American Lake Park Waterfront Access Upgrades

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 City of Lakewood will use this grant to improve the 5.5-acre American Lake Park. The city will build a boat launch, install a small shelter, replace a deteriorated stone retaining wall and bulkhead, and add a restroom and entry plaza. In addition, the City will build a universally accessible walkway to the beach and boat launch as well as pathways to get people from parking areas to the rest of the park. The goal of the project is to improve access to the lake and to the park itself. Located on the north side of the 1,200-acre American Lake and in an extremely low-income neighborhood, the park is the only community park in the area and the only park that provides a public boat launch and free waterfront access. Lakewood will contribute $884,920 in cash and a grant from RCO’s Aquatic Lands Enhancement Account.

Quick Facts

WWRP Applicant: Lakewood City of Category: Local Parks WWRP Grant: $500,000.00 Applicant Match: $884,920.00 Project Type: Development County: Pierce Legislative District: 28 Status: Active RCO Project # 20-1349

Location Details

From I-5 take the Gravelly Lake Dr. SW exit and head west. Proceed approximately 3/4 mile to Veterans Dr. SW. Turn left and proceed approximately 1 mile. The park is located to the left with parking located off Vernon Ave.

What is the WWRP

The Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program (WWRP) is a state grant program that creates and conserves local and state parks, wildlife habitat and working farms. The Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office administers WWRP grants, and the legislature funds the program.