June 23, 2008
Conservation and athletic fields in store for portion of Tollgate Farm
County Council approves transfer of park to North Bend
The 13.7-acre parcel of Tollgate Farm Park transferred today by the Metropolitan King County Council to the city of North Bend may eventually become a field of dreams for athletes throughout the region.
“This transfer provides a great blend of active recreation opportunities and land conservation for North Bend,” said Councilmember Jane Hague, chair of the Council’s Utilities and Parks Committee that studied the measure.
“With the transfer of Tollgate Farm Park to the City of North Bend, this 13.7-acre piece of the of 356-acre historic site will allow a wider variety of relaxation and recreational uses for Snoqualmie Valley residents,” said Councilmember Kathy Lambert, who represents the Snoqualmie Valley. “This is an excellent way to showcase this valuable resource as a regional recreational gem.”
“Having led the County’s bi-partisan effort to protect Tollgate Farm from development in the mid-1990s, I am pleased this land will remain protected and open to the public,” said Councilmember Larry Phillips. “Given the County's budget crisis, we are very fortunate to be able to transfer this portion of the park into the City of North Bend’s capable stewardship.”
The parcel transferred today is on the westernmost part of the park and part of the 161 acres that is within unincorporated King County. Because of restrictions placed on the property when it was purchased by the County, only 13.7 acres is available for use as active recreation. If funding becomes available, North Bend has expressed interest in developing the parcels into two soccer fields and one baseball field.
The park transfer is consistent with the King County Annexation Initiative and the County’s Parks Business Transition Plan. Both plans encourage the transfer of local, in-city parks and pools to become the responsibility of the local suburban cities in which they lie, so that the County can focus on its 25,000-acre regional parks system, one of the largest in the country.
For more information on the King County Parks Business Plan, go to: www.metrokc.gov/parks/businessplan
