SPOKANE, Wash. — The Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office (RCO) announced on Tuesday that 29 grants to build or improve outdoor recreation facilities in communities with too few or dilapidated parks were awarded to several counties including Spokane.
“We know that spending time outside provides so many mental and physical health benefits,” said Megan Duffy, RCO’s director. “These grants will infuse much-needed funding into communities that have too few recreational opportunities so more people can enjoy the benefits.”
Grants were awarded to projects in the counties below.
- Adams County: $1,100,000
- Clallam County: $1,200,000
- Ferry County: $1,200,000
- Jefferson County: $767,263
- King County: $10,150,000
- Klickitat County: $932,838
- Pacific County: $335,000
- Pierce County: $8,238,399
- Snohomish County: $4,500,000
- Spokane County: $5,343,323
- Thurston County: $589,761
- Whatcom County: $2,013,445
- Whitman County: $445,000
In Spokane, the money will be divided between four projects:
- Improving the Beacon Hill Recreation Area: awarded $1,060,000
- Repairing the Riverfront Park's South Suspension Bridge: awarded $1,400,000
- Renovating the Bear Lake Regional Park: awarded $1,383,323
- Continuing development of the Greenacres Community Park: awarded $1,500,000
RCO says the grants come from the Community Outdoor Athletic Facilities Program, which seeks to create athletic experiences in communities that lack recreational opportunities, have underserved populations or have limited financial capacity, the Land and Water Conservation Fund and the Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership Program.
The Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership Program provides grants to help larger cities create or reinvigorate outdoor recreation spaces in park-deprived areas.
“We’re very excited to see so many of these grants go to communities in need,” Duffy said. "The positive impacts of great outdoor spaces in communities can’t be overstated. They create community gathering places, contribute to mental and physical health, and can provide a boost to local businesses.”
