2002-2004 Parks E-Newsletters
|
|
|
|
08/04
Dear Parks Supporter:
I wanted to let you know about some great things that have been happening in parks this summer. We announced an agreement with Subway that will bring healthy food options to some parks facilities, we have improved RV camping in three parks and our Parks Business Plan was nationally distinguished by the National Association of Counties.
King County’s Parks Business Transition Plan nationally recognized
King County’s Parks Business Transition Plan was distinguished by the National Association of Counties (NACo) for government innovation and success. Efforts to create and implement the Parks Business Transition Plan received a 2004 NACo Achievement Award and will be offered by the organization as a best practice model for counties across the country to use as a resource. For more information see http://www.metrokc.gov/exec/news/2004/072204.htm
Parks signs first major concession agreement under new business plan
Hungry athletes can soon find convenient, healthy food without leaving King County parks and recreation facilities thanks to an agreement with Subway that will bring the food outlet to the King County Aquatic Center and possibly several parks including Marymoor. The partnership is expected to generate $25,000 annually for parks with the potential to reach $65,000. Subway shares Parks’ commitment to healthy living. For more information see http://www.metrokc.gov/parks/news/subway.htm
RV camping now available at Marymoor Park
Trails, ball fields, the Sammamish River and the U.S. Bank outdoor concerts at Marymoor Park can now be literally right outside your door – if you are camping in a recreational vehicle. Marymoor Park joins Tolt MacDonald Park and the King County Fairgrounds in Enumclaw in offering RV camping. Under a one-year pilot project, the 13 available sites can be rented for $20 a night on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information see http://www.metrokc.gov/parks/camping/index.htm
Beetles introduced at Marymoor Park to help battle invasive weed without harmful chemicals
Purple loosestrife is an invasive weed infesting wetlands throughout the region. To tackle the problem at Marymoor Park, The King County Noxious Weed Control Program and WSU Extension, in cooperation with King County Parks, released Galerucella beetles, which only feed on purple loosestrife, instead of using herbicides that can be harmful to the environment. http://dnr.metrokc.gov/dnrp/press/2004/0804noxweed.htm
Young Owl released at Marymoor Park will help curb destructive voles
Two baby owls were found Marymoor Park last April and after being nurtured and taught to fend for themselves, were released at separate locations – one at the park and the other at a former King County landfill near Duvall. Owls are natural predators of voles, small, common rodents, whose diet includes the bark of trees. For more information see: http://dnr.metrokc.gov/dnrp/press/2004/0812owl.htm
Parks staff helping to monitor for West Nile Virus
Parks staff has been an integral part of King County’s precautionary efforts to reduce the number of mosquitoes at certain county-maintained stormwater ponds. Parks staff has been involved in monitoring and treating our stormwater ponds and developing our response plans. For more information see http://www.metrokc.gov/health/news/04081101.htm
|
|
07/04
The 2004 King County Fair runs Wednesday, July 21 through Sunday, July 25, in Enumclaw. Giddy-up to...
Summer Concerts for country music stars Blaine Larsen & Chris Cagle (July 21, $1); Rachel Lampa (July 22, $5 advance, $7 door); KMPS Concert: Restless Heart reunion (July 23, FREE); Nashville Acoustic Cafe (July 24, FREE); Hit Explosion and RockARaoke (July 24, FREE); La Onda (July 25, $5 advance, $7 door)
Professional Cowboy Rodeo: Bull riding, saddle bronc, bareback, team roping, steer wrestling (!), calf roping and barrel racing competitions, July 23-24. Need we say more?
The Logger Rodeo is considered one of the best logging shows on the West Coast. Real-life lumberjacks compete in traditional events such as log rolling, ax throwing and speed climbing. Tom Black, former Seattle Supersonic, has coordinated the Loggers rodeo for more than 35 years. July 24 & 25 at 1 pm.
Tommy Hanneford presents The World's Most Famous Circus Family from 1960 to present. Featuring new spectacular European style circus in a spacious and colorful state-of-the-art circular tent. Up to three 45-minute performances per day.
The highly popular Critter Crowning opening ceremony and pickle look-a-like contest are set for high noon Wednesday, July 21.
Pie eating contests, 3 leg races, water balloon toss, kids crafts, clowns, jugglers, stilt walker, hypnotist, fair food, tractors, carnival, petting zoo, cowgirl tricks, authentic Indian village, animals, and much more!
"Washington's oldest county fair is also its best!" Best Places Seattle, 1999 Edition
www.metrokc.gov/fair
|
|
07/04
Dear Parks Supporter:
You are invited to attend the King County Council’s “Town Hall Meeting” at Marymoor Park Monday, July 26, 2004 at 10 a.m. in the Clise Mansion Garden at Marymoor Park. The meeting agenda will feature an overview of the mission and progress of the parks and recreation strategic business plan, as well as a panel discussion of the county’s funding and strategic partnerships which maintain natural resources and public lands. Please join in this important discussion.
There will be a chance at the end of the meeting to share your thoughts with the council during public testimony. If you represent a group you are also invited to provide literature on your group for the public to take from a hand-out table.
We hope you can attend!
|
|
05/04
Dear Parks Supporter:
Summer is fast approaching and there are many opportunities for fun in King County parks. And, as part of our effort to improve service to you, we are pleased to announce a new web feature that will make it easier to find your favorite activities in our parks.
New web features makes finding parks and activities easier
Finding the right park in the right location within King County’s 25,000-acre parks system just got easier with the introduction of King County Parks’ new interactive locator map. The new feature available at http://www5.metrokc.gov/parklocator/ allows you to search by clicking on any area of King County and to find parks in that location.
King County also provides a Parks Information page that allows users to search by park name, park type, location, facilities, or by amenities such as baseball diamonds, picnic sites or climbing rocks. For more information see http://www.metrokc.gov/parks/parkinfo/.
DockDogs coming to Marymoor Park this weekend
Dogs from across the Western United States will jump, soar and splash in their quest to claim championship-level “Big air” as the DockDogs Western National Championship series comes to King County’s Marymoor Park in Redmond May 7-9, 2004. Dogs dash down a 40-foot dock that rests about two feet off the water and are measured on the distance they go before hitting the water. “Big air” is the height and distance a dog soars during this feat. The official jump distance is measured from the end of the dock to the point at which the dog breaks the water closest to the dock, not including the tail. A favorite ball or toy toss is allowed for incentive. For more information see http://dnr.metrokc.gov/dnrp/press/2004/0503dockdogs.htm.
