Thanks to the recent approval of a $500,000 state grant, the Yakima Parks Department now has more than $1 million available to fund major improvements at Randall Park. The grant will be combined with over $600,000 in local donations and matching funds to address several significant issues at the park.
The state funds come from the Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program, which is administered by the Washington Recreation and Conservation Office. The state legislature approved the grant funding during its recently-completed session. Revenue for the grants comes from a mix of federal funds, the sale of state bonds, gas taxes, and user fees.
“Competition for state grant funds is highly competitive and we are honored to have been selected as one of the recipients in this latest round,” said Yakima Parks and Recreation Manager Ken Wilkinson.
The money will be used for construction of a new restroom, rebuilding worn-out pathways, fixing parking lots and a variety of other improvements at the park such as new signage and fencing.
Randall Park has already seen a lot of improvements this year thanks to contributions made by local service clubs and other volunteer organizations. They include construction of a new wildlife observation deck by Yakima Southwest Rotary, funding of a walking trail bridge by the Downtown Yakima Lion’s Club, and fish and wildlife habitat improvements along Wide Hollow Creek funded by the Washington Department of Ecology and Mid-Columbia Fisheries Enhancement Group. The Yakima County Master Gardeners and other volunteers completed the planting.
On Saturday, July 25th, members of the Yakima Downtown Rotary club will be assembling and installing new playground equipment at Randall Park. Rotary donated $110,000 for the project.
“This is just another wonderful example of a partnership that will make Randall Park even better,” said Wilkinson. “We couldn’t do it without the help of volunteers and others in the community.”
Randall Park covers more than 40 acres and is located south of Nob Hill Boulevard between 44th and 48th avenues.
State Grant Received for Randall Park Improvements – News Release