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HomeMy WebLinkAbout052825 - May E-News_ Celebrating New Park Openings!ALERT: BE CAUTIOUS This email originated outside the organization. Do not open attachments or click on links if you are not expecting them. Coalition E-News: May 2025 Whose ancestral land do you recreate on? Click here to find out <http://smartmailerclick.bisglobal.net/act_linkClick.aspx?sm_guid=ODY3NDE1fDc5MzUzNjg5fDF8amVmZmJvY2NAY28uamVmZmVyc29uLndhLnVzfDc5NzU1N DB8aHR0cHM6Ly9uYXRpdmUtbGFuZC5jYS98MHwwfDB8MTE2MXwwfDB8fDg2MzA3NXwx0>   Governor Signs Capital Budget with $120M for Outdoor Access <https://media2.charityengine.net/WF/_transactionServerFiles/1161/WWRC2025LegislativeReception-3346.jpg> On Tuesday, May 20, Governor Bob Ferguson signed the 2025–2027 Capital Budget during a televised ceremony at the State Capitol, joined by Senator Yasmin Trudeau (LD 27). The Governor highlighted major investments in housing, K–12 education, behavioral health facilities, and—last but not least—recreation and economic opportunities, including $120 million for the Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program (WWRP). The WWRP is the state’s largest public funding source for outdoor community projects, supporting new parks, playgrounds, trails, habitat restoration, and land conservation. This funding matches the previous biennium’s record investment, reflecting continued strong bipartisan support for outdoor access and conservation. The Washington Wildlife and Recreation Coalition is deeply grateful for Governor Ferguson’s leadership and his continued support of the WWRP. We also want to thank the dedicated legislators who made this possible, especially the 24 members of the Senate Ways & Means Committee and the 19 members of the House Capital Budget Committee, who spent countless hours crafting this budget. Since 1991, the WWRP has leveraged over $2.2 billion in public and private funding to support more than 1,800 projects across Washington, preserving wildlife habitat, protecting working lands, and expanding access to outdoor spaces. Funding is administered by the Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office (RCO) <http://smartmailerclick.bisglobal.net/act_linkClick.aspx?sm_g uid=ODY3NDE1fDc5MzUzNjg5fDF8amVmZmJvY2NAY28uamVmZmVyc29uLndhLnVzfDc5NzU1NDF8aHR0cHM6Ly9yY28ud2EuZ292L3JlY3JlYXRpb24tYW5kLWNvbnNlcnZhdGlvbi1vZmZpY2UtZ3JhbnRzL3wwfDB8MHwxMTYxfDB8MHx8ODYzMDc1fDE1> and distributed through 12 grant categories statewide. Read more <http://smartmailerclick.bisglobal.net/act_linkClick.aspx?sm_guid=ODY3NDE1fDc5MzUzNjg5fDF8amVmZmJvY2NAY28uamVmZmVyc29uLndhLnVzfDc5Nz U1NDJ8aHR0cHM6Ly93aWxkbGlmZXJlY3JlYXRpb24ub3JnL2dvdmVybm9yLXNpZ25zLWNhcGl0YWwtYnVkZ2V0LXdpdGgtMTIwbS1mb3Itb3V0ZG9vci1hY2Nlc3MvfDB8MHwwfDExNjF8MHwwfHw4NjMwNzV8MQ2>   Play for All at