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
The Town of Twisp is seeking to use WWRP funding to acquire a 145.9-acre parcel of land known as Mill Hill, immediately adjacent to the east side of town. Mill Hill is a critical landmark in Twisp and a geographical focal point in the Methow Valley, rising directly above a major bend in the Methow River and the confluence of the Twisp and Methow Rivers. The only large tract of open space with direct pedestrian access from town, it provides spectacular views of the Methow Valley and the North Cascade crest. For decades, the owners of Mill Hill allowed public access for low-impact hiking and bike riding, but in 2023 they decided to sell the property. With public access at risk, in September 2023 the Methow Conservancy Land Trust, in consultation with the Twisp Town Council, purchased the property with the intent of transferring ownership to the Town of Twisp as soon as funding could be obtained to facilitate such a transfer. Using WWRP funding, Twisp intends to purchase the property from the Conservancy. Following acquisition, the Town will work with the Conservancy to develop a management plan for the property, repair cattle exclusion fencing, repair and improve trails, and better define permanent non-motorized access to the site. Non-motorized recreational access will be managed in a manner that protects the public interest in the land, providing relatively natural state, views from town, and shrub steppe and wildlife habitat.