U.S. Bank Concerts at Marymoor summer 2004 line-up announced
Last week the summer concert series line-up at Marymoor park was revealed. With U.S. Bank as a new title sponsor, the concert series promises to be a great one. Artists include Shawn Colvin, the Cowboy Junkies, Hootie and the Blowfish, Garrison Keillor, Harry Connick, Jr. and many more. For more information see http://dnr.metrokc.gov/dnrp/press/2004/0429concerts.htm.
Enhanced camping in King County parks this summer
Tolt MacDonald Park in Carnation and the King County Fairgrounds in Enumclaw will have newly installed RV hook-ups for water and electricity. Tolt MacDonald will be ready to host campers as soon as mid-May and the Fairgrounds plans to welcome campers in mid-July in time for the King County Fair July 21-25. Permitted camping is allowed in these parks for seven days only under county charter. For more information see http://dnr.metrokc.gov/dnrp/press/2004/0504camping.htm.
New river access point on Snoqualmie
Thanks to a partnership between King County and regional paddling clubs, King County this year constructed a 220-foot, 12-foot wide gravel trail from the north side of the Middle Fork Road instantly improving paddler access to one of the most popular stretches of the river. The new access point is called Granite Creek River Access. For more information see http://dnr.metrokc.gov/dnrp/press/2004/0430river.htm.
Enjoy summer with your own community garden plot
If you are short on garden space but want fresh, organic home-grown vegetables or cut flowers for your table this summer, King County Parks and Recreation has a solution. Community Garden plots are now available for rent at King County's Marymoor Park in Redmond and North Green River Park located between Kent and Auburn. All plots are 10' x 40'. The gardens at Marymoor Park are coordinated by the Marymoor Community Gardeners Association. For all details and a registration form visit http://www.marymoorcommunitygardeners.org/.
Mark your calendar and Giddy-up to a fresh new King County Fair, July 21-25 in Enumclaw
Once the 142nd annual King County Fair opens on July 21, fairgoers will still see everything they love about the oldest county fair west of the Mississippi -- summer concerts, rides, farm animals, rodeo, logging show, blue-ribbon competitions, green grass, and hot buttered scones with jelly. But they'll also see something very new -- a more user-friendly fair layout and food court, a new entertainment stage, a circus, and reduced entry fees. For more information see http://dnr.metrokc.gov/dnrp/press/2004/0404fair.htm.
|
|
03/04
Dear Parks Supporter:
On March 5 we announced our largest ever, multi-year sponsorship and naming rights agreement to benefit King County Parks. This agreement with Group Health is the first for the Partnership for Parks Initiative, designed to generate new revenue. Under the agreement the bicycle velodrome at Marymoor Park will soon be called the Group Health Velodrome.
We are pleased to partner with Group Health in this way because their work to promote healthy living in this community fits perfectly with our mission to provide people with places to enjoy recreation. Recently, Group Health has focused its community relations efforts on cycling, a sport that involves one out of three residents throughout Washington State. With our biking assets, regional trails and the velodrome. the partnership will be very beneficial to cyclists throughout the region.
The agreement will provide at least $340,000 to King County over three years with an option to extend to five years. In addition to naming rights to the velodrome, the agreement gives Group Health title sponsorship of the Friday Night Race series run by the Marymoor Velodrome Association, a new bike route map will be printed and circulated to area cyclists and two wind screens, two track logos and four track-side panels bearing the Group Health logo will be installed at the velodrome.
As you recall, a portion of the budget for King County parks comes from entrepreneurial revenue like this partnership. The funding will help us keep parks open, clean and safe.
For more information on this partnership see: http://dnr.metrokc.gov/dnrp/press/2004/0305parks.ghc.htm
This is a great step forward in our efforts to secure new entrepreneurial revenue and shows the great potential our parks hold for these kinds of partnerships.
Sincerely,
Ron Sims
King County Executive
|
|
12/03
Dear Parks Supporter:
This has been a tremendous year for parks. We have made great strides in our effort to stabilize parks financially and operationally by building on last year’s solid foundation and continuing to implement the business transition plan created by the Metropolitan Parks Task Force. Again, many of you played a significant role by being among the 1,200 people who attended a public meeting or filled out an online survey to let us know how we are doing and what you would like to see in the future.
After last year’s dramatic slimming of the budget, this year we concentrated on generating new revenue for parks through entrepreneurial ventures and a voter-approved levy that will provide a long-term stable funding source.
New entrepreneurial initiatives we have implemented enhance people’s park experience and expand recreational opportunities. These activities are expected to generate between $700,000 and $800,000 to support the maintenance and operations of King County Parks. This year:
· The Marymoor Concert Series was launched, generating $259,000 for King County Parks.
· The King County Fair Board was reconfigured to help make the fairgrounds a facility that attracts events and generates revenue year round. The new board is designed to attract people with skills that will help bring events to the facilities and market the fairgrounds as a place to have events any time of year.
· We kicked off the Cougar Mountain Trail Running Series giving area runners the opportunity to participate in this sport that is growing in popularity. The series generated $8,400 and significant volunteer trail maintenance for parks.
· Party packages were made available at pools and gyms.
In a display of confidence for parks, voters approved a modest levy to support King County parks. The levy will generate roughly $12 million a year for four years to support the more than 25,000 acres of parks in King County. The owner of a $250,000 house will contribute roughly $12.50 a year to help maintain and operate more than 100 miles of trails, 68 baseball fields, 61 soccer fields, 7 pools, 88 picnic areas, 34 playgrounds, 27 tennis courts, 13 boat launch sites, six fishing piers, four community gardens, a climbing rock, the area's best off leash dog park and the world class King County Aquatic Center.
We had a successful King County Fair with music acts, cow pie bingo, fair food and lots of animals. Enhancements to fairground buildings, a newly configured board, and improvements to the fair will help us build next year on an already successful event.
We also implemented new fees including a parking fee at Marymoor, which will generate about $300,000 to support maintenance and operations of King County Parks. In October we made payment more convenient by installing 15 automated machines and put in a booth at the east gate of the park. The automated machines resulted in increased compliance and reduced rush hour traffic driving through Marymoor Park.
As you recall, at public meetings and in surveys, many people voiced their support for modest fee increases that also have a provision for those who cannot afford the fee. We have taken that advice to heart. After last year’s fee increase, attendance has been higher than expected indicating that fees are within a comfortable level for those who use facilities. At the end of this year, we expect park users will have contributed $3 million in fees toward the operation of parks.
We continued to seek ways to cut costs and are implementing several that are consistent with our mission to conserve natural resources, protect the environment and deliver a high level of service.
· A new computer controlled lighting system will save roughly $31,000 and self-compacting garbage cans at Marymoor will cut down on labor costs and trips to the landfill.
· The Weyerhaeuser King County Aquatic Center has several new environmentally friendly features: new benches are made of recycled plastic, a water filtration system is made from recycled glass and new waterless urinals, low flow toilets and timed showers and sinks will help save $10,000 annually.