Raab Park: A Playground Where Everyone Can Play <https://media2.charityengine.net/WF/_transactionServerFiles/1161/RaabPark1.jpg> We’re thrilled to share some exciting news about the North Kitsap community, Play for All at Raab Park is officially open! This brand-new, fully inclusive playground is the result of years of planning and dedication from the City of Poulsbo, the Poulsbo Rotary club, and its community members. This incredible community project received support from a variety of partners, including a Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program (WWRP) Local Parks grant <http://smartmailerclick.bisglobal.net/act_linkClick.as px?sm_guid=ODY3NDE1fDc5MzUzNjg5fDF8amVmZmJvY2NAY28uamVmZmVyc29uLndhLnVzfDc5NzU1NDN8aHR0cHM6Ly9yY28ud2EuZ292L2dyYW50L3dhc2hpbmd0b24td2lsZGxpZmUtYW5kLXJlY3JlYXRpb24tcHJvZ3JhbS1yZWNyZWF0aW9uL3wwfDB8MHwx MTYxfDB8MHx8ODYzMDc1fDE1> , a Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) grant <http://smartmailerclick.bisglobal.net/act_linkClick.aspx?sm_guid=ODY3NDE1fDc5MzUzNjg5fDF8amVmZmJvY2NAY28uamVmZmVyc29uLndhL nVzfDc5NzU1NDR8aHR0cHM6Ly9yY28ud2EuZ292L2dyYW50L2xhbmQtYW5kLXdhdGVyLWNvbnNlcnZhdGlvbi1mdW5kL3wwfDB8MHwxMTYxfDB8MHx8ODYzMDc1fDE1> , and the generous contributions of our local community. The WWRC would like to congratulate the City of Poulsbo, Mayor Becky Erickson, Jeff Ozimek (Parks & Recreation Director), Rachel Cornette (Parks Coordinator), the Poulsbo Rotary Club, and all the dedicated community members who helped turn this vision into reality. Together, they’ve created a welcoming, accessible space where every child, regardless of ability, can experience the joy of outdoor play. Read more <http://smartmailerclick.bisglobal.net/act_linkClick.aspx?sm_guid=ODY3NDE1fDc5MzUzNjg5fDF8amVmZmJvY2NAY28uamVmZmVyc29uLndhLnVzfDc5NzU1NDV8aHR0cHM6Ly93aW xkbGlmZXJlY3JlYXRpb24ub3JnL3BsYXktZm9yLWFsbC1hdC1yYWFiLXBhcmstYS1wbGF5Z3JvdW5kLXdoZXJlLWV2ZXJ5b25lLWNhbi1wbGF5L3wwfDB8MHwxMTYxfDB8MHx8ODYzMDc1fDE1>   Thank You, GiveBIG Donors! <https://media2.charityengine.net/WF/_transactionServerFiles/1161/EmailBlogBanner(2).png> We set an ambitious goal for this year’s GiveBIG campaign, and while we didn’t quite reach it, your generosity and support mean the world to us and to communities across Washington that depend on parks, trails, and green spaces for connection, health, and inspiration. This summer, our team will be hitting the road to thank legislators and fellow WWRP advocates for helping secure $120 million for the Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program (WWRP) in the State’s 2025–2027 Capital Budget. As we travel the state, we’ll continue our work to educate and advocate for why investing in the WWRP is vital to protecting and expanding access to forests, wildlands, working farms, and outdoor recreation areas that make Washington