press release:
Matching fund grants totaling $685,185 that will help build new sports complexes, playgrounds, an equestrian center and a rowing facility were announced today by King County Executive Dow Constantine.

"Through these grants we can support the kind of activities that promote good health, build self-esteem, and teach teamwork," said Executive Constantine.

King County Parks' Youth Sports Facilities Grant (YSFG) program will leverage nearly $1.5 million for local parks and recreation projects through partnerships with cities, schools and local community organizations.

The grants, as large as $75,000, are administered by the King County Department of Natural Resources and Parks. The YSFG program is funded and sustained through a one-quarter of 1 percent car rental taxes, and funds can only be used for developing and constructing facilities, and not for maintenance or operations costs.

Participating community organizations must match the grant money.

"By partnering with these worthy organizations, we are able to accomplish more than any of us could do alone," said the Executive.

Awards for the Youth Sports Facilities Grant Program for the year 2012 are:

Applicant Project---------------------------------- Award
Evergreen Community Aquatic Center ECAC Green Initiative $70,521
Highline Public Schools Moshier Park Field $20,000
Issaquah School District Dodd Ballfields $75,000
Kent Parks & Recreation West Fenwick Multi-Use Field $28,000
Little Bit Therapeutic Riding Center Outdoor Arena and Round Pen $75,000
Sammamish Rowing Association Marymoor Boathouse $50,000
Seattle Parks & Recreation Jefferson Park Ultimate Striping $16,000
Seattle Parks & Recreation Camp Long Challenge Course $50,000
Seattle School District Salmon Bay Playground $60,000
Si View Metropolitan Park District Si View Park Fields $65,000
Snoqualmie Parks & Recreation Carmichael Park Field $70,644
Snoqualmie Valley School District Fall City Elementary Playground $45,000
Starfire Sports Starfire Sports Indoor Fields $60,000

King County has awarded more than $11 million in grants since the program's inception 1993 inception, resulting in nearly 300 new or renovated youth sports facilities.

Suburban cities and school districts are encouraged to partner with youth sports leagues and community organizations to apply for grants. Grant funds can be used for a variety of projects, including construction or rehabilitation of ball fields, playgrounds and sport courts, among others.

For more information on the Youth Sports Facilities Grant Program, please contact Butch Lovelace at 206-263-6267.