Reporter staff
Auburn Parks, Arts and Recreation, the Auburn School District and the Washington Youth Soccer Foundation were among the recipients of King County Youth and Amateur Sports Grants, King County Executive Dow Constantine announced Thursday.
Program grants totalled $3.6 million. The grants increase opportunities and access for young people to engage in healthy physical activity through new or improved facilities or programs, especially those serving under-resourced communities.
“From new sports fields in North Bend to a mountain biking program in Auburn, these grants will not only support traditional sports, but will open opportunities and improve access for youth wanting to enjoy more active lifestyles,” said King County Parks Director Kevin Brown.
The city’s mountain bike program received a $40,000 grant. Parks, Arts and Rec also received $175,000 for field lighting at Game Farm Park.
Washington Elementary School received $37,000 for its playground project. And the Washington Youth Soccer Foundation’s Auburn Mini-Pitches program earned a $100,000 grant.
The Youth and Amateur Sports Grants program evaluates programs and projects based on community need, with an emphasis on projects in underserved areas with low- to moderate-income families and higher health disparities.
“These grants support healthier communities by providing more places and more pathways for kids to play and be active,” said King County Council Chair Joe McDermott. “This is especially important in neighborhoods that have been historically under-resourced, so there is a focus on addressing disparities to access and facilities.”
The grants, which range from $6,750 to $250,000, are administered by the King County Department of Natural Resources and Parks, Parks and Recreation Division.
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.
Formerly called the Youth Sports Facilities Grants, King County has awarded roughly $15 million in grants since the program’s inception in 1993, creating nearly 350 new or renovated youth sports facilities throughout the county.
Learn more at kingcounty.gov.
