King County thinks dining a fine idea for its parks

2005 Archived News

Restaurants, cafes, coffee houses, bistros and catering operations are on the menu for King County Parks. The county is seeking concrete concepts and proposals for dining that will also generate revenue for parks.

'King County parks offer a beautiful setting for a truly unique dining experience,' said Tom Teigen of King County Parks. 'An enterprising operation can take advantage of the opportunity and help parks at the same time.'

King County Parks has identified revenue-generating prospects in its parks for the food and beverage industry and is seeking specific proposals. Proposals are being sought in three specific categories, fine dining at the Historic Clise Mansion in Marymoor Park, delis, coffee houses, cafes and bistros at numerous parks and catering event facilities or operations.

King County is seeking someone to adapt and renovate a portion of or the entire premise of the Clise Mansion to accommodate a full service restaurant. The process would include extensive community input, close coordination with the Landmarks Commission and a concept that captures the ambience and charm of both Marymoor Park and the Clise Mansion.

'With major regional, national and international corporations located near Marymoor Park, and with the park so close to downtown Seattle, the Clise Mansion offers an excellent venue for fine dining,' said Teigen.

There is also an opportunity to construct, adapt or renovate facilities to accommodate full service restaurants, bistro style cafes, coffee houses and delis at parks like Marymoor near Redmond, Cottage Lake Park in Woodinville, Fall City Park in Fall City, Dockton Park on Vashon Island, the Weyerhaeuser King County Aquatic Center in Federal Way and Tolt MacDonald Park in Carnation.

Catering and event facilities are another option being considered. Catering operations could have the benefit of coordinating with existing events such as the US Bank Concerts at Marymoor. New events and facilities are also being considered.

Proposals are due on or before 2 p.m. April 28, 2005.