Sammamish park transfer meets growing need for Eastside playfields

County Council protects passive use of majority of Soaring Eagle Park

The thriving youth sports leagues of east King County received a boost today, along with additional protections for the county’s natural resources and Urban Growth Boundary, when the Metropolitan King County Council unanimously approved the transfer of a 30-acre parcel within Soaring Eagle Park to the city of Sammamish. The city plans to use a portion of the parcel for much-needed athletic fields in an area that is currently underserved.

“In our rapidly growing region, Soaring Eagle Park is a rare and precious treasure of protected open space and natural habitat and is a key buffer protecting our Urban Growth Boundary,” said Councilmember Larry Phillips, who in 1993 led the County’s purchase of the property, then known only as Section 36. “Today’s action expands the recreation opportunities for Sammamish residents while protecting the park from any encroaching development.” 

“With this transfer of 30 acres to the City of Sammamish, King County lives up to its agreement to share this jewel of a park among diverse needs, and the City of Sammamish takes on responsibility for developing the county’s master planned area for active recreation needs,” said Councilmember Kathy Lambert, who represents the park as part of Council District 3. “With one-third of city residents under the age of 18, Sammamish has a huge need for group activities for youth and opportunities for them to develop teamwork and good sportsmanship, very important life skills. I am pleased that all parties have been able to negotiate a transfer agreement that balances recreation needs with open space benefits for the entire region.”

The Master Plan for the 628-acre Soaring Eagle Park includes active recreational use, including playfields. The plan was developed by an advisory group consisting of local residents, hikers, cyclists, equestrians, sports clubs, environmental advocates, and county officials. The agreement reached by the County and the city of Sammamish allows for development of playfields on a portion of a 30-acre parcel, while preserving the great majority of Soaring Eagle Park as passive recreational land and open space.

“We have an agreement that lives up to the spirit of past commitments as well as the possibilities of the future,” said Councilmember Jane Hague, chair of the Council’s Utilities and Parks Committee.

“This legislation fulfills one vital need while maintaining another,” said Councilmember Larry Gossett, chair of the Council’s Growth Management and Natural Resources Committee. “There is a growing need for athletic fields in east King County. The County is also committed to ensuring passive open space. Our vote guarantees that the majority of Soaring Eagle Park will be available for quiet activities but also ensures space for athletic pursuits.”

“As a soccer player and avid hiker and birder, I understand the need to balance developed playfields as well as public lands left in a natural state,” said Councilmember Bob Ferguson. “I am pleased that the County is able to achieve a balance of park use for citizens and preserving open space.”

Soaring Eagle Park sits alongside the county’s Urban Growth Boundary, and serves as a buffer protecting the character of the rural area and the forest production district to the east. After hearing extensive testimony from the public, the Council adopted legislation that protects the integrity of the park’s natural habitat through restrictions that:

• Prohibit construction of any through road that cuts through the park,

• Prohibit the City from developing new open trunk line sewer service to the City-owned portion of the park, and

• Require the City to solicit input from user groups in development of the park’s master plan.

The ordinance affirms the Council’s intent that transfer of the 30-acre parcel inside Soaring Eagle Park does not set a policy precedent for any other transfer of parks in rural unincorporated King County that are not also located with a potential annexation area. Transfer of this parcel will take place within 30 days of the signing of an interlocal agreement.

“The incredible impact of Soaring Eagle Park’s acquisition in our region’s landscape has been evident since the 1990s,” said Phillips. “This is an asset many generations of children, ball players, equestrians, hikers, mountain bikers, and nature enthusiasts will be able to enjoy.”

“This transfer supports King County’s focus on active recreation for good health, as well as appreciation for protection of the natural environment,” added Lambert. “With this agreement, many citizens will have years of enjoyment in this park.”

Read more about this legislation on the King County Council’s LEGISEARCH system. Type in “2007-0353”