Clark County park projects are built in accordance with the county's Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan.

Recently developed parks in Clark County are part of the Greater Clark Parks District program, which voters in the unincorporated urban area outside the City of Vancouver approved in February 2005.

When creating the district, voters approved an ongoing property tax levy, primarily to maintain 35 new parks, along with additional sports fields and trails the county would build in the Greater Clark Parks District.

Since 2005, Clark County Public Works has completed 31 parks and 26 sports fields.
Greater Clark Parks District status map (PDF)

Generally speaking, Clark County has three types of parks:

Neighborhood parks provide access to basic recreation opportunities for nearby residents, enhance neighborhood identity and preserve neighborhood open space. These parks are designed primarily for non-organized recreation and often include play equipment, grass open play areas, pathways and trails, basketball courts, picnic tables, benches and assorted landscaping.

Neighborhood parks generally are 3 to 5 acres and located within walking and cycling distance for most users, who typically live within a half-mile radius of the park. For this reason, neighborhood parks typically do not include parking or restrooms.

Community parks provide a focal point and gathering place for broad groups of users. They are usually 20 acres or larger and generally serve residents within a 1- to 3-mile radius. Community parks often include recreation facilities for organized activities, such as sports fields, skate parks and play courts. They also may incorporate passive recreation space.

Because of their larger size and service area, community parks require more support facilities, such as parking and restrooms.

Regional parks are recreational areas that serve residents throughout Clark County and beyond. Regional parks are usually larger than 50 acres and provide opportunities for diverse recreational activities, including sports fields, extensive trail systems and large picnic areas.

In addition, regional parks often space for passive recreation and include significant natural areas or access to lakes and rivers. Because of their larger size and service area, regional parks require more support facilities, such as parking and restrooms.

Regional parks map (PDF)

Remaining Greater Clark Parks District neighborhood parks

• Kozy Kamp Neighborhood Park (formerly Stanton) (Fairgrounds area)
• Salmon Creek Community Club Neighborhood Park (Fairgrounds area)

Please visit the Kelley Meadows Neighborhood Park webpage for information on how the city of Vancouver's Van Mall North annexation will affect development of this park.

Remaining Greater Clark Parks District community parks

• Curtin Creek Community Park (Glenwood area)
• Pleasant Valley Community Park (WSU Vancouver area)

Park impact fees

Clark County primarily relies on park impact fees to pay for land acquisition and park development. Park impact fees are collected when housing is built. The Greater Vancouver area is divided into 10 park districts, and park impact fees must be spent within the district in which they are collected.

The county collects two park impact fees, one for land acquisition and one for park development. Prior to 2014, these fees were deposited into separate accounts for each district. After that date, park impact fees were deposited into combined accounts for each district. Money from these combined accounts can be spent on either land acquisition or park development.

A park is developed when the county owns the land, has sufficient funds to pay for construction and has ongoing revenue to maintain the park.

• Map showing park impact fee districts (PDF)
• Chart showing park impact fee fund balances (PDF)
• Park impact fees 101: A three-page summary (PDF)

Camp Bonneville

Public Works also oversees the Camp Bonneville cleanup. The county ultimately intends to use a portion of the former U.S. Army post as a regional park.