“My amendment reflects our county’s values of equality and fairness, recognizing that opportunities for recreation and improved health should be available to everyone,” said Councilmember Patterson, who chairs the King County Board of Health.

Disparities or inequalities in public health are highest among minorities and the poor in King County. Public health studies have revealed higher rates of obesity, asthma, heart disease and diabetes in neighborhoods that lack open space, parks, and recreational facilities.

Councilmember Patterson’s legislation amends the Parks “Expansion Levy,” which the King County Council today placed on the August primary ballot along with a companion maintenance and operations levy. Her amendment prioritizes the funding of projects that fill missing trail links, acquire open spaces, and initiate projects in underserved areas that experience higher rates of poor health.

“Chronic conditions such as obesity, diabetes, asthma, and heart disease are overwhelming our health care system and creating incredible hardship for residents and their families that are affected by these diseases,” said Councilmember Patterson. “Now is the time to insert a health component in county planning related to parks, transportation, and land use to ensure that we maintain our high quality of life in this region.”

Addressing disparities in public health is among the top priorities for Public Health – Seattle & King County, the King County Board of Health, and is one of the guiding principles of the Public Health Operational Master Plan, the County’s strategic plan for public health.

Read more about this legislation on the King County Council’s LEGISEARCH system.Type in “2007-0224” and “2007-0225”