The city of Kent received a John D. Spellman Award for Exemplary Achievement in Historic Preservation from King County for its work to restore Mill Creek Canyon Earthworks Park and other projects.

King County Executive Dow Constantine presented the award June 17 at the historic Delta Masonic Hall in Tukwila.

In a media release, King County officials described the reasons the city of Kent received the award:

"At a time when municipalities across the county are faced with big fiscal challenges, the city of Kent has demonstrated that through partnership and creativity, it can still get the work of preservation done. Upon entering into an interlocal agreement with King County for historic preservation services six years ago, the city set about laying the foundation for what is fast becoming one of the strongest programs in the county.

"What has it done? Since 2005 it has completed a comprehensive historic property survey of the entire city; designated three very important landmark properties; developed a preservation plan and secured grants to restore the nationally renowned Earthworks Park, a city-owned property; and funded historic building plaques and publications for the Mill Creek neighborhood, one of the city’s oldest and best preserved residential areas. Remarkable work over a short period of time."

The awards are named for Spellman, a former Washington governor and King County Executive who established King County’s Historic Preservation Program and Landmarks Commission more than 30 years ago.

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