Property Tax Search
Home › Comp Plans › Lynnwood › Parks, Recreation & Open Space Element
Lynnwood · LYN-CP-2025 · Pages 222-243

Parks, Recreation & Open Space Element

The Parks, Recreation & Open Space Element inventories Lynnwood's 420+ acres of parks, trails, and open spaces and establishes policies to equitably expand and maintain the system as the city grows toward its 2044 population target. It sets a level of service standard of 3.5 acres per 1,000 residents and directs park investments using the ParksLove equity evaluation tool to prioritize underserved areas. The element addresses programming, cultural heritage preservation, trail connectivity, sustainability in maintenance, and intergovernmental coordination for regional trail and open space networks.

Parks & Recreation Social Environment Governance Economy

“Only 1 of 27 Parks, Recreation & Open Space Element policies (4%) include a concrete, measurable commitment.” Real Record SAY vs DO analysis · Lynnwood 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 Lynnwood 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.

What the Plan Promises
Formal targets adopted in the Lynnwood Comprehensive Plan.
Parkland service standard of 3.5 acres per 1,000 persons; Park amenity distribution within 1/2-mile of every household; 420+ acres of existing parks, trails, and open space; Proposed recreational trail network totaling nearly 22 miles if fully developed
Goals (4 total)
  • PR Goal 1: Provide safe, accessible, and diverse gathering and recreation places, spaces and programs
  • PR Goal 2: Reduce park system access gaps through strategic and equitable acquisition and development
  • PR Goal 3: Provide programming and opportunities that enhance quality of life
  • PR Goal 4: Maintain, renovate, and continually ensure park, trail and recreation facility assets are managed for safety, longevity, and sustainable use
Stronger Policy Language (10 policies in this chapter)
  • PR Policy 2.1: Provide parkland to a service standard of 3.5 acres per 1,000 persons.
  • PR Policy 2.2: Provide equitable park and amenity distribution within a 1/2-mile (approximately 10 to 15-minute walk) of every household utilizing the ParksLove project evaluation tool...
  • PR Policy 2.8: Design new parks and trails and provide improvements to existing parks that promote public safety and security and provide accessibility to all in accordance with ADA standards.
  • PR Policy 4.3: Actively manage Lynnwood's parks and recreation assets through a regular schedule of maintenance and capital renewal efforts...
  • PR Policy 4.5: Use traditional and new funding sources to adequately and cost-effectively maintain and enhance the quality of Lynnwood's parks and recreation system.
Show all 10 stronger policies
The four examples above are a representative sample. The remaining 6 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)
  • PR Policy 1.5: Pursue and maintain effective partnerships with governmental, private, and non-profit organizations to plan and provide recreation activities and facilities...
  • PR Policy 2.4: Explore developer incentives to incorporate public open space, pedestrian connections, and recreation facilities in future development projects...
  • PR Policy 3.9: Encourage and support organized public events like farmers markets, fairs, concerts, or other seasonal outdoor performances.
  • PR Policy 3.10: Support green neighborhood initiatives and education, such as tree plantings, street cleanup days, community gardens...
  • PR Policy 4.4: Encourage and promote volunteer park improvements and maintenance projects from a variety of individuals, service clubs, churches, and businesses.
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 Lynnwood briefings tagged to this chapter’s topics. Browse all Lynnwood council and planning briefings to see related discussions in context.

View Lynnwood Briefings →

SAY vs DO: Where the Money Goes

Departments related to Parks, Recreation & Open Space Element in Lynnwood — what the city actually funds, year over year.

Budget analysis for this chapter is in progress. Real Record has mapped 3 Lynnwood 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.