Category Overview
Washington is famous for its gorgeous and abundant waterways, from the Salish Sea to the Nisqually River, but many communities lack open public beaches and waterfronts where everyone can enjoy picnicking, swimming, paddling, boating, and angling. Water Access projects fund public shoreline access, boat launches, and fishing docks to create more opportunities for water recreation.
Project Highlights
The City of Kenmore will use this grant to replace a dilapidated float and improve access for people with disabilities in Squire’s Landing Park. The float is on the Sammamish River, a half-mile upstream of Lake Washington, and is used by people using hand-carry boats such as kayaks, canoes, and stand-up paddle boards. A functioning float will increase opportunities for much-needed access to prime paddling opportunities in a densely-populated area with few water access points. This site is ideally-suited for young and inexperienced paddlers. It is a quarter-mile walk from more than 200 apartment and condominium homes and has easy bus access. This project will support a growing kayak and paddling program whose participants include paralympic athletes that compete at the world level. Kenmore will contribute $83,000.