Largest-ever cash gift to King County Parks honors Bothell man's love of outdoors

Brian Cook and his dog, Teddy, visited King County's Big Finn Hill Park nearly every day.

After the Bothell resident and Boeing engineer passed away this September, his mother, Suzanne Cook of Muskegon, MI, decided to honor Brian's love of parks and open space through a $10,000 bequest, the largest cash donation ever to the King County Parks Division.

Brian's sister, Andrea Cook of San Diego, originally contacted King County Parks to inquire about sponsoring a bench in Big Finn Hill Park in her brother's memory, but family members decided on a larger bequest to help support parks maintenance and operations.

"This is wonderful," said Suzanne Little, King County Parks Director. "We appreciate the fact that the Cook Family took Brian's love of parks into consideration in their estate planning process." To honor Brian's life, a bench with a plaque will be installed in Big Finn Hill Park.

Donations and bequests to the parks system are an important source of funds for property upkeep and are an integral part of the division's new business plan.

King County Parks holds title to some 25,000 acres of property, including popular regional parks and pools, but also owns many remote properties purchased for their resource and open space value.

Donations and bequests can be made directly to King County Parks, with all funds used exclusively for parks purposes. Donations are fully tax-deductible, although potential donors should consult their financial adviser or tax preparer.

For more information on donations and bequests to King County Parks, contact Tom Teigen, Marketing and Enterprise Manager, at 206-263-6230.