Practical Planning With Equity at the Center

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Not sure how to apply an equity lens to your comprehensive plan? Interested in making data-driven decisions on capital investments but don't know where to start? Need support for prioritizing maintenance beyond the squeaky wheel? Join the cities of Seattle, Olympia, and Lynnwood, Washington, on their collaborative journey to explore and evaluate park access, level of service, investment strategies, using geographic information system (GIS) and big data, and asset management done - all done with equity at the center. Go behind the curtain with real examples and practical ways to enhance your agency's planning efforts, storytelling and policymaking to build a more inclusive, equitable and welcoming park system.

Learning Objectives:

Apply an equity lens to key areas of park planning and operation management.
Identify problem statements and questions to apply to policy efforts to ensure equitable approaches.
Understand how level of service is being redefined and methods for analyzing park access.

Shanyanika McElroy (she/her)

Policy and Organizational Performance Advisor

Seattle Parks and Recreation

Shanyanika McElroy believes that todays public servants have a responsibility to undo the harm caused by a legacy of oppressive government policies and practices. She has enjoyed a 20-year career focused on removing barriers that prevent marginalized community members access to recreation experiences. Shanyanika currently serves at Seattle Parks and Recreation and is a WRPA Board Member.

Paul Simmons (he/him)

Director

Olympia Parks, Arts & Recreation

Paul Simmons is the Director of Olympia Parks, Arts, Recreation and serves as President of the Washington Recreation and Parks Association. He is committed to listening and learning from others; and more importantly leading in a way that acknowledges and removes historical and societal barriers. Paul is committed to actions that will lead to a more equitable and inclusive future.

Sarah Olson (she/her)

Deputy Director

Lynnwood Parks, Recreation & Cultural Arts

Sarah Olson serves as Deputy Director of Lynnwood Parks, Recreation and Cultural Arts in Washington State. As Deputy, she oversees long-range planning, capital development, and healthy communities programming. Under her leadership, Lynnwood was selected as a 10-minute walk grant recipient and is committed to inclusive community engagement and equitable park access and park planning.