Parks Grants
Awards Announced for
Healthy Communities and Parks Fund - Tier 1!
Please join us in congratulating the following organizations receiving 2023 Healthy Community and Parks Fund - Tier 1 awards:
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View the complete award list, including project descriptions and award amounts.
(Select the Healthy Communities Tier 1 2023 tab)
For the first HCPF – Tier 1 deadline on February 28, we received 28 applications requesting a total of $399,000 in funding. At this time, all available funding for this year’s HCPF - Tier 1 program has been awarded and no additional applications will be accepted until 2024.
Applications are still being reviewed for the following 2023 Parks grant programs:
- Aquatic Facilities
- Parks Capital and Open Space
- Open Space – River Corridors
- Healthy Communities and Parks Fund - Tier 2
Next Steps
Applicants can anticipate the following general next steps:
- March to May: Applications are reviewed and evaluated by Advisory Committees
- June to September: Award recommendations are reviewed and approved by DNRP, King County Executive, and King County Council
- September: Applicants are notified of award decisions pending the King County approval process
- October to November: Grant agreements are negotiated for awarded projects
Please contact ParksGrants@kingcounty.gov or your grant program manager with questions.
2023 Reference Materials
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The 2023 Parks Levy Grant Guidelines (PDF) (web version)
- Frequently Asked Questions about the Parks Levy grants
Join our email list to stay up to date on these and other Parks grants.
Grant Programs
Aquatic Facilities Grants
About This Grant Program
The Aquatic Facilities grant program helps communities preserve and increase public access to public pools as our region grows and existing facilities become obsolete or reach capacity. This grant program funds activities related to the renovation or expansion of existing facilities, or construction of new aquatic facilities in King County.
- $44 million in total funding 2020-2025
- $12.4 million in available funding in 2023
- Awards up to $5 million
- Biennial application (Next Request for Applications in 2025)
- City or town
- School District
- Park District
- Other public entities that own public aquatic facilities
Eligible Project Types
- Acquisition
- Feasibility Study
- Planning and Design
- Construction
Examples of Funded Projects
- Renovations to the Enumclaw Aquatic Center to improve accessibility for more community members
- Construction of a new public indoor aquatic center in North Bend designed to support a diverse range of programming for all ages and abilities in Snoqualmie Valley
- Feasibility study for a North King County aquatic center to serve the Kenmore, Lake Forest Park, and Shoreline communities
- View the full list of 2022 funded projects (Select the Aquatic Facilities tab)
Learn More
- Recorded Webinar
- Download the:
- View the Aquatics Facilities Grant Council Adopted Guidelines to learn more about the legislative guidance for this program
- Email us with questions
- Join the Parks Grants email list to receive updates
Parks Capital and Open Space Grants
Grant Purpose
The Parks Capital and Open Space grant program supports a range of projects that expand and improve recreation opportunities for the region’s growing population, including the development of active and passive recreation and trail facilities, and the acquisition of open space for future public parks.
- $25 million in total funding 2020-2025
- $9.9 million in available funding in 2023
- Awards up to $1 million
- Biennial application (Next Request for Applications in 2025)
Eligible Applicants
- City or town
- Park District
Eligible Project Types
- Acquisition
- Feasibility Study
- Planning and Design
- Construction
Examples of Funded Projects
- Enhancing amenities at Gene Coulon Memorial Beach Park in Renton, including ADA accessible waterfront picnic floats
- Building a main entrance with parking at Jenkins Creek Park in Covington, along with other improvements to increase access, safety, and environmental quality
- A design to develop a teen and senior center in Tukwila, incorporating multigenerational community engagement efforts to create recreation, gathering spaces and gardens in Tukwila
- View the full list of 2022 funded projects (Select the Parks Capital and Open Space tab)
Learn More
- Recorded Webinar
- Download the:
- View the Parks Capital and Open Space Grant Council Adopted Guidelines to learn more about the legislative guidance for this program
- Email us with questions
- Join the Parks Grants email list to receive updates
Open Space - River Corridors Grants
Grant Purpose
The Open Space – River Corridors grant program supports projects that help restore the natural functions of rivers, create or restore public access, and/or increase public awareness of river corridors as valuable natural resources. This grant program incentivizes multi-benefit projects that integrate recreation and habitat restoration with larger floodplain management efforts.
