Summer is park season – and we’ve been making the most of it.
Over the past few weeks, we celebrated a grand reopening, toured two incredible WWRP-funded parks, and spent time with the legislators and local partners whose support helps bring these projects to life. From Camas to Kent to Bremerton, one thing was clear: investments in outdoor recreation are paying off in a big way.
Making a Splash in Camas
What better way to kick off a summer road trip than with a ribbon cutting – and a splash pad?
The City of Camas officially celebrated the grand re-opening of Crown Park, and the community was ready to celebrate. Families poured into the park to enjoy the brand-new interactive splash pad, inclusive playground, shaded gathering spaces, accessible pathways, and all the other improvements that have transformed this beloved neighborhood park.
Made possible in part by a $500,000 WWRP Local Parks grant, the project has given Crown Park a fresh new chapter as a place where everyone can play, cool off, and spend time together.
The celebration featured a Cowlitz Tribe land acknowledgement and blessing, remarks from local and state leaders, a community festival, relay races, food vendors, lawn games, and even a concert in the park – a fitting celebration for a project that’s already becoming a community favorite.
A huge thank you to the City of Camas Parks & Recreation Department for hosting such a fantastic event, and to everyone who helped make the day special, including WA State Representative David Stuebe, Mayor Steve Hogan, the Recreation & Conservation Office, Senator Cantwell’s Office, and the many community partners who helped bring Crown Park to life.
Springwood Park Shines in Kent
Our next stop took us to Kent, where Representative Chris Stearns (Legislative District 47) joined us for a tour of the newly completed Springwood Park.
Representative Stearns has been a tremendous supporter of the Washington Wildlife & Recreation Program, and we’re incredibly grateful for his continued commitment to investing in parks and outdoor recreation across Washington. Having the opportunity to walk the park together and see these investments in action is exactly what these tours are all about.
Thanks to a $500,000 WWRP Local Parks grant, the City of Kent transformed the 10-acre neighborhood park into a vibrant community gathering space with an expanded playground, walking paths, sports court, picnic areas, community gathering spaces, open lawns, and plenty of opportunities for active play.
Our sincere thanks to the City of Kent for hosting us and sharing the story behind this outstanding project.
We were also joined by Megan Duffy, Director of the Recreation and Conservation Office, Doug Nelson of Northwest Playground Equipment, and Michele Hunt, WWRC Board Member and Washington REALTORS Board Director. Thank you all for helping celebrate another successful WWRP investment!
A Look at Bremerton’s Beautiful Manette Park
Our final stop brought us to Manette Park in Bremerton with Representative Greg Nance (Legislative District 23).
Like Representative Stearns, Representative Nance has been a strong advocate for the WWRP, and we’re thankful for his continued support of investments that strengthen communities across Washington.
Hosted by the City of Bremerton (special thanks to Parks & Recreation Director Tim Barker!- the tour highlighted how WWRP funding continues to make an impact years after construction is complete.
Supported by a $500,000 WWRP Local Parks grant and a $250,000 Youth Athletic Facilities grant, Manette Park now features a renovated playground, upgraded sports court, accessible walking paths, improved lighting, a new picnic shelter, ADA parking, landscaping, and more. Years after completion, the park continues to serve as a vibrant community hub for recreation and connection.
Joining us for the tour were Megan Duffy, Michael DeKramer from the Washington Trails Association, Doug Nelson (our unofficial “frequent flyer” of the month!), Bremerton City Councilmember Christy Cammarata, and WWRC Board Member Adrian Miller.
Investing Today for Tomorrow’s Celebrations
Whether it’s a neighborhood playground in Kent, a revitalized community park in Bremerton, or a splash-filled summer destination in Camas, these projects remind us why the WWRP matters.
The parks we celebrate today are the result of funding decisions made years ago, strong partnerships between local communities and the state, and legislators who recognize the importance of investing in outdoor recreation.
To Representative Chris Stearns, Representative Greg Nance, Representative David Stuebe, and all of the local leaders, project sponsors, agency partners, and community members who continue to champion the WWRP – thank you. Your support is helping create healthier communities, stronger connections, and unforgettable outdoor experiences for generations of Washingtonians.
We can’t wait to see which WWRP success story we’ll be celebrating next!