One More Step Closer

New Grant Sparks Progress

Several weeks ago, there was an article by Carol Ladwig, regarding the unveiling of a Parks Plan produced by consultant EDAW and senior planner, Lara Thomas of the Duvall City Council. The City has been awarded a grant from the state department of Commerce Trade and Economic Development for improving Duvall parks. The plan will proceed in three phases, starting with building two new neighborhood parks in the next six years, gradual improvements to other parks, and eventually, a feasibility study for a swimming pool.

The Snoqualmie Valley Aquatic Center Interest Group is particularly interested to hear of the intention to continue to explore the possibility of a pool. Our group conducted a survey of Riverview School District residents in 2007 and we are encouraged to hear that a more formal feasibility study is planned. We are confident the study will confirm the very positive results we obtained.

We also hope that the study will encourage dialogue between recreation users who are not only residents of Duvall, but also of Carnation and unincorporated King County as well. A unified effort, bringing together all the resources in our valley would seem to be the best possible approach. We further encourage the valley leadership to consider the formation of a Municipal Parks District to serve the recreational needs of lower Snoqualmie Valley for larger, more costly projects such as an Aquatic Center and a ball field complex.

Many thanks to Lara Thomas and Amy Bright who have been astute in considering trails, parks and open spaces for our future.

Maura Van Ness, Rose Hollis and Todd Vining

Snoqualmie Valley Aquatic Center Interest Group

Duvall Carnation Swimming Pool

We'll Need Your Help This Spring!

Considering the current economic situation in America, we have decided not to put a parks district on the ballot this year. We will reassess the situation again this spring. As our survey shows, there is a great interest in building an aquatic center in the Snoqualmie Valley, and this is still a very real possibility. As we ramp-up our efforts for next spring, look for more information about how you can help our cause here at the Snoqualmie Valley Aquatic Center website!

Duvall's Residents Rank Swimming Facility as Top Priority in Area Survey

--By M. Van Ness

The Construction and operation of a swimming facility in our region was given top priority by Duvall households randomly surveyed recently by the City of Duvall. According to the survey, a swimming facility was the highest indicated need and that 83% of the respondents want the city to explore options that could make a community swimming pool a reality. See City of Duvall website for details: http://www.duvallwa.gov// then click on Parks,Trails and Open Space Survey

A major option is to create a Municipal Parks District. A park district functions like your fire or water district but with a mission of serving Residents as an advocate for essential recreation uses and opportunities not being provided through other means within the district. King County does not have a sufficient, stable source of revenue to manage and maintain its local parks at current levels. Local residents and governments must see our needs best of all. More US towns are doing just that. A Municipal Parks District can be designated areas, including incorporated/unincorporated land, even land spreading to cooperating counties. The MPD plan has shown great success in Canada and the US. Tacoma, Bremerton, North Bend have MPD histories in good standing. Fall City has plans of forming a Municipal Parks District which will be voted on this Fall. Check out their website at: http://www.fallcityparks.org/what_is_a_parks_district . The residents who have worked together to establish this park district are recommending commissioners approve a maximum tax up front and it is the duty of voters to hold them to that tax rate. There is the added advantage that commissioners also live in the district and would not be expected to overtax themselves.

What is a Parks District? A Park District is an independent, regional unit of government, defined by chosen boundaries, similar to a fire district, hospital district or school district, allowing local control of the parks in it's district. A Board of Commissioners (5) would govern the Park District being responsible for adopting the district budget and developing goals, policies and regulations which will guide the District's future management, improvement, maintenance, and acquisition of parks, parkways, boulevards, and recreation facilities, being directly accountable to taxpayers for any tax levy expenditures and other allowable projects or park district actions they approve. As a park district resident, you will have a more direct influence on how and where your tax money is spent.

So, What can we do to make it happen? MPD's may be proposed by local government resolution or by citizens petition. If a majority of the voters support the creation of the MPD and vote in favor of the formation of the District, the MPD shall be created as a municipal corporation prepared to take action. 15% of the registered voters in a proposed area must sign the petition to put it on the ballot. The parks we want and need including a community center, swimming pool facility, a city-wide trail system with improved existing and future parks can be more than a dream, It can be a reality.

Subject: Valley Aquatic Center

Hello good people,

This past year I have been studying water therapies and am developing the idea of a warm water therapy pool in our region. I found that our bodies are constantly trying to seek a physiological balance point and water allows greater movement with less problems for the joints. Among the many benefits, warm water immersion has been shown to reduce blood pressure and psychologically lower stress levels. I hope someday for you to have a wonderful WATSU (water shiatsu) treatment to know for yourself!

