Squak Valley Park Expansion

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 application is for the acquisition of a 12.5 acre parcel located on Issaquah Creek at the southern city limits of Issaquah. The purpose of the acquisition is to provide active and passive recreational opportunities for City residents. The site is suitable for two sports fields, plus appurtenant facilities, and will protect sensitive riparian and in-stream resources. The City is currently experiencing a deficit of active recreational facilities, including sports fields and tot lots, due to its increasing population. Additionally, the south part of town does not have or provide an active recreational park for its “south-end” neighborhoods. This acquisition will also protect an important reach of Issaquah Creek. The proposed acquisition will extend public ownership along the length of the creek as well as increase the size of the wildlife corridor between Squak and Tiger Mountains. This acquisition, combined with acquisitions by King County and the Washington State Dept. of Natural Resources will protect wildlife habitat in the valley and connect the large public forests which are critical for allowing continued wildlife and public land connectivity.

Quick Facts

WWRP Applicant: Issaquah Parks & Rec Dept Category: Local Parks WWRP Grant: $226,183.82 Applicant Match: $226,183.82 Project Type: Acquisition County: King Legislative District: 5 Status: Closed Completed RCO Project # 01-1093

Location Details

To reach the site, take I-90 to the Front Street Exit (Exit #17) in Issaquah, turn south on Front Street and travel on Front Street through the old-town of Issaquah, which at the south part of town becomes the Issaquah-Hobart Road. The Parkside Partners (Nystrom) parcel is located on the right at the City's southern City limits.

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.