A group of King County residents has unanimously recommended continued levy funding for King County\u2019s extensive system of parks, trails and open space.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
With the two voter-approved levies that fund the bulk of park operations, open space and trails expiring at the end of 2013, County Executive Dow Constantine convened the King County Parks Levy Task Force earlier this year to explore future funding.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
\u201cI want to thank King County Parks Levy Task Force members for their thoughtful recommendations, and for recognizing that parks, trails and open space are essential to our high quality of life and benefit our economy by increasing property values while attracting businesses and visitors,\u201d Constantine said in a county media release.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Asked by the executive for guidance on how best to ensure the vitality and sustainability of King County\u2019s parks and trails in 2014 and beyond, the 22-member group of business and civic leaders prioritized keeping the county\u2019s parks and trails clean, safe, open and accessible. Task force members also recommended connecting and expanding trails and open space and repairing critical and aging public recreation facilities.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
The task force unanimously recommended a levy that could generate approximately $60.9 million annually over a six-year period, based upon a total rate of 19.01 cents per $1,000 in assessed property value to fund:<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
\u2022 Operations and maintenance of King County\u2019s 200 parks, 175 miles of regional trails and 26,000 acres of open space<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
\u2022 Infrastructure investments, including major repair of trail bridges and historic facilities and expanded access to some 8,400 acres of park lands for hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
\u2022 Open space acquisition and protection<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
\u2022 Regional trail development, including the Lake to Sound Trail through five South King County cities<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
\u2022 Capital improvements and infrastructure repair of local parks systems in King County\u2019s 39 cities<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
\u2022 Operations, maintenance, environmental education, and capital improvements at the Woodland Park Zoo<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
The Task Force looked at the Parks and Recreation Division\u2019s current inventory and operations, levels of service, and critical infrastructure priorities, as well as at the recreation needs of the county\u2019s growing population. The panel concluded that the county should ask voters to renew support for parks and trails through a property tax levy lid lift.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
In 2007, King County voters approved two parks-related levies: One to support operations and maintenance of the county\u2019s parks and trails, and one to support open space protection and regional trail development for the county and its 39 cities, as well as operations, programs and capital improvements at Woodland Park Zoo. The levies passed by 63 percent and 59 percent, respectively.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Parks Division has done an excellent job navigating these difficult economic times, and it was clear to task force members that now is the time to make repairs and improvements that have been delayed,\u201d said Louise Miller, task force co-chair and former County Councilmember who also served on previous parks-related citizen committees.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
\u201cWhether in a city or out in a rural area, our parks, trails and natural areas in King County provide recreation opportunities, protect our environment and keep our communities healthy,\u201d said Jeff Watling, task force co-chair and city of Kent director of Parks, Recreation and Community Services.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
The task force\u2019s recommendations will help inform Constantine\u2019s funding proposal for the future of the county\u2019s parks, trails, and open space. His proposal is expected to be forwarded to the King County Council early next year.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
Coming from all parts of the county, the task force represented a diversity of interests and perspectives, including recreation groups, community-based organizations, environmental groups, and land use and parks and recreation professionals.<\/p>\n<\/p>\n