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Issaquah council approves $750,000 purchase of Hailstone parcel for park connectivity
Summary
The council unanimously authorized purchase of the 0.39-acre Hailstone property at 320 NW Holly St. for $750,000, funded by a King County Conservation Futures grant (~$560,000) and $190,000 from the city's Parks and Open Space Acquisition Fund, to expand trail connections and riparian habitat restoration.
The Issaquah City Council on Feb. 23 authorized the mayor to execute a purchase-and-sale agreement to buy the Hailstone property at 320 Northwest Holly Street (King County Tax Parcel 20240419000728) for $750,000 plus closing costs.
Parks Director Jeff Watling told the council the 0.39-acre parcel sits south of Bernston Park and near Confluence Park and would be used for a future trail connection, creek habitat restoration and improved access to the Juniper Trail system. "This is a 0.39 acre parcel," Watling said, describing connectivity and salmon-recovery benefits.
Watling said the purchase will be funded with approximately $560,000 from a King County Conservation Futures grant and roughly $190,000 from the cityParks and Open Space Acquisition Fund. The director characterized the acquisition as consistent with a long-term city strategy of acquiring floodplain property to restore habitat and increase resilience to extreme weather events.
Council President DeMichele moved to authorize the purchase; the motion passed unanimously by voice vote. Council members praised staff for securing grant funding and moving quickly to protect a strategic parcel. Councilmember Walsh said the acquisition "is a great opportunity to connect Confluence Park to Bernstein Park." The council will complete closing and take further implementation steps per standard acquisition procedures.
No controversies or opposing votes were recorded on the motion; the council adjourned shortly after the vote.
