Renovation of Steve Cox Park Included in County Budget

November 14, 2016

Summary

Formerly White Center Park, the park was renamed Steve Cox Memorial Park in 2007 in honor of the fallen King County Sheriff’s Deputy.

Story

White Center’s Steve Cox Park will be receiving a welcome renovation following its inclusion in King County’s 2017-2018 Biennial Budget. The park project received $1.6 Million in new funding to go along with a previously allocated $1.7 Million. The budget was finalized following a vote at Monday’s County Council meeting, and is expected to be signed by County Executive Dow Constantine in the coming week.

“Steve Cox Park is a wonderful asset to the White Center community,” said Council Chair Joe McDermott. “Investing in this much need renovation will only increase its use and ensure that the park continues be a recreation destination for the surrounding community and beyond.”

While the final design is still being developed, several possible improvements are under consideration. Those include replacing the natural grass on Fields 2 and 3, which are underutilized due to drainage issues, with synthetic turf, as well as lining them for use by multiple sports. Other possible upgrades include the addition of perimeter lighting, construction of a natural surface walking path, new backstops, and additional access to restrooms. King County Parks presented the proposed changes at the November 3rd meeting of the North Highline Unincorporated Area Council.

The park includes Mel Olson Stadium, which is used by baseball leagues from around the region, and is the home of the semi-pro Highline Bears and the Seattle Prep High School Baseball team. The White Center Community Center, also located on the grounds, is home to the White Center Teen Program and the White Center PAL Boxing Club. Also offered are basketball courts, tennis courts, play and picnic areas, and a foot reflexology walking path.

Formerly White Center Park, the park was renamed Steve Cox Memorial Park in 2007 in honor of the fallen King County Sheriff’s Deputy. The park’s last major renovation came in 2008 when the baseball stadium was upgraded to synthetic turf, along with other improvements.