so special. We’re also planning WWRP project tours with legislators across the state, and we’d love for local supporters to join us! Keep an eye on our Events Page <http://smartmailerclick.bisglobal.net/act_link Click.aspx?sm_guid=ODY3NDE1fDc5MzUzNjg5fDF8amVmZmJvY2NAY28uamVmZmVyc29uLndhLnVzfDc5NzU1NDZ8aHR0cHM6Ly93aWxkbGlmZXJlY3JlYXRpb24ub3JnL2dldC1pbnZvbHZlZC9ldmVudHMvfDB8MHwwfDExNjF8MHwwfHw4NjMwNzV8MQ2> . We’ll be updating it regularly as tours are scheduled. There’s still time to help us reach our fundraising goal. With your continued support, we can build a greener, healthier, and more equitable Washington, where future generations can thrive in nature, and access to the outdoors is a right, not a privilege. On behalf of our small but mighty team, thank you. Your belief in our mission keeps this work moving forward, and we’re incredibly grateful to have you by our side. Support us Today! <http://smartmailerclick.bisglobal.net/act_linkClick.aspx?sm_guid=ODY3NDE1fDc5MzUzNjg5fDF8amVmZmJvY2NAY28uamVmZmVyc29uLndhLnVzfDc5NzU1NDd8aHR0cHM6Ly93ZWIuY2hhcml0eWVuZ2luZS5uZXQvV1d SQyUyMERvbmF0ZS98MHwwfDB8MTE2MXwwfDB8fDg2MzA3NXwx0>   Seattle Parks and Recreation Unveils New Neighborhood Park in Rainier Valley <https://media2.charityengine.net/WF/_transactionServerFiles/1161/CherylChow1.JPG> In April, Seattle Parks and Recreation celebrated the grand opening of a new neighborhood park in Rainier Valley: Cheryl Chow Park, named in honor of the beloved former Seattle City Councilmember who passed away in 2013 . Designed to serve residents of all ages and backgrounds, the park includes a variety of amenities. * Adult exercise equipment * A half-court basketball court * Grills and picnic tables * Vibrant, tactile playground equipment To reflect the neighborhood’s rich cultural diversity, the park’s equipment features bright colors and inclusive, sensory-friendly designs that invite connection and play for everyone. The project was made possible thanks to support from multiple funding sources, including two grants from the Recreation and Conservation Office (RCO) <http://smartmailerclick.bisglobal.net/act_linkCl ick.aspx?sm_guid=ODY3NDE1fDc5MzUzNjg5fDF8amVmZmJvY2NAY28uamVmZmVyc29uLndhLnVzfDc5NzU1NDh8aHR0cHM6Ly9yY28ud2EuZ292L3JlY3JlYXRpb24tYW5kLWNvbnNlcnZhdGlvbi1vZmZpY2UtZ3JhbnRzL3wwfDB8MHwxMTYxfDB8MHx8ODYzMD c1fDE1> : * $960,000 from the Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) * $500,000 from the Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program (WWRP) – Local Parks Congratulations Seattle Parks and Recreation and the Rainier Valley community! Cheryl Chow Park is a vibrant new addition to Rainier Valley, offering a welcoming space for community gathering, recreation, and celebration.   