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
Seattle Parks and Recreation will use this grant to renovate Hutchinson Park in Southeast Seattle. The overall goal of the Hutchinson Park renovation is to transform the park into a safe, accessible, and versatile recreational space that meets the diverse needs of the Rainier Beach community. The project aims to increase community use, promoting social engagement and physical activity in a welcoming environment for individuals of all ages and abilities. By addressing existing deficiencies and responding to community input, the new play areas and site furnishings will foster a stronger, more connected community. The Friends of Hutchinson Playground (FoH) have long advocated for renovations, forming a dedicated group after a shooting in 2020. Through joint outreach efforts by FoH and SPR, the outdoor recreation opportunities that will result from this renovation are comprehensive, creating multi-use recreation and neighborhood sports complex (sports facilities not in scope of this grant) that includes: Accessibility/Walking: Loop trail, entrance, and routes Play: New playgrounds, theater elements, and nature exploration areas Gathering areas: picnic areas and shelters Security Lighting: lighting in recreation areas (north end) These enhancements ensure year-round accessibility, playability, and activation, providing a diverse range of recreational activities for the local community, and reducing crime in and around the park.