Imagine Lakewood!

The Imagine Lakewood! resident survey revealed that Lakewood residents love their programs. About 80% of residents said it is essential or very important to provide arts, parks and recreation programs for children and youth, as well as programs for people with special needs and swimming/water activities for people of all ages.

To achieve this goal, we will:

a.Plan for future program development to increase opportunities to residents throughout the City.


b.Create a plan to meet the increasing need for transportation for our aging population and growth in youth/teen activities and events.


c.Establish best practices related to diversity and inclusivity to promote use of and participation in Community Resources facilities, activities and events and explore options related to bilingual signage and promotional materials.


d.Remove financial barriers to participation by educating residents on various financial assistance opportunities available for all Community Resources facilities and programs.


e.Create a plan to meet the community's interest in community theater.


f.Update Lakewood's Cultural Plan to further enhance arts and culture throughout the community.


g.Strengthen community partnerships to assist in meeting identified needs across the community.

The Imagine Lakewood! statistically valid resident survey revealed that Lakewood residents love their parks and recreation facilities. However, we can always improve!

• 69% of residents think the Lakewood Link Recreation Center is in need of some improvement.
• 61% of residents think Green Mountain Recreation Center is in need of some improvement.
• 57% of residents think Carmody Recreation Center is in need of some improvement.
• 56% of residents think Bear Creek Lake Park is in need of some improvement.

To achieve this goal, we will:

a. Identify potential areas for enhancement and/or expansion of existing facility space and park amenities.

b. Establish an ongoing building assessment schedule to evaluate and prioritize facility maintenance needs.

c. Advance the City's energy, water, and built environment goals adopted as part of the 2015 Sustainability Plan during facility upgrades and new construction.

d. Maximize usage of available programming space.

e. Continue to utilize annual capital planning efforts to prioritize and establish timelines and capital project coordination.

f. Continue to renovate and modernize playgrounds as operational and capital project funding streams allow.

The Imagine Lakewood! resident survey, public open houses and other meetings revealed that Lakewood residents would like to see some new facilities added to Lakewood's portfolio.

• 70% said there are too few community gardens
• 66% there are two places for dogs to exercise off leash
• 60% said there are two few water spray parks
• When asked the most important issues for the City to address, 44% of residents said "new facilities". Included in that group are more dog parks, more pools and a new recreation or community center.

To achieve this goal, we will:

a. Expand Lakewood’s community garden program and support the Comprehensive Plan and Sustainability Plan goals for access to local and healthy food.

b. Assess the feasibility of adding a destination pool and recreation facility to the City's resources.

c. Evaluate the opportunity to add water amenities to existing facilities and parks.

d. Expand opportunities for sanctioned off leash dog experiences.

e. Explore opportunities and interest levels in various funding options for large scale capital projects and land acquisition.

f. Expand the City's outdoor fitness equipment inventory.

g. Continue to implement established department site and facility plans.

The Imagine Lakewood! survey revealed that Lakewood residents love their parks, trails and open spaces and feel safe using them. However, some challenges exist that hinder enjoyment of these outdoor facilities. to achieve this goal we will:

To achieve this goal we will:

a. Improve on-leash compliance across the park system.

b. Decrease the amount of dog waste left in park spaces.

c. Continue to advance the City of Lakewood Zero Waste goals in community parks, facilities and at events.

d. Refine the department's role in addressing safety and emergency preparedness situations.

e. Address overcrowding issues at Bear Creek Lake Park.

f. Enliven and enhance parks and facilities with public artwork and interpretive information.

g. Evaluate use of the City's trails and park path system including, connectivity, user conflicts, design, safety and activity levels.

When asked why they don't visit Lakewood arts, parks and recreational facilities, 37% of residents said it is because they are not aware of what is offered.

To ensure Lakewood residents are aware of the department’s offerings, and to take into account Lakewood’s diverse population, the department will:

a. Create and implement a Community Resources Department marketing plan that results in the delivery of consistent messaging through standardized practices and explores the expansion of bilingual promotional material.

b. Maximize efficiency and effectiveness of the department's family of publications.

c. Develop best communication practices to increase outreach to target populations including older adults, new residents, Latino residents, low income residents and others revealed during the development of the marketing plan.

d. Improve way finding elements such as street, park and facility signage. Explore the implementation of standardized facility and park markers to help orient residents toward their facilities.

e. Enhance communication efforts to Lakewood residents through schools in Lakewood.

f. Increase awareness of winter recreational and fishing opportunities through effective communication and promotion.

g. Explore the opportunity to create a citizen advocacy network to help with word of mouth messages regarding programs and facilities.

Stewardship is an important focus of the Community Resources Department's work. Preservation of open space, management of natural areas, volunteerism and historic preservation have a significant presence in what we do.

To continue our legacy of stewardship and resource preservation, the department will:

a. Coordinate operations and management to support natural systems and climate mitigation and adaptation goals of the City of Lakewood Sustainability Plan.

b. Continue as a leader in the metro area in effective water management.

c. Continue implementation and fine tuning of Natural Areas Management Plan to include entire park system native areas.

d. Prioritize acquisition efforts and consider opportunities as they arise to expand the City's parkland portfolio.

e. Evaluate and recommend updates to current park dedication fee structure.

f. Expand stewardship of Lakewood's historical resources to preserve and share the community's history as outlined in the 2017 Lakewood Heritage Center Master Plan.

g. Advance the education, advocacy and partnership goals as part of the 2012 Historic Preservation Plan.

h. Evaluate and implement best practices related to volunteerism and support community efforts to integrate volunteers in meaningful ways.