Investing in Washington's Great Outdoors

Recreation Conservation Salmon and Orca Recovery Invasive Species

259,008

Miles of Trail Created and Maintained

2,021

Parks Created and Improved

21,406

Acres of Farmland Preserved

4,228

Miles of Stream and Shoreline Conserved

Impact since 1967

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How are Salmon Doing?

State of Salmon in Watersheds

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Using Trails Improves
Your Health and
the State's Economy

Learn about the Health and Economic Benefits of Trails

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Featured Projects

Kenmore’s Tl’ awh-ah-dees Park

Funding Source: Aquatic Lands Enhancement Account, Habitat Conservation Projects-Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program

Funding: $700,000

Recipient: City of Kenmore

Location: Kenmore

The City of Kenmore used two RCO grants to renovate Tl’ awh-ah-dees Park, part of the City’s 2016 Waterfront & Natural Open Space Access Project. The renovated park improves water access with a new non-motorized watercraft facility and float and hand carry launches. It also includes a community plaza, picnic shelter, public restrooms, trails, and elevated walkways with river viewing platforms. In addition to the amenities, the City improved the nearby wetlands habitat for migratory birds, fish and salmon species, and other wildlife by removing more than four acres of invasive species and plant

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Featured Projects

Wenatchee's Lincoln Park

Funding Source: Youth Athletic Facilities, Recreation Projects-Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program, Land and Water Conservation Fund

Funding: $1,263,192

Recipient: City of Wenatachee

Location: Wenatchee

The City of Wenatchee used three grants to complete a major renovation for its beloved Lincoln Park, an eighteen-acre park located in South Wenatchee. The City replaced the existing playground equipment and installed a BMX pump track, a splash pad, new soccer and lacrosse fields, added a picnic shelter and restrooms, and built a stage to hold concerts and movies in the park.

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Featured Projects

Wenatchee's Kenzie's Landing

Funding Source: Recreation Projects-Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program

Funding: $1,000,000

Recipient: City of Wenatchee

Location: Wenatchee

The City of Wenatchee used an RCO grant to acquire 51.76 acres of open space, known as Kenzie’s Landing, in the Wenatchee foothills. The City built a trailhead with paved parking, restrooms, a picnic shelter, and other amenities. The new trailhead connects to more than 18 miles of existing trails. The City also planted native plants and seeds along the perimeter to prevent invasive species.

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Featured Projects

Jefferson County's Universal Movement Playground

Funding Source: Recreation Projects-Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program

Funding: $500,000

Recipient: Jefferson County Parks

Location: Jefferson County

Jefferson County used this grant to construct the county’s first inclusive and accessible playground at HJ Carroll Park. The sea creature-themed playground features accessible surfacing and play equipment including an elevated play structure, a net climber, a merry-go-round, two spring riders, musical instruments, a disk swing, an elevated play-mound with roller-slide, and three connected climbing rocks. There is also a central seating area, accessible parking, a pull through drop-off area, and upgraded restrooms.

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Featured Projects

Thurston County's Latigo Street Fish Passage

Funding Source: Brian Abbott Fish Barrier Removal Board

Funding: $1,700,000

Recipient: Thurston County

Location: Thurston County

Thurston County cut the ribbon on a bridge that replaces two underperforming culverts on Spurgeon Creek. The new bridge will allow salmon and other fish to move more freely up the creek. In addition to the bridge, large tree roots and trunks were placed in the water to create shade and cover for fish.

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Featured Projects

Seattle's Lowman Beach Park Restoration

Funding Source: Aquatic Lands Enhancement Account

Funding: $500,000

Recipient: Seattle Parks and Recreation Department

Location: Seattle

The Seattle Parks and Recreation Department cut the ribbon on restoration work at Lowman Beach Park in September 2022. The work included removing 130 lineal feet of a failing concrete seawall, which resulted in 7,000 square feet of unobstructed shoreline. This enables the beach to develop and move more naturally.

