Late spring is the perfect time of year to play in King County Parks - Your Big Backyard

King County is gearing up for the summer season with a wide variety of great recreational opportunities to get folks outdoors and active in their community.

Whether it's a bike ride beginning at Marymoor Park to raise money for the fight against diabetes, or volunteering for some "yard work" at a park restoration event, King County Parks are great places to have fun. The event schedule for the next few weeks includes:

Marymoor Park

May 18 and 25
Pre-Season Racing Series
Racers can warm up for the summer season by coming to the Group Health Velodrome at Marymoor Park and participating in pre season races. Racing starts at 7:30pm.

May 14 - Aug. 29
Monday and Wednesday Night Racing
The Monday and Wednesday Night Racing, presented by Group Health, begins June 2 at the Velodrome. The Monday series is designed for juniors and new bike racers while the Wednesday series offers masters-only races. Spectator admission is free. Racing starts at 7 p.m. on Mondays, and 7:30 p.m. on Wednesdays.

May 19
American Diabetes Association Tour de Cure Bicycle Ride
The American Diabetes Association's Puget Sound area Tour de Cure is not a race but a scenic ride featuring four routes designed for every level of cycling ability with 25, 45, 70 or 100 mile options. Funds raised will help in the fight to prevent and cure diabetes. All routes begin and end at Marymoor Park. Register at www.diabetes.org/tour.

June 9 -7:30 a.m.
Hope Worldwide Walk-a-thon Fundraiser
The Seattle Church of Christ is organizing this walk-a-thon to raise money for world poverty issues. The 10-mile route will follow the Sammamish Trail, beginning in Marymoor Park and ending at Bothell Landing. Participants may walk as an individual or team. To register contact Katie Baca at 425-558-8512.

Cougar Mountain Regional Wildland Park

May 26 - 10 a.m.-2 p.m.
Red Town Meadow Restoration
Volunteer for the Red Town Meadow Project at Cougar Mountain to reestablish a small meadow at the site of an historic ballpark in Red Town, located three miles east of Newcastle. Work includes weeding, mulching and planting. To register, contact Tina Miller at 206-296-2990 or tina.miller@kingcounty.gov.

Green River Natural Area

June 2 - 9 a.m.-1 p.m.
Green River Natural Area Maintenance
Volunteer to clean up and restore the banks along the Green River. Work includes weeding, mulching, and planting.  To register, contact Tina Miller at 206-296-2990 or tina.miller@kingcounty.gov

King County Aquatic Center

May 17-20
US Masters National Swimming Championships
 
May 25-27
Washington High School Girls Water Polo

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/.