Councilmember Reagan Dunn with the family of the Fred Habenicht after the Council unanimously renamed the Maple Valley Trailhead to the Fred V. Habenicht Rotary Park.

The Metropolitan King County Council today recognized the contribution of Maple Valley resident Fred Habenicht by renaming the area he help create from the Maple Valley Trailhead to the Fred V. Habenicht Rotary Park.

“Fred Habenicht was a humble, hardworking member of the Maple Valley community,” said Councilmember Reagan Dunn, sponsor of the ordinance. “He toiled for twenty years to develop and maintain this park. Renaming the park to recognize his commitment to the trailhead means generations from now people will remember his contributions to the community.” After the Council adopted the ordinance, Dunn was joined by members of Habenicht, who were presented with a Council memorial honoring his service.

“Through my work on the Cedar River Council, I had the pleasure of observing Fred Habenicht’s passion for the Cedar River, dedication to the environment, and love of his community,” said Councilmember Larry Phillips, founder of the Cedar River Council. “He was a wonderful man whose spirit will serve as an example to others thanks in part to the leadership of Councilmember Dunn and the Maple Valley Rotary in renaming this trailhead.”

Habenicht, who passed away last June at the age of 75, led the Rotary Club of Maple Valley into an agreement with the County whereby Rotary would maintain the trailhead. The result was the establishment of a safe area along the Cedar River for families to enjoy. Later he was instrumental in securing $120,000 for improvements to the park, such as bathrooms and benches.

“This is a very special occasion. Our family always knew how special Fred was, but to get the community’s recognition for this is something else,” said Gary Habenicht, Fred’s brother. “Our whole family is so proud.”

“Fred Habenicht was an inspiration to the Rotary Club of Maple Valley. We appreciate the Council's and especially Councilmember Dunn's assistance in getting this park that Fred loved so much named for him,” said Jeff Snelling, the President of the Maple Valley Rotary. “We know the community has benefited from his dedication to keeping the Cedar River available to all of us.”

Kathy Williams, President-Elect of the Maple Valley Rotary, contacted Dunn in January, recommending the County honor Habenicht’s service by renaming the trail.

King County Councilmember Reagan Dunn represents District 9 including the cities of Bellevue, Black Diamond, Covington, Enumclaw, Kent, Maple Valley, Newcastle and Renton.

Read more about this legislation on the King County Council’s LEGISEARCH system.
Type in “2007-0131”