- $22 million in total funding 2020-2025
- $9.9 million in available funding in 2023
- Awards up to $1 million
- Biennial application (Next Request for Applications in 2025)
All projects must be located within King County and be associated with one or more of the following rivers: Cedar; Duwamish; Green; Raging; Sammamish; Snoqualmie; South Fork Skykomish; Tolt; White.
- City or town
- King County agency
- Port, Flood, Conservation, or Diking and
Drainage Districts - Salmon recovery forums
- Nonprofit organization
- Tribal organization
Eligible Project Types
- Acquisition
- Feasibility Study
- Planning and Design
- Construction
- Project-specific outreach and education
Examples of Funded Projects
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Planning for Gateway North Park, a new park along the Duwamish River in Georgetown that will feature upland restoration, passive recreational opportunities, and access to the river
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Acquiring a 17-acre parcel of undeveloped floodplain adjacent to Three Forks Park between North Bend and Snoqualmie
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Restoring critical riparian habitat along the Lower Green River in Auburn and connecting diverse youth to green jobs training and the engaging community with salmon recovery efforts
- View the full list of 2022 funded projects (Select the Open Space - River Corridors tab)
Learn More
- Recorded Webinar
- Download the:
- View the Open Space - River Corridors Grant Council Adopted Guidelines to learn more about the legislative guidance for this program
- Email us with questions
- Join the Parks Grants email list to receive updates
Healthy Communities and Parks Fund
Grant Purpose
The Healthy Communities & Parks Fund (HCPF), part of the Targeted Equity Grant Program, supports projects that increase access to recreation and use of parks, open spaces, and recreational facilities in underserved areas and communities. This grant program intends to reduce health disparities in various underserved communities and invest in their capacities to meet the unique needs of their residents.
- $10 million in total funding 2020-2025
- $1.4 million in available funding in 2023
- Awards up to $250,000
- Annual application (Next Request for Applications in 2024)
- Awards up to $15,000
- Applications are accepted on a rolling basis,
based on available funding - Priority deadlines: February 28, April 30, July 31
HCPF Tier 2
- Awards between $15,000 and $250,000
- Applications due on March 15, 2023
Eligible Applicants
- City or Town
- King County Agency
- Nonprofit organization
- Tribal organization
- Fiscally-sponsored organization
Eligible Project Types
- Acquisition
- Feasibility Study
- Planning and Design
- Construction
- Programs
- Community Capacity Building
Examples of Funded Projects
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Improving access to Rainier Beach Urban Farm and Wetlands by extending open hours, installing ADA trails, adding site amenities that include signage and expanded u-pick gardens, and enhancing site stewardship
- Renovating and improving the popular areas bordering the playfields of Garfield Park with historic and culturally relevant public art installations, site furnishings, a loop path, ADA ramps, inclusive play equipment, safety upgrades, and a new restroom facility
- Connecting the Latino/Latina/Latinx immigrant community in South King County with culturally relevant, multilingual parks, recreation, and outdoor opportunities through youth soccer programs, summer camps, and parent advocacy
- View the full list of 2022 funded projects (Select the Healthy Communities and Parks Fund tab)
Learn More
- Recorded Webinar
- Download the:
- 2023 Parks Levy Grants Guidelines
- Healthy Communities and Parks Fund summary
- Healthy Communities and Parks Fund Tier 1 full application preview
- Healthy Communities and Parks Fund Tier 1 evaluation criteria
- Healthy Communities and Parks Fund Tier 2 full application preview
- Healthy Communities and Parks Fund Tier 2 evaluation criteria
- View the Healthy Communities and Parks Fund (Targeted Equity) Council Adopted Guidelines to learn more about the legislative guidance for this program
- Email us with questions
- Join the Parks Grants email list to receive updates
About Parks Grants
The voter-approved 2020-2025 Parks, Recreation, Trails and Open Space Levy allocates approximately $110 million over six years for grants for parks, recreation, and open space throughout King County through four program areas.
These levy grant programs are supported by Advisory Committees that provide policy guidance and award recommendations to King County Parks. Click here to see current committee rosters. If you’re interested in serving on an advisory committee in the future, please submit an interest form.
ParksGrants@kingcounty.gov
(206) 848-0699