We continued working with cities to transfer local, urban parks and pools, keeping them open for public use.
· This month we transferred the final urban pool, Mt. Rainer. The Kent, Auburn and Si View pools were transferred earlier this year.
· The transfer of Grandview Park helped create the first large off-leash dog area in South King County.
· The 17 pools and 10 parks that have been transferred to cities will save the parks $7 million.
And, our concentration on partnerships is bearing fruit. By working with groups that use King County parks, we are able to meet the public need for enhanced recreational facilities in a time of budget cuts.
· A partnership with Northshore Youth Soccer will bring up to four much-needed lit, synthetic turf fields to thousands of athletes in North King County.
· We provided more than $1 million in grants to support youth sports throughout King County.
· We launched a new partnership program, the Association Development and Operation Partnerships (ADOP), to empower organizations that use parks to use their sweat equity and resources to improve the facilities they use.
At the beginning of next year we should have some exciting announcements about major sponsorship of King County Parks and some new entrepreneurial ventures.
Your continued support of King County parks has made our challenging transition successful, thus far. We appreciate your continued involvement and willingness to give us your feedback and time. I look forward to a new year that will bring even better things for King County parks.
Sincerely,
Ron Sims
King County Executive
|
|
09/03
Dear Parks Supporter:
Parks recently issued its second quarter report for 2003. I wanted to share some highlights of the report along with other exciting news.
Second Quarter Report
The second quarter report issued Sept. 4, clearly demonstrates that the changes employees implemented to do business differently are already paying off in major ways. Higher than expected attendance at parks, a successful summer concert series and plans for a golf driving range at Marymoor Park are some of the successes parks employees accomplished this summer. Highlights of the report include:
User fee revenues have exceeded a 25 percent increase goal, which is attributed in part to higher than expected attendance.
Revenue generating initiatives have earned more than $350,000.
Several new partnerships will enhance recreation opportunities while keeping costs down.
For more information on the second quarter report see:
King County Parks issues positive progress report:
http://www.metrokc.gov/exec/news/2003/0904031.htm
Second Quarter Report:
http://www.metrokc.gov/parks/050903pdsqr.doc
Summary of second quarter activities:
http://www.metrokc.gov/parks/050903pdsqr.ppt
Grandview Park Transfer
The planned transfer of Grandview Park to SeaTac is another successful move to keep King County Parks open to the public. The park, which is slated to become an off-leash dog park, represents a crucial step in bringing a first regional off-leash dog park to South King County and is the 17th park transfer. King County will contribute up to $20,000 toward the more than $25,000 in capital improvement costs to the off-leash dog area.
A dedication celebration will be held at Grandview on Oct. 4 at 10 AM.
For more information see:
http://www.metrokc.gov/exec/news/2003/090503.htm.
Results of the online survey will be issued mid-fall. So far, more than 1,000 people have logged-on to let us know how we are doing. A preliminary look at the results shows support for our new way of doing business and some excellent suggestions for things you would like to see in the future. If you have not already taken the survey, you can do so by going to http://dnr.metrokc.gov/parks/survey/index.htm.
Sincerely,
Ron Sims
King County Executive
|
|
07/03
Dear Parks Supporter:
Please help us shape the future of our parks by joining King County’s Parks Division for public meetings and/or filling out an online survey. The levy was one part of the solution, but we need your valuable input to help us continue our transition to a new way of doing business.
At the public meetings you can:
· Hear how Parks’ new way of doing business is working;
· Provide input on how funding is directed; and
· Tell us what you want to see as we continue to cut costs and pursue new revenue generating initiatives.
You can fill out an online survey, at <http://dnr.metrokc.gov/parks/survey/>.
The public meeting schedule follows:
Monday, August 4
7 - 9 PM
Old Redmond School House
16600 NE 80th Street
Redmond, WA 98052
Thursday, August 7
7 - 9 PM
Renton Community Center
1715 Maple Valley Highway
Renton, WA 98055
Tuesday, August 12
7 - 9 PM
Weyerhaeuser King County Aquatic Center
650 SW Campus Drive
Federal Way, WA 98023
Wednesday, August 13
7 - 9 PM
The Mountaineers Building
300 Third Avenue West
Seattle, WA 98119
For more information or to request reasonable accommodations please call Brooke Bascom, at 206-296-8263.
|
|
05/03
At our public meetings held last year many of those who attended told us they were interested in opportunities to help parks. We have created a program, the Association Development and Operation Partnerships (ADOP) Program, to identify such opportunities and we are holding our first open house this evening for you to learn more about how the program works, and what kind of opportunities are available in our parks. These partnerships are part of our new way of doing business and are an important part of involving King County residents in the future of parks.
The Open house will take place this evening, May 14 at 7 p.m. at Clise Mansion in Marymoor.
To learn more about the program and how your community organization, user group, or sports association might become an ADOP partner, see the press release at, http://dnr.metrokc.gov/dnradmin/press/2003/0508adop.htm.
|
|
03/03
Dear Parks Supporter:
The commencement of war in the Middle East has made us all pause and think about what the next steps may be for our country both on a global perspective and what it means to us here at home. This is a serious time for our country.
Although no one is sure what the next steps may be as the events play themselves out, and regardless of what our own personal preferences or beliefs might be, it is important we all take the time to remember our troops at home and overseas and support them and their families as they defend our country.
Parks’ role in providing shelter
County government remains focused on providing a stable, effective local government. A big part of that is continuing our parks transition. In these times, especially, stabilizing parks is of paramount importance. King County Parks and Recreation Division is the lead agency providing sheltering and food and water distribution, in the event of a disaster. Should a large-scale emergency or disaster occur, King County Parks will partner with the Seattle-King County Chapter of the American Red Cross and other non-profits to establish shelters for displaced residents and emergency workers. Sites will be chosen based on the location and impact of the disaster. Parks personnel will also play a major role in staffing the shelter and providing care for King County citizens.
For more information on the important role of parks in mass care shelter see <http://www.metrokc.gov/prepare/ESF-6.pdf>
Levy to appear on May ballot
The King County Council last week took action to place before voters May 20, 2003, a four-year, 4.9 cent levy that would pay for the operation and maintenance of regional and rural parks. For more information see <http://dnr.metrokc.gov/parks/levy/>
I wish you and your loved ones safety and security in these uncertain times.
Sincerely,
Ron Sims
King County Executive
|
|
02/03
Dear Parks Supporter:
As you know, the past six months have seen tremendous changes in the way King County parks does business. Last week I proposed a modest 5-cent, six-year operating levy to protect the public investment in over 25,000 acres of parks, active recreation facilities, open space and more than 100 miles of trails. If approved by the King County Council, it would come before voters May 20 of this year.
