Open Space

The Open Space – River Corridors Grant program, administered by King County, Washington, provides funding to support projects that restore natural river functions, enhance public access, and raise awareness of river corridors as vital natural resources. This grant encourages multi-benefit projects that integrate recreation, habitat restoration, and floodplain management efforts. The program is part of the larger King County Parks Levy Grants, which allocate funds for parks, recreation, and open space improvements across the county.

Between 2020 and 2025, the grant program will distribute a total of $22 million, with up to $1 million available per award. For the 2025 funding cycle, $4.1 million will be available. Applications are accepted biennially, with the next Request for Applications open from February 24 to April 3, 2025. All projects must be located within King County and focus on one or more of the following rivers: Cedar, Duwamish, Green, Raging, Sammamish, Snoqualmie, South Fork Skykomish, Tolt, or White.

Eligible applicants include cities, towns, King County agencies, ports, flood and conservation districts, diking and drainage districts, salmon recovery forums, nonprofit organizations, and tribal organizations. The grant supports various project types, including acquisition of land, feasibility studies, planning and design, construction, and project-specific outreach and education initiatives.

Past funded projects have included the planning of Gateway North Park along the Duwamish River, acquisition of floodplain land near Three Forks Park, and riparian habitat restoration along the Lower Green River. These projects aim to promote ecological health while providing public recreational benefits and community engagement in conservation efforts.

The Open Space – River Corridors Grant is one of four programs funded through the 2020-2025 Parks, Recreation, Trails, and Open Space Levy, which allocates approximately $110 million over six years. The other grant programs in this levy include the Aquatic Facilities Grant, Parks Capital and Open Space Grant, and the Healthy Communities and Parks Fund. Policy guidance and award recommendations for this program are provided by advisory committees, which oversee the allocation of funds.

Interested applicants for the 2025 grant cycle can access additional resources, including the Parks Grants Guide, application previews, evaluation criteria, and the council-adopted guidelines for the Open Space – River Corridors Grant. Further inquiries can be directed to King County Parks Grants via email at ParksGrants@kingcounty.gov or phone at (206) 848-0699.