The Evergreen: New Lake to Sound Trail segment, Green Globe Award winners, reliable power for clean water

July 9, 2025

More miles, more connections on King County Parks’ Lake to Sound Trail

King County Executive Shannon Braddock joined regional partners and community members to celebrate the opening of a new segment of the Lake to Sound Trail, completing two-thirds of a scenic, regional route that will ultimately run from the southern tip of Lake Washington to the Puget Sound shoreline.

The newly opened section connects Burien and SeaTac to the existing Des Moines Creek Trail, creating more than seven miles of uninterrupted, non-motorized trail for walking, rolling, and biking. Once completed, the 16-mile Lake to Sound Trail will connect with four other regional trails, two Sound Transit Link light rail stations, the Sounder train, Metro’s RapidRide A Line, and Sea-Tac International Airport.

“Thanks to strong partnerships and the King County Parks Levy, we’ve completed two-thirds of the Lake to Sound Trail, connecting cities from Lake Washington to Puget Sound with convenient access to high-capacity transit,” said Executive Braddock. “We’re making it safer and healthier for people in South King County to bike, walk, and roll to some of the best destinations our dynamic region has to offer.”

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Celebrating Green Globe Award winners, King County’s highest honor for environmental stewardship

Green Globe Award ceremony photo collage

We hosted a celebration for the winners of the 2025 Green Globe Awards, honoring individuals, nonprofits, and small businesses working toward a more resilient, sustainable, and equitable region.

Seattle Times environmental reporter and award-winning author Lynda Mapes received the Environmental Catalyst award. Over her career, Mapes has chronicled the state of Puget Sound and helped the public better understand complex environmental work, including King County’s salmon recovery and habitat restoration efforts.

Other honorees include:

• Growing for Good – Leader in Local Food Economy
Supporting local farms and increasing food access in underserved communities

• Bike Works – Leader in Circular Economy
Advancing a circular economy through bicycle repair, reuse, and community programming

• Villa Comunitaria – Leader in Clean Water
Connecting Latine communities to clean water careers, internships, and capital project opportunities

• Homestead Community Land Trust – The Southard – Leader in Green Built Environment
Creating net-zero, transit-friendly, permanently affordable homes in Tukwila

• King County Conservation Futures Advisory Committee – Leader in Land Conservation
Guiding equitable land conservation investments across King County

• Golden Bricks Events – Leader in Outdoor Recreation
Hosting inclusive outdoor experiences like the Refuge Outdoor Festival

• Charlotte Spang – Leader in Salmon Recovery
Inspiring salmon stewardship through science education and hands-on outreach

• David Kimmett – Christie J. True Award for Outstanding Public Service
Recognized for a career creating and restoring parks and greenspaces across King County

One year later, West Point’s battery system proves its power

One year after activating the first-of-its-kind battery power system at West Point Treatment Plant, operators say it's exceeded expectations — keeping critical systems online during 78 power disruptions and protecting Puget Sound from potential overflows.

The onsite battery power system – which has won multiple engineering awards – kept critical pumps operating during 78 power disruptions, preventing untreated wastewater from being discharged into Puget Sound. There were 15 instances when pumps were powered exclusively by the 2,000 batteries housed in a new 24,000-square-foot structure.

It is among dozens of improvements we’ve made in recent years to make the Puget Sound region’s largest treatment plant safer, more reliable, and more resilient to climate impacts.

“What began as an award-winning engineering marvel is now an operational success,” said Executive Braddock. “The onsite battery system we installed at West Point Treatment Plant is delivering exactly what we promised: providing reliable power that protects Puget Sound, even when our region experiences catastrophic weather events.”

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Top trails to recharge, according to Public Health staff

Beyond the scenic views and fresh air, the trails of King County offer something deeper — a chance to recharge mentally, physically, and emotionally. Public Health – Seattle & King County staff shared a few of their favorite parks and trails to find peace, unplug from technology, and reconnect with nature. Favorites include the Lake to Sound Trail, BPA Trail in Federal Way, Gem Lake, South Tiger Mountain, and the Middle Fork Snoqualmie area.

For those looking to explore further this summer, Trailhead Direct offers weekend and holiday transit service to popular trailheads such as Mount Si and Little Si — no car required. However you choose to spend your time outdoors, King County Parks offers space to slow down, get moving, and reconnect.

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Take the light rail to Marymoor for summer concerts and movies

Summer at Marymoor Park is in full swing and it’s easier than ever to get there car-free. Just hop on light rail and enjoy a short walk or bike ride to one of the region’s best-loved event spaces.