OLYMPIA, Wash.-Parks in 25 counties across the state, including Benton, Franklin, Yakima and Walla Walla, will get upgrades and repairs thanks to one-time funding for backlogged parks maintenance and equipment projects.
The Washington State Legislature created the Local Park Maintenance Grant program this past year to address maintenance backlogs in local parks.
The Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office (RCO) announced the award of $4.7 million to be split between 53 projects on Nov. 27.
Grants were awarded for a range of projects, including repairs to picnic shelters, tennis courts, pools and the replacement of lawnmowers, according to an RCO press release.
“We are seeing an overwhelming demand for this type of funding,” said Megan Duffy, RCO director. “During the pandemic and continuing today, more people are visiting parks, which can strain staff and facilities, especially in smaller communities.”
A full breakdown of parks receiving grants is available through Parks and Recreation.
Local counties awarded grants for parks:
Benton:
Benton City: $100,000 to maintain the tennis courts in Archie Borden Park.Port of Kennewick: $82,375 to repair the boardwalk and street signs.Prosser: $100,000 to buy a lawnmower to maintain the city’s 27-acres of parkland.
Franklin:
City of Pasco: $100,000 to to resurface basketball courts in Richardson, Highland, Kurtzman, and Sunny Meadows Parks.
Yakima:
Grandview: $100,000 to restore the Dykstra Park restroom.Sunnyside: $89,500 to paint the Central Park Pool House and maintain trees.Toppenish: $100,000 to repair the public pool.Union Gap: $100,000 to resurface and repaint two basketball and three tennis courts and restore picnic tables
