Voters will get the chance in August to consider approval of one measure that would maintain operations of King County’s regional parks system, and another that would expand and complete the county’s regional trails system as well as support the Woodland Park Zoo. The Metropolitan King County Council today placed the two six-year levies on the August 21st primary ballot.

“Parks are the shared big backyard of our community, and these two levies give voters an opportunity to ensure our parks continue to flourish,” said Councilmember Larry Phillips, chair of the Growth Management and Natural Resources Committee. “For about the price of a new bike helmet, we can continue to have green spaces to recreate, spend time with family and neighbors, enjoy nature, and preserve natural habitat.”

“Voters have a right to know how their funds will be spent, so I think it’s vital that we have created an oversight committee as part of the levy,” said Councilmember Jane Hague, vice chair of the Growth Management Committee. “The panel will report back to the Council on the projects and parcels that will be supported by the levy. We’re asking the people to support this investment, they deserve to know how their funds will be used.”

Each measure would assess a levy of 5 cents per $1,000 of assessed valuation, or $20 a year for the owner of a $400,000 home. Together the two measures would raise approximately $32 million a year over six years. The proposals were developed by the citizen-based Parks Futures Task Force, which issued its recommendations in March.

The first measure replaces the four-year parks levy voters approved in 2003 and would restore funding of parks maintenance to pre-2003 levels. The measure would fund the operation and maintenance of regional facilities such as Marymoor Park, the King County Aquatic Center, Cougar Mountain Regional Wildland Park, and portions of the Burke-Gilman Trail. It would operate and maintain parks and pools in the rural unincorporated areas, and restore potentially declining capital funds. The current maintenance and operations levy is set to expire on December 31, 2007.

The second measure would fund acquisitions for King County regional trails and open spaces; city trails and open spaces; and Woodland Park Zoo green space, education and conservation programs in the county. Sixty percent of the levy proceeds would be used to purchase open space parcels critical to regional watersheds and streams, acquire and develop rights of way for regional trails, and provide up to $500,000 annually for recreation-related capital grant programs. Of the remainder, 20 percent of the funds would be reserved for Woodland Park Zoo projects, and 20 percent would go to cities in King County for the purchase of trails, natural lands and open space. Funds could not be used toward the proposed acquisition of the eastside Burlington Northern-Santa Fe rail corridor.

Proceeds from the two levies would be reviewed by a citizen oversight committee that would provide the Council with annual reports on how the levy funds are used.

The levy proposal is consistent with county policy to focus limited monies from the general fund on regional parks, trails and open spaces and on local facilities in the rural unincorporated areas. King County has also adopted a new business plan for parks that cultivates strong relationships with non-profit, corporate and community partners in order to enhance park amenities while reducing costs.

“Parks and open space bring communities together, improve health, and provide a safe place for children and families to play and recreate,” said Councilmember Julia Patterson. “Voters will have an extraordinary opportunity to expand the availability of parks, connect regional trails for seamless bike or foot travel throughout King County, and provide disadvantaged areas with recreational opportunities.”

“This two-part levy will enable King County to better maintain our trails, parks and open space, while protecting key watersheds and increasing recreational opportunities,” said Councilmember Dow Constantine. “This ballot measure will benefit both the health of our environment and of King County residents.”

“Sustainable funding is needed to keep our parks open, and to keep regional trails such as the Burke-Gilman along North Lake Washington, safe and well-maintained,” said Councilmember Bob Ferguson, chair of the Council’s Operating Budget Committee.

“Regardless of where you live in King County, you benefit from the regional park and trail system,” said Council Chair Larry Gossett. “From swim events at the King County Aquatic Center, to concerts and sporting events at Marymoor Park, to simply a quiet walk along the Burke-Gilman Trail, the people in this region know their lives are better because of County parks.”

The King County Parks system has evolved from 150 acres in 1938 to more than 25,000 acres today. Its mission is to serve communities and enhance regional quality of life through partnerships, entrepreneurial initiatives, and sound stewardship of parks, trails & open space. The system currently maintains more than 180 parks and 175 miles of trail.

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