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About King County Parks
King County Parks is largely funded through a property tax levy, which the voters of King County approved on in August 2019 by more than 70 percent. The 2020-2025 Parks, Recreation Trails, and Open Space Levy will generate an estimated $810 million over six years through a CPI-indexed property tax levy lid lift of 18.32 cents per $1,000 of assessed value.
The 2020-2025 Parks, Recreation, Trails, and Open Space Levy was approved by King County voters on August 6, 2019. The revenue generated by this levy goes to county-wide protection and stewardship of parks, trails, and open spaces. Making outdoor recreation available for all King County residents. Learn more...
As steward of open space, King County Parks is responsible for protecting public lands and preventing, eliminating, or in certain limited circumstances, permitting private uses of our public lands. Learn more...
The King County Open Space Plan: Parks, Trails, and Natural Areas 2022 Update (Open Space Plan) provides a framework guiding King County in expanding, planning, developing, stewarding, maintaining, and managing its complex system of open space. Learn more...
King County Parks operates under the guidelines outlined and adopted in the King County Code Title 7 Parks and Recreation. Learn more...
Mission
Steward, enhance and acquire parks to inspire healthy communities.
Vision
Parks, trails, and natural lands for all, sustained with the cooperative efforts of our community.
Values
Regional and Rural Services: Provide park and recreation assets that serve the county-wide population, as well as communities in rural unincorporated King County.
Safety: Ensure that parks, trails and recreation facilities are safe for all users.
Partnerships: Pursue partnerships with public, private, and non-profit entities that leverage public dollars, enhance public recreation opportunities, and involve King County residents in the stewardship of King County’s open space and recreation assets.
Entrepreneurial: Generate revenue and contribute to the financial sustainability of agency operations.
Conservation: Protect and enhance the ecological values of open space assets, including fish and wildlife habitat, native biodiversity, critical areas, and air and water quality.
Equity: Strive to provide public open spaces and recreation opportunities that maximize accessibility and are equitably distributed.
Efficiency: Maximize the value of public dollars through sensible cost reduction strategies while respecting best environmental management practices.
Awards and Recognition
- 2014, 2015, 2016 - Marymoor Park, Best Dog Park, King 5 - Best of Western Washington
- 2013, Savvy Award - "Little Footprint, Big Forest" Camping Cargotainer Design Competition, City-County Communications and Marketing Association
- 2009, Certificate of Excellence - Movies@Marymoor Redmond Summer Nights Partnership, Public Relations Society of America - Puget Sound Chapter
- 2009, Spotlight Award, Best Park of Trail map - Regional Trails in King County Map, Washington Parks and Recreation Association
- 2009, Spotlight Award, Best sports complex - Marymoor Park synthetic turf ballfield conversion, Washington Parks and Recreation Association
- 2008, KUDOS Marketing and Communication Award, National Recreation & Parks Association
- 2008, Certificate of Excellence - White Center Heights Ultimate Park Makeover, Public Relations Society of America - Puget Sound Chapter
- 2006, Center for Sustainable Communities Award, National Association of Counties
- 2006, Public-Private Partnership Award, Performance Institute - National Council for Excellence in Government
- 2004, Achievement Award - Parks Business Plan, National Association of Counties