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Parks

Front and back of a postcard reading "Provide input on the vision plan for Hilltop Park" laid on the top of a wooden table surface.

Did you receive a postcard from the City of Burien?

View the concepts, access the survey, and learn more information here.

The City of Burien Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services (PaRCS) Department is developing a vision plan for future improvements at Hilltop Park. This planning process builds on the work begun by the Hilltop Park Activation and Reimagination Project, which gathered input on desired improvements from Hilltop Elementary School students and park neighbors through the Green Burien Partnership.  Community input was also sought through the Shape Your City initiative.

Get Involved

There are several ways you can get involved:

  • Take a survey and provide feedback on the three vision plan alternatives
  • Sign up for the Burien Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services email newsletter for project updates
  • Email your questions or comments to ParksInfo@burienwa.gov

Upcoming Events

Subscribe to Updates

Sign up for the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services email list.

Project Contact

Contact ParksInfo@burienwa.gov or call the Burien Community Center at (206) 988-3700.

Latest News

Background Information

The Hilltop Park Vision Plan Project will facilitate future improvements to the park by performing environmental and geotechnical studies and a topographic survey, which will inform the design of park improvements in a vision plan and schematic design (or 30% design documents).

Environmental studies include a critical areas report and buffer mitigation plan for the wetland area, and environmental compliance review. Other work includes site surveying, select geotechnical borings and report, and preparation of land use permits.

Once the design team understands the limitations of the site based on these studies, they will combine that knowledge with the community’s priorities for park improvements and develop three vision plan alternatives and cost estimates. The alternatives will be presented to community members for input, which will be used to refine the alternatives into one final vision plan.

The vision plan will become the basis for 30% schematic design documents. Once, complete, the schematic design and cost estimate will be used in budgetary planning for the long-term capital improvements plan and to seek funding for final construction documents and construction of park improvements. This project is funded by the Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office (RCO) and the City of Burien.   

Project Timeline

July 2023

Project kick-off

July-September 2023

Site investigations and environmental studies

August-October 2023

Vision plan alternatives

November 2023

Community feedback on vision plan alternatives

November-December 2023

Preferred vision plan

December 2023-January 2024

Community feedback on preferred vision plan

January -March 2024

Schematic design

The City of Burien plans to replace the playground equipment and associated park furnishings at Manhattan Park in 2023. Our goal is to replace the equipment within the same footprint and have play features for the two primary age groups: 2- to 5-year-old and 5- to 12-year-old youth. Watch the video and take the survey below to provide feedback.

Watch video on YouTube in Spanish.

Get Involved

Take the Survey:

The community is invited to take a survey and provide feedback on the theme of the primary play feature and secondary play toy options. The survey is open through May 21, 2023:


Upcoming Events

Subscribe to Updates

Sign up for the Burien Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services email list.

Project Contact

parksprojects@burienwa.gov

(206) 988-3700 (Burien Community Center)

Background Information

This project will replace the existing playground equipment and park furnishings that are 20 years old and have reached the end of service life. The new equipment will fit within the existing footprint and have age-appropriate features for the two primary age groups: 2- to 5-year-old and 5- to 12-year-old youth. Based on community feedback, City staff will work with a playground equipment manufacturer on the final design for the primary play feature and incorporate secondary play toys as space and budget allow.

Do you want to share ideas for other parks in Burien?

Project Timeline

April-May 2023

Gather community feedback

May-June 2023

Evaluate community feedback and finalize design

Fall 2023

Construction

Fall/Winter 2023

Playground re-opens for use

Healthy forested parks and green spaces have the power to strengthen neighborhoods, provide safe access to nature, and provide many benefits to the environment. Without a coordinated effort to restore and care for our forests, we are at risk of losing many benefits of these forests and natural areas.

The Green Burien Partnership brings together community members and private and public agency partners to restore and care for Burien’s parks and urban forests. The Partnership’s activities include:

  • Community outreach and engagement to guide project prioritization and implementation.
  • Development of a 20-year plan for restoring forests and increasing the amount of tree canopy across the three cities.
  • Implementation of projects and volunteer programs that organize local neighbors and community groups to plant trees, remove invasive plant species, and meet restoration goals.
People planting.

Get Involved

Participate and Learn More:


Upcoming Events

Subscribe to Updates

Project Contact

Gabbi Gonzales, Recreation Coordinator

Maya Klem, Green Burien Partnership Coordinator

parksinfo@burienwa.gov

Latest News

Background Information

Who is in the Green Burien Partnership?

The Green Burien Partnership relies on a network of individuals, organizations, staff, and volunteers. All partners are essential for the success of the project.

