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	Oct. 7, 2002 King County welcomes support from new parks foundation King County Executive Ron Sims announced today that a non-profit foundation newly formed to support King County parks represents an important and positive step in his parks transition efforts. The Friends of King County Parks is a private, non-profit group that formed independently in September to support King County parks through financial endowments, organizational grants and capital projects. "We're excited to work with Friends of King County Parks as we look at new ways to fund, manage and operate the parks system," Sims said. "This is the type of community-based partnership that can help us begin the changes necessary to preserve the system in ways that will make its assets available to the public for many decades to come." A non-profit foundation to support parks is proposed in Sims' Parks Transition Plan, which is based largely on the recommendations of two citizens committees, the Active Sports and Youth Recreation Commission and Metropolitan Parks Task Force. The plan, available for review online, at http://dnr.metrokc.gov/parks/transition-plan/, proposes new partnerships and approaches that would generate more income and minimize the parks' dependence on general taxes. King County is facing a $52 million general revenue shortfall in 2003 that is forcing cuts in all areas of government. Richard Dill, founding member of Friends of King County Parks, said his organization will help develop management and restoration plans for the park system, and plans to help fund major capital improvements throughout the system. Dill, of Redmond, said the group will also create programs for volunteers and visitors. "A very powerful way that citizens can help save our park system is by getting involved," Dill said. "King County parks are a key element in our quality of life and we cannot afford to lose this incredible regional resource. That's why we've formed this foundation." Dill said people interested in getting involved can visit the Friends of King County Parks Web site . Dill can be reached by telephone, at (206) 261-1855, or (425) 836-8658. "Our goal is to work with community and park system user groups to ensure that the King County Parks and Recreation system remains an enjoyable experience for all visitors," Dill said. Updated: Oct. 7, 2002 Executive's home Executive's news Executive's site map | E-mail the Executive King County | Executive | News | Services | Comments | Search Links to external sites do not constitute endorsements by King County. By visiting this and other King County web pages, you expressly agree to be bound by terms and conditions of the site. The details.