Lacey to add non-city parks, greenspaces and habitats to its inventory of opportunities

The Lacey Parks, Culture & Recreation (LPCR) Board approved a proposal to update the existing LPCR Plan for 2023.

During the board’s special meeting on June 12, Comprehensive Plan Team and LCPR Director Jen Burbidge briefed the commissioners on this year’s LCPR Plan updates.

“I'm just so excited about this,” said Burbidge. “The community input and involvement has been so robust this time around, and we just want to continue that.”

Part of this year’s plan is updating the inventory on the city’s parks, open spaces and facilities. Burbidge said they also plan to include a map of non-city parks, greenspaces and habitats to show the full story of opportunities in Lacey.

The updated plan also includes recreation, museum and cultural programs.

Burbidge said the plan continues to emphasize that Lacey is moving from acquisition phase to development phase.

To further increase access to the city’s parks and facilities, Burbidge said the plan would provide a map that indicates frequently traveled bus routes and proximity to parks and facilities as a starting point. The city’s Pedestrian and Bicycle Plan would also be taken into consideration.

The LCPR Board is also keen on pursuing its projects on parks development, including a partnership with North Thurston Public Schools and YMCA on the proposed indoor pool, playground and spray park.