Other key partners have played an essential role in defining the goals of the partnership, volunteering in their community, offering their expertise, and increasing canopy cover by planting trees in their yards or patios:

  • City of Burien
  • Port of Seattle
  • Washington State Department of Natural Resources
  • King County Conversation District
  • Highline Public Schools
  • Elected officials
  • Nonprofit, faith-based, and community groups
  • Businesses
  • Youth groups and clubs
  • Landowners
  • Individuals like you

How is it funded?

The Green Burien Partnership receives funding from the City of Burien General Fund and grants.

The City of Burien is re-imagining the long-term future of our city through a coordinated planning effort combining major updates to the Comprehensive Plan, a new Transportation Master Plan, and an update to the Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan.

Specifically, this planning process focuses on land use, economic development, human services, environmental protection, infrastructure, transportation, parks and open spaces, recreation programs, public art, and cultural services.

Results of this planning effort will guide policymaking, operational plans, and budgets for the next twenty years. It’s vital that community voice guides these important planning processes.


Comprehensive Plan

The City of Burien is embarking on a major update to its Comprehensive Plan. This effort will help Burien plan and build for the next few decades. Planning for this growth helps us build a city with an equitable, sustainable, and healthy future.    

Transportation Master Plan

The Transportation Master Plan helps determine our community’s current and future transportation needs, guiding how we invest in transportation over the next 20 years.

Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan

The Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan is a six-year strategic plan for the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Department. The plan will look at the existing conditions, identify gaps in facilities and programs, and offer strategies, projects, and programs to address those gaps.

Economic Development Action Plan

The Economic Development Action Plan will contain specific economic development goals, strategies, and implementation measures and an implementation plan, outlining the timing, anticipated cost, and funding source of each implementation action.

Get Involved

There are several ways you can get involved:

Project Contact

Jeffrey Watson, Interim Community Development Director, Comprehensive Plan

Maiya Andrews, Public Works Director, Transportation Master Plan

Casey Stanley, PaRCS Director, Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan

SYC@burienwa.gov

Subscribe to Updates

Upcoming Events

Latest News

Project Timeline

August-November 2022

Community Visioning

Develop a shared vision to guide planning and policy development.

November 2022-March 2023

Draft Strategies and Projects

Staff will communicate what we have heard to date and present draft strategies and projects for feedback.

May 2023-November 2023

Plan Development

Community will provide feedback on draft plans.

November 2023-March 2024

Legislative Process

Plans go before Burien City Council for review and approval. Public comment accepted.

March 2024

Plans Adopted

PROS Plan and TMP Plan adopted and incorporated into other updates to the Comprehensive Plan.

The Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan (PROS Plan) is a six-year strategic plan for the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Department. The plan will look at the existing conditions of our facilities and programs, listen to community desires and priorities, identify gaps in facilities and programs, propose strategies, projects and programs to address those gaps, and finalize those strategies and a prioritized capital improvement plan in the final PROS Plan. The PROS Plan was last updated in 2018.

Get Involved

There are several ways you can get involved:

  • Mark your calendars for one of our upcoming events.
  • Subscribe to email updates using the form on this page.
  • Send your thoughts to the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board via email.

Upcoming Events

Subscribe to Updates

Subscribe to Shape Your City email updates:

Project Contact

Casey Stanley, Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Director

SYC@burienwa.gov

Latest News

Background Information

We will be evaluating the location, quality, and barriers to accessing our current parks, recreation programs and facilities, and cultural services programming. The plan will make recommendations for improving existing facilities and services, priorities for public art, and evaluate feasibility of new parks in key neighborhoods.

We will be asking neighbors to provide feedback on all parks, but with a specific focus on needs for a few key parks  including: Hilltop Park, Community Center Annex and garden, Jacob Ambaum Park, Chelsea Park, Puget Sound Park, Hazel Valley Park, Southern Heights Park, Manhattan Park, Moshier Memorial Park, and Salmon Creek Park/Salmon Creek Ravine.

What is a PROS Plan?

A PROS plan is a functional plan that develops strategies to implement the policies adopted in the Comprehensive Plan. The plan evaluates the current inventory of assets and the community’s desired level of service for future assets, then identifies gaps in the system. It also prioritizes capital project investments in the community for use in the City’s budgeting process and to make the City eligible to apply for grants to fund those priority projects.

Key Concepts
  • Park level of service: Level of service (LOS) is a term that describes the amount and quality of park and recreation facilities that are needed to serve the community at a desired and measurable standard.
  • Park Facilities:  This is a general term that refers to the types of recreational amenities in parks or recreation centers such as sport fields, sports courts, picnic areas, playgrounds, or arts classrooms.
Background Documents
Maps

Project Timeline

Fall 2022-Winter 2023

Community Visioning

Envision the future of parks, recreation, and cultural services in our community.

Spring-Summer 2023

Strategies Development

Develop and get feedback on proposed strategies to meet community needs.

