Summary

Parks, Recreation & Senior Services Office will use vehicle to support summer camp and senior activities

Story

Yesterday, Metropolitan King County Councilmember Dave Upthegrove handed over the keys of an eight-passenger van to the City of Des Moines Parks, Recreation & Senior Services Office to transport low income residents, children and seniors to local and county wide activities.

“I am thrilled that King County can provide a vehicle to support kids and seniors in Des Moines,” said Upthegrove. “The city offers a wide variety of programs such as summer camp and senior activities. This van will help Des Moines continue this valuable work.”

The City of Des Moines Parks Office will primarily use the van to shuttle kids to the Club KHAOS before and after school program. In the summer, Camp KHAOS offers all day camp for kids that include outdoor games, arts, swimming and new experiences under the supervision of caring, experienced camp staff. The van will also be used to transport senior citizens, low income residents and children to various events across South King County.

Since 1995, the County Council has donated vans from Metro’s Vanpool to local cities and nonprofit organizations to provide transportation for low-income, elderly, youth and disabled residents. The vans are part of a fleet of county vehicles that have been ‘retired’ after accruing a certain number of miles.

Governments, agencies and organizations that receive vans must meet specific requirements, including outlining specific plans for using the van, ability to provide quality and trained drivers and assurance that the van will be available to assist persons without regard to affiliation with any particular organization.

Councilmember Upthegrove hands over keys to Des Moines Mayor Dave Kaplan.