Centralia Parks and Recreation Master Plan - City of Centralia, WA

PLANNING AREA &
CONTEXT
“Centralia has changed
considerably since the
accomplishment of the
last comprehensive park
and recreation planning
effort. The choices which
confront Centralia at the
present time are
significant … (the Plan)
outlines the choices which
are available and the
means for implementing
preferred actions of most
benefit to Centralia
residents.”
From the introduction to the
1991 Centralia Parks Plan
1A. Introduction
In 1991, the City of Centralia adopted a Parks and Recreation
Master Plan of considerable scope. The aim was to provide a
basis for making choices that could dramatically alter the
character and quality of parks and other recreational facilities
over the long term if not adequately planned. The comprehensive
study analyzed supply, demand and need for public and private
park and recreation facilities.
The master plan served successfully for many years as a tool for
managing the city’s parks and recreational resources, even during
times of serious financial pressure. Fifteen years later, however,
there is a need to update the plan to account both for progress
and community demand, and to comply with newer IAC funding
requirements, GMA guidelines and state law.
The updated report, presented here, comprises a new, more
streamlined Parks and Recreation Comprehensive Plan that uses
the 1991 plan as a foundation, presenting current findings and
recommended priorities for the next 15-20 years.
Lewis was once the
largest county in the
United States,
encompassing all land
west of the Cowlitz River,
north of 54 degrees 40
minutes, and as far north
as the tip of Alaska. The
present-day boundaries
were set in 1888.
1B. Community Overview
Centralia is the largest city in Lewis County in Southwest
Washington. Lewis County is the sixth largest county in the state.
Geographically it extends from the crest of the Cascades to
within 35 miles of the Pacific Ocean, containing a total of 2,452
square miles. The city of Centralia contains a total of 54 square
miles.
Centralia’s location in the north-central section of the county
provides easy access to a wide range of opportunities for outdoor
recreation. From the mountainous region of the east to the
rolling hills and valleys in the west, there are activities to engage
residents and visitors of every age and interest. Among the most
popular are hiking, walking, camping, picnicking, and wildlife
watching.
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City of Centralia Parks and Recreation Plan