This levy is about letting King County residents make the decision about protecting their investment in our parks. Because of the tremendous progress we have made changing the way we do business, we are able to keep the levy low and give the public a reasonable option of keeping parks open and maintaining them at higher levels - meaning better maintained trails, ball fields, sport courts; cleaner bathrooms and more frequent litter removal.
The 5-cent levy would cost the owner of a $250,000 home $12.50 a year and would expire after six years.
More information, including a list of the parks that would be supported by the levy, is available online, at <http://www.metrokc.gov/exec/news/2003/022003.htm>.
Agreement reached to save Kent Pool
Last week King County and Kent announced an agreement to transfer the Kent Pool to the City of Kent. The deal means that nine of the 10 in-city pools the County marked for transfer will be open to the public under transfer or operating agreements. The pool could re-open as soon as the beginning of March. More information about this agreement is available online, at <http://www.metrokc.gov/exec/news/2003/021303.htm>.
Sand field fees brought in line with other fees
In an effort to have fees reflect the cost of providing service, higher user fees went into effect at the beginning of the year for all facilities but sand fields, which were granted more time for examination of revenue numbers. The King County Council voted last week to bring sand field fees in line with fees for grass fields.
You voiced support for higher fees at our public meetings last year and in an Internet survey answered by hundreds. One of the messages that came through loud and clear is that youth sports should continue to be subsidized at a higher level than adult sports. We have taken that to heart and the new fees reflect a higher subsidy for youth sports. Still, the per-hour cost of playing a game of soccer or baseball is less expensive for adults and kids than going movie.
Concerts at Marymoor series announces first artist: Grammy-winner Norah Jones!
The new outdoor concert series at King County's Marymoor Park in Redmond is off to a rousing start with the announcement that Grammy-winner Norah Jones will perform at the park on August 5. You will recall that the concert series is one of the partnerships we created as a way to generate revenue for parks. The summer concert series is expected to generate as much as $300,000 for King County parks. More information is available online, at <http://dnr.metrokc.gov/dnradmin/press/2003/0219nora.htm>.
Sincerely,
Ron Sims
King County Executive
|
|
02/03
Dear Parks Supporter:
This week was significant in the future of King County Parks. The Metropolitan Parks Task Force held its final meeting and issued a recommendation on future funding for parks, and we continued implementing new ways of doing business.
Task Force recommends a levy to support parks
After five weeks of deliberation, the Task Force recommended a 5.5 cent levy be put before King County voters to continue operating and better maintaining regional parks, open space lands and trails. A final report will be available online by the end of this week. For more information on the Task Force deliberations and final recommendations see, http://dnr.metrokc.gov/parks/transition-plan/. The recommendations now go to Executive Ron Sims for his action. It is expected he will send legislation to the King County Council for further consideration.
Marymoor parking fee generates nearly $25,000 for parks in its first weekend
The first weekend of collecting a new one-dollar parking fee at Marymoor Park went very well. The daily fee and sales of six-month parking passes helped generate $24,730 for King County Parks. A unique partnership with S.O.D.A (Serve Our Dog Areas) where $5 of every $50 parking pass sold is retained by S.O.D.A., raised $2,065, which will be used for stewardship of the off-leash dog area in Marymoor. Selling parking passes also boosted S.O.D.A.’s membership by 85. All funds will provide partial operating support for King County Parks.
More information about the parking fee is available online, at http://dnr.metrokc.gov/dnradmin/press/2003/0204park.htm.
More information about how to purchase a six-month parking pass is available online, at http://www.metrokc.gov/parks/news/020303parkfee.htm.
Partnerships to improve youth recreation facilities were announced
Our new way of doing business recognizes that partnerships are a way to retain services and programs while minimizing parks' dependence on general taxes. This week we announced the allocation of $544,446 in matching grants to organizations throughout King County that promote youth sports, including school districts, suburban cities and community groups. The grants will be used to renovate or improve ball fields, playgrounds, and a skateboard park. By leveraging these grant funds that come from car rentals, not our greatly reduced parks budget, we are able to continue improving recreation opportunities for our kids. More information about these grants is available online, at http://dnr.metrokc.gov/dnradmin/press/2003/0204play.htm.
Sincerely,
Ron Sims
King County Executive
|
|
01/03
Dear parks supporter:
As the Metropolitan Parks Task Force investigates new revenue streams, parks continues its transition to new ways of doing business.
Marymoor benefits from volunteerism
At public meetings last year, you encouraged us to work more with volunteers as a way to trim costs. On Jan. 20, as many as 400 volunteers will spend their Martin Luther King Day at Marymoor planting new trees and shrubs, and controlling weeds. The project not only makes financial sense, but it brings a multitude of benefits to the park: maintenance and protection of wildlife and habitat, improved aesthetics to the park, increased shading (from newly planted trees and shrubs) to help control invasive plant species, improved education with interpretive signs, long-term community commitment to adopt the areas, increased public safety, and increased pubic partnership. More information is available online, at http://dnr.metrokc.gov/dnradmin/press/2003/0108mlkd.htm.
New partnership keeps education program in schools
Though King County cut nearly $10 million from this year’s parks budget, we remain committed to our mission of providing excellent services and programs to parks users. Partnerships are a great way of ensuring programs and services remain accessible to the public, while helping us meet our goal to trim costs. A new partnership between King County and the non-profit organization Nature Vision will keep environmental education classes alive in King County schools. More information is available online, at http://dnr.metrokc.gov/dnradmin/press/2003/0106ppnv.htm.
Metropolitan Parks Task Force (MPTF) considers potential future revenue options for parks
In its June 2002 report, the MPTF recognized that despite aggressive transfers and innovative ways of doing business, new revenue sources in support of parks would still be needed. It concluded a new revenue stream would be needed to preserve and stabilize parks in 2004 and beyond. The MPTF is scheduled to meet weekly during the month of Jan. and will present final recommendations on revenue enhancement at the end of the month. More information on the MPTF and upcoming meetings is available online, at http://www.metrokc.gov/exec/mptf/.
King County Aquatic Center hosts Olympic event
Though challenged, our park assets continue to bring national attention to this region. The U.S. Olympic trials for synchronized swimming are being held this Saturday at the Weyerhaeuser-King County Aquatic Center.
Next week I will have more information to share on research being conducted by the Task Force and new ways of doing business parks continues to implement.
Thank you for your ongoing support of parks.
