King County Parks distributes $5M to 63 outdoor recreation projects

(The Center Square) – King County Parks is distributing $5 million in grant funding to 63 projects throughout the region to boost outdoor recreation and wellness programs.

Highlighted projects include summer backpacking trips for underserved youth, a new synthetic baseball field in Seattle’s Central District, improvements to aquatic centers in Des Moines and White Center, and after-school sports and wellness programs in South King County cities.

Out of the $5 million package, $3.5 million comes from Youth and Amateur Sports Grants, and the remaining $1.5 million comes from the Healthy Communities and Parks Fund, which gets some of its money from the King County Parks Levy.

The parks levy is expected to generate an estimated $810 million over six years. The county's median homeowner pays approximately $148 per year, based off of the 18 cents per $1,000 in assessed value tax rate.

“With support from King County Parks, more young people will have the opportunity to explore the outdoors, play team sports, swim with friends, and stay connected after school,” King County Executive Dow Constantine said in a news release . “These 63 projects, led by cities, nonprofits, and park districts, will foster healthier kids, families, and communities."

The new synthetic baseball field in Seattle’s Central District is receiving the highest allocation of grant funding: $500,000. Improvements to the aquatic centers in Des Moines and White Center are receiving a combined $328,000.

The After-School All-Stars program will receive $202,096 to offer free sports and wellness programs to middle school students in the Cities of Kent, Tukwila and Federal Way.

Grant recipients for the $5 million include cities, school districts, park districts, and community-based organizations.

“Being outside and active has all sorts of positive benefits for our health, happiness, and community cohesion, and these grants are a powerful step towards greater equity in King County’s beautiful outdoor spaces,” King County Councilmember Teresa Mosqueda said.