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	March 5, 2004 Jointly released by King County and Group Health King County shifts into high gear with Group Health partnership to benefit cyclists Velodrome at Marymoor Park is named the Group Health Velodrome The region's only bicycle velodrome will soon be called the Group Health Velodrome in the biggest, multi-year naming rights agreement to benefit King County Parks. This is the first agreement for the Partnership for Parks Initiative, designed to generate new revenue to help fund the county's regional parks system. "Group Health's work to encourage healthy living in this area fits perfectly with our mission to provide places for people to enjoy recreation," said King County Executive Ron Sims. "From the Burke-Gilman Trail to the velodrome at Marymoor, the county maintains and operates some of the premier cycling facilities in the region. With Group Health's focus on cycling and the health benefits of recreation, the true beneficiaries of the partnership will be the many bicyclists throughout the region." "Group Health is proud to partner with King County Parks in this innovative and concrete way, enhancing the lifestyles of residents of King County," said Group Health's President and CEO Cheryl Scott. This year, Group Health has dedicated most of its community relations efforts and dollars to cycling - a sport that involves one out of three residents throughout Washington State. King County has more than 100 miles of paved trails, which includes a regional trail system that encompasses the Burke-Gilman and Sammamish River trails, and the Interurban and Green River trails. King County also has the Marymoor Velodrome, the only one in Washington State. A velodrome is a banked, oval track primarily used for track cycling. The Partnership for Parks initiative was designed to secure valuable naming rights and sponsorship agreements with prominent area organizations as part of the county's effort to stabilize parks financially. An advisory group created by Sims two years ago issued a blueprint for saving county parks that calls for entrepreneurial initiatives to generate new revenue, cost cuts, new partnerships and a new focus on regional parks, pools and trails. Since implementation began in 2002, Parks has created successful new ventures like the Marymoor Concert Series and has focused on partnerships as a way to enhance recreation while limiting costs. Also, 10 pools and 20 parks have been transferred to various cities and non-profits, saving King County taxpayers more than $7 million. This King County-Group Health partnership is the latest success of these efforts. Under the partnership agreement, Group Health will get exclusive naming rights for the velodrome, title sponsorship of the popular Friday Night Race Series, and the King County Bicycle Map will be reprinted and widely circulated to area cyclists. Specifically, the agreement says: Group Health and King County will enter into a three-year contract with the option to extend to five years. The velodrome in Marymoor Park will be called the "Group Health Velodrome." Group Health will become the title sponsor of the Friday Night Race Series at the velodrome. A new bike route map will be printed and circulated to area cyclists. Two wind screens, two track logos and four track-side panels bearing the Group Health logo will be installed at the velodrome. Group Health recently has begun focusing resources on cycling in the region as a way to promote healthy lifestyles. "Exercise is key to creating healthier lifestyles - something that Group Health embodies," explained Hugh Straley, MD, medical director of Group Health. "This partnership is a demonstration of Group Health's commitment to promoting healthy lifestyles for all residents of our communities." In addition to Group Health's partnership with King County, the Cooperative is the title sponsor of two major Northwest events: The Group Health Seattle International Bike Expo (March 5-7) and The Group Health Seattle to Portland Bicycle Classic (July 17-18). "Group Health will be active in cycling events all over the state, from Seattle to Spokane," said Straley. Founded in 1947, Group Health is a consumer-governed, non-profit health care system that coordinates care and coverage. Based in Seattle, Group Health and Group Health Options, Inc., serve nearly 560,000 members in Washington and Idaho. Group Health encompasses medical and specialty centers, hospitals (including a full service community hospital), a nationally recognized research center, and a charitable foundation. "Cyclists in the region will be the biggest beneficiary of this partnership," said David Mann, President of the Marymoor Velodrome Association. "King County Parks' new way of doing business is providing great benefits to groups like the Marymoor Velodrome Association and our members." The Marymoor Velodrome Association is a 501(c)(3) non-profit, volunteer-based organization that manages educational programs and competitions at the Marymoor Velodrome in Redmond, Washington. Our riding and racing skills courses teach bicycle handling and safety to hundreds of adults and kids every year. Our youth programs provide teaching and competition for children from ages 5 to 17 and include special events for even the youngest aspiring cyclist. From April through December the association promotes over 60 days of Track and Cyclocross competition. For more details, visit the Marymoor Velodrome Association Web site, (external link) or call, 206-957-4555. Updated: March 5, 2004 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.