Sincerely,
Ron Sims
King County Executive
|
|
01/03
Dear parks supporter:
Last year was one of tremendous challenges for Parks. I would like to thank each and every one of you for supporting parks and helping us define our plan for the future. More than 3,200 people provided input that was used in shaping the Parks Business Transition Plan. Your feedback was heard through a phone survey, public meetings, online surveys, e-mail, public comment and USPS mail and it directly affected the transition plan that will carry us through the next several years. Options you strongly favored were part of the final recommendation: volunteerism, fee increases and transfers. Ideas you rejected were left out of the plan: the development of park land.
In March 2002, I declared to the King County Council that our tremendously successful parks system was on the verge of a complete shutdown because of the revenue constraints facing us. Parks was faced with trimming $10 million from its 2003 budget in response to the County’s $52 million budget shortfall. We have come a long way since then.
To meet this challenge, we cut the budget to the bone, but we knew cutting alone wouldn’t get us there. We knew we had to be creative. We fundamentally refocused and reprioritized the division’s mission and goals and embraced a new way of doing business. We are not yet out of the woods, but we have emerged at the end of the year with a clear sense of purpose, a road map for change and many successes under our belt.
Parks budget cut to the bone
Parks trimmed $10 million from its 2003 budget by cutting 85 full time positions, some programs, and divesting itself of some facilities, among other things.
A roadmap for change - the creation of a transition plan
A citizen task force (the Metropolitan Parks Task Force - MPTF) representing a broad cross section of the community was created by the Executive to recommend long and short-term solutions for parks in the face of budget shortfalls. (March 25, 2002)
An unprecedented public outreach effort was conducted and input from more than 3,200 residents was considered by the MPTF in the development of its recommendations. (May - June 2002).
Recommendations for stabilizing parks financially and operationally were issued by the MPTF just three months after its first meeting. (June 12,2002)
A second report by another citizen commission looking at enhancing parks (Active Sports and Youth Recreation Commission - ASpYRe) was issued. (July 12, 2002)
The Executive issued The Parks Business Transition Plan, based on MPTF recommendations, the ASpYRe report and public input. The plan outlines the new direction for parks and provides a roadmap for change. (July 18, 2002)
Parks was given more flexibility than ever to generate new revenue when the King County Council passed the Executive’s transition plan. (November 13, 2002)
The County’s role redefined - regional facilities, environmental stewardship
Progress was made in efforts to limit Parks’ role as a local service provider and concentrate on regional assets by divesting itself of 27 facilities in 19 cities for annual savings to the County of $4.6 million. (July - December 2002)
A fish ladder at Big Finn Hill Park was completed by King County and the Denny Creek Neighborhood Alliance. (October 11, 2002)
New ways of doing business embraced
For the first time ever, parks issued a nationwide request for ideas and proposals for new and innovative concepts to enhance services and generate revenue for parks and pools. (October 3, 2002)
An outdoor concert series and an athletic field complex are among the enhancements to Marymoor announced and are expected to generate enough revenue to allow the park to pay for itself. (October 21, 2002)
Park and recreation user fees, most of which have not increased in several years, were increased in order to provide partial operating support for King County Parks. (November 27, 2002)
Campsite enhancements such as water and RV hook-ups were announced for Tolt Mcdonald and the Enumclaw Fairgrounds, which could increase revenue generated by the facilities by as much as 110 percent. (October 8, 2002)
New partnerships allow parks to enhance services in the face of severe budget constraints
A new soccer complex and professionally managed wetlands were the result of a unique partnership between the County, Cascade Land Conservancy, Lake Washington Youth Soccer Association and Quadrant Corporation. (October 10, 2002)
King County brought a new scoreboard to Mel Olson Stadium, the White Center youth ballpark, through a partnership with SAFECO Corporation. (March 25, 2002)
A private, non-profit group, Friends of King County Parks, was formed to support King County Parks through financial endowments, organizational grants and capital projects. (October 7, 2002)
Looking Ahead:
On January 8, 2003, the Metropolitan Parks Task Force reconvened to review the progress made and discuss next steps to confront revenue targets and shortfalls.
On January 15, we will present a “what if” scenario to the King County Council that will outline the cuts and closures necessary if revenue targets are not met.
We will continue pursuing entrepreneurial ventures.
On February 15, we will present to the King County Council plans for generating additional revenue in 2004 needed to keep parks operational.
Expect to see a survey early this year to gain views on how we are doing and what you want us to do better.
We still have significant challenges before us, and with that comes the incredible opportunity to reinvent government. I look forward in the coming year to sharing news of how we are meeting this challenge, hearing from you about how we are doing and what we can do better.
Next week I will have news of the Metropolitan Parks Task Force reconvening and our continued work to establish productive partnerships.
Ron Sims
King County Executive
|
|
12/02
Dear King County Parks supporter:
As we enter the final month of 2002, our aggressive efforts at creating a financially stable park system continue. Driving this effort is the importance people throughout King County place on parks. Whether it is their neighborhood park, the opportunity to participate in Little League, or hike wooded trails, people count on parks as an important asset in our quality of life in King County. This week we took important steps to keep parks accessible to the public and increase revenues for active recreation facilities through modest fee increases.
More transfers announced
Last week we announced 11 parks, community centers and trails will remain open to the public thanks to transfer and lease agreements achieved with cities. In addition to the 9 agreements announced on Nov. 20 and two earlier this year, we have been able to work with 15 cities to keep 22 park facilities open for public use. More information is available online, at http://www.metrokc.gov/exec/news/2002/1126021.htm.
Modest fee increases will help maintain fields and other active recreation facilities
Hundreds of park users expressed their support for raising fees during public outreach conducted last spring for the development of the parks transition plan. The modest increase, only the second since 1993, brings King County fees in line with those throughout the region. Kids, seniors and the disabled will continue to pay less. In considering changes, we made every effort to keep fees affordable for everyone. Some examples are:
Each child will pay less than a dollar to play a game of baseball or soccer.
Adults will pay a little over $2 each to play baseball or soccer.
You can hold a 25-person birthday party at a pool for about $3.50 per person.
A family can go swimming together for $3 per person as opposed to paying $5-$8 each for a movie.
People paying fees to use baseball fields, soccer fields or picnic sites can feel good that every penny collected will support King County Parks. Though fees will not cover all maintenance and operations costs, they will go a long way toward helping to defray costs.
For more information, visit the parks Web site, at http://www.metrokc.gov/parks/news/112702fees.htm.
As I have said before, we greatly appreciate your continued interest in and support of parks. Our success in continuing to manage quality parks, trails and resource and ecological lands depends on the support we get from you. Be assured I will keep you updated as we continue our work stabilizing parks.
Sincerely,
Ron Sims
King County Executive
|
|
11/02
Dear Parks Supporter:
This week, we announced the transfer of several parks and pools. In the face of an unprecedented budget crisis this is the crucial step needed to ensure the public can continue to enjoy these parks assets for years to come. The move will also help the Parks Division reach stable financial and operational footing by saving more than $1 million annually.
