Covington’s Parks and Recreation department is hosting the third meeting on its Parks, Recreation and Open Space (PROS) plan, with staff and consultants planning to unveil the preliminary version at 6:45 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 3, in the Community Room at Covington City Hall, 16720 271st St. S.E.

During the past four months, staff in partnership with Seattle-based consultant Alta, have taken input from residents gathered in a phone survey and a pair of community meetings last year and used that to develop the PROS plan.

Residents are encouraged to attend the meeting to give feedback on the preliminary plan before the Parks and Recreation Commission and City Council begins the review process.

According to information provided by the city, more than half of 300 residents surveyed in September “report they have the greatest need for an extended trail system and larger comprehensive community parks.”

Community events and festivals were rated by 66 percent of respondents as the No. 1 recreation need in the city.

Nearly 70 percent of residents, according to the survey results, are using trails to walk and bicycle but those who responded also want to see more open public swims, health and fitness programs, swim instruction and aquatic activities as well as informational and educational classes.

Data culled from the survey will be used to help the city develop its Parks, Recreation and Open Space (PROS) plan, which Parks and Recreation Director Scott Thomas has described as Covington’s parks and recreation “to do list.”

For more information contact Recreation and Aquatics Manager Pat Patterson by calling (253) 638-1110, extension 2223 or send e-mail to ppatterson@ci.covington.wa.us.