobile home was relocated to a more
advantageous site.
Operations Plan
In 2004 the Mary Olson Farm Operations Plan was developed and accepted formally by both the
City Council and the Museum Board. It details the plan for administration, public programs,
staffing, board oversight and budget from 2004 to 2014.
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Heritage and PreselVation Program Recommendations: Olson Farm
1. Continued Restoration and Rehabilitation
Although significant restoration has been accomplished, there is still "triage" to do before all
the buildings are stable. The farmhouse needs a new foundation, window replacement, and
the addition of the front and back porch. The icehouse has structural issues that need
investigation. After these triage measures are completed, other restoration can be undertaken
ranging from replacing barn doors and siding to reinstalling stairs inside the farmhouse.
2. Acquisition of Adjacent Farm Properties
The original Olson Farm north meadow is now owned by King County, as are linear properties
along the Green River and Green River Road. These should be acquired and integrated into
the landscape plan for the farm and adjacent trails. The north meadow is intended to
become the parking lot for Olson Farm events.
3. Habitat Restoration
Working with the Environmental Restoration Program, the City of Auburn and the Museum,
a plan needs to be developed for restoring the unique habitat in this 60+acre farm. This
plan will include stream restoration; trail connections and restoration; removal of invasive
species and replanting of the hillside, south and north meadow gardens, and pastures. It is
imperative this plan accommodates both the needs of historical restoration and of the
salmon habitat.
4. Visitor Amenities
Prior to on-going public programs, it is essential to develop parking and restrooms in
the north meadow, renovate the wagon road for accessibility, install the gated front entry
and visitor's check-in points, install interpretive signage throughout the farm, and develop
emergency and handicap access procedures.
5. Increased Staffing
Developing Olson Farm beyond the triage of its buildings (i.e. moving into any public
programming), will require increased dedicated staff beyond those currently working to
manage the Museum and save the Farm.
Museum
The White River Valley Museum is governed by a private/public partnership agreement between
the White River Valley Historical Society and the City of Auburn. This partnership is the result of
an extensive planning period (1990-1992) between the City and the Historical Society. The City
of Auburn provides the salary for the Museum Director, a .5 Curator of Collections and a .75
Curator of Education, limited financial programming support, and in-kind services, which include
printing and mailings.
The Museum serves as a community educational institution teaching children and adults about
the heritage of the White River Valley. In addition to exhibits, the facility houses an extensive
research archive, and manages the caretaking of tens of thousands of precious artifacts.
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The Board of Directors is the governing body of the museum. The 17-member board consists of
eight members appointed by the City of Auburn, and nine members elected by the Historical
Society.
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In the fall of 1997, the Board successfully undertook a $1,000,000 capital campaign for the
Museum. These funds paid for the replacement of environmental systems, and for the building,
design, and installation of all new permanent exhibits. In 2000 a second building fund successfully
raised approximately $450,000 to build a new 2,500 square foot wing housing a collections
warehouse and the Muckleshoot Classroom, and renovation of an existing space into a rotating
exhibit gallery. Sources of funds have included individuals, foundations, local and international
corporations, the State of Washington, King County, and the City of Auburn. Additionally, museum
. staff members have raised over $350,000 for Olson Farm building restoration through state and
county contracts.
With the 2001 opening ofthe new museum facility, efforts began to focus on educational programs
for school children and adults. The Museum's public hours increased to meet the needs of
researchers, community residents, and tourists. A partnership with the Auburn School District
was established which allows the Museum programs to enhance current curriculum. It is planned
that every child in Auburn will work with the Museum at least three times during their education:
a Kindergarten field trip to learn what a museum is; a third grade field trip to enhance their
knowledge of Auburn history and the development of this community; and in classroom lessons .
in high school to learn more advanced research and oral history skills.
Special rotating exhibits are created on a regular basis to encourage a constant increase in
visitors. The Museum also mounts special displays at "outposts" such as the Auburn King Co.
Library to increase visibility for the institution.