Transfer agreements for parks and pools
Agreements to transfer or lease seven parks and two pools will allow King County to avoid mothballing these facilities at the end of the year and could save King County taxpayers as much as $1 million. This is part of King County’s plans to refocus its role as a regional service provider by limiting its operation of parks and pools within city jurisdictions.
The transfers are now before the King County Council and all cities have either approved the agreements or indicated they will approve them in advance of King County Council action.
More information about the transfer agreements is available online, at http://www.metrokc.gov/exec/news/2002/112002.htm. Another set of transfers will be forwarded to the King County Council next week.
Thank you again for your interest. I will keep you informed as we continue our work.
Sincerely,
Ron Sims
King County Executive
|
|
11/02
Dear Parks Supporter:
The Tukwila City Council voted to take the South Central Pool and Enumclaw offered to pay King County to run its pool until the City of Enumclaw can ask its voters in February to lift the existing levy lid to operate the pool. Also, the ballot measures in Kirkland that would allow for the transfer of Juanita Beach Park to that city are passing.
King County appreciates the willingness of cities like Tukwila, Kirkland, Enumclaw and others to work collaboratively in the interest of the public. This kind of collaboration is essential to keeping community assets like parks and pools open and accessible to the public. Each agreement reflects the unique needs and assets of each city, while allowing King County to maintain its goal of not funding the operation of any in-city, local pool as of January 1, 2003. This is crucial to our goal of becoming financially stable so we can preserve the parks system in ways that will make its assets available to the public for years to come.
The King County Council this week passed the parks business plan giving parks the power to pursue some revenue-generating initiatives without Council approval. This is a tremendous step forward in our efforts to put parks on stable financial and operational footing. This action gives us the freedom to continue pursuing the transition begun last spring that has us focusing on regional trails, passive recreation parks, regional sports facilities and rural parks while working to transfer facilities within city limits to those cities. The plan also allows us to pursue new revenue-generating initiatives that received support at the public meetings conducted last May. These include enhanced services, like the concert series and driving range announced for Marymoor Park, and higher use fees.
The parks business plan passing and progress on transfers are major milestones and position us well going into next year - a crucial year for the future of parks in King County. We continue to move forward with negotiations to transfer parks and pools and hope to have many to announce in the coming weeks.
I will keep you informed as we continue our work. More information on the Tukwila transfer, is available online, at http://www.metrokc.gov/exec/news/2002/110402.htm. Details on an agreement with Enumclaw are still being finalized and I will share those with you as soon as they are complete.
Sincerely,
Ron Sims
King County Executive
|
|
11/02
Dear Parks Supporter:
We have been working hard the past week on passing the 2003 budget, which provides the framework and many of the changes necessary to give the Parks Division the flexibility necessary to pursue new, entrepreneurial ways of doing business. At this point, I am optimistic about beginning 2003 with the tools necessary to continue the transition we have begun.
Seasonal Closures
As a reminder of the challenges before us, budget constraints and I-747 will force seasonal closure of some parks beginning today. Although we are making positive changes in how we do business in our parks, such as the innovative partnerships and entrepreneurial ventures announced over the past few weeks, we still face the very real challenge of a general revenue fund strained by an antiquated tax system, annexations and incorporations and initiatives. More information is available online, at http://www.metrokc.gov/exec/news/2002/110102.htm.
Transfers
Negotiations with cities to transfer parks and pools are going well and I anticipate making an announcement soon about some important transfers. I know pools are of particular concern to many of you. With the exception of Mercer Island, which has indicated it does not want the Mary Wayte Pool, we continue to move forward on all fronts. However, if we do not have transfer agreements, we will have to mothball pools January 1, 2003.
We are offering a generous financial package to cities willing to take their local pools: five years of capital needs, $50,000 for capital improvements and enough to operate the pool for 3-4 months (our cost to mothball). If some pools do close, we will continue seeking ways to reopen. We will not be able to operate them, but we will look for creative partnerships. For example, we have been talking to the YMCA.
Be assured I will keep you up to date as news of transfers develops.
Sincerely,
Ron Sims
King County Executive
|
|
10/02
Dear King County Parks Supporter:
We have taken a major step forward in our plan to transition King County parks to be more financially stable by relying on new, entrepreneurial ways of doing business. On Wednesday, Oct. 23, I outlined a new, broad-ranging “Marymoor Vision” detailing new plans for an outdoor concert series, a golf driving range, and an athletic field complex at King County’s 640-acre Marymoor Park, near Redmond.
These exciting new projects at the regional park are examples of how King County plans to do business differently by exploring new and innovative concepts that enhance services and generate revenue for parks maintenance in the future.
King County currently subsidizes Marymoor Park operations for about $600,000 annually. The projects contained in our new Marymoor Vision will not only further enhance the park; they will also allow the park to eventually pay for itself.
Factors critical to determining which enhancements can be included as part of the “Marymoor Vision” are that each new program complement the park’s character and that they can be built or added in already-developed active areas. Funds raised will be used to pay for Marymoor Park maintenance and operation.
In keeping with our commitment to seek public input throughout the transition, we have worked closely with Friends of Marymoor Park, a group of users interested in enhancing the quality of Marymoor, in planning these enhancements. They have provided valuable feedback about generating revenue while maintaining the spirit of the park. Friends of Marymoor Park is already on record as supporting some elements of the vision including the outdoor concert series and the parking fee.
More information about enhancements to Marymoor, including artist renderings, are available online, at http://www.metrokc.gov/exec/news/2002/1023021.htm.
Again, thank you for your ongoing interest in and support of King County parks.
Sincerely,
Ron Sims
King County Executive
|
|
10/02
Dear King County park supporter:
I recently announced my 2003 proposed budget. The theme of my speech to the King County Council was that though these times are difficult, we remain undaunted and resolute in our efforts to meet the challenges ahead by doing business differently. The County is working hard to find a way to enhance services even as we meet the budget challenge. Included in my proposed budget are efficiencies and initiatives that will affect parks.
Budget reflects new innovative ways of doing business.
My proposed budget of almost $3.1 billion includes new and innovative efforts and has met the challenge of a $52 million deficit through efficiencies, reduced overhead and entrepreneurial programs. Crippled by outdated fiscal laws, initiatives, an eroding revenue base, state cuts, unfunded state requirements and a recession, King County’s current expense, or general, fund, decreased $1.3 million from last year to $495 million. It is from this fund that many discretionary programs, like parks and human services, are supported.
