I served as a volunteer on the Big Finn Hill Trails Committee set up to work with King County Parks on a trail plan for Big Finn Hill Park. The committee consists of residents of Finn Hill, Bothell, Kenmore and Kirkland, as well as hikers, dog walkers and mountain bikers. Two committee members are on the Finn Hill Neighborhood Alliance board.

Ms. Yori’s and Mr. Cash’s recent letters completely mis-characterize the process that unfolded during 2012-2013. There was nothing “closed-circuit” about this, from start to finish. Finn Hill neighbors and parks staff posted notices all over the park announcing the very first meeting in June, 2012, as well as the last public meeting held June 20, 2013. In between times, the trail committee meetings were open to the public, and the committee and parks staff made progress reports to well-attended general meetings of the Finn Hill Neighborhood Alliance. A board member also posted a progress report on their website while the committee was meeting.

The final version of the trails plan adopted by King County Parks in August reflects extensive input from the community at large as well as the work of the committee. The plan calls for the park’s existing character to be maintained, for repair/restoration of areas where illegal trail-building activity has occurred in the past (a major reason for doing the plan in the first place), and clear designation of trails where bike-related features will and will not occur (all trails remain open to everyone).

Projects done so far include one trail improvement on a walker-oriented trail, one on a bike-oriented trail, and two work parties restoring and enhancing walker-oriented trails. All of the work done has been approved by King County Parks after detailed on-site review, as called for by the trail plan. I understand King County Parks has responded to Ms. Yori’s past emails. I asked them to forward her my contact information so that if she wishes, we can meet on-site to discuss her concerns.

Tom Fitzpatrick, Kenmore