King County announces grants for youth recreation facilities

King County Executive Ron Sims today announced 17 matching fund grants totaling nearly $800,000 that will give youth sports and recreation facilities a much-needed boost in the region.

King County Parks' Youth Sports Facility Grant program will leverage nearly $4 million for local parks and recreation projects through partnerships with cities, schools, and local community organizations.
The grants, as large as $75,000, will help build new sports complexes, playgrounds and other facilities including a BMX bike track, running track, swimming pool, and tennis courts throughout King County.

"These activities are vitally important to keeping kids off the streets, building self-esteem, teaching teamwork and promoting good health," Sims said. "By leveraging these grant funds that come from car rentals in King County we are able to continue improving recreation opportunities for our kids."

Administered by the King County Department of Natural Resources and Parks, the YSFG program is funded and sustained through a one-quarter of 1 percent car rental taxes. Funds can only be used for developing and constructing facilities and not for maintenance or operations costs.
Participating community organizations must match the grant money.

"By partnering with these worthy organizations, we are able to do more than any of us could do alone," Sims said.

King County has awarded more than $8 million in grants since the program's 1993 inception, resulting in over 220 projects and new or renovated youth sports facilities. Suburban cities and school districts are encouraged to partner with youth sports leagues and community organizations to apply for grants. Grant funds can be used for a variety of projects, including construction or rehabilitation of ball fields, playgrounds and sport courts, among others.

For more information on the Youth Sports Facility Grant Program, please contact Butch Lovelace at 206-263-6267.