“Kathryn was a tireless advocate for this region’s equestrian community, reminding everyone that King County should always celebrate its rural heritage, and that heritage includes horses,” said Councilmember Kathy Lambert, prime sponsor of the ordinance and whose district includes the Trilogy complex. “This park is just a small part of Kathryn’s legacy. Her enduring legacy is a trail system that guarantees that horses—and their riders—will always have a place to ride.”

“As King County became one of the most populated counties in the nation, Kathryn Taylor worked to ensure we retained our equestrian heritage through innovative strategies like setting aside horse trails and enhancing facilities,” said Councilmember Larry Phillips, Chair of the Growth Management and Natural Resources Committee. “The equestrian park at Trilogy is just one of her amazing accomplishments and leaves a beautiful legacy for all the equestrians who will continue to thrive in King County thanks to Kathryn’s efforts.”

Kathryn Taylor channeled her passion for horses into protecting horse trails in the Sammamish Plateau and preventing their elimination as growth moved onto the plateau. She founded the King County Executive Horse Council in 1988 and served as its director and later as president. Taylor helped create special “equestrian overlay” areas of zoning in neighborhoods around Bridle Trails State Park in Kirkland. Taylor also worked with the King County Council to help preserve trails for non-motorized trail users across private property in rural areas where landowners received Public Benefit Rating System-based tax assessments.

“Kathryn Taylor lived her vision for a strong equestrian presence in King County,” said Councilmember Jane Hague. “We knew when she testified at public forums that she was prepared and had a strong constituency supporting her.”