On July 27, King County announced the recipients of the 2020 Youth and Amateur Sports Grants program, who will share in $600,000 of funding.

And the city of Auburn is among them.

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.

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 local communities.

“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.

· 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 by 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.