King County Parks has evolved from 150 acres in 1938 to more than 28,000 acres today. Our mission is to steward, enhance and acquire parks to inspire healthy communities. Per the 2002 business plan, which re-shaped the way Parks does business, we seek to cultivate strong relationships with non-profit, corporate and community partners to enhance park amenities for King County residents while reducing costs.
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.
Today, our system consists of more than 200 parks, 175 miles of regional trails, and 215 miles of backcountry trails. From regional treasures such as Marymoor Park and Cougar Mountain Regional Wildland Park to amenities such as athletic fields, regional trails, and pools, there is something for everyone in King County Parks. Learn more about open space in King County - read the King County Open Space Plan: Parks, Trails, and Natural Areas (2016).
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.