Youth recreation facilities get boost from King County grants

A barrier-free neighborhood playground, new baseball and softball fields, and a new high school track are among the 11 community projects that are getting a boost this year from a King County grant program.

County Executive Dow Constantine today announced 11 matching fund grants totaling nearly $500,000 from the King County Parks’ Youth Sports Facility Grant program. The funding will leverage more than $1.5 million for local parks and recreation projects through partnerships with cities, schools and local community organizations.

“These grants help keep kids off the streets and promote good health,” Constantine said. “It’s good for our communities."

Administered by the King County Department of Natural Resources and Parks, the YSFG program is funded and sustained through a one-quarter of 1 percent car rental taxes. Funds can only be used for developing and constructing facilities and not for maintenance or operations costs.

Participating community organizations must match the grant money. Awards for the Youth Sports Facility Grants for 2009 are:

King County has awarded more than $10 million in grants since the program's inception in 1993, resulting in more than 260 new or renovated youth sports facilities. 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 Youth Sports Facility Grant Program, please contact Butch Lovelace at 206-263-6267.

Related Information

Youth Sport Facility Grant program

King County Parks