Recommendations
1. Continued Growth of Educational Programs
Museum programs are growing to meet the needs of the Auburn community and school
district. In 2003 and 2004, all Kindergarten classes in the Auburn School District toured
the museum as part of their curriculum. In 2004-2005 , a high school oral history
program was piloted. Saturday Family Fun programs continue to develop with a
growing audience. The Visit-After-Church Initiative will help church-going Auburn families
spend quality time together on Sundays at the museum (the slowest museum day of the
week).
2. Increased Visibility
The most difficult aspect of successful operation of the White River Valley Museum has
always been its lack of visibility. We need large visible signage on Auburn Way South and
12th Street Southeast. Free and paid advertising campaigns are being refined, and staff
and volunteers need to visit community groups to promote museum visitation.
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3. Increased Operating Income
Despite significant growth in the public service provided by the museum, its operating
budget has remained close to level for a number of years. New sources of operating
revenue, including exhibit sponsorships, Free Wednesday sponsorships, rental exhibits,
and educational kits need to be promoted. City support of Museum utilities needs to be
investigated.
4. Increased staffing
Additional museum staff members are required to develop and provide programs at
Olson Farm; operate the museum during special programs and evening events, and facility
rentals. Additionally, increased staff is required to keep up with the demand for education
programs and events, and to promote the museum to its highest use.
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CITY OF AUBURN, WASHINGTON
Leisure and Educational Programs
A wide range of recreation programs, including instruction in arts and crafts, dance, music,
health and fitness, and special events are offered through the Auburn Parks and Recreation
Department. Classes and programs are provided for children, youth, adults, seniors, and for
people with special needs. Recreation programs fluctuate based on community interest and
availability of instructors and facilities.
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Existing leisure and educational programming falls into six categories:
· Preschool Programs
· Youth Programs
· Teen Programs
· Adult Programs
· Senior Programs
· Specialized Recreation Programs
Survey Results
Although the City is now providing programs covering many areas of interest, the public opinion
survey is useful in determining where additional efforts should be placed. Survey results show
these preferences for other offerings if the recreation program is expanded or modified:
.
30% Running or walking
23% Visiting nature areas
19% Adult fitness/aerobics
19% Youth Sports
13% Adult Classes
11 % Bicycling
10% Senior Citizen Programs
9% Adult sports
5% Youth Classes
Preschool Programs, Ages 1-5
Preschool programs provide classes in movement, crafts, sports, and
innovative holiday activities.
The availability of facilities affects which classes are offered. Most classes are offered at Les Gove
Park's Multi-purpose Building, as are many other events. This is inconvenient for preschool
programs, because it means the room, supplies and materials must be continually set up and
taken down, in order not to interfere with other uses. Movement classes such as ballet and
gymnastics are held at the Parks and Recreation Administration Building or the Senior Activity
Center. These locations are not well-suited to these activities, as they do not provide the mirrors, .
bars, and other equipment or settings needed for effective learning.
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Preschool Programs Needs/Recommendations:
1. Classroom Designed for Preschool Use
Retaining preschool staff from year to year is a recurring difficulty; most remain with the Parks
Department for less than a year. One cause of this seems to be the constant setting up and
dismantling of the room is discouraging to instructors who feel their time is not being used
effectively. A room devoted to preschoolers is needed, both for the space it provides, and the
continuity in programming and staff it would engender.
2. Additional Activity Space
In addition to a preschool classroom, this age group would also benefit from the other classrooms,
exercise rooms and small performance space found in a community center type setting. This
would eliminate the need to hold these activities in inappropriate settings, which are also prone
to scheduling conflicts.
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Youth Programs, Ages 5-10
Youth programs consist of arts and crafts, gymnastics, dance,
sports, acting, music, science, and social and personal skills.
Summer activities include a day camp with a different emphasis
each week, and Awesome Auburn Activities, which meets three
times a week, with food, crafts and games for 4 to 6 year olds
and 7 to 10 year olds averaging 40 children per session.
Most recreation programs are currently directed toward youth 10
years old and under.
