Sims wants to raise $200 million for parks through property-tax levies

King County Executive Ron Sims wants voters to approve two property-tax levies this year that would raise $200 million for county parks.

A six-year, $100 million levy would renew the parks levy that expires at the end of this year. Voters approved that levy in 2003, to fund operations and maintenance during the county's budget crisis.

The second $100 million levy, also six years, would raise about $60 million to buy open space and add more miles of regional trails. The rest would be spent on grants to cities developing their own parks and to expand educational programs at the Woodland Park Zoo. This levy would be new.

Each levy would cost a county property owner 5 cents per $1,000 assessed property value. The owner of a $400,000 assessed home would pay $20 a year per levy, or $40 annually if both levies are approved.

Councilman Dow Constantine, chair of the Capital Budget Committee, said he hopes to put it on the ballot in the August 21 primary.

These funds will "ensure parks remain both a natural refuge and recreational centers for tens of thousands of King County residents," Sims said at a press conference this morning.

His proposal, which was based on recommendations by a citizen task force, will require approval by the Metropolitan King County Council.

Sharon Pian Chan: 206-464-2958 or schan@seattletimes.com