Existing sports fields and gyms will be renovated and new athletic amenities will be coming to several communities, thanks to new funding from the King County Parks Youth Sports Facility Grant program.

Two Auburn projects will receive funds. The Auburn Arts, Parks & Recreation Department’s Brannan Park Field improvements project received a $50,000 award. The Auburn District and the Olympic Middle School PTA will receive an $11,150 award to fund gymnasium striping.

King County Executive Ron Sims last week announced 15 matching fund grants totaling $700,000 that will give youth sports and recreation facilities a much-needed financial boost.

The grants, some as large as $75,000, will help build new sports complexes, playgrounds and even a climbing wall in communities across King County.

Administered by the King County Department of Natural Resources and Parks, the YSFG program is funded and sustained through a one-quarter of 1 percent car rental tax. Funds can be used for developing and constructing facilities, but not for maintenance or operations costs.

“These facilities are vitally important to keeping kids off the streets, building self-esteem, teaching teamwork and promoting good health,” Sims said.

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