It’s possible to debate the cost of parks and recreation, but not their importance. They make up the very fabric of any successful community.

In Pierce County, the challenge is providing adequate recreational opportunities for a rapidly expanding population. More than 10,000 new people will make their home in Pierce County this year. By 2020, the population will reach nearly 900,000. Growth at this rate puts extraordinary demands on existing parks and emphasizes the need for more space.

To meet this challenge, the Pierce County Parks & Recreation department has teamed up with Forward Together on the ForeverGreen project. ForeverGreen brings together a countywide coalition of individuals, businesses, community groups and government agencies, including the Metropolitan Park Board. The goal is to provide equitable recreational opportunities throughout Pierce County.

Funding for such efforts is always a critical concern. In addition to Conservation Futures and the county General Fund, the recent approval of the Zoo-Trek tax will provide sorely needed revenues for park construction and operation. The Zoo-Trek tax will make $2 million available for a variety of major projects throughout Pierce County.

An additional funding source is the recently approved second Real Estate Excise Tax. Revenues from this impact fee must be used for capital projects and twenty-five percent of the fee will be available for parks. The plan is to build better parks and more of them.

Pierce County is one of the most livable communities in the state. Adequate parks are a big reason why. Efforts will continue to meet the recreational needs of Pierce County residents today and tomorrow.