Pete's E-News
Summer 2008

In this issue:

Dear Neighbor:

I want to thank all of you who took the time to attend our two recent community events in District 7 --- our annual South King County Flag Day celebration at the Weyerhaeuser King County Aquatics Center and the King County Council’s Town Hall meeting on Proposed Charter Amendments at the Federal Way Community Center. It was great to see so many of you come out to take part in your community events and become involved in your government!

Even though the weather has not yet reached its full summer potential, the summer season is finally here and the thought of warm days to come renews my excitement for all the great outdoor opportunities our region has to offer.

In this e-Newsletter you will find some updates on what I have been working on throughout the spring, as well as some exciting ideas for outdoor recreational opportunities in our community that I hope you will join me in taking advantage of.

Throughout my years in public office, my top priority has always been to be responsive to the needs and concerns of the constituents that I serve. As always, I encourage you to contact my office at (206) 296-1007 or email pete.vonreichbauer@kingcounty.gov with any questions, comments or concerns.

With Best Wishes,

Pete von Reichbauer
King County Councilmember


County Council in Federal Way to discuss County Charter

Town Hall meeting in Federal Way.

The Metropolitan King County Council and members of the Charter Review Commission take part in a Town Hall meeting with residents of South King County at the Federal Way Community Center.

The city of Federal Way played host to the Metropolitan King County Council and more than 75 county residents on June 16 as a special Town Hall meeting was held at the Federal Way Community Center. The Town Hall, a special meeting of the Council’s Committee of the Whole, examined the final recommendations of the 2007-2008 King County Charter Review Commission, a citizen panel that has met 55 times over the past year and has proposed updates to the county charter for consideration for the November ballot. Read More...

 


Members of the local VFW, Tom Leonard (left) and Robert Hair (middle), join Pete to celebrate Flag Day.

Members of the local VFW, Tom Leonard (left) and Robert Hair (middle), join Pete to celebrate Flag Day.

South King County residents join together to celebrate Flag Day

In a state heavily populated with veterans, (Washington contains over 670,000 veterans) there are few holidays more important than Flag Day. This year’s South King County Flag Day celebration, presented by the Soroptimists of Federal Way and King County Councilmember Pete von Reichbauer, was held Saturday morning, June 14, at the Weyerhaeuser King County Aquatics Center in Federal Way. The celebration succeeded in reflecting this holiday’s unique significance, as it was an opportunity for the community to honor current and fallen veterans, as well as soldiers, local law enforcement, students and the flag itself. Read More...


Roger Thordarson appointed to the King County Transit Advisory Committee

King County Councilmember Pete von Reichbauer, Roger Thordarson and King County Council Chair Julia Patterson discuss Roger’s appointment to the King County Transit Advisory CommitteeThe Metropolitan King County Council confirmed the appointment of Roger Thordarson to the King County Transit Advisory Committee. Thordarson’s appointment is for a partial term expiring September 30, 2009. Mr. Thordarson resides in King County Council District Seven, represented by Councilmember Pete von Reichbauer. Read more...


Councilmember von Reichbauer and Kathy Olson, daughter of Francis and Ilene Marckx, unveil a plaque dedicated to the Marckxs and their work to preserve the West Hylebos Wetlands.

Councilmember von Reichbauer and Kathy Olson, daughter of Francis and Ilene Marckx, unveil a plaque dedicated to the Marckxs and their work to preserve the West Hylebos Wetlands.

von Reichbauer honors environmental visionaries at first annual “Hylebos Day” in Federal Way

King County Councilmember Pete von Reichbauer presented warm words and an honorary plaque dedicated to the late Ilene and Francis Marckx at the first annual “Hylebos Day” at the West Hylebos Wetlands Park in Federal Way on Saturday, May 3.

“Ilene and Francis Marckx recognized the Hylebos watershed as a unique environment to this region,” said von Reichbauer, the former Chair of the Washington State Senate Parks and Recreation Committee. “In their lengthy efforts to save the wetlands and enhance our community, the Marckx couple increased environmental education throughout the area long before it was the popular thing to do.” Read More...

 


“Finding solutions” the focus of von Reichbauer’s remarks to Auburn Noon Lions Club

Councilmember speaks at Auburn Lions ClubCouncilmember Pete von Reichbauer was featured as the special guest speaker at the Auburn Noon Lions Club weekly luncheon. Throughout his remarks von Reichbauer encouraged working together to find solutions to our region’s major issues. “When we work together, big things can happen,” said von Reichbauer.

During his speech Pete discussed issues including King County’s role in flood control throughout the Green River Valley, the proposal to make King County government non-partisan, regional transportation and the current situation surrounding the Seattle Sonics. The Councilmember also focused on his vision for increased collaboration between the cities of South King County and King County government. “We will continue working towards more collaboration between Auburn and Federal Way,” said von Reichbauer. “A collaborative relationship between the major cities and communities in South King County will benefit the region as a whole.”

