“Whether it’s building a ballfield in Auburn, or a mountain-bike park in Skykomish, these grants can make the difference in creating places where kids can play in their own neighborhood,” said Executive Constantine. “The geographic diversity of these grants helps ensure equity and opportunity for all in King County.”

The Youth Sports Facilities Grant program evaluates projects based on community need, with an emphasis on projects in underserved areas with low- to moderate-income families. The program will leverage an additional $2.6 million for local parks and recreation projects through agreements with cities, schools and local community groups.

The grants, some as large as $75,000, must be matched by local community organizations, and are administered by the King County Department of Natural Resources and Parks.

The program is funded and sustained through a one-fourth of 1 percent car-rental tax authorized by the Legislature in 1993. Funds can only be used for developing and constructing facilities, not for costs of maintenance or operations.

King County has awarded $14 million in grants since the program’s inception, creating more than 340 new or renovated youth sports facilities throughout the county.

This program awards for 2016 are:

• Auburn Parks – Brannan Park Freegame Court – $75,000
• Auburn School District – Lea Hill Elementary Playground – $35,347
• Bothell Parks – Doug Allen Sports Field Renovation – $13,250
• Cascade Bicycle Club – Lakewood Park Traffic Garden – $75,000
• Covington Parks – Gerry Crick Skate Park- $30,000
• Des Moines Parks – Parkside Park Sports Court/ Fitness Equipment – $25,000
• Issaquah Parks – Tibbetts Valley Park Skate Park – $75,000
• Seattle Parks – Lake City Skate Park – $75,000
• Seattle Public Schools – Viewlands Playground Improvement – $75,000
• Seattle Public Schools – Broadview Playground Improvement – $74,283
• Skykomish – Skykomish Pump Track and Park – $75,000
• Skyway Solutions – Skyway Park Ballfield – $75,000
• Vashon Island School District – Vashon High School Indoor Batting Cage – $75,000
• Vashon Rowing Club – Row House – $60,000

Suburban cities and school districts are encouraged to partner with youth sports leagues and community organizations to apply for grants. Grant funds can be used for a variety of projects, including construction or rehabilitation of ball fields, playgrounds and sport courts, among others.

For more information on the program, please contact Butch Lovelace at 206-477-4577, or butch.lovelace@kingcounty.gov.