The Northshore Park and Recreation Service Area (PRSA) is a special taxing district with boundaries the same as the Northshore School District, located in the Seattle-Everett metropolitan area north and east of Lake Washington and encompassing the cities of Bothell, Kenmore and Woodinville. The PRSA was formed in 1988 when the voters within the Northshore School District voted to both form the PRSA and authorize bonds with more than 60% voter approval.

Park and Recreation Service Areas (PRSAs) are authorized by the State of Washington (with the approval of voters residing within the proposed PRSA boundaries) for purposes of financing, acquiring, constructing, improving, maintaining, or operating any park, senior citizen activities centers, zoos, aquariums, and recreational facilities as defined in RCW 36.69.010. (See RCW 36.68.400)

In 1988, the Northshore Park and Recreation Service Area (PRSA) was established to finance construction of a new
senior center. This proposition to the voters followed an extensive study process that included:

• Amending the state enabling legislation for park and recreation service areas to include senior centers among the
  allowable purposes
• Discussions with many interest groups in the area about funding priorities
• A feasibility study as required by the PRSA statute.

A beautiful senior center now exists in the City of Bothell as a result of this work, and a second proposition to the voters some years later to finance an adult day care facility was also passed.

The PRSA is governed by a 5-member Board comprised of one representative from each of the three cities located within the PRSA boundaries (Bothell, Kenmore and Woodinville) and one County Councilmember representing the unincorporated areas of each county, King and Snohomish, located within the PRSA boundaries.