King County announces $600,000 in grants for youth sports infrastructure and physical activity programs

July 27, 2020

Summary

From a bike park to baseball to being outdoors, the 2020 Youth and Amateur Sports Grants support projects throughout King County that promote physical activity among priority youth and improve our local communities.

Story

Today King County announced the recipients of the 2020 Youth and Amateur Sports Grants program, who will share in $600,000 of funding. The awards, which range from $15,000 to $125,000, support programs and capital projects that ensure priority youth in King County have access to opportunities for physical activity and sports through programs, facilities, and parks.

“With people relying upon their local parks and public lands more than ever for exercise, recreation, and mental health, the work of these agencies and organizations is critical,” said Warren Jimenez, King County Parks Director. “I am proud that King County can support these efforts to help youth access opportunities for physical activity and well-being during these challenging times.”

King County Parks administers the Youth and Amateur Sports Grants program and offers new grants each year. The next round of grants is expected to open January 2021.

This year’s grant recipients include: 

• Baseball Beyond Borders, for youth baseball programs focused on recruiting low income youth of color;
• City of Auburn Parks and Recreation, to develop a bike skills park and pump track; and
• Communities in Schools of Renton/Skyway, for a scholarship program for a variety of free sports programs 

The full list of grant awardees can be found on the King County Youth and Amateur Sports Grants website.

The program is funded and sustained through a 1 percent car-rental tax authorized by the Legislature in 1993. Funds can only be used for programs or capital projects that increase access to health-enhancing physical activities.

RELEVANT LINKS
• King County Youth and Amateur Sports Grants 

QUOTES

“With people relying upon their local parks and public lands more than ever for exercise, recreation, and mental health, the work of these agencies and organizations is critical. I am proud that King County can support these efforts to help youth access opportunities for physical activity and well-being during these challenging times.”
- Warren Jimenez, King County Parks Director

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:
Logan Harris, King County Department of Natural Resources and Parks, 206-477-4516

About King County Parks
King County Parks - Your Big Backyard - offers more than 200 parks and 28,000 acres of open space, including such regional treasures as Marymoor Park and Cougar Mountain Regional Wildland Park, 175 miles of regional trails, 215 miles of backcountry trails and a world-class aquatic center. By cultivating strong relationships with non-profit, corporate and community partners, King County Parks enhances park amenities while reducing costs.