October 23, 2002

“Marymoor Vision” Seen as Blueprint for Keeping Other Parks Open
Marymoor Enhancements Example of County, Community Working Together

 A new entrepreneurial approach to funding the operation of Marymoor Park in Redmond provides a blueprint for operating and maintaining other county parks in danger of closure, according to members of the Metropolitan King County Council who set policy for the region.

“Our focus has been to turn crisis into opportunity as we worked to find solutions to the parks budget dilemma,” said Councilmember Carolyn Edmonds, Chair of the Council’s Natural Resources, Parks and Open Space Committee. “Coming together with our neighbors, the business community and parks supporters, we have crafted a plan that will attract more users to Marymoor while making the park economically self-sufficient. This is a model I expect to see repeated throughout King County.”

The enhancements announced by the County Executive in his “Marymoor Vision” include:

·     Outdoor Concerts: Eight to 14 outdoor concerts will be produced on park grounds. King County expects to earn between $150,000 and $300,000 per year on the summer concert series, which is scheduled to begin summer 2003.

·     Golf Driving Range: A new driving range, built at no cost to King County taxpayers, will be located in an active use area next to the Velodrome.  The revenue goal for the County would range from $200,000 to $400,000 per year. 

·     Clise Mansion: The existing concession agreement with the vendor that currently operates half of the Clise Mansion will be expanded. That could mean marketing the facility for more weddings, corporate retreats, and smaller events.

“The operation of King County parks must change if we have any hope of keeping them open in the face of ongoing declines in county revenues,” said Councilmember Larry Phillips, Chair of the Budget and Fiscal Management Committee. “We simply can’t offer the same services if we don’t have the money to pay for them. The Marymoor Park plan aims to make the park self-supporting and available to all visitors.”

Many of the enhancements reflect the recommendations of the Metropolitan Parks Task Force, which focused on making parks self-sufficient by collaborating with cities, community organizations and private businesses in King County.

“Marymoor is a regional treasure,” said Councilmember Jane Hague, Vice-Chair of the Budget Committee.  “With creative programming and partnerships we can now balance existing features of the park with additional opportunities for people to enjoy themselves.”

“We are taking the lemons presented to us by the budget and turning them into an exciting blend of lemonade,” said Councilmember Kathy Lambert, whose district includes Marymoor. “These partnerships will complement this wonderful resource. The entertainment and food facilities will provide more opportunities for building community and give families new places to have fun together. This addition will enhance visits to our parks and natural areas.”

This release is posted on the Metropolitan King County Council’s Web site at: www.metrokc.gov/mkcc

 Read more about the Parks Transition Plan at: http://dnr.metrokc.gov/parks/transition-plan

Councilmember Kathy Lambert represents Council District Three and lives close by Marymoor Park.

Councilmember Jane Hague represents Council District 11 and is Vice Chair of the Budget Committee.  Marymoor Park is located in both districts three and 11. 

Councilmember Larry Phillips is Chair of the King County Council's Budget Committe.