Summary

The King County Council today voted to put Executive Dow Constantine’s proposal to renew the King County Parks Levy on the August ballot.

Story

Executive Dow Constantine today thanked the County Council for voting 8-1 to put his proposal to renew the King County Parks Levy on the Aug. 6 ballot.

Executive Constantine in February proposed renewing the current King County Parks Levy – which will expire at the end of the year – to expand and connect regional trails and improve access to green space and recreation.

“I thank the County Councilmembers for their thorough review of my proposal to support and expand our parks and trails system while protecting forests and green space,” said Executive Constantine. “The renewed King County Parks Levy would connect and improve regional trails, increase access to green space, and help keep parks clean, safe, and open throughout our rapidly growing region.”

The proposed levy would generate an estimated $810 million over six years. It would cost the owner of home that has an assessed property value of $500,000 about $7.70 per month.

King County Parks would use proceeds from the levy to: 

• Build and design regional trails, including missing links and crossings over rivers and highways
• Acquire more open space lands that provide recreation opportunities for people and protect forestland lands, water quality and habitat for fish and wildlife 
• Improve trailheads by adding parking and signage
• Repair hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding trails
• Replace turf on 11 ballfields
• Rehabilitate play area equipment in six parks
• Maintain park infrastructure, such as pathways, roofs, fencing, and electrical systems

Relevant links

• King County Parks Levy
• MAP: Proposed 2020-2025 Parks Levy Investments
• VIDEO: Overview of King County Parks
• PHOTO GALLERY: King County Parks

Quotes

I thank the County Councilmembers for their thorough review of my proposal to support and expand our parks and trails system while protecting forests and green space. The renewed King County Parks Levy would connect and improve regional trails, increase access to green space, and help keep parks clean, safe, and open throughout our rapidly growing region.

For more information, contact:

Chad Lewis, Executive Office, 206-263-1250