Auburn Noon Lions is a community service organization, which welcomes all men and women in the Auburn area to join and live by the Lions motto of "We Serve." The Auburn Noon Lions Club helps individuals in need and supports numerous charity organizations through their donations and work projects.


Brock Huard, Ron Crockett, Angela Reitan, Dr. Bonnie Dunbar, Executive Director Shelley Puariea, King County Councilmember Pete von Reichbauer

Brock Huard, Ron Crockett, Angela Reitan, Dr. Bonnie Dunbar, Executive Director Shelley Puariea, King County Councilmember Pete von Reichbauer.

Brock Huard and Dr. Bonnie Dunbar headline successful Boys & Girls Club Fundraiser

Former Seattle Seahawks and University of Washington quarterback, Brock Huard, and NASA astronaut and current President and CEO of the Museum of Flight, Dr. Bonnie Dunbar, Ph.D., were featured as special guest speakers at the Federal Way & Auburn Boys and Girls Club and EX3 Teen Center 16th annual “Breakfast for Kids” fundraiser Tuesday morning at Emerald Downs in Auburn. Read more...


von Reichbauer participates in opening ceremonies and award presentation at 2008 NCAA Swimming and Diving Championships

NCAA_Championships_photoThe Weyerhaeuser King County Aquatic Center in Federal Way hosted some of the nation's best collegiate athletes March 27-29 for the NCAA Division I Men's Swimming and Diving Championships.

"The King County Aquatic Center is one of the nation's top swimming and diving facilities, and is just one of only a handful in the country recognized as a world-class venue for international competitions," said Mike Dunwiddie, aquatic center director.

King County Councilmember Pete von Reichbauer gave the opening remarks and greeted the collegiate athletes prior to the start of the competition, as well as presenting the awards to the top finishers in the 200-yard Individual Medley.


Outdoor Opportunities in District 7

Dash Point State Park
Located on the west side of Federal Way, Dash Point State Park is a 398-acre camping park with 3,301 feet of saltwater shoreline on Puget Sound. The beach provides unobstructed views of the Sound and excellent opportunities for sea-life study.

Flaming Geyser State Park
Located between Auburn and Black Diamond, this 480-acre day-use park includes more than three miles of freshwater shoreline along the Green River. The park's most unique feature is its "geysers" (methane seeps). Park activities include whitewater rafting, tubing, remote model airplane flying and other lawn games.

Five Mile Lake Park
It's easy to see why Five Mile Lake Park, west of Auburn and east of Federal Way, is one of the most popular parks in the King County Park System - everywhere you turn, there's something fun and interesting to do. Amenities include a children's play area with play structure, walking paths, two tennis courts, two baseball fields, a fishing pier, picnic shelters with picnic tables, a full-court basketball hoop, a fort with a view and plenty of open spaces.

Wild Waves and Enchanted Village
Nothing quite says fun in South King County like Wild Waves and Enchanted Village theme park. Enjoy a day of thrill rides and water slides just down the road from you in south Federal Way!

West Hylebos Wetlands Park
The West Hylebos Wetlands is equal parts wildlife refuge, ecological and hydrological conservatory, nature trail, and just plain natural wonder. One of the last remaining bogs in South King County, Hylebos’ wetland wilderness lies just one mile west of I-5 in southern Federal Way. It's easy to reach and easy to explore this rare urban nature park.

Rhododendron Species Foundation and Botanical Garden
Here, over twenty-two acres of botanical splendor hold one of the largest collections of species rhododendrons and azaleas in the world. Gathered from across the globe, the species are nurtured, propagated, and available for both viewing pleasure and sale. Located on Weyerhaeuser’s corporate campus, this is a rare opportunity for rhododendron and garden lovers everywhere.

Weyerhaeuser Bonsai Collection
Elegance and serenity. Drama and passion. Bonsai is an ancient Asian art form that finds root in human emotion. This collection is an outdoor museum of living Asian art located on Weyerhaeuser’s corporate campus. It features 60 outstanding bonsai from six Pacific Rim nations, elegantly displayed in a woodland setting.

Auburn Golf Course
Nestled along the Green River and situated on 150 acres, the Auburn Golf Course offers scenic views from several hillside holes. The full-service 18-hole facility is a fair but challenging par-71 course. Services include a pro shop, equipment and power cart rentals, professional instruction and lessons, tournaments and leagues, and youth activities as well as a brand new clubhouse and restaurant on site.


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If you have any questions or comments, please email me at pete.vonreichbauer@kingcounty.gov or call my office at (206) 296-1007.


Phone: (206) 296-1007 | Fax: (206) 296-0198 | TTY/TDD: (206) 296-1024 | Toll Free: (800) 325-6165
Mailing Address: King County Courthouse, 516 Third Avenue, Room 1200, Seattle, WA 98104-3272