| December 9, 2003
News Release King County Executive Ron Sims today thanked the King County Council for approving code changes that will allow more entrepreneurial ventures in parks. "I would like to thank the Council for its continued collaboration to give parks the tools needed to thrive," said Sims. "We have made tremendous progress in stabilizing parks financially and operationally and this will allow us to take another step along the path to vital, thriving parks." The code changes originally proposed by Sims will allow enhancements to parks and the King County Fairgrounds and will allow farmers markets to sell products like jams and cheese in addition to produce. Specifically, the code changes will allow campgrounds, RV parks, amusement and recreational services and outdoor performance centers in parks where it is appropriate. Changes specific to the Enumclaw Fairgrounds are to expand the kinds of activities allowed at the fairgrounds paving the way for the site to host trainings, conferences, weddings and banquets in addition to the carnivals, circuses and fairs already allowed. The legislation also allows enhancements to buildings at the fairgrounds making it more attractive to a variety of events. The King County Parks Division in recent years faced a budget crises and an advisory group created by Sims issued a blueprint for saving county parks. That blueprint calls for a redefined Parks Division role, focusing on entrepreneurial initiatives as a way to generate new revenue for parks. Sims established a new Parks Business plan to do business differently, including pursuing entrepreneurial ventures to support parks. The legislation opens the door for a golf driving range at Marymoor Park, restaurants, sporting goods sales and other amenities and allows expanded farmers markets on County parkland and also on privately owned-land. Farmers markets will now be able to sell a variety of products in addition to produce, such as jams and cheese. The provision is now in place in advance of the 2004 farmers market season. Sims stressed that the character of King County parks will be a chief consideration when deciding whether or not to pursue an entrepreneurial venture. Passive areas of parks will be left natural, but those areas that would benefit from the availability of food concessions or recreational services will be considered for those amenities. To ensure enhancements occur in appropriate areas of the park, the code changes classify parks and designate the kinds of activities or enhancements allowed there. Still, any change will be considered on a case-by-case basis with input from the public. At Marymoor, the City of Redmond, Friends of Marymoor Park and surrounding neighborhoods will have the opportunity to comment on any changes made under the amended codes. "Changes will enhance people's park experience and generate revenue to support parks," said Sims. "We are looking for things like the Marymoor Concert series that fit with the character of the park and enhance people's park experience. We were able to keep the parks levy low by looking to entrepreneurial ventures that will help support parks operations and maintenance." Sims also promised to involve the community in enhancements to parks. The legislation passed outlines a public input process for any changes to parks including public meetings and listserve announcements. Friends of Marymoor Park and the City of Redmond will have a chance to provide input into any enhancements to Marymoor Park. The public can sign up for a listserve by sending an e-mail message to listman@kingcounty.gov with the words "Subscribe KCParks" in the subject line of the message. The county conducted an extensive public input process that was considered in the development of criteria for evaluating implementation and location of entrepreneurial activities. More than 1200 people provided feedback on the county's new way of doing business through public meetings and an online survey. Related Information |
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