The Seattle City Council last week voted unanimously to place a six-year, $145 million Parks and Green Spaces Levy on November's ballot.

The Council voted in favor of a levy package that would fund acquiring parks and green belts; developing playgrounds, athletic fields, trails, and skate parks; creating new green space on reservoir lids; funding environmental projects like forest and stream restoration, shoreline access, and community food gardens.

"This levy will fund parks and playgrounds in neighborhoods across the city. Now it is up to the people to vote on these investments in their neighborhoods," said Council member Tom Rasmussen, chair of the Parks and Seattle Center Committee.

Council President Richard Conlin said, "Parks are the affordable place to reconnect with nature and renew our spirits. As more families and people come to Seattle, we must be leaders in ensuring that we have places to breathe and communities that are livable."

Council member Nick Licata said the levy would create resources that would serve a wide variety or Seattle residents and visitors.

"This levy gives all those users and others an opportunity to express their political will," he said.

The Parks and Green Spaces Levy will appear on the Nov. 4, 2008 ballot and requires a simple majority to pass.