Fairgrounds will have 28 RV sites available by mid-July

The ever-growing hordes of people who take to the roads in recreational vehicles will soon have one more Plateau place to stop, as RV sites are being developed at the King County Fairgrounds in Enumclaw.

The project is one of two being funded by the county's Parks Department. The fairgrounds facility is expected to open in mid-July, just in time for the King County Fair (July 21-25). The Tolt/McDonald Park and Campground in Carnation is already hosting campers at its improves sites.

"Both of these sites offer excellent access to recreation," said Shelley Marelli, acting parks director. "Installing RV hookups allows more people to take full advantage of the activities close-by throughout the year."

The fairgrounds will be home to 28 paved RV sites, each with hook-ups for water and electric. Sites will accommodate RVs up to 50 feet long and some will have picnic tables. In addition to RV hook-ups, the sites will be enhanced with plantings. Cost and reservation procedures will be set as the project nears completion.

The new campsites are part of a new business plan adopted by parks two years ago in response to the threat of park closures due to the county's budget crisis. The business plan - created by a citizen advisory group and adopted by King County Executive Ron Sims - calls for generating new entrepreneurial revenue with initiatives such as camping facilities.

The county will promote the RV park's easy access to Mount Rainier National Park, Crystal Mountain Resort, the adjacent golf course and the area's hiking and biking trails. Aside from that, there's the built-in advantage of the many activities taking place at the fairgrounds during the year.

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