Councilmember Reagan Dunn and Black Diamond Mayor Carol Benson
I had the privilege of touring the Black Diamond Skatepark ahead of its grand opening last Saturday. Now completed, the new skatepark spans approximately 19,000 square feet and is designed for skateboarders of all ages and skill levels.
Originally constructed in 2007, the Black Diamond Skatepark was once a popular destination within the City of Black Diamond. However, after years of deterioration left the park beyond repair, it was eventually torn down. In 2021, the city began fundraising to replace the skatepark and reached out to me for assistance.
When Mayor Benson first came to me with the proposal to renew the skatepark, I was thrilled to collaborate. King County was able to provide an initial seed grant of $25,000 through a Youth and Amateur Sports Grant, followed by an additional $10,000 grant last year. In total, King County Parks provided $453,840 in funding. Major funding partners included the City of Black Diamond, King County, the King County Parks Levy, Washington State Department of Commerce, the Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office, and generous donations from the community.
My office has been working with the Black Diamond community on this park from the start, and it’s rewarding to see it finally completed. I want to thank Mayor Benson for her leadership in getting this fantastic project across the finish line. I look forward to seeing the park used by our community for years to come!
Residents in District 9 have an opportunity to help guide the next iteration of King County’s behavioral health investments by participating in the Community Engagement Survey. Survey questions have been carefully designed to invite meaningful input from individuals and groups throughout King County. Your important feedback will help King County better understand the current needs of the behavioral health system, identify existing gaps, and pinpoint areas where improvements are needed.
The survey is open from Friday, June 25, 2025, until Friday, August 8, 2025.
Share your voice and make a difference today! Click here to take the survey.
 Last week, King County Elections (KCE) mailed nearly 1.4 million ballots for the August 5, 2025 Primary Election. KCE is projecting 35% turnout for this election.
Voters’ pamphlets, featuring statements from each candidate and about each measure, will also arrive in mailboxes this week. Voters can access a personalized voters’ guide on My Voter Information.
Voters should have received their ballots by Monday, July 21. Voters who have not received their ballots by Monday can call King County Elections at 206-296-VOTE (8683).
Ballots must be postmarked by Election Day, August 5, or returned to one of the 85 official drop box locations across the county. Drop boxes are open 24-hours, seven days a week, until 8 p.m. sharp on Election Day.
The deadline to register to vote online is July 28. Voters can register and vote through 8 p.m. on Election Day at any of KCE’s Vote Center locations.
All voters are encouraged to track their ballot to make sure their voice is heard. Voters can also sign up for ballot alerts to receive text and email notifications about their ballot status from when it’s mailed to when it’s verified and counted by King County Elections. Simply opt in online through KCE’s ballot tracker.
Rooted deep in the hearts of Renton residents, Renton River Days is more than just a festival — it’s a tradition born in 1986 from local collaboration and community pride. What began as a small gathering has grown into a dynamic, city-wide celebration of music, art, food, and togetherness.
Join us for the 2025 Renton River Days celebration — a mid-summer festival that brings neighbors, families, and friends together for three unforgettable days of fun, discovery, and connection.
Find all the details and learn more here!
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The Best Starts Workforce Development strategy has announced funding aimed at supporting the workforce of King County’s small (fewer than 25) community-based organizations, agencies, and early childhood centers that provide Prenatal to Five services to enhance their professional development efforts. Up to $115,000 total is available through Best Starts to support the work described in this RFA. Applicants may request up to $9,999 in their proposed budget.
Applications are due Monday August 11, 2025 at 4 PM. Click here to view the full funding opportunity details and apply.
The Launch program is a brand new 4culture grant opportunity that will support new and emerging cultural and science organizations in King County. Organizations that are selected through the Launch program will receive three years of unrestricted general operating support and will also have access to capacity-building support services.
Full applications are due Wednesday, August 27 at 5pm. Learn more at the 4Culture website.
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