Othello receives state rec. grants

OTHELLO – The city was awarded $1,350,000 in grants from the Washington State Recreation and Conservation Funding Board, which will be used to improve Lions Park.

The city plans to use the funding to replace 1950's playground equipment and playground surfacing with a new Pride Rock Playground. Both the equipment and surface will make the area accessible to people with disabilities. Landscaping and furnishings will also be added to offer shade and comfort during Othello's hot summers.

The city will also be using part of the funds to develop a basketball zone. Two basketball courts installed in 1974 will be replaced by four state-of-the-art courts. Improvements include a championship court with a decorative design, a grass seating area for spectators and team benches. According to the award letter from the Washington State Recreation and Funding Board, upgrading the court quality and doubling its capacity will improve the safety, playability and availability of the facility; benefiting Othello's large youth population, 35 percent of whom live in poverty.

The grants are from the Land and Conservation Fund, the Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program's Local Parks Category, and the Youth Athletic Facilities program. The City of Othello will contribute $141,000 in cash and donated cash.

The award to Othello is the only one for Adams County, among 342 grants awarded across the state June 30. Statewide, the grants total $164 million, matched by more than $221 million in resources from grant applicants such as cash, donations, staff time and equipment for a total investment of nearly $386 million.