Policy

Improve the overall community image by creating areas that enhance the sense of civic pride within the City by enhancing the aesthetic qualities of the City through the attractive and memorable design of park and recreation features.

Strategy:

• Identify & encourage areas appropriate for civic areas, town/neighborhood squares, & other public open spaces.

• Encourage the establishment of community civic groups dedicated to improving the community’s appearance.

• Identify areas in the community to install public art.

• Invest in streetscape improvements and beautification efforts in downtown to cultivate a stronger identity and sense of place, transforming the streets and sidewalks into the vibrant, lively spaces envisioned by the community.

Provide year-round park and recreation features, facilities, and programs, in sufficient quantity and diversity, to provide opportunities for individuals of all age groups and abilities in order to meet the present and future needs of non-driving residents.

Strategy:

• Ensure that every home in the City lies within the service area of a park by pursuing partnerships with developers, by requiring park, trail, and open space dedications with subdivisions according to specified standards, and by actively pursuing funding opportunities from the RCO, Spokane County, and Spokane Parks Foundation.

• Develop both passive and active recreation opportunities on public land including trails, mini exercise and pocket facilities (small scale such as benches and tables).

Action:

• Develop a senior and disability recreation plan for inclusive facilities, when possible, at every location.

• Pursue avenues of funding and partnerships with other government agencies, as well as private and non-profit organizations, to develop the remaining 50 acres at the Recreation Complex, including phase 2 of the Recreation Center Expansion and improving year-round recreational opportunities for the region.

Coordinate with agencies and surrounding communities to develop and broaden the variety of and accessibility to recreation, wellness, and open space opportunities available to city residents of all ages and abilities.

Strategy:

• Coordinate with the City of Spokane, Spokane County & surrounding communities to develop and enhance linkages and partnerships to maximize the recreational opportunities for all residents.

• Coordinate with Cheney School District to maximize recreational opportunities at school facilities.

Ensure park & recreation facilities within the community are of a safe & healthy nature.

Strategy:

• Designate & locate park facilities in a manner ensuring compatibility with surrounding uses, especially as new development occurs.

• Provide landscaping, serving to buffer neighboring land uses, and also provide shade and aesthetic amenity for park users.

• Ensure that park sites that are developed in residential neighborhoods are fronted on at least 50% of their perimeter by a public road to allow adequate public access to the site. Ensure visibility into park facilities is maintained from street & other public access areas.

Develop a robust multimodal network that supports land use development, increasing the number of residents who work, live, and recreate in Airway Heights. This will stimulate local commerce and promote outside investment within the City.

Invest in a multimodal transportation network to promote the efficient movement of freight and commuters between residential and commercial centers. Residents and workers that can effectively access services and goods are more likely to invest in Airway Heights, elevating business incomes and promoting the tax base.

The provision of multimodal choices allows Airway Heights citizens to benefit from reduced travel costs and healthier lifestyles via walking, biking, and/or ridership of STA transit. Promotion of mixed-use developments with affordable housing and employment opportunity, in combination with multimodal facilities, allows citizens the opportunity to reduce their transportation footprint on City and regional roadways and highways, which reduces infrastructure costs/impacts and improves air and stormwater runoff qualities.

Require the development or Develop Standards for context-sensitive streets to provide “place” for pedestrian, bicycle, and transit accommodation, incorporating (as appropriate) landscape, artistic, and traffic calming enhancements to affect the community vision for the City. Improvements such as boulevards and landscape buffers, street/pathway art, “pocket” parks, speed control measures, and pedestrian/bike infrastructure (benches, bike racks, etc.) are examples of applications that appeal to commuters and recreational travelers.

Anchor the city center with walkable/bicycle facilities, incorporating traffic controls, calming measures, strategically located parking, and wayfinding to slow or divert traffic from the vibrant city center. This approach creates a sense of place for active transportation.

Implement downtown zoning with a focus on businesses that promote synergy with nearby residential accessibility, transit, and active commuting. This action aims to reduce the frequency of single-purpose trips to the downtown area.

Promote the development of appealing transportation facilities that complement the   downtown/civic center by implementing development standards that incorporate   context-sensitive designs and landscaping elements.

Develop a comprehensive multimodal transportation network that supports the development of commercial and residential land use, promotes the Airway Heights economy by facilitating the efficient movement of freight and goods, and provides transportation options to reduce travel demand, congestion, and reliance on single occupancy vehicles, and encourages healthier lifestyles.