Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Rco Grant Applications topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Seattle Parks outlines $24 million slate of state grant applications for playfields, pools and trails
Summary
Seattle Parks briefed the committee Feb. 12 on plans to apply for about $24 million in RCO and federal grant funds for seven projects, including Judkins inclusive playground, Green Lake pool reconstruction and Stan Sayers boat launch; no vote was taken.
Seattle Parks on Feb. 12 briefed the Parks, Public Utilities and Technology Committee on a proposed slate of Recreation and Conservation Office (RCO) and National Park Service grant applications that together seek roughly $24 million to advance seven capital projects across the city.
The department framed the applications as opportunistic — selected when projects are at an appropriate phase and match available grant categories — and as a way to leverage state and federal dollars to broaden the city’s capital-improvement program. Michelle Finnegan, deputy superintendent for policy and finance, told the committee, “This legislation is required by RCO as a condition to be eligible to apply for grant funding.”
Projects on the slate include: improvements at Bill Wright Golf Complex in partnership with First Tee (safety netting, lighting and course modifications); Discovery Park South Beach trail rehabilitation; Stan Sayers Memorial Boat Launch replacements and accessibility improvements (including removal of creosote timbers); expanded scope at Dr. Jose Rizal Park (restroom and playground upgrades); a universally inclusive playground and spray park at Judkins Park (seeking $3.25 million in RCO funds and a $7 million total fundraising target); Green Lake Community Center pool reconstruction (reduced project budget currently estimated at $59 million; Parks is seeking grant support to avoid phasing); and continued funding options for the Northwest Native Canoe Center in South Lake Union.
Moshe Hecht, grants manager, summarized last year’s applications and results: Lake City Floodplain Park scored highly and was recommended for funding; Smith Cove Playfield was not recommended in the previous round, but Parks said the project remains on track for bidding this year. Hecht noted that many RCO categories are competitive — some panels award roughly one in three applicants — and that final awards remain contingent on the state legislature approving the funds.
Staff explained program rules: many RCO awards require a 1:1 local match and typical awards range from $350,000 to $2,000,000; the Outdoor Recreation Legacy Partnership (ORLAP) program administered with the National Park Service can fund projects up to $15,000,000. Parks said the recommended slate requests about $24 million across the seven projects, and that timelines aim for design milestones and, where possible, contract awards by 2026 for federally funded items.
Committee members asked about siting and equity criteria and about coordination with city planning and capital schedules. Parks staff said selections are informed by asset inventory, community engagement, timing, and alignment with the state’s outdoor recreation priorities (SCORP). No committee vote was required; the briefing was informational and will return as required if grant awards are offered and accepted.