As described in my Phase II Business Plan (http://dnr.metrokc.gov/parks/transition-plan/plan.htm), announced in July, the proposed budget incorporates a new way of doing business in the Parks Division that includes fundamental changes such as:
Focusing on key regional assets such as Marymoor Park, the Enumclaw (King County) Fairgrounds, and the Weyerhauser/King County Aquatics Center, while stepping out of the role of funding local parks and pools inside cities.
Continuing to operate parks and pools in unincorporated areas, where we are the local government, as well as regional trails, regional passive-use parks and open space and ecologically important lands.
Charging fees that more closely reflect the full cost of a service of activity and a shift of capital dollars to help enhance future revenue generating projects and ideas.
Partnerships with youth sports groups to operate ballfields and other active recreation facilities at little or no taxpayer expense.
For more information on my proposed budget see http://www.metrokc.gov/exec/news/2002/101402.htm.
If you have comments on the budget, you can direct them to the King County Council, which is currently considering my proposal. Information about how you can participate in this process is available on the Council's Web site, at http://www.metrokc.gov/mkcc/.
Expanding outreach efforts.
We know how important parks are to residents of King County, so in an effort to communicate broadly with people about the changes and improvements in our parks, we are expanding our outreach. You may notice County employees at the next community fair or event passing out cards with this listserve address.
Many more innovative efforts will be announced soon and I will keep you up-to-date.
Thank you for your continued interest in our parks. Your ongoing interest and support for King County parks is a key to our ability to be successful.
Sincerely,
Ron Sims
King County Executive
|
|
10/02
Dear Concerned Citizen:
We had another week of exciting announcements about how we are enhancing King County parks by doing business differently. I am particularly pleased at forging new partnerships that will serve the public well by enhancing King County parks.
Enhancing services while meeting budget challenge.
Yesterday, I announced an innovative partnership that over the next three to five years will create new active recreational facilities, develop a new equestrian park, enhance the preservation of nearly 700 acres of wetlands and reduce the number of residential units in the second phase of the Redmond Ridge development. By working with our partners in this agreement, King County is able to expand recreation opportunities with additional regional athletic facilities at a time we cannot fund it on our own. For more information see http://www.metrokc.gov/exec/news/2002/101002.htm.
New parks foundation to support King County Parks.
The creation of this independent foundation represents an important and positive step in my Parks Transition Plan, which called for the formation of a foundation. The Friends of King County Parks is a private, non-profit group that formed independently in September to support the King County Parks and Recreation System through financial endowments, organizational grants and capital projects. For more information see http://www.metrokc.gov/exec/news/2002/100702.htm.
Enhanced camping facilities at Tolt MacDonald Park and King County Fairgrounds.
Additional full water and electric RV hook-ups will be added to the 17 vehicle accessible campsites in the coming year. We are also proposing more RV hookups at the King County Fairgrounds at Enumclaw. This is an excellent example of entrepreneurial business practices that allow us to enhance our parks, while creating opportunities to generate revenue. For more information see http://www.metrokc.gov/exec/news/2002/1008021.htm.
Budget speech will outline road map for doing business differently
This Monday, October 14, I will present my 2003 budget to the King County Council. The budget will include information about concrete steps we will take to stabilize parks under a new way of doing business. You can view the speech live at 1:30 p.m. on CTV (see you local cable listing for the correct channel).
Again, I thank you for your continued support of our parks system.
Sincerely,
Ron Sims
King County Executive
|
|
10/02
Dear Concerned Citizen:
Since you are someone who has indicated a desire to be kept informed on issues related to King County’s parks system, I wanted to update you on where we stand and share some good news. Though the challenges ahead of us are still great, we have made exciting progress on our goal to create new partnerships and do business differently.
King County is seeking ideas for new public-private ventures for pools and parks.
We are seeking new and innovative concepts that will enhance services and generate revenue for parks and pools. A formal Request for Ideas and Proposals (RFI&P) is being distributed nationwide and any for-profit, non-profit, group or individual is eligible. If you have an idea, we want to hear it. We are interested in all ideas, even if you are unable to personally implement it. For more information I invite you to read the news release posted on my Web site, at http://www.metrokc.gov/exec/news/2002/100302.htm.
More transfers and negotiations continue.
Earlier this week, we announced the transfer of Beaver Lake Park and Lodge to the City of Sammamish. A news release with more information is posted online, at http://www.metrokc.gov/exec/news/2002/100102.htm. This is the second major transfer. As you may recall, in July we announced an agreement to transfer Juanita Beach to the City of Kirkland.
We have continued our discussions with other cities, and with few exceptions, we expect most of the roughly 35 local parks to remain open under local ownership. I would like to express my appreciation to cities for stepping up to the plate and even expressing an interest in taking parks adjacent to, but outside of, their boundaries. It is a great example of government working collaboratively, and your input to your cities has helped greatly.
We also continue our discussions with cities to transfer pools. Discussions are going well with respect to most pools. Though we are making progress, time is running out. We are offering cities a generous financial package that includes 5 years of capital needs, not less than $50,000 for capital enhancements and the money King County would otherwise spend mothballing the pools in 2003 (enough to operate each pool for about 3 months). More information about our discussions with pools is available online, at http://www.southcountyjournal.com/sited/story/html/106892.
More positive news to come.
Though faced with tremendous challenges, including layoffs, the King County Parks staff has remained vigilant in their efforts to enhance King County parks and pools and change the way we do business. Next week I will make several announcements about exciting new things happening and I will update you then.
Thank you again for your continued support of our parks system.
Sincerely,
Ron Sims
King County Executive
|
|
09/02
Dear Concerned Citizen:
Earlier this summer, I sent you information previewing my Business Plan for the King County parks system. I wanted to let you know the plan is now posted in its entirety on the King County Web site at http://dnr.metrokc.gov/parks/transition-plan/. This is a new Web site designed to keep you informed of the parks’ transition process.
The plan is a thorough document that details how we will do business differently and how our parks system will be redefined. The plan contains the in-depth research that informed our decisions. In addition to the plan on the new Web site, you will also find the two citizen commission reports on which the plan is based.
Since you last heard from me earlier this summer, we have continued to make progress toward our goal of keeping parks accessible to the public while making the King County Parks and Recreation Division financially stable. In July we announced that Juanita Beach will be transferred to the City of Kirkland. Though it is difficult for King County to part with such a beautiful park, our first priority is to keep park assets open and accessible to the public. Toward this end, we were pleased to work with the City of Kirkland on an agreement that will keep that park open under its ownership.
Accomplishing our goal of making the parks system financially stable requires that we do business differently and you will hear more about this in the future as we have new initiatives to announce.
It is our goal to keep you up-to-date and informed. The new Web site will be updated regularly to let you know the latest.
Thank you for your continued interest in this important issue.
