King County Executive Dow Constantine this week announced a proposal to renew the King County Parks Levy, aiming to expand park maintenance, enhance recreational facilities, and invest in climate resilience projects.
If approved by the King County Council, the levy will appear on the August ballot, ensuring continued funding for parks, trails, and open spaces across the region.
The proposed levy would cost homeowners with a median-valued home of $844,000 approximately 11 cents more per day, or $17.18 per month, beginning in January 2026.
The current levy, which funds about 85% of the King County Parks budget, is set to expire on Dec. 31, 2025.
“This is our opportunity to maintain, enhance, and expand the parks and trails that bring us closer to the outdoors and to each other,” Constantine said. “We will uphold the trust that the people of King County place in us as stewards of our beloved green spaces, keeping this legacy clean, safe, and open for everyone to enjoy.”
Key Investments in Parks, Trails, and Community Spaces
The levy would generate an estimated $1.5 billion over six years and support a variety of infrastructure and community projects, including:
- Park Maintenance & Safety Enhancements: Increased funding for park rangers, improved lighting at parks, and expanded maintenance operations.
- Sports & Recreation Upgrades: Investments in ballfields, playgrounds, aquatic centers, and off-leash dog areas.
- Community & Equity Initiatives: Funding for the design and construction of Skyway’s first community center, and grant programs to support parks in underserved communities.
- Climate Resilience Projects: The first-ever King County Parks climate response fund to address extreme heat, urban forestry, and wildfire risk reduction.
- Regional Trail Expansion: Completion of key trail connections, including links between Eastrail, the Interurban Trail, and Lake to Sound Trail.
Expanding Community Access and Conservation Efforts
Constantine made the announcement at Seattle’s Pathways Park, which received $1.3 million from the current King County Parks Levy for upgrades that improved accessibility beyond ADA requirements. The proposal prioritizes similar investments in historically underserved communities.
The levy renewal would also support:
- $117 million in community grant funding for recreational programs and school district facilities.
- $119 million in city and park district funding for local improvement projects.
- Expansion of the Youth Conservation Corps, providing paid internships for teens pursuing careers in environmental and parks-related fields.
Public Input Shapes Levy Proposal
The proposal is based on input from more than 4,800 King County residents gathered through public meetings, surveys, and a 26-member Community Advisory Committee. Feedback highlighted the need for increased safety, equitable access to parks, and more outdoor recreational opportunities.
Voters last approved the levy in 2019. If renewed, it would continue supporting one of the nation’s largest metropolitan park systems, which includes 250 parks, 185 miles of regional trails, and more than 32,000 acres of open space.
“We are committed to preserving and expanding the green spaces that define King County,” Constantine said. “This levy will ensure that every community has access to safe, high-quality parks and trails for generations to come.”
The King County Council is expected to consider the proposal in the coming months before deciding whether to place it on the August ballot.
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