As of last Tuesday, King County Elections confirmed that over 55% of Bellevue residents approved a new parks levy. The levy will enable the city to preserve open space, add parks, and plan for a new aquatic center, according to the City of Bellevue.
“I am thrilled that our residents voted to continue Bellevue’s long-standing commitment to enhance our parks system and to preserve open spaces,” said Bellevue Mayor Lynne Robinson. “Our green spaces foster community and pay dividends in well-being.”
$85 million will go towards addressing community needs and park system gaps. It will also provide funding for operations and maintenance.
“A big thank you to Bellevue voters!” said Parks & Community Services Director Michael Shiosaki. “We’re so excited to be able to continue our efforts to improve our parks and open space system to ensure Bellevue stays a ‘City in a Park.’”
The levy investment will accomplish the following:
- Preserve open space, greenways and wildlife corridors
- Develop trails, community parks and neighborhood parks
- Invest in emerging sports opportunities, off-leash areas and recreation
- Plan major community facilities like aquatics and cross-cultural centers
- Restore and develop waterfront parks and protect water quality in Bellevue’s lakes and streams
- Acquire and develop parks and open space in the BelRed and Wilburton areas
- Protect open space and park facilities investments with funding for annual operations and maintenance
Since 1953, voters have repeatedly funded expansions of Bellevue’s parks and open space system.
The levy is set up as a nine-year regular levy lid lift funding mechanism. According to the City of Bellevue, the resulting cost of the levy for a $1 million home will be about $17 a month, or $200 annually.