Summer 2023

Draft Plan

Draft and get feedback on plan with capital project and program priorities.

Summer 2023

Advisory Board and Council Review and Approval

Draft final plan and gather community feedback.

Summer/Fall 2023

Final Plan Development and Adoption

Present plan to Parks and Recreation Advisory Board, Arts Commission, and City Council for adoption by January 2024. Public comment encouraged.

January 2024

Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office

Submit plan to Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office.

The City of Burien is embarking on a major update to its Comprehensive Plan. This effort will help Burien plan and build for the next few decades. Planning for this growth helps us build a City with an equitable, sustainable, and healthy future. The Comprehensive Plan covers many topics including land use and zoning, economic development, public services, environmental protection, and infrastructure, meeting the community’s needs and reflecting the community’s vision.   

Get Involved

There are several ways you can get involved:


Upcoming Events

Subscribe to Updates

Subscribe to Shape Your City email updates.

Project Contact

Jeffrey Watson, Interim Community Development Director

planning@burienwa.gov

Latest News

Background Information

The Comprehensive Plan update will:

  • Identify and implement the community’s vision and priorities
  • Extend Burien’s planning horizon to 2044
  • Comply with the State’s Growth Management Act and regional planning requirements
  • Incorporate updates from Transportation Master Plan and Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan, which set infrastructure priorities for the next 6–20 years

Comprehensive Plan Focus Areas

The Comprehensive Plan update will focus on the following:

  • Integration of equity into the planning and engagement process and policy development
  • Housing to meet state requirements and local household needs for affordable ownership and rental housing, especially “missing middle” housing
  • Employment opportunities and jobs capacity to meet growth targets and improve jobs-housing balance
  • Regulations and incentives to realize Burien’s vision for mixed uses, gathering spaces, affordable housing, and job opportunities in Downtown, 1st Ave, Five Corners
  • Avoiding and addressing displacement risks for housing and jobs
  • Equitable access to parks, recreation, and services
  • Supporting transportation by all modes including active transportation like pedestrian and bike facilities, long-term maintenance, and capital investments
  • Airport policies and compatibility
  • Healthy communities promoting clean air and water, trees, and noise management
  • Climate resilience to adapt and protect our places and people from extreme heat, flooding or sea level rise
  • Critical areas (streams, wetlands) restoration and green infrastructure (like rain gardens)
  • Human services and meeting people’s needs
  • Creating effective, streamlined, and implementable plans that guide and direct development and investment
Frequently Asked Questions
  • What is a Comprehensive Plan?
    A Comprehensive Plan guides Burien’s physical development over 20 or more years including desires for housing and job growth, community character, capital investments in infrastructure and services, and policies and regulations. The Plan is informed by and addresses community values and needs.
  • How will this affect me?
    An updated Comprehensive Plan can impact housing choices, the location of jobs, walking/biking/car mobility, parks and recreation opportunities, and overall public services. The Comprehensive Plan and updated policies can help all of Burien.
  • Why do we have to accept growth?
    In Washington State laws and policies determine that growth be directed to some areas and away from others. Burien is in an urban area that will always have growth directed to it, and we’re required to accommodate the growth distributed to our city while protecting critical areas and providing for parks and open space.  Growing “up not out” helps protect regional natural resources like farmlands and forests.
  • Why are we updating the Plan now? Why not wait?
    The GMA requires Comprehensive Plans to be updated periodically. The State deadline is December 31, 2024. Also, updating housing, transportation, economic development and other elements can meet critical community needs.
  • When will there be community engagement for the Comprehensive Plan?
    Burien has developed multiple ways for the community to be involved in this update. We are trying to make sure we are reaching people where they are at and making it easy to participate in this process. 
Environmental Impact Statement

The Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is an environmental review of growth alternatives to help guide community discussion on growth options and priorities. The Environmental review for the Comprehensive Plan update will meet the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) requirements and will consist of a number of natural and built environment elements.

The environmental review will be shared with the community in draft and final stages of the Comprehensive Plan.

Burien 2044 Comprehensive Plan Advisory Committee

The City of Burien established a committee in early 2023 to help advise City staff on a major update to Burien’s Comprehensive Plan. The advisory committee is one of many groups of stakeholders advising the City on the Burien community’s needs and wishes for its future. The committee will provide recommendations to the Burien City Council. Learn more about the committee and how to watch and participate in their meetings.

Project Documents

Project Timeline

Fall 2022

Community Visioning

Winter 2023

Preliminary Plan Development and Environmental Impact Statement

Spring 2023

Preliminary Urban Center Code Development

Summer 2023

Draft Plan and Environmental Impact Statement Comment Period

Winter/Spring 2024

Preferred Alternative and Environmental Impact Statement

Summer/Fall 2024

Final Plan Development and Adoption

English