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
Key Pen Parks used this grant to strategically acquire the Anderson property (Gateway Park), which is almost 40 acres, on the north end of the Key Peninsula along State Route 302. The majority of the property is fairly level, with areas of rolling hills and Little Minter Creek meandering through it. The property abuts Key Pen Parks’ 360 Trails and creates easy access to almost 400 acres. By acquiring this property, Key Pen Parks is now closer to meeting the comprehensive plan needs for property acquisitions, park facilities and open space within our service area. The northern area of the Key Peninsula is significantly underserved by park facilities and preserved open space, with the surrounding area being the most densely populated area of the Key Peninsula. The Gateway Park acquisition will create a new access point for 360 Trails, promoting user safety by providing much needed primary access as well as relocating the access from a challenging location. The trail head for the 360 Trails will be located on the Gateway Park, providing parking (including for horse trailers) and rest rooms for hikers, bikers and riders. In addition, the site could feature picnic areas, community garden, playground, multipurpose fields, and serve this region’s recreational needs at a single location. The existing structures on site have been retained to allow for park operations.