King County (Wa.) Department of Natural Resources and Parks received a $5 million grant in King County Parks grant funding, enabling the department to invest in 63 new projects.
The grant will fund activities, renovations and events in four major categories: connecting youth with the outdoors, upgrading playgrounds, ballfields and pools, sports programs in underserved areas, and cultural health and wellness programs.
According to the statement released by King County Department of Natural Resources and Parks, “The 63 funded projects include summer backpacking trips for underserved young people, after-school sports and wellness programs in South King County cities, a new synthetic baseball infield in Seattle’s Central District, and improvements for aquatic centers in Des Moines and White Center.”
Of the $5 million, $3.5 million is designated for youth and amateur sports grants. $1.5 million is earmarked for the Healthy Community and Parks fund. $328,000 will go toward renovating the Mount Rainer Pool and Evergreen Aquatic Center, making much-needed updates to get these facilities up to date and introducing more youth-friendly activities.
Rob Dembowski, a King County councilmember, said, “Investing in our parks and recreational infrastructure is investing in our future. These grants will help bridge the gap in access to quality outdoor spaces and activities, fostering a sense of community and belonging among our youth.”
Another councilmember, Girmay Zahilay, said, “By supporting youth sports and active recreation, these grants help to dismantle economic and geographic barriers. This is an important step towards achieving equity in access to recreation and healthy living opportunities for all our residents.”
Due to King County’s unique location in the Pacific Northwest, there are endless opportunities to get kids outside in nature. The Youth Experiential Training Institute, also known as Y.E.T.I., will receive $187,500. This group includes eight outdoor clubs that serve low-income and immigrant families. It removes the financial barrier to low-income students enjoying outdoor recreation by providing all of the equipment. From snowshoeing and kayaking to hiking on trails, Y.E.T.I. will use the new funding to continue offering this unique program to the community.
