Last year the City of Maple Valley had a bond measure on the ballot. It lost by a pretty big margin. Instead of giving up, they went back to the citizens to find out why it failed. Taking that input, they created a new bond measure that we will vote on in February.

They eliminated improvements to the golf course and Lake Wilderness Park, and concentrated on Summit Park and added new ball fields at Lake Wilderness Elementary. The bond will still include ball fields, a skate park, a sports court, an off-leash dog park, a picnic shelter and easy access to the Cedar to Green River Trail. But, by reducing the scope of the project, the price has gone down.

For anyone who has been driving to other cities for practice and games, having local fields will be a time saver. You might even get to have a dinner or two at home! Your dog will have an opportunity to spend some time playing with his buddies off leash. And, easy access to the Cedar to Green River Trail might mean you get a little more time in nature. When you add in the fact that Maple Valley businesses will benefit from people coming to town for tournaments, I think this bond deserves a second look.

Get out and vote! Say “yes” on Proposition 1.

Linda Olson

Maple Valley