Improved sports fields bolster revenues for King County Parks’ during first quarter

Building sports fields that can be used year-round is not only good for area soccer and baseball leagues, but it’s good for the King County Parks Division’s bottom line, too.

In a year synonymous with inclement weather, increased revenue from improved fields is one of the highlights that is noted in the Division’s quarterly report to the King County Council. The Division is required to report to the council on a quarterly basis on its efforts to meet revenue targets, implement entrepreneurial strategies and highlight other activities related to the business plan.

“While passage of a Parks levy in 2007 provides a significant funding source through 2013, the Division continues to rely extensively on entrepreneurial efforts, as called for in the business plan,” said Division Director Kevin Brown.

Some examples of 2008 First Quarter highlights include:

· First quarter revenue is up approximately 90 percent for baseball and soccer fields compared to the same period in 2007. This is partly the result of the new athletic fields at Preston Park and Athletic Fields, which opened in mid-March.

· A 16 percent increase in revenues at Marymoor Park, in comparison to the first quarter of 2007. The increase is attributed to consistent collection of parking fees, the annual Evergreen Gala fundraising event, and increases in revenue from concessions and reservations for the new athletic fields.

In March 2008, the Weyerhaeuser King County Aquatic Center hosted the NCAA Division I Men’s National Swimming and Diving Championships, after three years of groundwork to bring the event to the facility. The successful event contributed to an 18 percent increase in first quarter facility revenue and also increased revenue from Subway concessions.

Brown said the Parks and Recreation Division has refocused its purpose to concentrate on regional trails, regional parks and facilities and rural parks.

The Community Partnerships and Grants (CPG) program fosters the development of partnerships that result in new facilities and amenities throughout King County. There are currently 30 partnership projects that have been implemented or are under development.

“The diversity of these new partnerships and amenities created or enhanced, are all critical to the long-term viability of the Parks and Recreation Division,” Brown said.

Recently completed CPG projects include the Preston Athletic Fields and Community Park and the renovated baseball fields at Mel Olson Stadium in the recently renamed Steve Cox Memorial Park.

The full report is available on the Parks Web site, at http://www.metrokc.gov/parks/.

# # #

King County Parks - Your Big Backyard - offers more than 25,000 acres of parks and natural lands, including such regional treasures as Marymoor Park and Cougar Mountain Regional Wildland Park, 175 miles of regional trails, plus pools and a world-class aquatic center. By cultivating strong relationships with non-profit, corporate and community partners, King County Parks enhances park amenities while reducing costs. Learn more at http://www.metrokc.gov/parks/.

Related Information

King County Parks Business Plan

King County Parks – Your Big Backyard