Council Debates Parks Levy
Members Hear Testimony on Proposed Ballot Measure   

Members of the Metropolitan King County Council today heard from citizens on the proposed 5-cent, six-year levy to operate and maintain the county’s regional and rural Parks and Recreation system.

More than one dozen people testified on the levy—which if approved by the council would be placed before the voters on May 20--would provide for better-maintained trails, ball fields, and sports courts, cleaner bathrooms and more frequent litter removal.  “For the owner of a $250,000 home, we’re talking about this levy costing them maybe one medium-sized pizza, or two videos, or three cups of coffee,” said Peter Goldman, co-director of Friends of the Lake Sammamish Trail. “We’re talking about a relatively small amount of money that will preserve numerous recreational opportunities for our families and children.”  

Daniel Johnson, President/CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of King County, told councilmembers he sees the importance of county parks on a daily basis, and urged their support. “The parks levy is a significant piece to a successful parks strategy. We feel that it is important that the public make the final decision on the levy.” 

Renee Duprel gained her love of cycling from a class she took at the Velodrome in Marymoor Park. She said the county parks system played a large role in her becoming a member of the U.S. Cycling team and representing the U.S. in the Pan-Am and Goodwill Games. “County parks have been a significant part of my life for the last 22 years, and we should make every effort to keep them open,” said Duprel. “We should at least give the voters the opportunity to choose whether or not they want to keep the parks open through this levy.”      

“The transformation of our rural and regional parks system depends on partnerships,” said Councilmember Carolyn Edmonds, chair of the council’s Natural Resources, Parks and Open Space Committee. “We are already working with private organizations and local governments, but our most vital partners will be the residents of King County. They play an important role, so I’m glad people are willing to take time out to come support this proposal.”

“The testimony we heard today reflects the importance of parks for all King County residents – urban, suburban and rural,” said Larry Phillips, chair of Budget and Fiscal Management Committee. “The County Aquatic Center, Cougar Mountain Park and our network of trails are regional treasures, enjoyed by people throughout King County. It’s no surprise people want to keep them open, even if it costs a bit more.”

Due to an ongoing structural gap between revenues and expenses, King County evaluated many options for continued funding of parks and pools located within incorporated cities. It came to the reluctant conclusion that it needed to transfer or mothball local facilities located within cities and focus its resources on such regional facilities as Marymoor Park, the King County Aquatic Center and the King County Fairgrounds, and on parks and pools in the rural unincorporated areas.

Last year, the council took a series of steps to adopt a new entrepreneurial blueprint. One of those steps was a recommendation from the Metropolitan Parks Task Force to place before the voters a levy to operate and maintain regional and rural parks and facilities still under county control. The six-year levy proposed by Executive Ron Sims is smaller than the levy recommended by the Task Force. The 5-cent levy would cost the owner of a $250,000 home $12.50 a year and would expire after six years.

“A compelling case has been made to put this levy forward for a public vote now that the county has already found efficiencies, streamlined operations and surplused properties,” said Growth Management and Unincorporated Areas chair Jane Hague. “I will support a levy maintenance plan that will preserve our parks and recreational facilities, and keep them open for the use and enjoyment of us all.” 

The measure remains before the council. Members are  scheduled to take action on the proposal next week.

Read more about this legislation on the King County Council’s LEGISEARCH system at http://mkcclegisearch.metrokc.gov and type in “2003-0071”