http://www.metrokc.gov/parks/newsletter/index.html
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A Message from the Director
With the new year here, King County Parks has many accomplishments to look back upon and be proud of – many of which are highlighted in this newsletter. None could be more important than the support of King County voters in renewing the parks operations levy.
In September 2007, King County voters overwhelmingly passed both a six-year, 5-cent operations levy, as well as a 5-cent expansion levy. These levies not only allow Parks to continue our base operations for the next six years, but will result in higher levels of maintenance in our parks, open spaces and trails. Well-maintained parks, natural areas free of noxious weeds, and trails with better signage, surfacing, and site lines will ensure a higher quality experience for our parks users.
The expansion levy will help us acquire and develop key trail connections and links to our 175-mile trail system, as well as acquire and protect critical open space and natural areas.
Parks is thankful for all the support we received from our partners, volunteers, park users, and King County residents in 2007. Without your contributions, encouragement and ongoing participation, we would not have the wonderful park system that you have helped establish.
~ Kevin Brown | King County Parks Director
“I can’t thank our supporters and our park users enough. This looks to be a huge victory for everyone who cares that our wonderful parks remain open, are better maintained, and that critical open space and trails that enrich our region's quality of life and protect water quality are preserved and expanded to meet future growth."
~ Ron Sims | King County Executive
LINKS
kingcounty.gov/parks
metrokc.gov/parks/levy.html
PRESS
Seattle Times: Big Wins for Parks
Seattle Post-Intelligencer: Voters giving a yea to taxes for open land
Backcountry biking urban oasis
Backcountry Bicycle Trails Club (BBTC) and volunteers are building, funding and maintaining a new mountain bike skills park located under the I-5 freeway between
In 2008, BBTC will be working with King County to develop a world-class 100-acre mountain bike park at Duthie Hill Park in Sammamish.
PARTNERS
Backcountry Bicycle Trails Club
International Mountain Bicycling Association
LINKS
Rails to Trails: Healthy Places for Healthy People
PRESS
Seattle Post-Intelligencer: Mountain-bike club reclaims a wasteland
King County’s White Center Park renamed to honor fallen King County Sheriff Deputy Steve Cox
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. Working through a community partnership, we are renovating the park in preparation for a April 5th rededication ceremony of Steve Cox Memorial Park.
PRESS
Seattle Post-Intelligencer: So much bigger than his badge
Seattle Times: White Center's "Superman"
King County 'Flexes'
Reflexology is an ancient healing art based on the belief that reflex points exist in the feet, hands and ears that correspond to all parts of the body. A recent study shows that walking on specifically placed, uneven, natural stones stimulates acupressure points in the feet and can improve circulation while reducing overall stress.
In 2007, Parks continued our commitment to health by unveiling two reflexology paths at Marymoor and White Center Park. A new path will open this year at 132nd Square Park in Kirkland.
LINKS
metrokc.gov/parks/reflexology
PRESS
Seattle Times: Visitors shed their shoes to celebrate reflexology path at Marymoor Park
In a combined effort between King County Parks and the Preston community, a new sports facility has arisen from what was once a fallow plot of land. New synthetic turf soccer fields and other amenities open to the public in 2008.
LINKS
kingcounty.gov/parks/cpg
Starbucks Ultimate Park Makeover at White Center Heights!
What can happen in 168 hours when you have 1,500 committed volunteers and a generous donation from Starbucks?
- 27,000 square feet of sod can be laid
- 6,000 plants can be planted
- 140 cubic yards of blackberry bushes can be removed
- 1,400 burritos can be eaten
- You can build a new, scenic gathering space for a thriving community with the help of a partner such as the Starbucks Coffee Company
Visit our photo gallery and read up on our Starbucks Ultimate Park Makeover at White Center Heights Parks here
PRESS
Seattle Times: A Park For All People
Sundance Channel: Iconoclasts
New Soos Creek Trail
The Soos Creek Trail has been extended north. More than half of the new trail's length was built on an innovative elevated deck atop steel pilings, which protects wetlands and does not interfere with wildlife.
LINKS
King County News: Soos Creek
Yahoo Travel: Soos Creek Trail, Kent, WA - Yahoo! User Ratings & Reviews
Rails to Trails: Healthy Places for Healthy People
Yurts at Tolt MacDonald
Visitors to Tolt MacDonald Park can now take advantage of King County Parks’ newest amenity: Six yurts are now available for rent. Spend a night, a weekend, or the whole week! What is a yurt? The traditional yurt is a circular tent of felt or skins on a collapsible framework and has been used for centuries by the nomadic people of Mongolia, Siberia and Turkey. Our yurts come furnished and sleep up to seven people.
LINKS
kingcounty.gov/parks/parks/camping
Hope you had a great year. Please visit our photo gallery to see a glimpse of this amazing parks system and the people that help make it great.
Upcoming in '08
- Cirque du Soleil Corteo, King County’s Marymoor Park, April 23
- Concerts at Marymoor, line-up available in April
- King County Fair stampedes into town this July
- Sammamish Rowing Association Boathouse at Marymoor, construction begins this summer
- Whitewater rafting put-in at Tanner Landing, construction begins this summer
- Mountain Bike Park at Duthie Hill, construction begins in spring
- Burke Gilman Trail Improvements through Lake Forest Park
- Swimming and Diving Championships-KCAC, March 27th-29th
- And more new partnerships
* If you would like to include any King County Parks news or information in your electronic correspondence, please email.us.
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To review recent King County Parks e-newsletters, click here.
