Chapter 2.60
PARKS AND RECREATION COMMISSION Revised 6/24

Sections:

2.60.010    Parks and recreation commission created. Revised 6/24

2.60.020    Membership, background check, and residence requirements. Revised 6/24

2.60.030    Duties and responsibilities. Revised 6/24

2.60.010 Parks and recreation commission created. Revised 6/24

The city of Kent parks and recreation commission is hereby created. The parks and recreation commission shall serve in an advisory capacity to the mayor, city council, city administrative officer, and city staff, and is subject to the general provisions applicable to boards and commissions as provided for under Chapter 2.50 KCC, except as those provisions are modified by the following provisions specific to the parks and recreation commission.

(Ord. No. 4117, § 1, 7-1-14; Ord. No. 4271, § 1, 2-6-18; Ord. No. 4406, § 11, 7-6-21; Ord. No. 4490, § 1, 5-21-24)

2.60.020 Membership, background check, and residence requirements. Revised 6/24

A. Number of members. The membership of the city parks and recreation commission shall consist of up to 12 members.

B. Background check. Membership on the parks and recreation commission is service-oriented and requires regular volunteerism at park events and programs. As such, the city requires that all members who may have access to vulnerable community members, including seniors, youth, and the developmentally disabled, submit to a criminal history background check, the results of which will be relied upon consistent with city and parks department policies.

C. Residence requirements. At least six persons appointed to serve on the parks and recreation commission shall reside within the corporate limits of the city. To the extent reasonably practicable, appointment should reflect a balance and diversity of users of and interests in Kent’s parks and recreation services, and should include one youth representative.

(Ord. No. 4117, § 1, 7-1-14; Ord. No. 4271, § 1, 2-6-18; Ord. No. 4275, § 1, 5-1-18; Ord. No. 4406, § 11, 7-6-21; Ord. No. 4490, § 1, 5-21-24)

2.60.030 Duties and responsibilities. Revised 6/24

The parks and recreation commission is advisory in nature, and membership requires regular volunteerism at park events, programs, and activities. In addition, and as requested by city staff, the commission may make reports and recommendations to the mayor, city council, and city staff concerning parks and recreation issues.

A. Required volunteerism. During each of the months of January, February, April, May, July, August, October, and November, each commissioner must serve as a volunteer at no less than one of the programs, events, or activities listed on the annual volunteer calendar maintained by the Kent parks department.

1. Commissioners select their chosen events and communicate those selections to the parks department’s volunteer coordinators at least 30 calendar days before the selected event.

2. After each volunteer event, commission members shall report their volunteer service to the commission’s secretary.

3. Volunteerism for the month of July will occur through a tour guided by city staff through active park improvement projects or another park initiative chosen by the parks director.

B. Quarterly commission meetings. The commission will meet once each quarter during the months of March, June, September, and December. At these quarterly meetings, commission members will share information regarding their volunteer experiences. The city may also use these meetings, at the city’s sole discretion, to strategically plan with the commission on any of the following topics:

1. Staff budget recommendations for the acquisition, development, and operation of parks, facilities, and programs;

2. Departmental policy and procedures;

3. Comprehensive parks, trails, program, climate, and other strategic departmental planning initiatives;

4. Input on programs, events, and operations for enhancement or development based on engagement activities and experiences;

5. Capital improvements planning;

6. Rules, regulations, or other restrictions applicable to parks, facilities, and programs;

7. Other matters that the mayor, city council, or parks director may refer to the parks and recreation commission for its consideration and recommendation.

C. Ambassadorship of Kent parks and recreation programs. Commission members are encouraged to play an active role in engaging the Kent community to support park and recreation projects in the city through public outreach efforts. Commissioners serve as ambassadors for Kent parks and recreation programs and are encouraged to:

1. Help advocate with external audiences to gain public support, involvement, and funding for Kent parks, facilities, and programs;

2. Support community outreach and help to spread the word on projects to engage the public in decisions affecting Kent parks, facilities, and programs; and

3. Attend park dedications, ground breakings, and ribbon cuttings.

(Ord. No. 4117, § 1, 7-1-14; Ord. No. 4271, § 1, 2-6-18; Ord. No. 4406, § 11, 7-6-21; Ord. No. 4490, § 1, 5-21-24. Formerly § 2.57.040)