History Corner - The Formation of the Cougar Mountain Regional Wildland Park

With the passage of King County Proposition 1, lets reminisce on past accomplishments of King County Parks with our tax dollars. It is hard to imagine now, but in the 1970s and early 1980s, the top of Cougar Mountain was destined to be developed, or so it seemed. But thanks to visionaries like Harvey Manning, and concerned community groups like the Issaquah Alps Trails Club and Newcastle Citizens Committee, the idea of preserving the mountain top as a park took hold. King County executive Randy Revelle became a proponent of the park as well, and On May 21, 1985, the Cougar Mountain Regional Wildland Park became a reality with the transfer of the deed for a key 1067 acre parcel from Daon Corporation to King County. Here are a few photos of the celebration on the top of the mountain on that auspicious day, which Executive Revelle declared to be “Harvey Manning Day” in honor of his leadership in the formation of the park.

Harvey Manning speaks to the crowd.

Harvey joined by King County Executive Randy Revelle.

A Celebratory Toast – Harvey Manning, Randy Revelle, Daon corporate representative and Bruce Laing.

Jeanette Veasey, Harvey Manning, Evan Morris and Ralph Owen discuss the events of the day.

City of Issaquah Mayor AJ Culver on the left.

Chopper 7, even.