Summary

The King County Council on Tuesday unanimously approved King County’s 2023-2024 budget. As part of this budget, organizations in the Federal Way area will receive funds to support the Hanwoori Garden project near the Aquatic Center, the existing pre-apprenticeship program through Federal Way Public Schools, facility improvements at the South County Ballfields, and youth programs through the Federal Way Boys & Girls Club.

Story

The King County Council on Tuesday unanimously approved King County’s 2023-2024 budget. As part of this budget, organizations in the Federal Way area will receive funds to support the Hanwoori Garden project near the Aquatic Center, the existing pre-apprenticeship program through Federal Way Public Schools, facility improvements at the South County Ballfields, and youth programs through the Federal Way Boys & Girls Club.

“I am pleased I was able to secure funding for both new and established projects in South King County,” said Councilmember Pete von Reichbauer, who represents Federal Way on the King County Council.  “These funds will support the completion of the first traditional Korean garden in Washington state, provide options for our students to succeed post-high school, and keep our youth off the streets.”

“The Hanwoori Garden in City of Federal Way has been a work in progress since 2015” said Daniel Kim of the Federal Way Korean American Association. “This garden offers a new model for traditional and modern Korean design elements, and for their presentation of the Korean identity.” 

“The FWHS Pre-Apprenticeship program has opened doors for scholars in our district and streamlined their path to high-paying, in-demand jobs in the trades as students consider college and career opportunities after high school,” said Federal Way Public Schools Superintendent Dani Pfeiffer. “We’re grateful for the continued support of King County Councilmember Pete von Reichbauer as we continue to grow and strengthen the pre-apprenticeship program, continue to strengthen the collaboration with industry and trade professionals and ultimately provide this option to more of our young people.”

As part of the 2023-2024 budget, Councilmember von Reichbauer advocated for:

• $150,000 to support the Hanwoori Garden Project, located at 550 SW Campus Drive between the Panther Lake Trail and the King County Aquatic Center. The plans include a pagoda, an open courtyard, traditional Korean pavilion and flower beds, as well as seasonal gardens, a stone waterbed, a Jangdokdae and serenity stones.  
• $250,000 to the Federal Way School District to support the pre-apprenticeship program as part Federal Way Public Schools’ Career and Technical Education. The program will provide our high school students with valuable mentorship and hands-on training in the construction trades industry that will place them in an elevated position for potential employment opportunities.
• $150,000 for facility improvements at the South County Ballfields
• $50,000 for youth programs through the Federal Way Boys & Girls Club