Dear Neighbor:

Thank you for taking the time to read my Spring e-Newsletter.  My office is working to make our district e-Newsletter a quarterly report that keeps you up-to-date and informed about the county services available to you.

As spring approaches many of you will have new plans and projects in the works.  Cleaning up the winter clutter can be a daunting task without the right resources.  In this e-Newsletter I’d like to make you aware of a few county services that may be helpful when approaching your spring projects.  Hopefully this information will help you finish your projects and save money by using county provided services.

It has always been my top priority to be responsive to the needs and concerns of the constituents I serve.  I encourage you to contact my office at (206) 296-1007 or email me at pete.vonreichbauer@kingcounty.gov if you have a question, comment, or concern.  Also, please visit and like my Facebook Fan page for current information on my activities at the King County Council.

With Best Wishes,

Pete von Reichbauer
King County Councilmember
Spring 2012

Features + Resources

Recycling

For many South King County residents spring is a great time to do updates and remodels.  Both business owners and “do-it-yourselfers” have a responsibility to keep their community clean and safe.  So, if you are replacing appliances in your home or business, please dispose of them properly.  Illegal dumping is dangerous, expensive, and an unattractive stain on our communities.  To find a list of times and locations where you can drop off old appliances click here.

In addition, many dangerous household materials may also be disposed of at the following locations:

The Weekly Waste Mobile Service at Auburn Supermall
Every Saturday and Sunday from 10am-5pm
1101 Supermall Way Auburn WA, 98001
For more information call the Hazards Line at 206-296-4692

Family Green Fest
April 28th 2012. 12pm-3pm
Federal Way Community Center
876 S 333rd St Federal Way WA, 98003
253-835-2771

Features and Resources

Community Event Calendar

In the community:

Board Meeting:  Light Rail Planning and Review Process - Approved for Federal Way (2/23/2012)

Good Eggs:  John Wolfe, CEO of the Port of Tacoma (2/22/2012)

Recognition:  Federal Way Regional Library 20th Anniversary (2/11/2012)

Auburn Youth Resources Breakfast Fundraiser (2/10/2012)

2012 South King County Student Leadership Forum (2/7/2012)

Press Conference:  Light Rail (2/6/2012)

Gardening

The Pacific Northwest is a great area for gardeners and spring is the right time to get started.  One idea that may help in the garden is getting rain barrels.  Rain barrels are a great way to cut down on your water bill and help to conserve water.  They are simple to use and available at several locations in King County.   Click here for information on rain barrels and more gardening tips.

 What do you do if you have a desire to grow fruits, vegetables, and flowers, but do not have the available space required?  King County has community gardens, including 133 garden plots here in south King County at the North Green River Park. The public spaces allow residents to enjoy gardening without owning a yard of their own.  To find a community garden near you click here.

Parks and Recreation

In King County there are many opportunities to have fun outdoors in spring and summer.  With various pools and lakes in our region it is a good idea to be comfortable in and around water.  Swim lessons are available for all ages, starting at just 6-months and extending through adulthood.  For questions specifically about lessons call 206-296-4444.  For general questions about King County aquatic centers call 206-296-4232, or click here.

With over 200 parks, 175 miles of trails, and 26,000 acres of open space, King County parks have something for everybody.  Camping is a great way to enjoy a few of our many parks.  To reserve a campsite at one of King County’s eligible parks please call 206-205-5434 or click here for more information. 

Bicycling can be another great way to enjoy King County’s trails.  For a map of current bike routes click here.

There are also great volunteer opportunities within the parks of King County. Whether you are an individual, family, company, or community organization, your help with service projects and events at King County parks is always much appreciated.  To learn how you can volunteer call 206-296-4452 or click here.

South King County Parks
(Click on park titles for more information and directions)

Transportation Services
            We are very excited about Sound Transit announcing their plans to expand the link light rail south into Federal Way.  We are working hard to improve mass transit for all the citizens living in South King County.   For more information or to plan your next trip using the metro system, please visit King County Metro online. King County also offers a variety of alternatives that cater to seniors, disabled, and low-income residents found here.

Event Calendar