If King County Executive Kurt Triplett has his way, King County will see 39 county parks shut down and "mothballed" under lock and key come January 1, 2010. Currently the 2010 budget is in a world of hurt, with a $56 million budget shortfall. So for a quick $4.6 million, select parks in neighborhoods stretching from Federal Way to Bothell will be put out of commission. The new King County Executive better have tough skin--the toddler hatemail and crayon drawings are going to be ruthless--unless neighborhoods rally and create some sort of Adopt-a-Highway-Park program, or cities jump in and keep the taxpayer-funded parks open. more ›