Mill Creek Canyon and Earthworks Park Framework Plan

Here is the final Framework Plan! Please enjoy the new graphic novel associated with the vision of this plan.

Mill Creek Canyon and Earthworks Framework Plan

If you would like more information please read the appendix document under the documents section of the page.

The comment period for the Mill Creek Canyon and Earthworks Park Draft Framework Plan has closed. Thank you for your comments.

The final plan is forthcoming!

The Mill Creek Canyon and Earthworks Park Framework Plan represents a first step towards a long-term reinvestment plan for the park. Through the initial public engagement process, residents submitted input that helped us develop this plan.

We are excited to announce the draft plan is ready for public comment! Make sure your voice is heard and provide your feedback on the plan by Tuesday, March 19, 2024.

Be sure to subscribe for notification on the Draft Plan, so you can leave your comments.

Mill Creek Canyon Earthworks Park Framework Plan Round 2 Engagement Results Enlarged Document

Round 2 Engagement for Mill Creek Canyon Earthworks Park Framework Plan was held between March 4^th and April 7^th, 2023. This round of engagement builds on the previous round and continues incorporating the results gathered throughout the process. During this period announcements were made on all Kent Parks social media platforms, both Kent Parks and Mayor’s newsletters, Peach Jar to all Kent School District schools, and on EngageKentParks.com.

Parks Planning and Development staff were out in the community at 3 events, where 558 people were engaged, and the survey conducted had 185 responses.

Additionally, participants were asked to provide input on display exhibits that were posted in the King County Public Library Kent Downtown branch for 6 weeks, at the bottom on the page are images of these displays.

Results:

The below images display the answers from survey participants.

The top three priorities for investments at trailheads in Mill Creek Canyon are kiosks with trail maps, lighting, and seating (question 2).

The top three priorities for interactive, informative, and artful experiences (question 3) are native plantings with seasonal interest, green storm water design, opportunities to interact with water.

When asked about content for interpretive features and signage (question 4), the top priorities were: geologic and hydraulic history, tribal culture and history, natural history, and City of Kent history.

In addition to history, when asked how respondents would want to interact with water (question 5) the top two methods are boardwalk and creek access.

Question 6 pulled in event ideas gathered during round one engagement and asked which events would be of most interest. The top three are family concerts, farmer’s market, and nature-based learning.

Respondents were also asked if they had community groups or events that they thought would make good use of Mill Creek Canyon and Earthworks Park, the ideas received were varied, and gave park staff new organizations to reach out to regarding new program opportunities.

Area specific questions:

The next set of questions were about each of the following development areas: Meadow, Plateau,

Forest Canopy, and Upstream. For each area, respondents were asked what amenities they would prefer the results follow.

Meadow:

Top three ranked choices were:

• Loop Path
• Boardwalk
• Native Plant Meadow

Plateau:

Top three ranked choices were:

• Pedestrian bridge over the small ravine
• Nature play
• Group seating (sky and star viewing areas)

Forest Canopy:

Top three ranked choices were:

• Entry Plaza
• Path play area
• Overlook platforms

Upstream:

Top three ranked choices were:

• Restroom
• Accessible trails
• Interpretive loop trails

Library Exhibits:

Thank you for participating in Round 1 of this project's engagement activities. We are analyzing all your comments and suggestions and will bring the results to you soon.

Thank you for participating! The Exhibits are no longer up and the survey is closed, keep you eye out for the results.

We need YOUR feedback! We want yo know what YOU want to see in Mill Creek Canyon and Earthworks Park. We are currently preparing to develop a new framework plan that will help guide the future of the park and your input is critical. Visit the Kent Commons Community Center during regular business hours through August 26th to leave you feed back on our project engagement towers or take the survey here.

Kent Commons Community Center:

• Address: 525 Fourth Ave. N Kent, WA 98032
• Hours:
  • Monday, Wednesday & Friday: 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.
  • Tuesday & Thursday 7:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.
  • Saturday: 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.