King County Parks sizzle with summer events

It's the middle of summer, and King County Parks offer plenty of great entertainment options.

Whether it's an invigorating bike ride along part of King County's 175 miles of regional trails, a concert or movie at Marymoor Park, or a visit to a world-class aquatic center, there's an activity waiting at a nearby King County Parks facility for every member of the family. Here are just a few of the highlights:

Marymoor Park

July 27-28 – 7 p.m.
U.S. Bank Concerts at Marymoor presents The Fray
Marymoor Amphitheater

With two top10 hits from the platinum selling recording "How to Save a Life" under their belt, this four-piece rock group has a bright future. They are bringing their arena style rock to Marymoor's intimate setting for two nights of unforgettable music.

Tickets are $40 and are available at Marymoor Park weekdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. A $7 per ticket fee supports King County Parks maintenance and operations. Tickets are also available at www.ticketmaster.com.

July 30 – 7 p.m.
ABC's Red Carpet Screening and "Dancing With the Stars" in-person!
Sponsored by KOMO 4 and STAR 101.5, this is a one-of-a-kind, red carpet evening that everyone is invited to. Featuring two of the stars from "Dancing with the Stars" live on stage, the evening also includes screenings of two of ABC's hottest new shows, "Pushing Daisies" and "Samantha Who?" Games, prizes, free Pizza Hut pizza and free dance lessons from Arthur Murray Dance Schools are also included, and the opportunity to audition for "Super Nanny."

Aug. 1 – Open seating at 7 p.m. Movie begins at 9:20
First Tech Movies presents "The Devil Wears Prada"
This Academy Award-nominated 2006 comedy-drama stars Meryl Streep as a powerful and demanding fashion magazine editor in New York City. The humor and tension that plays out between she and her assistant provides constant laughter throughout this delightful movie. Seating is on the grass, so bring low-backed chairs or blankets. Admission is free and donations are accepted.

Cougar Mountain Regional Wildland Park

August 11 – 8:30 a.m.
Cougar Mountain Trail Running Series – Race No. 4

Cougar Mountain Trail Running Series Race Number 4 is a 13-mile-long race through King County's 3,025-acre Cougar Mountain Regional Wildland Park. This is the final race of the series. Racers will start from the Sky Country Trailhead. Race day registration is from 7 a.m. to 8 a.m. at the trailhead. The race begins at 8:30 a.m. and awards and a prize drawing are set for 11 a.m. All of the details are available at
www.seattlerunningcompany.com/Events/Cougar/cougarmtn1.html

King County Aquatic Center

Visit the aquatic center Web site, www.metrokc.gov/parks/kcac/, for the pool schedule. A quick note: The King County Aquatic Center will be closed for maintenance Aug. 4-19.

King County Regional Trails

Aug. 6
Soos Creek Trail extension opening

King County's nationally acclaimed regional trails system is about to have a growth spurt. The Soos Creek Trail is gaining more than one mile in length – and it's no ordinary new trail. More than half of the new trail's length was built on an innovative elevated deck atop steel pilings to protect wetlands and not interfere with wildlife. The new trail section runs from Southeast 204th Way to Southeast 192nd. Visit www.metrokc.gov/parks/trails/sooscreek.html for all the details.

King County Parks - Your Big Backyard - offers more than 25,000 acres of parks and natural lands, including such regional treasures as Marymoor Park and Cougar Mountain Regional Wildland Park, 175 miles of regional trails, plus pools and a world-class aquatic center. By cultivating strong relationships with non-profit, corporate and community partners, King County Parks enhances park amenities while reducing costs. Learn more at www.metrokc.gov/parks.