http://www.metrokc.gov/parks/newsletter/index.html
Two King County Parks levies are winning big after initial returns fromTuesday's primary election. Parks would like to express our thanks to supporters for their help in strengthening the financial health of the parks system.
Once approved, the two 5-cent, 6-year levies together are expected to raise $217 million for King County Parks to restore maintenance levels and park infrastructure to 2002 pre-budget crisis level, and to preserve open space and to provide more recreational opportunities.
“I can’t thank our supporters and our park users enough,” said King County Executive Ron Sims. “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."
Sims also attributed voter support to the hard work the Parks Division has accomplished through its business plans since the budget crisis of 2002.
“I think at the end of the day, voters appreciated that King County Parks has kept faith with them since the budget crisis,” Sims said. “We have been innovative in finding new funding sources through business and community partnerships, and through entrepreneurial activities, to keep our parks clean, safe and open. Our Parks employees deserve a lot of credit.”
“Our business plan after the 2002 budget crisis asked us to be more entrepreneurial, work to transfer those in-city and UGA parks, identify operating efficiencies, develop more partnership and volunteer opportunities, be more strategic on capital projects, and refocus our mission to be a provider of regional and rural parks, trails and open space." said Kevin Brown, King County Parks Director, "As we look back on these last four years and the goals and challenges outlined we can all be proud of the fact that there is a check next to each of these tasks."
Community partnerships have helped bring world class amenities to
Partnerships have been also formed via naming rights and entrepreneurial activities with such industry leaders as Starbucks, Group Health, Cirque du Soleil, and U.S. Bank.
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A task force in November was conviened to explore options for funding and securing the future of
Proposition 1 which looks to have passed yesterday with more than 61% (at current count) is a 5-cent, 6-year levy to replace King County Parks' current 4.9-cent operating and maintenance levy that expires at year's end. The levy will not only keep parks open, but also would restore maintenance to pre-2002 budget crisis levels.
Proposition 2 (currently at 57% approval rating) is a companion 5-cent levy that will enable King County Parks to protect and preserve shrinking stretches of unspoiled open space and to acquire and develop trails. The companion levy includes matching grant money for open space and trails within
The budget crisis led to significant maintenance reductions, transfers of some parks and facilities to other jurisdictions, and a shift in focus to regional parks, open space and the regional trail system.
Voters approved a reduced 4.9-cent, four-year operating levy in 2003 to keep parks open. That levy, which funds more than 55 percent of the parks' operating budget, expires at the end of 2007.
For more information about your parks system, visit www.kingcounty.gov/parks
Parks In The News
| Parks Levy: Voters giving a yea to taxes for open land | Seattle PI |
| Big wins for parks, regional trails, zoo | Seattle Times |
| Last Night - Wilco @ Marymoor Park | The Stranger |
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