Youth Programs Needs/Recommendations:
1. Classroom Designed for Youth Use
Retaining youth staff from year to year is a recurring difficulty;
most remain with the Parks Department for less than a year. One cause of this seems to be the
constant setting up and dismantling of the room is discouraging to instructors who feel their
time is not being used effectively. A room devoted to youth is needed, both for the space it
provides, and the continuity in programming and staff it would engender.
2. Additional Activity Space
In addition to a youth classroom, this age group would also benefit from the other classrooms,
exercise rooms and small performance space found in a community center type setting. This
would eliminate the need to hold these activities in inappropriate settings, which are also prone
to scheduling conflicts.
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CITY OF AUBURN, WASHINGTON
Adult Programs
All adult programs are available to persons 18 and above;
some are available to those 14 years and above. Adult
recreation offerings include classes and workshops in arts
and crafts, fitness, dance, community education (such as dog
obedience, financial management, self-defense), and the
athletic programs described previously.
.
Instructors are selected based on their qualifications, and local
interest in the programs they offer. Staff and student
evaluations of instructors and courses help to maintain high quality course offerings. Certification
in CPR and first aid is desirable for all instructors. This is especially important for fitness and
athletic instructors. Fitness instructors are also certified through independent organizations.
Most adult programs are held at the Senior Activity Center, the Parks and Recreation Administration
Building, the Multi-purpose Building in Les Gove Park and School District buildings are used
when necessary. However, senior programs have first priority at the Senior Activity Center, which
limits the availability of this facility and the number of adult programs that can be offered during
the day.
A series of classes called "Generations Unite" is an attempt to reach new participants. The Senior .
Center offers classes in the Generations Unite program to all adults, not just those qualified to
participate in Senior programs. The benefit to those under 55 is the opportunity to take a
daytime class at the Senior Center, while the reverse is true for persons over 55 who might like to
take an evening class. This program has grown from 82 registrants in 1994 to 654 in 2003.
Adult Program Needs/Recommendations:
1. Facility Space
A shortage of facilities suitable for adult classes and athletic programs has been identified.
Classroom space (including specialized rooms, such as for crafts or dance and exercise) and
gymnasium space are especially needed.
2. Programming
Survey results, as well as opinions expressed to Parks and Recreation staff, indicate a larger
selection of community education programs is desired. Courses in personal computers, gardening,
home decor, and a new series of classes devoted to personal wellness were identified needs.
Some of these new course offerings have already been instituted.
By keeping abreast of emerging recreational trends and areas of public interest, the Parks and
Recreation Department can continue its tradition of offering a series of broad ranging and well-
received classes and programs. By tracking trends and identifying areas of interest, program
deficiencies can be identified and corrected.
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PARKS, RECREATION & OPEN SPACE PLAN
3. Course Evaluation
Course offerings should continue to be reviewed on a regular basis to evaluate the instructor's
performance and suitability of the facility and program. Enrollment, opinion surveys and other
means should continue to be used for evaluation purposes.
Marketing & Community Events
The Parks and Recreation Programs can reach and impact more citizens with a focused
marketing approach by the division.
As the public is increasingly savvy we must find ways to meet their needs and expectations.
This includes updating the look and feel of our printed materials, increasing phone and
Internet access and exploring new options to reach diverse populations.
The department has had a long history of assisting and hosting large-scale community events.
Connecting these events to the overall mission and vision of the department is vital. Veterans
Day Observance is one of our most visible and popular community events, we will continue to
dedicate resources and energy to this meaningful event. Kids Day is our other keystone event,
kicking off our summer programming. We will continue to strive to tie this event to enrollment
in one of our busiest programming seasons.
Marketing &. Community Events Needs/Recommendations:
1. Additional points of access
Allowing consumers to decide how they would like to register for our programs. Purchase
software to allow citizens to register for classes online.
2. Update & Unify Marketing Materials
Present the entire division in one graphic style. Allowing citizens "brand" recognition across
programs. This can be accomplished through creating templates for printed, advertised and
web-based communications.
