Please vote yes on the Kenmore Proposition 1 | Letter

We moved to what is now Kenmore in 1994 for many reasons, but what really attracted us, apart from the fantastic schools, was the closeness to the water and access to the Burke-Gilman trail giving me a safe way to bike commute. What I soon realized was that while we have these great amenities, unless you live on the water or right next to the trail or limited sidewalks, there is not a safe and easy way to access them. So instead of kids walking or biking to school and gaining the health benefits that follow, parents drive them for their own safety.

September 29, 2016 12:13 pm
Letters to the editor can be submitted to editor@bothell-reporter.com.
Letters to the editor can be submitted to editor@bothell-reporter.com.

We moved to what is now Kenmore in 1994 for many reasons, but what really attracted us, apart from the fantastic schools, was the closeness to the water and access to the Burke-Gilman trail giving me a safe way to bike commute. What I soon realized was that while we have these great amenities, unless you live on the water or right next to the trail or limited sidewalks, there is not a safe and easy way to access them. So instead of kids walking or biking to school and gaining the health benefits that follow, parents drive them for their own safety.

We recently lost two young people in this City simply crossing the street. I’m happy to see the City of Kenmore taking a bold step with Proposition 1 to invest in sidewalks on Juanita Drive/68th Avenue along with further improving the bike lane. These additions will help link our city together and safely connect us to our schools, work, recreation and shopping moving towards “Target Zero”.

Proposition 1 will also make bold investments in improving water access at Rhododendron Park, Log Boom Park and Squires Landing. Kenmore residents have very limited access to the water to simply play on the beach or to launch a hand powered watercraft. The beach at Log Boom Park is tiny and overgrown, and at Rhododendron Park, hand powered watercraft must compete with the power boats at the boat ramp. Like many families, we often head elsewhere to enjoy the water. With Proposition 1 will fix these problems and allow people to also access the Sammamish River with its rich variety of wildlife viewing opportunities, such as eagles, heron, otters, and beavers. It’s also a fantastic place for people of all ages to enjoy a body of water linking Lake Sammamish to Lake Washington.

I am encouraged by the vision of the City taking these bold steps to make Kenmore a vibrant, livable city with safe and family friendly access to its fantastic schools, waterfront and regional trail system.

This is an investment in our future, and the rewards far outweigh that cost, not only for us now, but for our grandchildren and their children. Please vote yes on the Kenmore Proposition 1 on Nov. 8.

Duncan Cox, Kenmore