Parks & Recreation Awarded Funding to Expand Outdoor Youth Programs

SEEK funds will be used this summer to increase youth access to outdoor activities

Media: Fianna Dickson, 625.6297. Parks & Recreation: 311 or 509.755.2489

Friday, February 4, 2022 at 11:29 a.m.

SPOKANE – City of Spokane Parks & Recreation was awarded funding totaling nearly $133,000 to expand summer 2022 outdoor youth programs. The funding will be used to offer scholarships for recreation classes and camps, free outdoor adventures for Community Center youth, no-cost guided field trips to Riverfront Park, and recreation equipment and staff to enhance summer camp experiences.

“It’s so important for us to offer healthy, safe outdoor recreation activities for the young people in our community, and the SEEK funding allows us to reach even more Spokane-area youth with these classes, camps, and outings,” said Garrett Jones, director of City of Spokane Parks & Recreation. “We hear from families how vital these activities are, not only for the physical health of their children, but for their mental and emotional health as well.”

Summer Experiences & Enrichment for Kids (SEEK) funds are meant to increase access to quality, outdoor summer programming for K-12 youth and communities who have been historically underserved, and who have been most impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. SEEK is a program of the Washington Recreation & Park Association and the Association of Washington Cities, with funding from the Office of the Superintendent of Public Instruction.

The three funded programs for Spokane Parks & Recreation are:

 

Youth Summer Recreation Access for All

$68,701

  • This program will offer scholarships to participate in our youth summer recreation programs (June 6 – August 26), aiming to remove the cost barrier.
  • The program will also pay for a certified medical employee to expand summer services to those of varied abilities, and allow for the purchase of additional safety and recreation equipment.
  • Youth summer programs include a variety of summer camps, art classes, outdoor activities, athletics, therapeutic services, wellness programs, BMX, disc golf, horseback riding, and more.

 

Riverfront Explore – An Outdoor Learning Experience

$26,500

  • Riverfront Park will offer a free field trip program to school-age children registered in area summer day-programs and for children living in a Spokane residential facility or transitional housing.
  • Activities will encourage exploration, movement, and social connection with a focus on science, history, art, culture, environmental sustainability, and fun in the unique and rich backdrop of Riverfront Park.
  • Transportation, five hours of activities, Carrousel rides, and materials will be included.

 

Spokane Community Outdoor Recreation Experience (SCORE)

$37,694

  • Spokane’s Northeast Youth Center, MLK Center, Southwest Spokane Community Center and West Central Community Center will be able to schedule outdoor tours and instruction for their youth at no cost, for 3 days a week, 6-8 hours a day, for 10 weeks.
  • Activities will include kayaking, stand up paddleboarding, hiking, and bike tours.
  • Equipment, guides, safety and skill instruction, transportation, lunch, and “Leave No Trace” educational tours will be included.

More information will be available as programs and partnerships are finalized at www.SpokaneParks.org.
 

About City of Spokane Parks & Recreation

City of Spokane Parks and Recreation stewards nearly 120 properties across 4,000 acres of park land, including manicured parks, natural lands, aquatic centers, golf courses, sports complexes, and an arboretum. We also offer hundreds of recreation opportunities for all ages and abilities to improve the health and quality of life for our community. Enjoy all your city has to offer by visiting spokaneparks.org. Follow us @SpokaneParks on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.

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