Unincorporated Area Community News

Welcome to Community News, King County government's monthly newsletter for unincorporated area residents. You can find the newsletter online with links to program details, at www.kingcounty.gov/UnincorporatedAreaNews. To see previous versions of the Unincorporated Area Community Newsletter visit the archives.

Engage with King County

Countywide Community Forums survey on public engagement for unincorporated areas

Aug. 19 through Sept. 9, Countywide Community Forums, an independently funded and run partnership between the public and the County, will offer an opportunity to provide feedback to King County on the new Community Service Area model for public engagement in the unincorporated areas. For details on the new model, visit King County’s Rural Services website.

Already scheduled are the following forums: Aug. 23 in Issaquah, Aug. 25 in Duvall, and Aug. 27 in Maple Valley. For more information, additional forums, or to take the survey online beginning Aug. 19, visit the website.

Join a King County board or commission

More than 450 volunteers serve on 49 active citizen boards and commissions in King County. If you have been thinking about getting more involved in your community, serving on a board or commission is an excellent way to provide input on policies and programs that affect us all. The Civil Rights Commission and the Solid Waste Advisory Board are actively recruiting for new members at this time. Please visit the King County boards and commissions website for more information .

News

Chinook Bend Field Day

Join the King County Department of Natural Resources and Parks and 4Culture on Saturday, Aug. 6 from 10 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. to celebrate a day of art and environment at Chinook Bend Natural Area. This 59-acre natural area was recently restored to allow natural processes of the river and wetland to carve and create the site. Artist Betsy Damon, environmental expert Steve Tolzman, and Snoqualmie Steward Mary Maier will give concurrent guided tours at 10:15 a.m. and 11:15 a.m.

August primary election is under way

Primary election ballots have been mailed, and voters are already returning their ballots, which must be postmarked by Aug. 16 (don’t forget a first class stamp), or returned to a ballot drop box by 8 p.m. that day. Contact King County Elections if you have not received your ballot: 206-296-VOTE (8683).

New location for Black River Community Service Center (CSC)

The Black River CSC has moved back into its permanent home, 919 SW Grady Way in Renton, co-located with King County Elections. In addition, the Black River CSC is now open on Mondays and Tuesdays from noon to 7 p.m. for your convenience. To learn more about King County CSCs, visit the website or call 206-205-6166.

Regional aquatic center closed for maintenance

The Weyerhaeuser King County Aquatic Center is currently closed for annual repair and maintenance. Work under way includes repainting the building exterior and dive towers, draining the pools for resurfacing, adding new pool pumps and a new energy efficient interior light system. The pool is expected to reopen in early September.

Movies at Marymoor

Through the end of August, the popular summer outdoor movies series, “Movies at Marymoor” is the perfect way for families, film buffs and outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy King County’s Marymoor Park during the long summer evenings. Seating opens at 7 p.m., followed by games, prizes and more, with movies starting at dusk. Bring a picnic, or pick up snacks at the movie. Don’t forget your low-back chair or blanket!

Concerts at Marymoor

The eighth-annual summer concert series at Marymoor Park is in full swing, and offers the chance to catch great live music at one of the region’s best outdoor music venues. Visit the visit the website for the full list of remaining shows and ticket information.

Back-to-school immunizations

Public Health – Seattle & King County’s immunization website has lots of great information about the immunizations your children need before heading back to school. Remember, state laws regarding vaccine exemption have changed. To learn more visit the Washington State Department of Health website.

Brightwater Treatment Plant Grand Opening

Mark your calendar to attend the grand opening ceremony of the Brightwater Treatment Plant and Education Center on Saturday, Sept. 24 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. The celebration features music, tours, food and festivities.

King County Veterans Program – Ten locations to serve you

Did you serve in the U.S. military, or are you a family member of someone serving right now? If yes, and you need housing, employment, financial aid, counseling or other aid, the King County Veterans Program would like to help. Thanks to the Veterans and Human Services Levy, staff is now available Monday through Friday in our Seattle and Renton offices, and once a week at locations in Auburn, Carnation, Enumclaw, Federal Way, Kirkland, Lake City, Maple Valley and Redmond. For more information, visit the website or call 206-296-7656.

Watch for night paving on Woodinville-Duvall Road later this month

The King County Road Services Division plans to repave portions of the Woodinville-Duvall Road east of 171st Avenue Northeast later in August. The work will be done overnight to avoid disrupting commuter traffic. Dates and details will be posted online by mid-month.