Sincerely,
Ron Sims
King County Executive
|
|
07/02
Dear Concerned Citizen:
Today I issued recommendations to the Metropolitan King County Council that outline long- and short-term solutions based on new savings and revenue-generating options to put the park system on stable financial and operational footing. My recommendations are part of a soon-to-be-released business plan for the future of parks, which call for a new way of doing business. The final plan will be complete by the end of the month.
This is a crucial step for the future of our parks and it requires that we embrace a new way of doing business. I am optimistic we will come out with a strong plan that will allow us to provide open spaces, parks and recreational facilities for our residents.
My recommendations are based largely on the recommendations of appointed citizen commissions -- the Metropolitan Parks Task Force and the Active Youth Sports and Recreation Commission (ASpYRe) -- and respond to the estimated current expense fund shortfall of $52 million in 2003 that is imposing the need for major cuts in all areas of King County general government.
Active recreation remains incredibly important to our citizens. Both the Metropolitan Parks Task Force and the ASpYRe Commission recognized that new partnerships and new ways of operating are needed in the area of active recreation if these facilities and services are to continue to be available to the public
Briefly, my recommendations include:
Redefining County Parks: A cornerstone of my plan is refocusing the County's function by stepping out of the local service role wherever an alternate local service provider is available. The County would continue to operate regional and unincorporated area facilities consistent with the new ways of doing business, and would work with cities to transfer local facilities within city boundaries or potential annexation areas.
Since March, we have been in negotiations with cities to transfer local facilities. We are offering cities a reasonable package that will enable them to keep their local parks and pools open and we are open to proposals cities have to offer. We will consider anything. Yesterday the City of Kirkland joined me in announcing the transfer of Juanita Beach to the City of Kirkland and negotiations to transfer Enumclaw and Tukwila pools are also going well.
Doing Business Differently: King County will implement a number of initiatives to generate new revenues and savings. By embracing new ways of doing business, King County will reduce its annual Current Expense (CX) subsidy of the parks system from $18 million this year, to under $8.5 million next year, with a three year goal of reducing the annual CX subsidy to just $5 million. King County will achieve these savings by implementing the following strategies:
Increase user fees but have needs-based rates or scholarships, and subsidy of youth recreation programs.
Generate new revenue from naming rights, advertising and corporate sponsorships.
Increase the use of volunteers and work crews.
Expand use of concessions and new operating agreements.
Pursue creation of a non-profit foundation to support parks.
Create an Enterprise Fund program as a means to aggressively seek out and implement new revenue generating opportunities. This program would include funding for partnerships with youth sports organizations.
In addition to focusing on new ways of doing business and redefining the County’s role in parks, I am recommending temporarily redirecting some existing County revenues, including a small percentage of the unincorporated area levy to support unincorporated area trails, and use of surface water management fees to support resource and ecological lands.
I am recommending that a dedicated tax measure be submitted to the voters in 2003 in order to prevent massive park closures in 2004. I will work closely with members of the Task Force, ASpYRe, as well as members of the County Council and representatives from cities to help shape a more detailed recommendation for this levy.
More information on my recommendations is available online, at http://www.metrokc.gov/exec/news/2002/ParksBsnsPln7-18Atchmnt.doc. The final plan will be available online at the end of the month.
I am confident that as we embrace a new way of doing business we will demonstrate to the public that we can increase revenue, cut overhead and save our parks for their enjoyment. Then I believe we will have earned the right to ask for the public's investment to keep our park system open over the long-term.
The plan is a preliminary proposal for the 2003 budget. As work progresses on cost savings and revenue generating strategies, it may differ from the final proposal. Following the County Council’s adoption of the budget, a Phase III report will be written confirming the course laid out for 2003 and beyond.
I thank you for your continued interest on the future of King County's parks and pools. I will continue to be in touch as developments happen.
Sincerely,
Ron Sims
King County Executive
|
|
06/02
Dear Friend:
The public input regarding our parks and pools has been remarkable. I believe it bodes well for our collective efforts in meeting the challenge before us.
As you have indicated a desire to be kept updated on King County parks, I wanted to let you know that the Metropolitan Parks Task Force this week issued its preliminary recommendations.
Briefly, they recommend that King County should:
Continue to be a primary player in the stewardship and acquisition of open space, resource and ecological lands;
Continue as a provider of regional trails;
Continue to serve as the regional steward of the thousand acres of open space in five key park/green space corridors;
Retain regional facilities such as Marymoor Park, the King County Fairgrounds, and the Weyerhaeuser-King County Aquatic Center;
Retain active sports facilities located within the rural area;
Immediately work to transfer all county facilities within city boundaries to the cities;
Redefine the County’s role as the operator of active recreation facilities, such as large ball fields, swimming pools, etc.;
Operate all active sports facilities out of an enterprise fund that would have facilities pay for themselves;
Facilitate acquisition and development with public and/or private partners rather than assume all ongoing maintenance and operations costs;
Transition facilities in the urban incorporated areas destined for annexation to the cities;
Transition community centers to local non-profit operators like YMCA, Boys and Girls Clubs, etc.; and
Implement a limited property tax in 2003 to provide dedicated revenue to the maintenance and operations of the county parks system.
The Task Force's preliminary recommendations are available for viewing online at http://www.metrokc.gov/exec/mptf.
The Task Force conducted unprecedented public outreach, which is reflected in its recommendations. More than 3,200 people have provided input to the Task Force in the two months since its first meeting. I would like to thank you for taking the time to attend a meeting, fill out a survey or send an e-mail. Your input was an important part of the Task Force deliberations and I will continue to use this input and seek further input as we move forward.
The Task Force recommendations reflect two very important facts - we need to and will be doing business differently, and there is no one magic solution. Over the coming months we will be looking at the work of the Task Force, as well as input from the public, to create a road map for bringing a more entrepreneurial spirit to the operation of our parks.
I would like to thank the Metropolitan Parks Task Force for the quality of its work and the dedication it demonstrated. To have a group of this caliber volunteer its time is rare, and King County is fortunate to have these individuals bring their expertise and experience in helping us meet one of the most difficult challenges facing King County government today - making our parks financially stable.
I will review the Task Force recommendations and other input as well as the information gleaned from outreach efforts and will send an updated parks plan to the County Council in July. The plan will outline which strategies I recommend for further investigation. Strategies to be pursued will be included in the 2003 budget I send to the Council in September.
Your input and efforts will continue to play an important role in the future of King County parks. I will continue to be in touch as developments happen and as we continue to seek input from King County residents.
Ron Sims
King County Executive
|
Links to external sites do not constitute endorsements by King County.
By visiting this and other King County web pages,
you expressly agree to be bound by terms and conditions of the site.
The details.
|
