Councilmember Larry Phillips thanks voters for passing King County parks levy

August 7, 2013

Summary

Levy will allow county parks to operate and expand for six more years

Story

Councilmember Larry Phillips, Chair of the King County Council’s Transportation, Economy, and Environment Committee, released this statement in response to voter approval of the King County parks levy in the August 2013 election.

“I thank King County voters for recognizing the recreational and environmental value of the King County park system and voting overwhelmingly to support the six-year levy to operate and expand the system. Thanks to voters’ willingness to fund this public amenity, our system of 200 parks, 175 miles of regional trails, and 26,000 acres of open space will continue to provide residents with the high quality of life we enjoy in this region and preserve natural habitat areas.

“The financial squeeze on county governments means that, without voter support, King County would have been forced to close much of our parks system. With voters’ generosity, King County will be able to operate and maintain our existing park system including Cougar Mountain, Marymoor, the Green River Trail, and much more. King County will also be able to fund environmental education for regional school children, animal care, and conservation at the Woodland Park Zoo; protect 2,700 new acres of critical open space; and fund planning and design for more than 20 new miles of public trails. With these investments, our region will continue to be a wonderful place to live and recreate.”