Following are some highlights and recommendations from the Twisp Parks and Recreation Commission’s draft of a proposed comprehensive parks and rec plan.
The proposal updates the Twisp Non-Motorized Recreation Plan of 2014, and “emphasizes a comprehensive approach to parks and open space planning for the Town as it develops, as well as prioritizing trails to connect recreational spaces within town and throughout the valley … A comprehensive vision of the plan is of a designated trail/route linking Twisp Park at the north end of town with the sports complex at the south end.”
Goals include:
• maintaining existing facilities and creating new ones where “appropriate and sustainable,” with recommended actions including hiring of a season maintenance person, organizing a volunteer work corps to help with maintenance, determining whether to repair or replace the band shell in Twisp Park, building an outdoor climbing/bouldering structure in Twisp Park, building a skate park and/or pump tack near Twisp Park or elsewhere, and developing river access points that may include signage, trail linkage, pocket parks and/or boat launches and ramps. The plan also advocates for building a recreation center to expand indoor options.
• developing new and existing trails systems and pedestrian connectors, in part dependent on establishing formal agreements for easements and rights-of-way where necessary. The proposal suggests working with organizations including Methow Trails and the Evergreen Mountain Bike Alliance to build connections with existing trail corridors.
• encouraging more year-round use of existing facilities, including development of a ski trail at the sports complex.
• developing a stable source of funding for rec facilities region-wide, which could include working with other local community groups to study creation of a recreation district.
The draft plan also includes suggestions for possible funding sources, and time lines for developing major projects.
Town parks: an inventory
• Twisp Park, 6 acres, including the Wagner Memorial Pool, band shell, picnic shelter, basketball courts, playground, parking lot, river access, kids’ playground, open space. Recommendation is for an overall master plan for the park.
• Twisp Commons Park, 29,000 square feet, a “passive park with native plantings and sculptures” used for “community gatherings, market overflow and picnics, and repose,” adjacent to the Methow Valley Community Center.
• Maves Memorial Park, 4,500 square feet, open space with bench. Recommendation is to add benches and/or a picnic table, small play structure or swing, artwork, and mural on an adjacent building.
• Twisp Sports Complex, 10.1 acres with playing fields for baseball and soccer. Recommendations include adding a skate park and/or pump track, ski trail and off-leash dog area. Could be considered as the site of a valley-wide recreation and aquatics center.
• Aaron Johnson Park, 3 acres, undeveloped open space. Further development is not recommended.
