Youth Athletics Facilities Program

The Youth Athletic Facilities program is administered by the Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office, a state-level agency responsible for managing public funding to support outdoor recreation, conservation, and community development initiatives. This program is funded through the sale of state bonds and is awarded on a biennial cycle, reflecting a structured and recurring funding opportunity aimed at enhancing public recreational infrastructure. The program is designed specifically to support the development, renovation, and acquisition of outdoor athletic facilities that primarily serve youth populations up to age eighteen, while also encouraging inclusive, multi-generational community use. The primary purpose of the program is to expand access to quality outdoor athletic spaces by funding capital projects such as ball fields, courts, swimming pools, skate parks, and mountain bike tracks. Eligible uses of funds include land acquisition for future development, architectural and engineering services, and construction or renovation of outdoor athletic facilities. The program also supports associated infrastructure such as restrooms, lighting, bleachers, parking areas, and accessibility improvements, provided that these elements are directly tied to an eligible athletic facility. However, the program explicitly excludes indoor facilities, routine maintenance, consumable supplies, and equipment purchases that are not considered permanent capital improvements. Funding is offered in two primary categories: small grants and large grants. Small grants are capped at 350,000 dollars with a total project cost limit of 700,000 dollars including match, while large grants range from 25,000 dollars up to 1.5 million dollars. A mandatory match requirement applies, requiring applicants to contribute funding equal to the grant amount requested. Acceptable match sources include cash, bonds, donated labor or materials, and other grants. Certain jurisdictions may qualify for reduced match requirements if they meet criteria related to underserved populations, community need, or disaster designation status. Eligible applicants include a broad range of public and nonprofit entities. These include cities, towns, counties, park districts, Native American tribes, and qualified nonprofit organizations. Eligibility for small grants is further restricted based on population thresholds, while large grants are open to a wider pool of applicants. Projects must be located in eligible jurisdictions and must serve public youth or community athletic use. Additionally, applicants must commit to long-term use requirements, including maintaining acquired land for outdoor recreation in perpetuity and ensuring developed facilities remain available for at least twenty years after project completion. The application process is structured and includes several key phases. Applications open on February 11, 2026, and are due by April 30, 2026. Following submission, applications undergo a technical review period, a technical completion deadline, and a formal evaluation process. Final rankings are reviewed and approved by the governing board in late October. Applicants are expected to complete required forms, submit supporting documentation, and comply with all procedural requirements outlined in the program manuals and resources. Evaluation of applications includes both technical and written components, focusing on project readiness, community need, and alignment with program priorities. While specific scoring criteria are not detailed in the provided material, applicants are encouraged to demonstrate strong project planning, clear community benefits, and alignment with statewide priorities. The program also provides resources such as webinars, manuals, and technical guidance to support applicants through the process. The program operates on a biennial cycle, indicating that future funding rounds are expected every two years. Projects funded through this program must adhere to strict long-term commitments, ensuring sustained public access and recreational use. While no direct contact information is provided in the source material, applicants are directed to consult program manuals and grant managers for additional guidance.