Sept. 24, 2007
King County’s White Center Park renamed to honor fallen King County Deputy Steve Cox
The King County Council voted today to rename White Center Park "Steve Cox Memorial Park" in honor of the fallen King County Sheriff's Deputy, who was killed in the line of duty in December 2006.
"Deputy Cox was a true community leader who inspired many with his dedication and hard work in the White Center community, and naming this park in his honor is a fitting tribute," said King County Executive Ron Sims. "I commend the County Council for taking this action."
A memorial task force created by the North Highline Unincorporated Area Council (UAC) chose to rename the park in memory of Deputy Cox to honor his leadership in the White Center community and his involvement with local youth.
The memorial task force and King County Parks will officially rename the park and unveil a memorial sculpture donated by a White Center artist at a dedication ceremony in 2008.
"As a youth, Steve played baseball on the White Center Park fields, making this an especially fitting tribute," said Russ Kay, chair of the Steve Cox Memorial Committee and a former president of the North Highline UAC. "Steve Cox Memorial Park will provide a lasting reminder of Steve's contributions to the community as both a sheriff's deputy and a community leader."
"I am pleased that all eight of my council colleagues joined me as co-sponsors in implementing this community-generated proposal," said Councilmember Dow Constantine. "Steve Cox Memorial Park will serve a permanent reminder of Steve's many contributions to the White Center community."
Steve Cox, who grew up near White Center, was a prosecuting attorney before becoming a King County Sheriff's Deputy nine years ago. Deputy Cox was also the president of the North Highline Unincorporated Area Council and a beloved community leader.
"The King County Sheriff's Office continues to grieve the loss of Deputy Steve Cox," said King County Sheriff Sue Rahr. "We are pleased to have the council and public honor Steve by naming a park in a community that was important to Steve in recognition of his service and sacrifice."
For more information on Deputy Cox, please go to http://www.metrokc.gov/sheriff/news/cox/.
King County Parks - Your Big Backyard - offers more than 25,000 acres of parks and natural lands, including such regional treasures as Marymoor Park and Cougar Mountain Regional Wildland Park, 175 miles of regional trails, plus pools and a world-class aquatic center. By cultivating strong relationships with non-profit, corporate and community partners, King County Parks enhances park amenities while reducing costs.