12 Months of WWRP: Water Access <https://media2.charityengine.net/WF/_transactionServerFiles/1161/Dock.jpg> Washington is renowned for its stunning and abundant waterways—from the Salish Sea to the Nisqually River. Yet, many communities still lack open public beaches and waterfronts where people can enjoy activities like picnicking, swimming, paddling, boating, and fishing. That’s where Water Access projects come in, funding the creation and enhancement of public shoreline access, boat launches, and fishing docks to ensure more opportunities for everyone to enjoy the water. This month, we’re highlighting Phase 1 of the Liberty Lake Regional Park <http://smartmailerclick.bisglobal.net/act_linkClick.aspx?sm_guid=ODY3NDE1fDc5MzUzNjg5fDF8amVmZmJvY2NAY28uamVmZmVyc29uLndhLnVz fDc5NzU1NDl8aHR0cHM6Ly93aWxkbGlmZXJlY3JlYXRpb24ub3JnL3Byb2plY3RzL2xpYmVydHktbGFrZS1yZWdpb25hbC1wYXJrLXBoYXNlLTEvfDB8MHwwfDExNjF8MHwwfHw4NjMwNzV8MQ2> project, located on the ancestral lands of the Spokane, Schitsu’umsh (Coeur d’Alene), Ktunaxa ɁamakɁis, Cayuse, Umatilla, and Walla Walla peoples. Spokane County’s Parks, Recreation, and Golf Department received a $950,000 WWRP Water Access grant <http://smartmailerclick.bisglobal.net/act_linkClick.aspx?sm_guid=ODY3NDE1fDc5MzUzNjg5fDF8amVmZmJvY 2NAY28uamVmZmVyc29uLndhLnVzfDc5NzU1NTB8aHR0cHM6Ly9yY28ud2EuZ292L2dyYW50L3dhc2hpbmd0b24td2lsZGxpZmUtYW5kLXJlY3JlYXRpb24tcHJvZ3JhbS1yZWNyZWF0aW9uL3wwfDB8MHwxMTYxfDB8MHx8ODYzMDc1fDE1> and an additional $500,000 from the Aquatic Lands Enhancement Account (ALEA) <http://smartmailerclick.bisglobal.net/act_linkClick.aspx?sm_guid=ODY3NDE1fDc5MzUzNjg5fDF8amVmZmJvY2NAY28uamVmZmVyc29uLndhLnV zfDc5NzU1NTF8aHR0cHM6Ly9yY28ud2EuZ292L2dyYW50L2FxdWF0aWMtbGFuZHMtZW5oYW5jZW1lbnQtYWNjb3VudC98MHwwfDB8MTE2MXwwfDB8fDg2MzA3NXwx0> to renovate the beach area at Liberty Lake Regional Park. Read more <http://smartmailerclick.bisglobal.net/act_linkClick.aspx?sm_guid=ODY3NDE1fDc5MzUzNjg5fDF8amVmZmJvY2NAY28uamVmZmVyc29uLndhLnVzfDc5NzU1NTJ8aHR0cHM6Ly93aWxkbGlmZXJlY3JlYXRpb24ub3JnLzEyLW1vbn Rocy1vZi13d3JwLXdhdGVyLWFjY2Vzcy03L3wwfDB8MHwxMTYxfDB8MHx8ODYzMDc1fDE1>   Membership Renewal We are toward the end of agency and organization membership renewals at the Coalition. If you have renewed, THANK YOU! If you haven't yet, or are new to the Coalition's work, please consider joining now to show the strength of Washington's partnership, collaboration, and commitment to protecting and enhancing our Great Outdoors. Organization Membership <http://smartmailerclick.bisglobal.net/act_linkClick.aspx?sm_guid=ODY3NDE1fDc5MzUzNjg5fDF8amVmZmJvY2NAY28uamVmZmVyc29uLndhLnVzfDc5NzU1NTN8aHR0cHM6Ly93ZWIuY2hhcml0eWVuZ2luZS5uZ XQvV1dSQ09yZ01lbWJlcnNoaXB8MHwwfDB8MTE2MXwwfDB8fDg2MzA3NXwx0> Agency Membership <http://smartmailerclick.bisglobal.net/act_linkClick.aspx?sm_guid=ODY3NDE1fDc5MzUzNjg5fDF8amVmZmJvY2NAY28uamVmZmVyc29uLndhLnVzfDc5NzU1NTR8aHR0cHM6Ly93ZWIuY2hhcml0eWVuZ2luZS5uZXQvV1d