By Michael Oxman

Special to WestsideSeattle.com

On March 25, the SeaTac Parks Department held the first of three public input meetings scheduled over the next nine months to help shape a long‑term vision for the city’s parks system.

Approximately three dozen residents attended the meeting at the community center, along with about a dozen staff members. A consulting team provided an overview of the roles performed by Parks employees, volunteers, contractors, and city administrators in maintaining facilities and keeping them operational.

The room was organized into small discussion stations, each led by facilitators who gathered comments and suggestions from participants. Attendees shared preferences regarding park features, classes, and services they would like the department to consider.

Several comments focused on specific neighborhoods where participants hoped to see future investments. The discussion also referenced the challenges posed by a limited city budget and the need to serve a geographically dispersed population.

Some attendees noted the influence of the airport and surrounding commercial activity, observing that these uses differ from the recreational needs of residents. The airport’s central location was described as a regional hub, with nearby communities arranged around it.

Participants suggested that coordination on greenspace management could be strengthened among neighboring jurisdictions, including SeaTac, Tukwila, Kent, Normandy Park, White Center, unincorporated King County, Federal Way, Burien, and Seattle.

Next steps in the planning process include developing maps and spreadsheets showing current allocations of staff, equipment, and facilities. The consultant team will analyze community demographics and conduct a gap analysis to identify areas where additional parks or amenities may be needed.

The findings will be presented to the City Council, which will determine funding priorities for potential improvements.

Michael Oxman is a local ISA Certified Arborist, specializing in ornamental pruning. www.treedr.com @tree_dr
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