The popularity of trails is exploding on Vashon and across the country. This is good thing. People who walk trails are happier, healthier and more likely to value and protect the forests and meadows they walk through.

The Vashon Land Trust has worked hard to open up parks and preserves by designing and building trails (think Shinglemill and Judd Creek) and by preserving existing trail systems for future generations (think Island Center Forest, Dockton Forest, Frog Holler Forest). The support of this community, coupled with the investments of King County, make this all possible.

The King County Park Levy, on the ballot on your kitchen table, is not just about parks. The levy has everything to do with the Land Trust’s and King County’s capacity to expand nature preserves and to build more trails.

This fall, thanks to community donors and King County Parks, we will be constructing a wide, graveled trail in the meadow at the upper Shinglemill trailhead. The tightly-packed gravel will be accessible to wheelchairs, walkers and strollers — we call it an “all-ages trail.” It will connect to Vashon Community Care via a trailhead for residents and guests only.

If you like parks (and forests and fields and streams and shorelines) and their amenities (think Dockton marina, picnic shelters and trails), then I urge you to approve the King County Park levy.

You will be glad you did.

— Tom Dean

Executive Director,

Vashon Maury Island Land Trust

This version of the letter removes mention of amenities that are funded by the Vashon Park District, not King County Parks.