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 is the development of Kennewick’s Youth Skate Park. Kennewick youth and parents formed a committee in September 1995 to plan, design and raise funds for the construction of a skate park. The goal is to provide alternative athletic recreational opportunities for youth/young adults in a positive environment. There are many skateboard and roller-blade enthusiasts in Kennewick. This facility will provide a place where they can socialize, learn new skating techniques, and display skills without becoming a nuisance or liability to property owners. The skaters, which include a number of “At-Risk-Youth,” are mostly impressionable youth who are not interested in traditional organized sports. Kennewick’s goal is to provide positive recreational opportunities so these youth will have a network of peers, interested adults and coaches to help them make good “life choice” decisions. The approved skate park site is in a highly used area with lots of adult and police supervision. This area has access to restrooms and concessions and is near a transit transfer point. There are also established trees for shade which should enhance the recreational experience.