Healthy Communities and Parks Fund

The Healthy Communities & Parks Fund (HCPF), part of King County's Targeted Equity Grant Program, provides funding to projects that increase access to recreation and parks, open spaces, and recreational facilities in underserved communities. The program aims to reduce health disparities in these areas by improving the availability and quality of recreational spaces and investing in community-driven initiatives tailored to the needs of local residents.

A total of $10 million has been allocated to the HCPF program between 2020 and 2025. The program offers annual funding, with individual awards reaching up to $250,000. For the 2025 funding cycle, $1.4 million is available, and applications will be accepted from February 24 to April 3, 2025. HCPF is structured into two tiers: Tier 1 provides awards up to $15,000, while Tier 2 funds projects between $15,000 and $250,000.

Eligible applicants include city and town governments, nonprofit organizations, tribal organizations, and fiscally-sponsored organizations. The grant supports a variety of project types, including land acquisition, feasibility studies, planning and design, construction, community programs, and capacity-building initiatives. These projects aim to expand park access, enhance recreational infrastructure, and create more inclusive and culturally relevant public spaces.

Examples of previously funded projects include improvements to the Rainier Beach Urban Farm and Wetlands by extending open hours, adding ADA-accessible trails, and expanding community gardens. Another funded project involved renovations at Garfield Park, adding historically and culturally relevant public art, inclusive play equipment, ADA ramps, and other amenities. Additionally, funding has supported programs connecting Latino/Latina/Latinx immigrant communities in South King County with culturally relevant recreational opportunities such as youth soccer programs and summer camps.

The HCPF grant is part of the broader King County Parks Levy Grants, which allocate $110 million over six years to parks, recreation, and open space initiatives. Other grants under this levy include the Open Space – River Corridors Grant, Parks Capital and Open Space Grant, and Aquatic Facilities Grant. Award recommendations and policy guidance for the program are provided by advisory committees.

Applicants can access resources such as the 2025 Parks Grants Guide, application previews, and evaluation criteria. More information about the program can be obtained by contacting King County Parks Grants via email at ParksGrants@kingcounty.gov or phone at (206) 848-0699.