A new report details how King County Parks continues making steady progress on work to maintain and expand parks and trails and provide more access to recreational opportunities.
The report features Parks’ progress on commitments it made in the 2014-2019 King County Parks, Trail and Open Space Replacement Levy. Voters approved the measure, a property tax lid lift levy, in 2013 by more than 70 percent.
“We are grateful for the confidence that King County voters gave us by approving the parks levy, and we are eager to show them how, thanks to their support, we are growing and improving our parks and trails,” said Kevin Brown, director of the Parks and Recreation Division.
The report focuses on the period from January 2014 through December 2016. Highlights include:
- Design or construction of 13 of 14 regional trail projects, including the Eastside Rail Corridor and the Lake to Sound Trail.
- Rehabilitation of six of 13 play areas across the county.
- Acquisition of 1,157 of 2,700 acres of parkland, including adding 226 acres to the Cougar-Squak Corridor.
- Distribution of more than $26 million to cities for local parks projects and to the Woodland Park Zoo.
The levy, a $414 million property tax measure, focused on funding four priorities:
- Take care of King County’s existing system of parks and trails.
- Improve regional trails and non-motorized mobility.
- Grow and connect regional open space.
- Make parks and recreation opportunities more accessible.
The levy ordinance also established a Citizen Oversight Board, consisting of one representative from each County Council district. The board, which meets annually, confirms the allocation of levy proceeds and reviews progress on Parks’ levy commitments.
For more information about the levy, visit: www.kingcounty.gov/parks/levy.