3. Focused Community Events
Continue to host high-quality, mission-based community events. Continue to offer financial
and in-kind support to Community-based local events. Refine this process by instituting a
formal process of request and review of City involvement.
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CITY OF AUBURN, WASHINGTON
SENIOR ACTIVITY CENTER
The Senior Activity Center provides comprehensive programming for ages 55 and over in five
primary service areas:
· Recreation
· Education
· Support Services
· Nutrition
· Health
The Center strives to offer a wide spectrum of programs, and achieves this involving both staff
and senior citizens in decision-making. One of the big challenges of programming for this
population is the wide span of ages - from 55 to 95+. The difference in interests, abilities and
needs shifts dramatically in this forty-year range.
Volunteers perform a tremendous amount of work with 16,000 to 18/000 hours of volunteer
time logged in a 12-month period. A major staff responsibility is the training and supervision of
volunteers. A current goal of the Senior Activity Center is to improve its ability to recruit newly
retired participants in order to capitalize on their energy and their technical proficiencies, such as
computer skills and to replace the longtime, aging volunteer corps.
Senior Activity Center Services
Programs and services provided by the Senior Activity
Center include the following:
Recreation programs include exercise and fitness
activities, outdoor excursions and travel, hiking and
card playing, social events such as movies and parties,
games such as pool and horseshoes, and sports such
as softball and volleyball.
Educationalofferings change each month, but include
arts and crafts, academic, computer, and fitness classes.
Topics are as varied as driving, oil painting and current affairs. A senior computer lab is an
addition, added with the move to the new facility.
Health and Wellness Activities and Services are a major focus of the Center. The Center
participates in the Senior Wellness Project with four components: Lifetime Fitness Exercise Program,
Health Enhancement Program (HEP), Management of Chronic Conditions classes, and Peer
Mentoring. An RN with HEP is on site one day per week to work with individuals on their
personal health goals. Staff from other health agencies provide periodic health assessments,
foot care, flu shots, blood pressure clinics, therapeutic massage, and medical information and
referral. A group of seniors forms the "Wellness Team", which works on Center wellness projects
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PARKS, RECREATION & OPEN SPACE PLAN
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and activities such as Wellness Coffee Hours. Volunteers are provided through SHIBA (Senior
Health Insurance Benefit Act) program to help seniors resolve questions about Medicare/Medicaid
and seniors' rights.
The Nutrition Program provided by Senior Services of Seattle/King County (SSS/KC)
includes the federally funded nutrition project lunch Monday through Friday at the Senior Activity
Center. SSS/KC also provides frozen Meals on Wheels. Volunteers deliver these meals to
homebound seniors unable to prepare their own meals. Volunteers also deliver hot lunches on a
temporary basis to seniors recovering from a hospital stay. A variety of nutrition education
materials and lectures are routinely provided. Center volunteers also work to provide a monthly
food pantry for which groceries are purchased in bulk, re-packaged by volunteers and sold at a
good savings to seniors.
Supportservicesinclude providing information on subjects
such as Social Security, wills, health insurance, tax counseling.
The Center works with the Humane Society in offering the
senior pet food bank. The Senior Center receives many
phone calls requesting information regarding needs for
seniors, therefore, the Center serves as a key information
and referral site for area services to the elderly.
· Senior Center Needs/Recommendations:
1. Marketing
The ability to better market the Senior Activity Center is integral to reaching more people.
Young retirees may feel they are too young for the Center, creating one type of marketing
challenge. On the other hand, communicating with the more frail, home-bound elderly must be
accomplished with a different approach. The Center's many different programs and services are
suitable for people of many different ages and interests.
Additional funding for effective marketing to promote and inform residents of the Senior Center's
offerings is necessary to move beyond current participation levels.
2. Senior Center Improvements
Senior programs have been offered out of the new facility at 808 9th Street SE for just over three
years. The added space has provided us with the opportunity to expand programs and services
as well as to generate revenue through rental of meeting space and special event space. Current
size should be adequate for the relatively near future.
