Parks, Trails, & Recreation

If you ask someone what makes Duvall special, odds are you’ll hear a few consistent answers: the natural beauty, the community feel, the slower pace, and the way it still feels like a small town—even as it grows. But one answer that keeps rising to the top, especially for families, outdoor enthusiasts, and longtime locals, is this: the green space.

Parks, trails, and access to the outdoors are not just amenities in Duvall. They are a part of who we are.

We are a city that values walkable neighborhoods, open space, and the joy of stepping outside into nature. Whether it’s walking the Snoqualmie Valley Trail at sunrise, watching kids play soccer at Big Rock Ballfields, biking in the hills with friends, or catching a quiet moment on the beach at McCormick Park, these experiences define life here.

And that’s why, as we look to Duvall’s future, I believe investing in parks, trails, and recreation isn’t optional—it’s essential.

Green Space is the Heart of Duvall

We are lucky to live in a city framed by stunning views of the valley, wrapped in lush forest, and defined by access to the outdoors. But as Duvall continues to grow, that character must be preserved with intention.

Green space isn’t just for looks—it’s where we live. It’s where our kids learn to play, where our seniors stay active, where our families gather, and where we find calm when the world moves too fast.

As development continues in south Duvall and commercial growth accelerates, we need to double down on efforts to protect and expand our parks network. That means:

• Acquiring new parkland in underserved neighborhoods

• Developing pocket parks or mini-plazas in high-density areas

• Preserving tree canopy and open space alongside residential growth

• Integrating parks into commercial districts—not as an afterthought, but as an anchor

We don’t have to choose between growth and green space. With smart planning, we can have both—and ensure that Duvall remains a place where nature and community thrive together.

Inclusive Recreation for Every Age and Interest

Recreation in Duvall isn’t one-size-fits-all—and it shouldn’t be. We are home to young families, active adults, retirees, and everything in between. Our recreation spaces need to reflect that diversity, not only in age but also in culture, interests, and accessibility.

That’s why I support recreation that is inclusive and expansive, including:

• Multi-sport facilities that accommodate everything from soccer and football to cricket, lacrosse, and ultimate frisbee

• Courts and spaces for pickleball, basketball, and new sports as they emerge

• Playgrounds designed for children of all abilities

• Shaded gathering areas and accessible walking paths for older adults

• Flexible-use fields that can host community events, fitness classes, or sports camps

Our outdoor spaces should feel like they belong to everyone. That means designing with intention, supporting community leagues, and investing in programming that activates our parks throughout the year.

Whether it’s an afternoon of cricket in the park, a weekend mountain bike race, or a family picnic overlooking the valley—our goal is to make space for all of it.

Trails that Connect Us—To Each Other and the Region

One of Duvall’s greatest assets is its location: nestled in the Snoqualmie Valley with direct access to regional trails and natural beauty. But many of our internal connections remain fragmented—sidewalks stop short, trailheads feel isolated, and some parks feel disconnected from the neighborhoods they serve.

That’s why one of my top priorities is building out a comprehensive trail network that:

• Connects Duvall neighborhoods to each other, safely and clearly

• Links city parks and destinations to regional trail systems, like the Snoqualmie Valley Trail and the Redmond Ridge trail network

• Encourages bike and pedestrian access to schools, businesses, and community centers

• Provides options for city hikes, rural loops, and everything in between

• Supports safe use year-round with proper grading, signage, and maintenance

We already have some amazing assets—the Snoqualmie Valley Trail, McCormick Park, and the hills just east of town. But we can do more to tie them together, making it easier for people to get outside, stay active, and leave the car behind.

This isn’t just about recreation—it’s about mobility, climate, and health. Well-connected trails give people options, reduce traffic, and increase physical activity. The returns are massive—for individuals and for the city.

Revitalizing Our Riverfront: McCormick Park and the Snoqualmie Valley Trail

One of Duvall’s most iconic parks is McCormick Park—a beautiful riverfront space that connects directly to the Snoqualmie Valley Trail and offers access to the water, the trail, and the woods. It’s a beloved spot, but one that’s ready for investment.

Here’s what I’d like to see:

• Improvements to the beach area, including better access, shade, and seating

• Updated signage and lighting to improve safety and wayfinding

• More native landscaping and erosion control to protect the riverbank

• Enhanced connection to Main Street so visitors can explore downtown before or after visiting the park

• Programming—outdoor concerts, nature walks, guided paddle tours—to bring the space to life

We don’t need to reinvent McCormick Park—we just need to elevate it. It’s a gateway to nature, and with a bit more love, it could be one of the region’s standout destinations for families, cyclists, and river-lovers alike.

Embracing Mountain Bike Culture: A New Economic and Recreational Engine

One of the most exciting—and often under-recognized—recreation movements in Duvall is the growth of mountain biking. We’re surrounded by incredible terrain, already popular with local riders and youth teams from neighboring cities. But Duvall has an opportunity to become a hub for the mountain bike community—not just a pass-through.

Here’s how:

• Develop a dedicated mountain bike park or trail system near town that can serve as a training ground for youth teams, recreational riders, and competitions

• Design the space to be family-friendly, with beginner loops, jump tracks, and shaded rest areas

• Create trail access near commercial areas, encouraging post-ride meals, shopping, and community gatherings

• Partner with local and regional biking organizations to host events, races, and skill clinics

• Incorporate sustainable trail building practices that protect forest health and minimize erosion

Supporting this growing culture doesn’t just promote outdoor activity—it draws regional visitors, stimulates economic activity, and gives Duvall a new identity as a destination for adventure.

While other cities scale back access, we can lean in—and create something truly special.

A Smart Investment with Real ROI

Investing in parks, trails, and recreation isn’t just about aesthetics. It’s about value.

• Parks improve property values and make neighborhoods more desirable

• Trails reduce traffic congestion by offering alternative travel options

• Recreation boosts public health, which lowers healthcare costs

• Well-maintained public space builds civic pride and reduces vandalism or neglect

• Outdoor amenities attract new residents, visitors, and businesses who want quality of life

In short, this is infrastructure that pays us back—not just in dollars, but in well-being, connection, and community.

With a strong financial position, Duvall is well-poised to fund these improvements in ways that are both sustainable and strategic. We have over $40 million in reserves, under-budget capital projects, and the ability to seek additional grants or voter-approved investments to move key projects forward.

My Commitment to Duvall's Outdoor Future

If I’ve learned anything from listening to residents across Duvall, it’s that people care deeply about this place—and they want to protect what makes it unique.

I believe in a future where:

• Parks are accessible and welcoming for everyone, regardless of age, background, or ability

• Our trail network makes it easy to move around the city—and beyond—on foot or bike

• Recreation reflects the evolving interests of our residents, from soccer to cricket to mountain biking

• Natural beauty is not just preserved, but celebrated, with more ways to enjoy and interact with it

• Every investment in outdoor space is tied to real community outcomes—economic, health, social, and environmental

This isn’t just about quality of life. It’s about identity. Duvall is a city that thrives in the outdoors. Let’s build a future that reflects that—boldly, inclusively, and together.