Ocean Shores board readies RCO grant submissions and forms ad hoc playground committee

Ocean Shores Parks Board members said the state Recreation and Conservation Office (RCO) grant process opened at the start of the meeting and agreed to accelerate playground selection so grant materials can be completed on schedule.

Speakers said the grant application window opens now, with an initial submission period that closes in April (noted in discussion as April 30). The board expects to receive feedback on a presentation and return a final submission by July 15; a final evaluation was described as scheduled for August. Members repeatedly urged selecting playground equipment promptly because the grant review and presentation schedule is compressed.

Parks staff and volunteers are gathering mockups and color options for equipment that will serve two age groups (2–5 and 5–12). Board members discussed giving the community a choice in the past but said the shorter timeline likely requires an ad hoc committee of two to three members to narrow options and coordinate with the library and schools. Members volunteered to serve on the ad hoc committee and to coordinate a short additional meeting or Zoom call to finalize selections.

The board asked staff to prepare cost estimates and said council could approve a request at a March meeting if needed; they noted an ordinance can be approved on first reading if the second reading is waived. Members emphasized the need for a quick turnaround to meet the grant schedule.