·
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CI1Y OF AUBURN, WASHINGTON
.
3. Program Changes
As mentioned previously, the larger Senior Activity Center space has provided us with the
opportunity to expand programs and services. The Center, however, needs to begin looking
beyond the next few years to address the changing needs of our aging population. We now see
more instances of early retirement, increased lifespan, diversity in interests, diversity in financial
resources, and more grandparents raising grandchildren. To meet these and other new demands,
an analysis of both service planning and facility planning for the next 10 to 20 years should be
undertaken.
Expanded services in the areas of well ness, exercise and nutrition must be explored. Counseling
and mental health services as well as expanded medical services must be considered. Transportation
of seniors to Senior Center programs should be considered in future Senior Center planning, as
should outreach services for the frail elderly and expanded adult day care services. Meeting the
needs of minority elders in our growing ethnically diverse population must also be a focus. The
possibility of more off-site programming would also be useful, as is exploring the Senior Center's
role in city-wide human services discussions and senior housing projects.
4. Staff
With the projected changes in the aging population and service needs mentioned as well as the
projected need to increase rental revenues, there will be a corresponding need for additional
staff. 4IÞ
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PARKS, RECREATION & OPEN SPACE PLAN
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Specialized Recreation
The Parks and Recreation Department offers social, educational and athletic opportunities for
youth, teens and adults with special needs. A calendar of events published every two months,
lists classes and outings such as dining and cooking, trips to places of interest within the region,
life skills training, athletic training, and competitive events.
The Young Generation Club is a program designed to meet the social and recreational needs for
developmentally disabled and physically challenged persons, ages 18 and up. The Club meets
once a week for dances, potlucks, game nights, trips, parties, and holiday dinners. The Youth &
Teens program is oriented toward 8 to 17 year olds.
Inclusionary programs offer opportunities for individuals
both with and without disabilities to participate together.
The focus is on similar abilities, not differences. Emphasis
is on providing understanding, disability awareness,
building active participation for all people and involving
families. It would be a goal to implement additional
programs that focus on collaboration, which embrace
diversity, where people with and without disabilities live,
learn and play together
·
Currently, the Parks and Recreation Department offers a Unified Sports program in the sports
of Basketball, Volleyball, Rollerskating, Soccer, Track & Field, Cycling, Swimming and Softball.
In these programs athletes and partners, those with and without developmental disabilities,
participate on teams together.
Cooperative efforts with the Auburn High School staff has resulted in partnered social
programs. Programs partnered with the Community Lab at the AHS has produced
mentorship and life skills programs.
With a wheelchair accessible bus, the department is able to transport wheelchair users to and
from events and programs. In addition, the department sponsors a wheelchair basketball dribble
on wheels camp each year.
·
Specialized Recreation Needs/Recommendations:
1. Children with Special Needs
Continued growth in inclusionary programs for children under
12 are encouraged. Although the schools have a good
educational program for the developmentally disabled, there
are few social or recreational outlets available for these children,
with the exception of athletic events such as the Special
Olympics, which are open to children 8 and above.
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CI1Y OF AUBURN, WASHINGTON
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2. Transportation
Transportation to programs is an ongoing problem for many people in this population. Few
participants are able to drive or own a car, thus public transportation becomes vital. Recreational
classes are held at the Parks & Recreation Adm. Building, while athletic programs are held at
Auburn High School, Cascade Middle School, Mt. Baker Middle School, the Auburn Valley YMCA
Skate Connection, and Cascade Bowling Lanes. These programs occur primarily in the evenings
and on weekends, when bus service is at its lowest level. Increased ACCESS Metro service and
City of Auburn wheelchair-accessible bus has helped.
Improved bus service, wheelchair-accessible vehicles, and pedestrian and bike facilities are essential
to serving this group of users. Ongoing input should be provided to the transportation planning
process, to improve service to these locations.
3. Storage
Incorporate safe storage for equipment especially for the bicycling programs.
