Regarding: “City parks facilities slowly falling apart” (Kent Reporter, May 1):
Kent Parks Department Director Jeff Watling explained that some parks had been closed and decisions will need to be made regarding other parks in the system. Seems that this is brought about by aging and lack of funds to maintain parks, trails, etc. I do understand that with the financial problems some little used parks need to be in the discussion for closure.
What I do not understand is that in the same article he mentioned building a new crossover/connector trail between the Interurban and Green River trails. Along with some friends, we use these trails multiple times a week on bike rides between Tukwila and the Algona-Pacific areas.
I am sure you are aware that there are two main crossover/connector trails. One is in south Kent and the other one is in south Tukwila. The South Tukwila crossover/connector is less than a mile from Kent city limits. Another crossover/connector seems to be a waste of money, especially with the city closing parks, etc.
It appears that the director is saying we have parks that we cannot afford to maintain, and now we are going to build another connector trail that we, too, will not be able to maintain. I believe some or maybe all the money for the third connector trail came from a grant.
It would seem apparent that sound business practices would dictate spending time securing grants or other funds to maintain what we now have, until we can afford the luxury of a third crossover/connector trail. These connectors are within just a few miles of each other along the two great trails, Green River and Interurban, we now have.
– Sid Faulkner
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