The Seattle Parks and Recreation Department is soliciting community input for the development of its "strategic business plan," which will guide department actions for the next five years.

At a recent community meeting, several residents said they were most concerned about the future of teen and community programs funded through the Pro Parks Levy, which expires at the end of the year. Dewey Potter, parks department spokesperson, said Mayor Greg Nickels has made a "firm commitment" to fund those programs using general budget funds through 2009 and beyond.

The $198 million parks levy was approved by voters in 2000 and paid to create more than 100 new parks and trails, as well as dozens of free teen programs and increased maintenance of city property.

Mostly operated out of the city's community centers, the levy has provided funding for hundreds of teen leadership and senior/adult programs and financial assistance to low-income families so they can participate in before and after school programs. Parents and community members said the activities available for teens have made a significant difference in the lives of the young people.

"Sustainability of these free programs is vital," said one man. "I see that as one of the biggest threats (facing the parks department)."

Several parents said their children feel safe at Seattle's community centers, where they are respected and cared for, thanks to the staff.

"That's really important," said a parent. "It's like a second family."

Parents expressed thanks for the late night teen programs that offer a wholesome alternative to the kinds of activities teens could get mixed up with wandering the streets. Several people fought back tears when describing how the community centers have helped build relationships among minorities and young people.

"The center works because of the commitment of community," said another parent.

Though Potter is optimistic the levy programs will continue to be funded, it still depends on upcoming budget allocations.

Nickels has already set aside some general funds in the 2008 budget to pay for maintenance and recreation that was funded by the expiring parks levy, but there's a rumbling concern about how these programs and new green space will be acquired after the levy is done since the mayor has no current plans to renew it.

The mayor's office has made it clear it wants to focus on taking care of the growth in facilities and open space it has accrued in the last several years.

The department's new business plan will center more on establishing a vision for the next several years and identify issues and policy questions that have emerged through the department's recent growth.

Facilities, services and operations programs will be evaluated to see where the dollars are going and whether a better system could be put in place to spend more efficiently, said Potter.

The department has developed comprehensive plans in the past, but this will look more like a guidebook of necessary tasks. For example, said Potter, park's plans to create a new maintenance management system that is easier and more advanced than the current structure.

"It is not a laundry list of services but rather a road map that will express park's vision and mission," according to a statement. "It will also guide budget capital development and investment decisions and provide a planning framework for partnerships with other departments, organizations and businesses."

"We're open to refocusing ourselves," said Potter.

Parks has held 35 public meetings so far to hear from its stakeholders in order to incorporate those ideas into the plan. An independent consultant is organizing the feedback collected from the community.

Timothy Gallagher, who was confirmed as the new Superintendent of Seattle's Parks and Recreation Department last month, has attended a number of the meetings to gain more knowledge about what issues are important to the public, said Potter.

At a recent gathering at the South Park Community Center, residents voiced praise for the parks department's effort to reach out to minority communities through much-needed classes programs like English as a Second Language.

They had suggestions for improvements, too.

Some wanted better access to and upkeep of sports fields. One man compared the fields in the south end of the city to alfalfa fields.

"I think the kids would appreciate (improvements)-I would too," he said.

Others asked for more aquatic programs, public outdoor concerts and free access to weight lifting equipment. Several people said the department's Web site could have more pictures and better detailed information about what kinds of programs are offered at community centers.

The strategic business plan will continue to be refined and then a draft will be released in March. The public has a chance to weigh in until summer when the final plan could be approved.

Feedback from public meetings will be available on the park department Web site, http://www.seattle.gov/parks/, and upon request. More community meetings will be scheduled this winter, and comments are welcome at parksplan@seattle.gov.