The North Bend City Council is considering what to do with the 120 acres of Tollgate Farm that King County will likely hand over to the city.

The property includes about 14 acres on the west end that could be used for active recreation.

North Bend “broke through a logjam” in negotiations with the King County Council, which will soon vote on whether to go through with the turnover, City Administrator Duncan Wilson said.

Possibilities for the park include a walking trail and lighted synthetic athletic fields. Councilmember Chris Garcia said he’d also like to explore whether residents would be interested in facilities for alternative activities like bocce ball and horseshoes.

The city met with representatives from the Si View Metropolitan Park District Feb. 26 to discuss the possibility of creating a long-term lease for the park district to operate the park.

Park district commissioners said they’re interested, but would need to make sure the expansion fits in with their master plan and ability to maintain existing facilities at Si View.

The Council and the park district agreed that North Bend needs more recreation space, including soccer and baseball fields.

“If you build it, they will come,” said Lead Parks Technician Mark Pray, predicting that Valley residents will flock to new facilities.

For the complete story, subscribe to the Valley Record (425) 888-2311