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Bellevue · BEV-CP-2023 · Pages PA-1 to PA-45

Parks, Recreation and Open Space

The Parks, Recreation and Open Space element commits Bellevue to maintaining and expanding its park system—over 2,700 acres and 98 miles of trails—to serve a growing and diverse population. Policies emphasize equitable access to parks and trails, acquisition concurrent with growth particularly in underserved areas, stewardship of natural resources, and partnerships with schools, nonprofits, and regional agencies. The element also addresses recreation programming for all ages, green stormwater integration in parks, and maintenance of high-quality facilities.

Parks & Recreation Social Environment Governance

“None of the 45 Parks, Recreation and Open Space policies in this chapter include a concrete, measurable commitment.” Real Record SAY vs DO analysis · Bellevue Comprehensive Plan

About this analysis

Real Record applies the SAY vs DO accountability framework to every chapter of every Washington comprehensive plan we publish. Each policy in the chapter is read individually and scored into one of four buckets:

  • Measurable — the policy names a specific target, deadline, dollar amount, or action that can be verified later.
  • Strong — binding action language (“shall,” “will adopt,” “require”) without a measurable threshold.
  • Aspirational — encouraging or supportive language (“encourage,” “support,” “consider”) with no enforcement.
  • Monitor only — policies that commit to tracking or reporting but not to action.

The accountability score shown in the sidebar is the share of policies in the chapter that landed in the “Measurable” bucket. A score of 0–19 (red) indicates most policies use aspirational language without concrete accountability; 20–49 (orange) is mixed; 50 or higher (green) means the chapter is dominated by measurable commitments.

The underlying text comes from the official adopted comprehensive plan published by the Bellevue planning department. Scoring is performed by Real Record analysts using a structured rubric; the raw policy text and bucket assignments are archived in the Real Record civic data warehouse.

Read the full methodology, sources, and rubric at Real Record · About.

Goals (1 total)
  • PA-Goal: To build a healthy community through an integrated and accessible system of exceptional parks, natural areas and recreation opportunities.
Stronger Policy Language (29 policies in this chapter)
  • PA-2: Obtain land throughout the community to meet present and future parks and open space needs, with emphasis on providing park land concurrent with growth and density of urban neighborhoods, in alignment with the Parks and Open Space System Plan.
  • PA-3: Equitably distribute a variety of parks, community centers and other indoor and outdoor recreation facilities throughout the city, with consideration of underserved areas and those neighborhoods expected to experience the most growth.
  • PA-44: Establish a funding plan for long term maintenance and operation before constructing park-related facilities.
Show all 29 stronger policies
The four examples above are a representative sample. The remaining 25 stronger policies are catalogued in the Real Record civic data warehouse and indexed by policy number against the adopted plan text. See how policies are scored →
Aspirational / Monitoring Language (16 policies in this chapter)
  • PA-10: Develop partnerships with other public agencies, non-profits and the private sector to provide and fund parks, open space, and cultural and recreation facilities in the city.
  • PA-13: Encourage a network throughout the city of privately funded and managed facilities that serve recreation and cultural needs and may supplement or link with facilities and programs in the public system.
  • PA-29: Explore provision of human services at recreation facilities and community centers when they complement the site's recreational and cultural programming.
  • PA-38: Provide environmental stewardship and nature education programs to increase the community's awareness, understanding and appreciation of Bellevue's natural environment.
Show all 16 aspirational / monitoring policies
The four examples above are a representative sample. The remaining 12 policies in this bucket use language like “encourage,” “support,” “consider,” or “monitor” — phrasing that does not create an enforceable commitment. See how policies are scored →

SAY vs DISCUSS: Did this come up in meetings?

Real Record has not yet indexed any Bellevue briefings tagged to this chapter’s topics. Browse all Bellevue council and planning briefings to see related discussions in context.

View Bellevue Briefings →

SAY vs DO: Where the Money Goes

Departments related to Parks, Recreation and Open Space in Bellevue — what the city actually funds, year over year.

Budget analysis for this chapter is in progress. Real Record has mapped 3 Bellevue departments to this chapter, but the FY2006 / FY2025 line-item totals are not yet loaded into our civic data warehouse. In the meantime, browse the city-wide budget comparison on the index page.