SQ0FnZW5jeVJlbmV3YWx8MHwwfDB8MTE2MXwwfDB8fDg2MzA3NXwx0>   Featured Stories Upcoming Events Public Lands Are at Risk—Here’s What You Can Do to Help <http://smartmailerclick.bisglobal.net/act_linkClick.aspx?sm_guid=ODY3NDE1fDc5MzUzNjg5fDF8amVmZmJvY2NAY28uamVmZmVyc29uLndhLnVzfDc5NzU1NTV8aHR0c HM6Ly9tdHNncmVlbndheS5vcmcvYmxvZy9wdWJsaWMtbGFuZHMtYXJlLWF0LXJpc2staGVyZXMtd2hhdC15b3UtY2FuLWRvLXRvLWhlbHAvfDB8MHwwfDExNjF8MHwwfHw4NjMwNzV8MQ2> Mountains to Sound Greenway Spokane County cuts ribbon on refreshed, ‘well-loved’ Liberty Lake Regional Park <http://smartmailerclick.bisglobal.net/act_linkClick.aspx?sm_guid=ODY3NDE1fDc5MzUzNjg5fDF8amVmZmJvY2NAY28uamVmZmVyc29u LndhLnVzfDc5NzU1NTZ8aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuc3Bva2VzbWFuLmNvbS9zdG9yaWVzLzIwMjUvbWF5LzIxL3Nwb2thbmUtY291bnR5LWN1dHMtcmliYm9uLW9uLXJlZnJlc2hlZC13ZWxsLWxvdmVkL3wwfDB8MHwxMTYxfDB8MHx8ODYzMDc1fDE1> The Spokesman-Review Editorial: Little park at Martha Lake an example of success <http://smartmailerclick.bisglobal.net/act_linkClick.aspx?sm_guid=ODY3NDE1fDc5MzUzNjg5fDF8amVmZmJvY2NAY28uamVmZmVyc29uLndhLnVzfDc5NzU1NTd8a HR0cHM6Ly93d3cuaGVyYWxkbmV0LmNvbS9vcGluaW9uL2VkaXRvcmlhbC1saXR0bGUtcGFyay1hdC1tYXJ0aGEtbGFrZS1hbi1leGFtcGxlLW9mLXN1Y2Nlc3MvfDB8MHwwfDExNjF8MHwwfHw4NjMwNzV8MQ2> Herald Net Discovery Pass Free Days 2025 <http://smartmailerclick.bisglobal.net/act_linkClick.aspx?sm_guid=ODY3NDE1fDc5MzUzNjg5fDF8amVmZmJvY2NAY28uamVmZmVyc29uLndhLnVzfDc5NzU1NTh8aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZGlzY292ZXJwYXN zLndhLmdvdi8xMzYvRGlzY292ZXItUGFzcy1GcmVlLURheXN8MHwwfDB8MTE2MXwwfDB8fDg2MzA3NXwx0> (WA State Parks; DNR, WDFW) June 7,8,19; Aug 9; Sept 27; Oct 10; Nov 11 <http://smartmailerclick.bisglobal.net/act_linkClick.aspx?sm_guid=ODY3NDE1fDc5MzUzNjg5fDF8amVmZmJvY2NAY28uamVmZmVyc29uLndhLnVzfDc5NzU1NTl8aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZnMudXNkYS5nb3YvdmlzaXQvcGFzc2VzLXBlcm1pdHN8M HwwfDB8MTE2MXwwfDB8fDg2MzA3NXwx0> US Forest Service Pass Fee-Free Days 2025 <http://smartmailerclick.bisglobal.net/act_linkClick.aspx?sm_guid=ODY3NDE1fDc5MzUzNjg5fDF8amVmZmJvY2NAY28uamVmZmVyc29uLndhLnVzfDc5NzU1NjB8aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZnM udXNkYS5nb3YvdmlzaXQvcGFzc2VzLXBlcm1pdHN8MHwwfDB8MTE2MXwwfDB8fDg2MzA3NXwx0> June 14,19; Sept 27; Nov 11 <http://smartmailerclick.bisglobal.net/act_linkClick.aspx?sm_guid=ODY3NDE1fDc5MzUzNjg5fDF8amVmZmJvY2NAY28uamVmZmVyc29uLndhLnVzfDc5NzU1NjF8aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubnBzLmdvdi9wbGFueW91cnZpc2l0L2ZlZS1mcmVlLXBhc mtzLmh0bXwwfDB8MHwxMTYxfDB8MHx8ODYzMDc1fDE1> Free National Park Entrance Days 2025 <http://smartmailerclick.bisglobal.net/act_linkClick.aspx?sm_guid=ODY3NDE1fDc5MzUzNjg5fDF8amVmZmJvY2NAY28uamVmZmVyc29uLndhLnVzfDc5NzU1NjJ8aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cubnBzLmd