Partners
History of the Campaign
In April 2006, the Budget Committee of the King County Council approved $2 million for the project that includes an innovative public-private partnership with the Technology Access Foundation (TAF) and a place for a variety of community gatherings.
 "This is a perfect example of the new entrepreneurial approach King County Parks is taking to provide needed community programs without increasing operating costs," said King County Executive Ron Sims. "This community center will transform an underserved area into a positive community center with classes, programs and events. The after school technology programs in this economically depressed area could literally change the course of children's lives."
This project is a component of the county's White Center Community Enhancement Initiative - an effort to ensure the long-term viability of the White Center community. The community center, and the public/private partnership at its foundation, also reflects the policy direction established in the 2002 King County Parks Business Plan to use strategic partnerships to enhance park amenities without increasing ongoing operating costs. King County's $2 million investment is leveraging $11 million in capital funds and
30 years of programming towards the revitalization of Lakewood Park and creation of a public amenity.
 Also in April 2006, The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation announced a $1 million challenge grant, showing tremendous support for the campaign and the future of TAF. We are grateful to the Gates Foundation for assuming a lead role in launching this campaign. We have since attracted interest and investment from a variety of other individual and corporate partners.
In October 2006, representatives from TAF and King County came together with the project teams from Miller|Hull and Public Architecture to review the comprehensive design plans for the Community Learning Space.
 
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