Lake Forest Park accepts $500,000 King County reimbursement agreement for Lakefront Park development

City staff introduced a resolution authorizing the mayor to sign a grant agreement with King County to reimburse the city up to $500,000 for development and construction work at the Lakefront Park property.

Corey Roche, city staff working on the Lakefront Park project, told the council the funding is from the King County Office of Performance, Strategy and Budget and is a reimbursement grant earmarked for development and construction expenses. "They kept it very broad for us, so we could use it in many ways, and it's just the start of funding coming in," Roche said.

Council members asked staff about the project schedule and the grant timing. Councilmember Leiva asked whether the grant period (noted in staff materials as covering anticipated construction in 2026–27) could be extended if work timelines shift; Roche said that in her experience granting agencies typically accommodate reasonable schedule adjustments if the city continues to make progress, and staff expressed confidence the city can obligate the funds before 2027.

Deputy Mayor Fortuny and other council members acknowledged King County Councilmember Rod Dembowski’s advocacy for the project, and staff thanked county partners for support. Roche also reported strong community interest at a recent public open house for the Lakefront Park design, which staff said drew more than 50 attendees.

The item was introduced to council as a resolution for referral; no final council vote adopting the grant agreement occurred at the meeting. Staff indicated they will return with the signed agreement and next steps for construction planning and spending authorization.