Summary

The King County Council approved a plan proposed by Executive Dow Constantine to allocate a combined $8.2 million in grant funding for 37 community-led projects that will increase access to recreational opportunities and restore floodplain habitats throughout the region.

Story

King County Executive Dow Constantine today announced two grant funds worth a combined $8.2 million for 37 community-led projects that will increase access to open space and parks, expand recreational facilities, and help protect and restore floodplain habitat.

The King County Council unanimously approved the plan to allocate both grants, which are funded by the voter-approved King County Parks Levy. 

“These grants are investments in the places where friends and families gather today, and in better habitat for fish and wildlife tomorrow,” said Executive Constantine. “Just this year we’ve invested nearly $30 million in parks grants that will strengthen community partnerships, increase recreational opportunities, and preserve and protect the places that make this part of the world so special.”

"Today’s approval of parks levy grants is another step in our mission to make sure that everyone in King County can enjoy the outdoors and recreation opportunities, while we preserve the unparalleled beauty and important functions of our environment for generations to come," said King County Council Chair Claudia Balducci. "I’m thankful to the voters of King County who support these programs to expand access to recreation and to preserve and restore our rivers and surrounding areas."

Fourteen projects will receive a total of $5 million from the Open Space and River Corridors Fund, supporting outreach and education related to floodplain management projects that simultaneously improve habitat and reduce flood risks. Two of the projects include:

• Planning for Gateway North Park, a new park along the Duwamish River in Georgetown that will feature upland restoration, passive recreational opportunities, and access to the river.
• Restoring critical riparian habitat along the Lower Green River in Auburn and connecting diverse youth to green jobs training and the engaging community with salmon recovery efforts.

Twenty-three projects will receive a total of $3.2 million from the Healthy Community and Parks Fund, which supports recreation programs that increase access to open space and parks, expands active and passive recreational facilities, and builds capacity in nonprofit organizations that help BIPOC and immigrant communities thrive. A few of the projects include:

• Improving access to Rainier Beach Urban Farm and Wetlands by extending open hours, installing ADA trails, adding site amenities that include signage and expanded u-pick gardens, and enhancing site stewardship.
• Renovating and improving the popular areas bordering the playfields of Garfield Park with historic and culturally relevant public art installations, site furnishings, a loop path, ADA ramps, inclusive play equipment, safety upgrades, and a new restroom facility. 
• Connecting the Latino/Latina/Latinx immigrant community in South King County with culturally relevant, multilingual parks, recreation, and outdoor opportunities through youth soccer programs, summer camps, and parent advocacy.

The King County Parks Levy, which voters approved in 2019, will generate a total of $110 million in grant funding for parks, recreation, and open space throughout King County.

Advisory committees for both of the funds announced today considered each proposal within the framework of countywide initiatives that preserve open space while improving public health and well-being by protecting and increasing access to parks, trails, and other recreational opportunities. Each of the projects will contribute toward King County’s goals for equity and social justice.

Community organizations interested in applying for King County Parks grants that will be awarded next year are encouraged to subscribe to the newsletter and visit the King County Parks Levy grants website for updates.

Relevant links

• King County Parks Levy Grants
• Subscribe to the newsletter for King County Parks Levy grants

Quotes

These grants are investments in the places where friends and families gather today, and in better habitat for fish and wildlife tomorrow. Just this year we’ve invested nearly $30 million in parks grants that will strengthen community partnerships, increase recreational opportunities, and preserve and protect the places that make this part of the world so special.

Today’s approval of parks levy grants is another step in our mission to make sure that everyone in King County can enjoy the outdoors and recreation opportunities, while we preserve the unparalleled beauty and important functions of our environment for generations to come. I’m thankful to the voters of King County who support these programs to expand access to recreation and to preserve and restore our rivers and surrounding areas.

It is critical to invest in environmental and open space initiatives that both benefit all of our community members, and those which are led by our community members. Our investments here reduce flood risks and improve salmon habitats in our region, as well as increase recreational opportunities in historically underinvested areas, including our BIPOC and immigrant communities.

For more information, contact:

Eleanor Lee, King County Parks, 206-477-4530