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Council approves two land purchases to expand park and creek connectivity in Old Town Issaquah
Summary
The council unanimously authorized purchase agreements for two properties: a 17.5‑acre undeveloped parcel on the south side of Old Town for $2.5 million and a 0.11‑acre parcel on Second Avenue NE for $900,000 to expand parkland, protect creek habitat and create trail connections. The deals allow time to pursue matching grants before closing.
The Issaquah City Council on Feb. 24 approved two property purchases intended to expand parkland and improve trail and creek connectivity in Old Town.
Kokkari (Kalkari) property: 17.5 acres Parks Director Jeff Watling presented a purchase agreement for a roughly 17.5‑acre parcel on the south side of Old Town that adjoins Squak Mountain State Park and a previously acquired Weymouth parcel. The city and the seller agreed to a purchase price of $2,500,000 with $125,000 in earnest money and a target closing in March of next year. Watling said the acquisition would create an approximately 35‑acre protected corridor when combined with adjacent city holdings, supporting loop‑trail access between the valley floor and Squak Mountain trail network and offering opportunities for an additional trailhead. The administration said it has submitted a King County Conservation Futures grant application seeking up to 75% of the acquisition cost and would know the grant ranking before closing.
Canoon property: 0.11 acres on Second Avenue NE The council also approved the city purchase of a small parcel at 330 Second Avenue NE (about 0.11 acres) for $900,000. Watling said the Canoon parcel would help create an east‑west trail connection near Veterans Memorial Field, improve Cora Park connectivity and support creek‑restoration or floodplain improvements along the East Fork of Issaquah Creek.
Votes and next steps Both motions were moved, seconded and carried unanimously, 7–0. The Kokkari purchase includes earnest money and a closing window that allows staff to pursue grant matches; the Canoon purchase is expected to close in May. Watling said funding for both purchases will come from the city’s park/open‑space acquisition funds with the Kokkari request also seeking Conservation Futures support prior to closing.
Why it matters Together the purchases add acreage and strategic access that city staff said will: (1) preserve forested hillsides consistent with the Comprehensive Plan and parks‑system goals, (2) expand trail and neighborhood connections into the Squak Mountain system and (3) provide opportunities for creek and habitat improvements near Old Town.
Authorities and documentation Council authorized the mayor to execute the purchase and sale agreements and related documents; parcel identifiers and the agreed purchase prices were recorded in the motions.
