Blog Summary

Parks are where we gather, grow, find solace, and belong. Proposition 1 ensures that King County’s parks and trails remain safe, accessible, and vibrant for generations to come. Let’s invest in the places that bring us together.

By Joy Shigaki, President & CEO

As a fourth generation Seattleite, I grew up in and around parks. Having access to a rich local parks system meant I had safe spaces to run around on warm summer nights and rainy winter days. It’s where I learned to play tennis, improve my basketball skills, explore newfound trails, and experience the beauty and wonder of nature—often alongside kids who looked like me. Some of my most cherished memories are of special family and community events held in my favorite public spaces. These parks were where I saw myself reflected in the world around me—and where I felt a true sense of belonging. That connection deepened when I worked for the Seattle Parks Department in college and introduced young people to them through summer day camp.

All of this shaped my deep love for the outdoors and a lifelong commitment to environmental stewardship. I became an avid hiker and environmentalist, and a strong believer in urban public spaces to connect us—to nature and one another, and to a greater sense of purpose. I came to understand that caring for our parks is also about caring for our health, our environment, and the future we’re building together.

After living in Brooklyn and Oakland for over 15 years—cities with their own stunning urban and regional park systems and resources—I realized how much this region has had an impact on how I think about the value of public spaces and what it means for locals to invest in them for the health and well-being of our communities.

In 2022, I made my way back to King County to lead Friends of Waterfront Park (Friends).  Our non-profit organization has been the non-profit leader helping to ensure a world class, 20-acre urban park along the Salish Sea was built by and for our local community. In the shadow of the former viaduct or double-decker highway, Waterfront Park is now reconnecting our city and neighborhoods to the beauty of this place. It’s a moment of pride for all of us.

Friends is marking a new chapter during our Grand Opening Season by welcoming locals back to Seattle’s shoreline after 15 years of planning and construction. We feel the impact of green and public spaces in creating strong communities. This is why we’ve worked alongside community partners to curate over 300 programs and activations to keep you healthy and moving, connected to culture and supporting small businesses and artists. This is the power of a newly reimagined public space like Waterfront Park.

Since 2008, King County parks, trails, and open spaces have depended on voter-approved levies for upkeep and preservation. The County Park Levy is a critical vital investment in spaces for, play, learning, and connection—while also protecting forests, farm, and watersheds essential to public health and climate resilience.

Now, more than ever, I understand how important it is for King County residents to have access to hundreds of parks, facilities, and destinations across the region. To ensure these beloved spaces—from North Bend to Black Diamond to Renton and Federal Way—are cared for and improved, we must make a small investment with a big impact for all of us.

Friends is just one of many organizations whose work will be supported by the King County Parks Levy. This funding will help keep Waterfront Park accessible, safe, cared for, and vibrant—with free public programs and activations centered in equity and belonging.

Let’s continue building a region where everyone has access to nature, recreation, and community. Be friends with Friends, and let’s invest in spaces that bring us together.

Vote YES on Proposition 1 by Tuesday, August 5. Drop off your ballot and be part of shaping a healthier, more connected King County.