Jim Ellis Memorial Park – Preston Athletic Fields

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

This project will acquire 12.7 acres in unincorporated Preston just off of Interstate 90 in the Mountain to Sound Greenway. This acquisition would be an expansion project of an existing three-acre site owned by King County park system and would allow for future development of a community park, including athletic fields, basketball, play area, picnic area, and access to a regional trail. The area of Preston is severely under served for active recreational opportunities. There are no local parks within its service area to meet these needs. The park will serve a local need by providing a Community Park as well as meet local regional needs for athletic fields. The athletic fields will serve the Snoqualmie Valley Little League and Youth Soccer Assoctiation. These leagues have seen a 50% increase over the last four years. Leagues have had to limit practices and number of games because there is a shortage of fields. The project has been through extensive public review and is tremendously supported. In 1997, the King County Council unanimously adopted the Preston Vision which includes the acquisition of this land for a community park. The Preston Vision is endorsed by the Mountains to Sound Greenway, Issaquah Alps Trails Club and the Preston Community Club.

Quick Facts

WWRP Applicant: King County Parks & Rec Category: Local Parks WWRP Grant: $404,276.63 Applicant Match: $1,699,578.97 Project Type: Acquisition County: King Legislative District: 5 Status: Closed Completed RCO Project # 99-1034

Location Details

From Seattle, drive east on I-90; take Preston-Fall City Road exit; turn left. About 1/2 mile on Preston-Fall City Road, the property is to the left across from the Preston store.

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.