Full closure of Novelty Hill Road scheduled for Aug. 27-28

Crews rebuilding sections of Novelty Hill Road east of Redmond have scheduled a complete closure of the roadway near the intersection with Northeast 95th Street on the weekend of Aug. 27-28.

Interested in keeping chickens?

To learn how to keep backyard poultry safely and prevent disease from spreading to people, visit the Public Health - Seattle & King County website.

Feline frisky?

Regional Animal Services of King County is the “purr-fect” place to find your next pet! During the month of August, adoption fees for cats have been reduced to $30, and kittens are $75. This includes a King County license,if applicable, microchipping, a coupon for a free vet visit, spaying or neutering, and initial vaccinations. Visit the website to see the great cats and dogs waiting for their forever family… maybe yours!

Keep your pets cool in the heat

Summertime is great for doing things outdoors with your pet. However, since dogs and cats don't sweat, they can't cool themselves as efficiently as humans. Your pet can overheat and possibly die even in conditions that wouldn’t bother a healthy human. Never leave a pet in a hot car, even just for a few minutes. Visit the website to learn more about heat-related illnesses in pets.

Get involved with Community Emergency Response Teams

Community Emergency Response Teams (CERTs) are formed by members of a neighborhood or workplace who want to be better prepared for hazards that threaten their communities. During a disaster, first responders can be overwhelmed or unable to respond due to communication and transportation difficulties. CERTs play a vital role in preparing for and responding to emergencies until additional help is available. To learn about training for a team, visit the website.

Community news

Four Creeks

Four Creeks Unincorporated Area Council meeting

Aug. 17, 7 p.m., at the May Valley Alliance Church, 16431 SE Renton-Issaquah Rd. in Renton

Greater Maple Valley

Greater Maple Valley Unincorporated Area Council

(This item submitted by the GMVUAC)
The GMVAC provided both Oral Testimony and a Written Statement during the Black Diamond Master Planned Development (MPD) Hearings on the proposed Development Agreements. Concerns focused on siting MPD-needed infrastructure—including schools and stormwater detention facilities, in the rural area and the impact on County roads throughout southeast King County. In addition, the GMVUAC, in conjunction with the Four Creeks and Upper Bear Creek UACs, sent a joint letter to the Hearing Examiner and County officials voicing concerns with the MPDs and their impacts on the rural area. A second set of Development Agreement Hearings before the Black Diamond City Council will be held in early Fall.

Rock the Green

Join the celebration on Aug. 13 from noon to 8 p.m. at Kanaskat Palmer State Park, with FREE ADMISSION, local foods, live music, guided hikes, silent auction, beer garden, and more. This event is presented by the Middle Green River Coalition with numerous local sponsors, for additional information visit the website.

Greater Maple Valley Unincorporated Area Council meetings

Sept. 6 (Tuesday, due to Labor Day holiday) & Oct. 3, 7 p.m., at the Fire Station, SE 231st & Hwy 169 in Maple Valley

North Highline

Groundbreaking – Community Learning Space

Join King County Executive Dow Constantine, Councilmember Joe McDermott, King County Parks, and Technology Access Foundation (TAF) on Friday, Aug. 26 from 10:30 a.m. – noon at Lakewood Park in White Center, for the official groundbreaking of the Community Learning Space. The green-built community center with include classrooms and labs for Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM)-oriented youth educational programs as well as community meeting space.

North Highline Unincorportated Area Council meeting

Sept. 1, 7 p.m., North Highline Fire District Office, 1243 SW 112th St. in Seattle

Upper Bear Creek

‘Music in the Park’ Concert Series

Upper Bear Creek Community Council is happy to bring "Music in the Park" back to Cottage Lake Park this summer! Join us for a series of free family concerts in the park Thursday evenings through Aug. 18 from 7-8:30 p.m. You are welcome to bring a picnic to enjoy in the park at 190th and Northeast Woodinville-Duvall Road in Woodinville. For more information, visit the website.

Vashon

Vashon-Maury Island Community Council general meeting

Aug. 15, 7 p.m. at McMurray Middle School, Multi-purpose room, 9329 Southwest Cemetery Road, Vashon.

Vashon-Maury Island Community Council Board meeting

Sept. 5, 7 p.m. at McMurray Middle School, Multi-purpose room, 9329 Southwest Cemetery Road, Vashon.

West Hill

West Hill Community Council Board meeting

Aug. 10, 7 p.m., Fire District #20, 12424 76th Ave S. in Seattle

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If you have comments or suggestions about future content, please contact Lauren Smith at 206-263-9606 or lauren.smith@kingcounty.gov.