Snapshot of 2011

This year has been a busy one here at King County Parks – we’ve added a few acres here and there, converted a few muddy old fields to synthetic turf, and removed a heck of a lot blackberries. Here’s the highlight reel:

• Paved two miles of the East Lake Sammamish Trail in Redmond, which is the first phase of building out the 11-mile master planned trail corridor.
  
  
• Completed major upgrades at the Weyerhaeuser King County Aquatic Center, including energy efficiency improvements, better locker rooms and a fresh coat of paint.
  
  
• Constructed a picnic shelter in the center clearing at Duthie Hill, which is a continuation of improvements at the mountain bike park.

Read more over on The Plog...

Burke-Gilman Trail Update
The redevelopment of the oldest portion of the Burke-Gilman Trail through Lake Forest Park is nearing completion. The northern part of the two-mile segment will re-open by Dec. 31 and the entire trail is expected to be open in late January.

Visit www.kingcounty.gov/burkegilmantrail for the latest construction updates.

Fun Ways to Support King County Parks

Cavalia at Marymoor Park, Jan. 24 – Feb. 5
Developed by one of the creators of Cirque du Soleil, Cavalia is a thrilling and creative theatrical production involving acrobats, aerialists, dancers, musicians and more than four dozen magnificent horses, all under a 100-foot-high big top tent. Purchase tickets at www.cavalia.net.

The Big Backyard 5K is back!
Our third-annual Big Backyard 5K will be held at Marymoor Park on Sunday, May 20. This year, we’re including a free Kids Dash and a post-race concert by Casper Babypants. Dogs and strollers are welcome. Register by December 31 at www.bby5.com and get a sweet BBY5K hoodie for just $5 extra. All proceeds from the event support King County Parks.

Pints for Parks
Every Wednesday from 6:30 p.m. to close through January, The Noble Fir in Ballard is donating $1 from every pint sold in support of King County Parks through their Pints for Parks program.

King County Parks Store
Shop King County Parks this holiday season for Parks stamps, t-shirts and personalized holiday cards. Or give the gift of no junk mail for five years through 41 Pounds. Visit the King County Parks store today!

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