Category Overview
Local Parks grants help protect these symbols of vibrant communities, providing places for families to gather and play and promoting a healthy and active lifestyle in an era when people spend increasing amounts of their time inside. The WWRP is the largest source of local parks funding in Washington, helping communities fund the acquisition, development, and renovation of vital recreation areas and green spaces.
Project Highlights
Thanks to these grant funds, the City of Othello has transformed Lions Park into a vibrant outdoor recreational haven. This new area spans nearly one acre, replacing an outdated and unsafe playground from the 1950s with a modern, ADA-compliant playground that prioritizes safety and enjoyment. The newly redesigned playground features a wide array of play structures designed for inclusivity, creativity, and exploration. Children can delight in swings that sway gently in the breeze, engage in thrilling rope and rock climbing activities, zoom down exciting slides, and enjoy whimsical rocking and riding toys, or create music with the playground’s musical features. A focal point of the playground is its imaginative train-themed structures, which include playful small and large train setups, each equipped with various interactive amenities that spark joy and inspire adventure. Informative signs accompany the play structures, indicating the recommended ages for each type of play feature. Enhancing the playful atmosphere, the poured-in-place rubber surfacing features a captivating mural that brings the playground to life. Children can follow colorful depictions of train tracks, winding roads, meandering streams, and patches of grass and dirt, all adorned with charming illustrations of turtles and fish that invite exploration and storytelling. A welcoming circular path encircles the playground, inviting families to stroll and play at their leisure. This path is lined with carefully selected trees and lush ground cover, providing a refreshing shade canopy that adds comfort during the hot summer months in Othello. This state-of-the-art playground is not just a recreational facility; it embodies our commitment to fostering an inclusive environment where free, safe, and accessible outdoor activities are available to enhance the well-being of the entire community.