King County Executive Dow Constantine today announced his proposal to renew the King County Parks Levy, a strategy that would increase King County Parks’ capacity for maintenance and safety, enhance ballfields, playgrounds, and aquatic centers, protect and restore more open spaces for a growing population, and accelerate the expansion of regional trails that connect to public transit. 

His proposal for the August ballot – subject to approval by the King County Council – would offer more outdoor recreation opportunities, establish a climate response fund, and invest in upgrades at Marymoor Park in Redmond and Weyerhaeuser Aquatic Center in Federal Way. It would also provide funding for educational programs at Seattle Aquarium, Woodland Park Zoo, and the Seattle Waterfront, design and build Skyway’s first community center, create a premier sports complex in South King County, and be a vehicle for essential city and park district pass-through funding.   

Executive Constantine’s proposal would cost the owner of a home with an assessed value of $844,000 – the median property value in King County – about 11 cents more per day starting in January 2026. The current levy – which funds about 85% of King County Parks’ total budget – will expire Dec. 31.  

"This is our opportunity to maintain, enhance, and expand the parks and trails that bring us closer to the outdoors and to each other," said Executive Constantine. "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.”