Parks Levy renewed

Park closures and layoffs avoided by voters

The Yes on Parks Campaign announced on Tuesday evening that the initial returns indicate that the parks levy renewal, known as Proposition 1, will ultimately be approved by voters.

“I can’t think of a better way to celebrate the 75th anniversary this year of King County Parks,” said King County Executive Dow Constantine. “Thank you to the voters who value our shared regional open space!”

The levy renews funding that currently provides more than 70 percent of the funding to operate and maintain King County’s network of parks, 26,000 acres of open space, and over 175 miles of regional trails and 185 miles of backcountry trails. The additional 30 percent of parks funding comes from revenue collected through efforts including Concerts at Marymoor Park, and swim meets at the Aquatic Center in Federal Way.

King County parks are funded through the end of the year with the existing levy. Today’s renewal provides funding to continue necessary maintenance and operations starting in January 2014.

“In addition to the voters, thank you to all the members of the Parks Task Force, and the campaign steering committee,” added Constantine. “And of course, thank you to all the fine people who work for King County Parks – you all do a tremendous job keeping our parks green and vibrant.”

Parks campaign advocates included former King County Councilmember Louise Miller, Karen Daubert, Terry Lavender, Lynn Claudon, former Seattle Mayor Charley Royer, and Dee Frankfourth from the Trust for Public Lands, among others.

Under the renewed levy, the owner of a $300,000 home would owe less than $5 per month. King County parks provide playfields and green spaces, opportunities for recreation and priceless protection for our air and water, for the 2 million residents of King County.