Linda Heights Park: Recreation and Conservation Office Conversion Notice

Linda heights Park RCO conversion information and invitation for Public comment

Enlarged Linda Heights Parks RCO Conversion Notice here.

Purpose

This notice is being given of a proposed conversion of Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office (RCO) restricted land, requiring approval from the Washington State Recreation and Conservation Funding Board (RCFB), from a 3,600 square foot parcel at Linda Heights Park to other existing park land in Kent. Kent Parks, Recreation and Community Services is inviting the public to comment on the options listed below. The Washington State Recreation and Conservation Funding Board Comments may be made by emailing Project Manager Bryan Higgins at Bhiggins@kentwa.gov The deadline for comments to be received is April 24, 2022.

Background

Linda Heights Park a 4-acre neighborhood park located on the West Hill of Kent was acquired in 1971 with assistance from the Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office.

Located inside the park boundaries is a city owned sewer lift station. It occupies approximately 3,600 square feet. This sewer lift station was present when the park was acquired, and this parcel was excluded from the agreement with the RCO.

This sewer lift station has reached its useful life and is in need of replacement. The city would like to move the pump station out of its current location and to the front of the park to create improved access to the lift station and create additional usable park space in the center of the park.

Limitations

RCO restrictions prohibit the construction of indoor space or other uses of their funded projects for non-recreation purposes.

Exceptions

RCO restrictions may be moved to other properties of equal recreational and dollar value to allow for the construction of indoor space. Moving restrictions from one property to another requires the approval of the Recreation and Conservation Funding Board.

Alternatives considered for relocation of the pump station

In studying the need for a new pump station, the city considered the following options for replacement of the existing pump station.

1. Replace the pump station in its current location.
2. Replace the pump station at a location further north on the property near the back of the developed park.
3. Move the Pump station to the front of the park.

Proposed Action

Transfer the Recreation and Conservation Office (RCO) restrictions from portions of Linda Heights Park to another Park property in Kent. There would be no change of ownership, only transfer of restrictions, and the property will remain under Kent Parks and Recreation control.

This conversion will allow for:

1. The relocation and construction of a new sewer lift station at Linda Heights Park to serve the needs of Kent residents in the surrounding neighborhoods.
2. Moving the lift station out of the center of the park and closer to the road will allow for easier access for maintenance on the station.
3. The new lift station will allow a large hole in the park to be filled and the surrounding area brought up to grade. This will allow for the installation of an open lawn, loop trail and increase recreational value at the park.
4. Moving the lift station will allow for improvements to safety and sight lines throughout the park.

How it would be achieved

The RCO restrictions on portions of Linda Heights park could be transferred to the following other park properties.

1. Transfer restrictions to the parcel that the existing pump station currently occupies. This parcel is not encumbered with RCO restrictions.
2. Transfer restrictions to the Mendel Property at Mill Creek Canyon Park. This 2.25-acre parcel is located at the south end of Mill Creek Canyon Park. A waiver of retroactivity was obtained from the RCO for this property allowing it to be used as RCO conversion property even though it has already been acquired by Kent Parks.
3. Transfer restrictions to another park in the city pending an appraisal that meets the value needed for replacement.

The city’s preference is for the RCO restrictions on portions of Linda Height Park to be transferred to the Mendel Property at Upper Mill Creek Canyon Park. The Mendel property is an undeveloped 2.25-acre parcel that was purchased by the city in 2021. The 3,600 Square feet of conversion area from Linda heights would be applied to this parcel.

Please let us know if you have any comments or questions by emailing Project Manager Bryan Higgins@ Bhiggins@kentwa.gov