vdi9wbGFueW91cnZpc2l0L2ZlZS1mcmVlLXBhcmtzLmh0bXwwfDB8MHwxMTYxfDB8MHx8ODYzMDc1fDE1> June 19; Aug 4; Sept 27; Nov 11 <http://smartmailerclick.bisglobal.net/act_linkClick.aspx?sm_guid=ODY3NDE1fDc5MzUzNjg5fDF8amVmZmJvY2NAY28uamVmZmVyc29uLndhLnVzfDc5NzU1NjN8aHR0cHM6Ly9kaXNjb3ZlcnBhc3Mud2EuZ292LzE0OC9DaGVjay1PdXQtV2Fza GluZ3RvbnwwfDB8MHwxMTYxfDB8MHx8ODYzMDc1fDE1> C <http://smartmailerclick.bisglobal.net/act_linkClick.aspx?sm_guid=ODY3NDE1fDc5MzUzNjg5fDF8amVmZmJvY2NAY28uamVmZmVyc29uLndhLnVzfDc5NzU1NjR8aHR0cHM6Ly9kaXNjb3ZlcnBhc3Mud2EuZ292LzE0OC9DaGVjay1PdXQtV2F zaGluZ3RvbnwwfDB8MHwxMTYxfDB8MHx8ODYzMDc1fDE1> heck Out Washington <http://smartmailerclick.bisglobal.net/act_linkClick.aspx?sm_guid=ODY3NDE1fDc5MzUzNjg5fDF8amVmZmJvY2NAY28uamVmZmVyc29uLndhLnVzfDc5Nz U1NjV8aHR0cHM6Ly9kaXNjb3ZlcnBhc3Mud2EuZ292LzE0OC9DaGVjay1PdXQtV2FzaGluZ3RvbnwwfDB8MHwxMTYxfDB8MHx8ODYzMDc1fDE1> <http://smartmailerclick.bisglobal.net/act_linkClick.aspx?sm_guid=ODY3NDE1fDc5MzUzNjg 5fDF8amVmZmJvY2NAY28uamVmZmVyc29uLndhLnVzfDc5NzU1NjZ8aHR0cHM6Ly9kaXNjb3ZlcnBhc3Mud2EuZ292LzE0OC9DaGVjay1PdXQtV2FzaGluZ3RvbnwwfDB8MHwxMTYxfDB8MHx8ODYzMDc1fDE1> (Free Discover Pass) Support our work here! <http://smartmailerclick.bisglobal.net/act_linkClick.aspx?sm_guid=ODY3NDE1fDc5MzUzNjg5fDF8amVmZmJvY2NAY28uamVmZmVyc29uLndhLnVzfDc5NzU1Njd8aHR0cHM6Ly93ZWIuY2hhcml0eWVuZ2luZS5uZ XQvV1dSQyUyMERvbmF0ZS98MHwwfDB8MTE2MXwwfDB8fDg2MzA3NXwx0> <https://app-rsrc.getbee.io/public/resources/social-networks-icon-sets/circle-color/facebook.png> <http://smartmailerclick.bisglobal.net/act_linkClick.aspx?sm_guid=ODY3NDE1fDc5MzUzNjg5fDF8amVmZmJv Y2NAY28uamVmZmVyc29uLndhLnVzfDc5NzU1Njh8aHR0cHM6Ly9pbnN0YWdyYW0uY29tL3dpbGRsaWZlcmVjfDB8MHwwfDExNjF8MHwwfHw4NjMwNzV8MQ2> Copyright © 2025, Washington Wildlife and Recreation Coalition, All rights reserved. A registered 501(c)3, WWRC's mission is to create a greener, healthier, more equitable, and better Washington for all through community outreach, network building, and advocacy for conservation and outdoor recreation funding. Non-profit Tax ID: 91-1190821 Our mailing address is: Washington Wildlife and Recreation Coalition 6716 East Side Drive NE #1-302 Tacoma, WA 98422 Unsubscribe (we'll miss you!) <https://usercenter.charityengine.net/WashingtonWildlifeRecreationCoalition/communication?sm_guid=ODY3NDE1fDc5MzUzNjg5fDF8amVmZmJvY2NAY28uamVmZmVyc29uLndhLnVzfDc5NzU1MzR 8W1NtYXJ0TWFpbGVyX1Vuc3Vic2NyaWJlXXwwfDB8MHwxMTYxfDB8MHx8ODYzMDc1fDE1> Powered by <http://smartmailerclick.bisglobal.net/act_linkClick.aspx?sm_guid=ODY3NDE1fDc5MzUzNjg5fDF8amVmZmJvY2NAY28uamVmZmVyc29uLndhLnVzfDc5NzU1Njl8aHR0cDovL3d3dy5jaGFyaXR5ZW5naW5lLm5ldHwwfDB8MHwxMTYxfDB8MHx8 ODYzMDc1fDE1> <https://smartmailerclick.bisglobal.net/act_logClick.aspx?sm_guid=ODY3NDE1fDc5MzUzNjg5fDB8amVmZmJvY2NAY28uamVmZmVyc29uLndhLnVzfDB8fDB8MHwwfDExNjF8MHwwfHw4NjMwNzV8MA2>