King County accepting applications for Youth Sports Facility Grants through June 23

With the goal creating new and better places for kids to play, King County Parks and Recreation has begun a new application cycle for Youth Sports Facility Grants (YSFG).

The YSFG program provides matching grant funds from $5,000 to $75,000 to community and youth organizations that partner with a public agency, such as a school district or city parks department, to develop or renovate sports facilities.

The program has awarded more than $7 million in grants and contributed to nearly 200 new or renovated athletic facilities since 1993.

To qualify for a grant, applicants must meet a one-to-two matching funds requirement. Interested groups must file a “letter of intent” by April 28, and grant applications must be submitted by June 23.

“The YSFG program is a model for capital planning and development through partnerships, which is a major component of the King County Parks Division's business plan,” said Division Director Kevin Brown.

Past grants have been awarded for athletic fields, skate parks, playgrounds, sport courts, and rowing facilities, among others.

“We encourage King County residents to talk to their local recreation provider if there is public land that’s available to develop for youth recreational activities, or if there are existing recreational facilities that need to be renovated,” Brown said.

The YSFG program is funded and sustained through a one quarter of 1 percent of car rental taxes. Organizations must match the grant money, and grant funds can’t be used to cover maintenance and operations costs.

To download an application or a letter of intent form, visit butch.lovelace@kingcounty.gov. For more information, contact Butch Lovelace, program manager, 206-263-6267, or at butch.lovelace@kingcounty.gov.