4. Program Costs
Financially, this group has extremely limited resources. The scholarship and fee waiver program
is necessary for many of these residents to be able to participate. Maintaining the scholarship and
fee waiver program and offering programs for children are priorities for this population. Continue
to work with the Parents Connect and the Children's Home Society for additional grant funding.
5. Programming 5pace
As programs grow, additional classroom space and gymnasium space is needed.
6. 5taffing
Train part time staff to assist with inclusionary training and ongoing programs.
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PARKS, RECREATION & OPEN SPACE PLAN
· The Special Concerns for Teens
Like communities around the country, Auburn is struggling with
concerns for its young people and the challenges they face today.
Recommendations for meeting these changes may include:
· Provide better information to young people
concerning existing youth programs and services
· Make programs and services more accessible to
youth
· Develop a greater number of relevant and diverse
opportunities for young people
Following the recommendations of the Youth 2000 Task Force, a
Teen Coordinator is on staff with the Parks and Recreation Department.
Through an offering of diverse and challenging programs, some of
the needs described above are being met.
.
Because 71 percent of our residents are below the age of 44/ there is
a great need and special needs for recreation resources for teens.
Another factor to consider in planning for teens is the large number
of low-income families in Auburn. Nearly half of Auburn residents
fall into the low or very low income categories. This means that
many families with children find it very difficult to pay for recreational
activities.
An evaluation ofthe existing athletic and recreation programs reveals
that 11 to 15 year-olds participate primarily in the athletic programs
offered by the City. The introduction of a Teen Late Night program
and Middle School Afterschool programs have given teens greater
opportunities. The Auburn Youth Council provides teen leadership
and server/earning opportunities. The Youth Council meets on a
regular basis to plan service projects and fund raising events.
Providing facilities and programs with a positive social or recreational
environment is seen as key to counteracting some of the negative
behaviors and activities occurring when teens "just hang out."
Developing appealing programs for this age group may need to
involve teens and be more creative in approach than for other ages.
. Serving Teens Conclusions/Recommendations
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cm OF AUBURN, WASHINGTON
1. Improve Facilities
Improve existing facilities and develop additional facilities to provide a variety of recreational,
cultural and artistic opportunities for teens in the community. Recommended development of an
indoor community center to house additional opportunities is recommended. Develop methods
to evaluate recreation facilities and establish standards and criteria to improve existing facilities.
2. Assess Needs of Teens
Assess the recreational, cultural and artistic needs of teens in the community on an ongoing
basis to improve the accessibility and quality of programs, activities and classes offered to young
people.
·
For teens, accessibility often boils down to the cost of programs, and the ability to get to them.
Some teens from low and very low-income families (nearly half our population) may be deterred
from participation due to the cost of programs. The Fee Waiver Program allows many low-
income residents to attend recreation classes and programs. While the Fee Waiver Program
helps, more flexibility may be needed for families in need who don't meet the United States
Department of Agriculture Child Nutrition Program Income guidelines.
Teen Late Nights currently serve over 300 teens per month during the school year. In addition,
consideration for providing more youth and teen oriented programs at no cost encourages
greater participation. Improved public transportation and an improved pedestrian/bicycle network
enables more teens to attend activities.
Use a youth specific evaluation tool for activities, programs and classes. The Teen Coordinator is
instrumental in seeing recreation opportunities offered by the City meet the many varied needs
and interests of teens today. This may mean offering "non-traditional" activities not available at
schools, ranging from rock or rap music performance to rock climbing.
·
3. Increase Sports Programs
Increase the quality and quantity of sports programs for teens to encourage greater participation.
Unfortunately, outdoor facilities are already heavily used, and there is currently very little room
for expansion of programs. A teen volleyball and teen soccer program has been added for this
age group.
4. Outreach to '~t Risk" Teen
Perform outreach activities bringing "at risk" teens into the recreational network during the
elementary grades. This will establish a behavior of community and recreational involvement.
S. Public Transportation
Address transportation problems this age group has by coordinating public transportation
improvements with the regional transportation planning process.
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