Last Thursday, King County Executive Dow Constantine announced his proposal to renew the current King County Parks Levy, which is scheduled to expire at the end of the year.

His proposal for the August ballot would generate an estimated $738 million over the next six years to expand and connect regional trails, improve access to green space and recreation, and keep the county’s parks and trails clean, safe and open, according to a recent press release.

The current King County Parks levy, which voters approved in 2013, will expire Dec. 31. On Feb. 21, Constantine sent his proposal to the King County Council for approval. He also held a press conference about the levy at Steve Cox Memorial Park in White Center on the same day.

“This proposal isn’t just about access to parks and recreation — although that is plenty. It is about a generational investment in our environment,” Constantine said in the release and in a similar message he shared with those gathered at the park. “The levy is entirely consistent with my priorities to restore and protect our rivers, forests and farms, while also doing our part to tackle climate pollution.”

The levy would cost county residents nearly 17 cents per $1,000 of assessed property value. For the owner of a home valued at $500,000, that is about $7 per month, approximately $2 more than they currently pay, county officials say.

About 80 percent of King County Parks’ operational budget is funded by levy dollars.

Projects on Vashon-Maury Islands that Constantine has proposed for the 2020-25 parks levy include rehabilitating the dock and play area at Dockton Park; improving natural surface trails at Island Center Forest and elsewhere; protecting additional open space and important shoreline and salmon habitat, and continuing the Community Partnerships and Grants program, which has funded several community-driven projects in King County Parks properties on Vashon-Maury Island, including the mountain bike trails at Dockton.

King County Parks properties on the Vashon and Maury Island include Island Center Forest, Frog Holler Forest, Dockton Park and Forest, Maury Island Marine Park, Maury Island Natural Area, Shinglemill Creek Natural Area and Raab’s Lagoon Natural Area.

Throughout the county, highlights of Constantine’s plan include building and designing regional trails, improving trailheads by adding parking and signage, and replacing 11 ballfields.

Under Constantine’s proposal, about $60 million would be allocated to King County cities to support local parks and recreation; an additional $35 million would go for grants to cities to protect and acquire open space. The levy would also provide Woodland Park Zoo with $36 million for conservation and environmental education programs for under-served youth. Additionally, it would provide $8 million to the Seattle Aquarium for construction of its Ocean Pavilion, the press release said.

King County voters approved the first parks levy in 2003. They renewed it in 2007 and again in 2013.

Correction: This version reflects the accurate proposed levy rate, which is nearly 17 cents per $1,000 of assessed value, not nearly $17, as previously indicated.