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Featured Projects

Kirkland's David E. Brink Park

Funding Source: Aquatic Lands Enhancement Account

Funding: $500,000

Recipient: City of Kirkland

Location: Kirkland

The City of Kirkland used an RCO grant to improve access to Lake Washington and restore the shoreline in David E. Brink Park. The City removed derelict pilings and part of a bulkhead to create two pocket beaches with native shoreline plantings and new access points for canoes and kayaks. The City also built an accessible pedestrian loop, replaced stairs to the water, installed a new seating wall and viewing area, improved the existing pier with new grated decking, and installed terraced rock walls and educational signs.

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Featured Projects

Tacoma's Owen Beach

Funding: $2,250,000

Recipient: Metropolitan Park District of Tacoma

Location: City of Tacoma

The Metropolitan Park District of Tacoma used a $3 million RCO Recreation Grant to renovate Owen Beach, which incorporated climate adaptive designs to plan for sea level rise and increased flooding. Project elements included an elder’s viewing area for canoe launches, two accessible human-powered boat launches, a redesigned lawn, a reconfigured vehicle access, and a renovated picnic shelter, play area, and restrooms.

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Featured Projects

Port Angeles Pump Track

Funding Source: Youth Athletic Facilities

Funding: $350,000

Recipient: City of Port Angeles

Location: Port Angeles

Port Angeles cut the ribbon on a new pump track at Erickson Playfield in July 2022. The city used an RCO grant to build the largest pump track in the Pacific Northwest. The track was designed for people of various skill levels and also includes an ADA-accessible loop for wheelchairs.

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Featured Projects

South Lynnwood Park

Funding Source: Land and Water Conservation Fund, Recreation Projects-Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program, Youth Athletic Facilities

Funding: $1.3 million

Recipient: City of Lynnwood

Location: 21002 61st Avenue West, Lynnwood, WA 98036

The Lynnwood Parks, Recreation, and Cultural Arts Department used three RCO grants to develop the 4.2-acre South Lynwood Park in south Snohomish County. The City built a basketball court, an artificial turf soccer field, tennis courts, a playground, restrooms, a picnic shelter, walking paths, and parking. This park is along the regional Interurban Trail and in the heart of the South Lynnwood neighborhood, which is the city’s most underserved area. The park development reconnects the community to its local green space, promote active lifestyles, and encourage community connections.

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News and Events

State Asks People to Clean Gear and Pets to Minimize Invasive Spring Plants

OLYMPIA–Washington state agencies are asking people to clean their gear, pets and clothing this spring to prevent invasive plants from establishing here. “Washington offers exciting opportunities to experience nature, attracting visitors from around the world to our parks, forests, trails, wild and scenic rivers, wildlife refuges and more,” said Blain Reeves, chair of the Washington […]

June 5, 2023Read More

State Awards Grants to Help Communities Plan for Recreation

OLYMPIA–The Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office (RCO) today announced the award of more than $4.7 million in grants to help communities plan for outdoor recreation facilities. The grants were awarded to organizations in 19 counties and ranged from $12,927 to $250,000. “These grants support community efforts to invest in recreation by helping them take […]

May 23, 2023Read More

State Accepting Applications for Outdoor Learning Grants

OLYMPIA–Organizations offering outdoor education experiences for students now can apply for state grants. The Outdoor Learning Grants program, created by the Legislature in 2022, provides funding to develop and support educational experiences for Washington public school students. Grant recipients must provide education programs with activities learning in, for or about the outdoors. Grant recipients are […]

May 16, 2023Read More

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Reports and Studies

Public Lands Inventory

State Recreation and Conservation Plan

State of Salmon in Watersheds

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RCO always is looking for volunteers to review and evaluate grant applications. By joining the many individuals who help RCO with this important role, you have a say in ensuring Washington stays a great place to live.

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Policy Changes

RCO is committed to making rules and policies that have been discussed with the public.

Policy and Rulemaking

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