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 (2023 and 2025)

Eligible Project Types 

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 in the Aquatic Facilities grant program 

Learn More

• Webinar: Aquatic Facilities on Wednesday, February 1 (11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.) 
• Download the:
  • 2023 Parks Levy Grants Guidelines
  • Aquatic Facilities grant summary
  • Aquatic Facilities full application preview 
  • Aquatic Facilities evaluation criteria
• Email us with questions
• Join the Parks Grants email list to receive updates
• View the Aquatics Facilities Grant Council Adopted Guidelines to learn more about the legislative guidance for this program

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 (2023 and 2025)

 Eligible Applicants 

Eligible Project Types 

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 in the Parks Capital and Open Space grant program

Learn More

• Webinar: Parks Capital and Open Space on Tuesday, January 31 (11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m)
• Download the:
  • 2023 Parks Levy Grants Guidelines
  • Parks Capital and Open Space grant summary
  • Parks Capital and Open Space full application preview
  • Parks Capital and Open Space evaluation criteria
• Email us with questions
• Join the Parks Grants email list to receive updates
• View the Parks Capital and Open Space Grant Council Adopted Guidelines to learn more about the legislative guidance for this program

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 (2023 and 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.

Eligible Applicants 

Eligible Project Types 

Examples of Funded Projects

• 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

• Acquiring a 17-acre parcel of undeveloped floodplain adjacent to Three Forks Park between North Bend and Snoqualmie

• 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 in the Open Space - River Corridors grant program

Learn More

• Webinar: Open Space - River Corridors webinar on Thursday, February 2 (11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.)
• Download the:
  • 2023 Parks Levy Grants Guidelines
  • Open Space - River Corridors grant summary
  • Open Space - River Corridors full application preview
  • Open Space - River Corridors evaluation criteria
• Email us with questions
• Join the Parks Grants email list to receive updates
• View the Open Space - River Corridors Grant Council Adopted Guidelines to learn more about the legislative guidance for this program

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 (2023, 2024, 2025)

HCPF Tier 1

• 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 are due on March 15, 2023

Eligible Applicants 

• City or Town
• King County Agency
• Nonprofit organization
• Tribal organization
• Fiscally-sponsored organization

Eligible Project Types 

Examples of Funded Projects

• 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 in the Healthy Communities and Parks Fund grant program

Learn More

• Webinar: Healthy Communities and Parks Fund on Friday, February 3 (11:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.)
• 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
• Email us with questions
• Join the Parks Grants email list to receive updates
• View the Healthy Communities and Parks Fund (Targeted Equity) Council Adopted Guidelines to learn more about the legislative guidance for this program