Parks, trails, recreation facilities and greenspaces are vital elements of livable cities. Parks and recreation facilities help create healthy living and social environments, economic development, community development, as well as a sense of belonging for residents. The uniqueness of the City of Everett's parks and recreation system, however, is the diversity of special places where residents of all ages can choose from healthy opportunities to play, learn, and grow.

The City of Everett has spent the past year developing a 10-year Parks and Recreation Strategic Plan through a public process that included:
• Identifying the values of the community
• Providing a vision for parks and recreation facilities and services
• Establishing a strategic direction for delivery of “best in class” parks and recreation services

The Strategic Plan process identified the community's vision for recreation and parks based on key issues to be addressed by the City of Everett Parks and Recreation Department for the next 10 years.

Vision: Our Vision is to be viewed as a best-in-class Parks and Recreation provider centered on meeting the community values that support Everett citizens' and visitors' needs and desires for cost effective and accessible parks, recreation facilities and programs for people of all ages.

Mission: The Parks and Recreation mission is to bring all Everett citizens and visitors together on our common grounds and facilities. We provide a wide variety of quality recreational and park experiences that welcome everyone. We measure our success by customer satisfaction, efficiency and community development of our public spaces and recreation services that meet the values and needs of our citizens and visitors. We provide parks, play fields, recreation amenities, trails and pools that are attractive, clean, safe and accessible.