Metropolitan King Council Chair Larry Phillips said the recently adopted 2006 King County Budget includes funding for projects in Ballard, Queen Anne, Magnolia and Capitol Hill.

“I fought to make sure the 2006 budget includes the amenities to make our neighborhoods’ livable under growth management—the senior centers, trails and parks to serve our growing urban population,” said Phillips about the budget that the council passed unanimously on November 21. “King County’s 2006 budget tackles large regional issues such as criminal justice and public health, but my council colleagues and I didn’t lose sight of the individual communities that make up this region.”

Magnolia will receive $2,700,000 for acquisition of 23.9 acres to expand Discovery Park by purchasing Navy-owned Capehart Housing property that would otherwise be developed as private housing.

For Ballard, King County’s 2006 budget includes funding for the Burke Gilman Trail and the Northwest Senior Activity Center. The Burke Gilman Trail project provides $150,000 to purchase the “missing link” in Ballard south of Market Street between 26th Avenue NW and 28th Avenue NW. Northwest Senior Activity Center will receive $15,000 to provide programs for low income seniors.

In Queen Anne, the council added a $30,000 contribution for improvements to Bayview-Kinnear Park, also known as Lower Kerry Park. This contribution is in addition to two Youth Sports Facility Grants (YSFG) included in King County’s 2006 budget for Bayview-Kinnear and the Big Howe Playground, also located in Queen Anne. The YSFG awards provide $29,000 and $49,094 respectively.

For Capitol Hill, King County’s 2006 budget includes $500,000 to help fill a deficit of green space and park land in the 12th Avenue neighborhood of Seattle.

“The Burke Gilman Trail and Discovery Park are two of the most-treasured public assets in Seattle and King County,” said Phillips. “I am proud of King County’s commitment to these regional amenities as well as its contributions to local park improvements and senior centers.”