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February 26, 2025
Maintain, Enhance, Expand: Executive Constantine announces proposal to renew King County Parks Levy
 Executive Constantine joined partners to announce his proposal to renew the King County Parks Levy, a strategy that would increase King County Parks’ capacity for maintenance and safety, enhance ballfields, playgrounds, and aquatic centers, protect and restore more open spaces for a growing population, and accelerate the expansion of regional trails that connect to transit.
The proposal would increase our capacity to:
✅ Maintain parks and trails by keeping them clean, safe, and open
✅ Enhance the places where we gather, play, and connect – greenspaces, ballfields, playgrounds, and aquatic centers -- by making them more accessible and offering new amenities
✅ Expand access to nature and recreational opportunities by accelerating trail expansion, offering more forests in urban heat islands, and protecting open space for a growing population
The proposal was informed by a rigorous community listening campaign conducted by King County Parks.
The current King County Parks Levy, which generates about 85% of the park agency’s budget, will expire Dec. 31.
Parks employee appreciation: Celebrating the people who take care of ‘the places that people enjoy everyday’
Have you met King County Parks employees like Marvin Johnson? For Marvin, a day spent outdoors connecting with visitors is a day well spent. Always quick with a smile and ready for a friendly chat, he’s one of many dedicated team members working hard to keep our parks, trails, and natural areas welcoming and accessible to everyone.
“We are entrusted to care for the places that people enjoy every day,” he shared during his shift at King County’s Five Mile Park in Auburn.
Hear from Marvin, other Parks employees, and community partners about how the King County Parks Levy contributes to our region's quality of life.
Modern maps: Updated stream and wetland layers protect King County
King County’s environmental mapping has received a high-tech upgrade.
Over the past two years, ecologists from our Water and Land Resources Division have been updating our stream and wetland maps using cutting-edge remote sensing technology — a significant leap from the techniques last employed in the 1990s. These new maps feature the most current stream and wetland classifications, providing more accurate resources for people researching, planning, permitting, restoring, or developing projects throughout King County.
To explore the updated layers, simply navigate to iMap, go to Layer List and select the Environmentally Sensitive Areas. You can then select subcategories that include Stream type and Wetlands (National Wetland Inventory 2024).
Our scientists’ work not only enhances protection for King County’s streams and wetlands but also reduces flood risks and benefits salmon, wildlife, green spaces, clean water, and the community at large.
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In the news: King County refines wastewater into fertilizer for crops and forests
We’re advancing sustainable practices by transforming wastewater into valuable fertilizer for crops and forests. Our Wastewater Treatment Division is exploring ways to safely expand programs like Loop biosolids — a natural alternative that has supported Washington farmers for more than three decades — as our region faces more frequent and severe droughts.
We appreciate The Seattle Times for highlighting our team’s innovative efforts, helping both agriculture and forests thrive in a changing climate. Read the full article to learn how we’re preparing our region for a more resilient future.
If you encounter paywalls or subscription requirements, consider supporting local journalism. The Seattle Public Library and King County Library System accounts provide access to many publications.
Social media spotlight
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We ❤️ King County Parks!
The King County Parks Levy renewal proposal is on its way, helping us continue to create more inclusive greenspaces where kids, families, and friends can gather, relax, and play.
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Maintain | Enhance | Expand—a vision for King County Parks! King County Executive Constantine has proposed a renewal of the Parks Levy, ensuring that parks and trails remain clean, safe, and accessible while expanding opportunities for all.
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 Every February 24th, Twin Peaks fans celebrate the show’s surreal legacy, and what better way to mark the day than by appreciating the forests and misty peaks of East King County where much of the series was filmed?
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If you encounter paywalls or articles requiring a subscription, Seattle Public Library and the King County Library System offer ways to read magazines and newspapers with a library account.
To subscribe to the The Evergreen, or to manage settings, please click here.
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