Meanwhile, if we are to keep the momentum of a Valley Aquatic Center going, with a swimming pool for all ages and a warm water therapy pool, we must develop the idea of a district parks division. Mt. SI has a Parks Department and so does Tacoma to handle all of the community recreational fields and facility needs. We should have a team to research and support the project so that it can be on the ballot this or the next election. We have a website:

http://www.snoqualmievalleyaquatic.org

and could use a blogging expert. Tell your friends and neighbors to check it out and offer help. We may be able to handle the project via email networking.

Thanks and Come Aboard!

Maura Van Ness
Chairperson for SnoValley Aquatic Center Interest Group

Where Are We Going?

Where are we going? Swimming, we hope, but first we need to get that pool!

The time is ripe for a swimming pool in the Snoqualmie Valley, a place that will serve young and old alike, and in the course of making it happen, bind us together as a community. A place that is resident and traveler friendly, where… Pedestrians and bicycles can use trails that connect the beautiful tapestry of the valley landscapes; the river, the mountain views, bird watching, the library, the fitness center, restaurants, parks, pastures, churches, schools, cultural centers and more.

Think of it. Swimming classes for kids (we're a river community, every child should know how to swim!), swimming teams, healthy swims for adults and seniors, prenatal exercise classes, toddler swim classes, water therapy sessions for joint and muscular problems...Wouldn’t it be so much better (safer, cleaner) than the river?

We ourselves need to make it happen. Offer your input for making a presentation to the City Council, School Board, possible investors... Many thanks to the survey volunteers! Your time and effort at this important stage of the project is greatly appreciated!

Sno-Valley Aquatic Center Interest Group

Many Duvall-Carnation residents want and need to have an aquatic center in our valley; a swimming pool for year-round activities inviting health and recreation to all ages and capabilities. It won’t be an overnight success. We have to plan and work towards making it a reality. So spread the word and help us engage our local officials to help us find and secure the best POSSIBLE SITE with easy access and appropriate environmental conditions.

So where are we now? We have begun the search for the development of a Parks District WHICH IS KEY TO CREATING THE SNO-VALLEY AQUATIC CENTER. A parks district is a separate entity, like a water district which would provide for all parks within its boundaries, which could be the entire Lower Snoqualmie Valley region or just Carnation-Duvall, if we want it to. More on this later.

It was a cold and dreary night on March 25th but the Cedarcrest Library was a good place to be for a Duvall Community Workshop on Park Planning with neighbors and creative thinkers from around the valley. 25 or 30 brave souls shouldered the weather and came to participate in ideas for the next 5 to 20 year comprehensive plan for parks, trails and open/green spaces around Duvall.

WE ARE HAPPY TO REPORT THAT AN AQUATIC CENTER WAS HIGH ON THE LIST OF PRIORITIES, NOT ONLY FOR RECREATION, THERAPY, SWIMMING TEAMS BUT AS A COMMUNITY CENTER, AS WELL, WHERE PEOPLE OF ALL AGES AND INTERESTS WOULD COME TOGETHER.

The outcome of the discussions which also included a Duvall belt pedestrian/bike path and network trails connecting all the parks, restroom facilities (instead of port-a-,pots) where needed, sidewalks where needed and one or more heritage park areas, was an engaging process and will lead to a more finalized plan later in June.

We encourage you, if there are questions or comments regarding the comprehensive park plan, you can contact Cari Hornbein, City of Duvall at a 425 788 1156

For more information please visit our website at

www.snoqualmievalleyaquatic.org

YOUR SUPPORT IS NEEDED From Duvall and Carnation Areas!

Join Us March 25th

Sno-Valley Aquatic Center Interest Group Still working on your behalf!

Are you interested in…
Swim Lessons Competitive Sports
Recreational Swimming Water Aerobics
Water Safety Training Hydro-therapy/Rehab
Interactive Play Structures Meeting/Party Facilities
Local Family Fun for EVERYONE?

For more information please visit our website at
http://snoqualmievalleyaquatic.org

YOUR SUPPORT IS NEEDED From Duvall and Carnation Areas!

Have your opinions heard!
The City of Duvall will be holding a Community Workshop
for developing OUR plan for Parks and Recreation
in and around our community.
This includes indoor and outdoor facilities.
The time is now!
Cedarcrest High School, Library
March 25th – 7:00 PM Duvall Parks Planning Meeting

Please participate in helping build our future!