Recreation Projects Grant

The Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program Recreation Projects grant is administered by the Washington State Recreation and Conservation Funding Board and supported by the Recreation and Conservation Office. Established in 1990 through state legislation, the program was designed to preserve critical recreation and habitat lands while expanding outdoor recreation opportunities for a growing population. Funding is derived primarily from the sale of state bonds and is distributed biennially to support a wide range of outdoor recreation and conservation initiatives across Washington State. The program’s primary purpose is to fund projects that acquire, develop, or renovate public outdoor recreation facilities and lands. Eligible uses include purchasing land for parks, developing athletic fields and trails, improving water access points, and constructing amenities such as restrooms, picnic areas, and boat launches. Projects must align with one of several categories, including Local Parks, State Parks, Trails, Water Access, and State Lands Development and Renovation. Each category has distinct priorities and funding structures, but all projects must support public outdoor recreation and demonstrate long-term community benefit. Funding amounts vary significantly depending on the project category. For example, Local Parks acquisition and combination projects may receive up to $1 million, while development projects are capped at $500,000. The State Lands Development and Renovation category offers grants ranging from $25,000 to $325,000, while other categories such as Trails, State Parks, and Water Access have no maximum limits. Most local applicants are required to provide a 50 percent match, although reductions may be available based on community need, income levels, or disaster status. State agencies are generally exempt from match requirements. Eligibility is limited to public entities and certain tribal organizations. Cities, counties, towns, special purpose districts, and federally recognized Native American tribes may apply for most categories. State agencies such as the Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission and Departments of Fish and Wildlife and Natural Resources are eligible for specific categories. A critical prerequisite for eligibility is the completion of a comprehensive outdoor recreation or conservation plan, which must be submitted and approved prior to application. The application process is structured and competitive, requiring submission through the PRISM Online system. Applicants must first complete a planning requirement by early March, followed by submission of a full application by April 30, 2026. The process includes technical reviews, advisory committee evaluations, and final approval by the Recreation and Conservation Funding Board. Applicants may be required to present their projects virtually and respond to evaluation criteria focused on need, project scope, community impact, and sustainability. Projects are evaluated through a multi-step process involving both staff review and advisory committee scoring. Criteria include alignment with local and statewide recreation priorities, project readiness, design quality, and community engagement. After evaluation, projects are ranked and submitted to the Governor and Legislature for funding consideration. Final grant awards are typically made after legislative approval, with awards expected around June 2027. The program operates on a recurring biennial cycle, with funding opportunities offered every two years. Projects must be completed within defined timelines, generally within two to four years depending on complexity. Funded sites must remain dedicated to public outdoor recreation for at least fifty years, ensuring long-term community benefit and stewardship. For additional information, applicants may contact the Recreation and Conservation Office in Olympia, Washington via phone at (360) 902-3000 or through official program resources and manuals.

Align project with comprehensive recreation plans; demonstrate clear community need and readiness; prepare strong visual presentation for advisory review