This page provides a list of resources and documents for local governments in Washington State related to financing park and recreation services, including grants, concessions, gifts/donations, and more.
Park Districts
Cities and/or counties may form several types of park and recreation districts, including park and recreation districts, park and recreation service areas, and metropolitan park districts, which may levy property taxes, issue bonds, and generate other revenues for park purposes. For more information, see our page Comparison of Recreation Districts.
Bonds and Levies
Local governments may issue bonds or levy property taxes to fund parks and recreation. These options typically require voter approval and often (but not always) require a 60% majority and minimum levels of voter turnout (validation).
For more information, refer to MRSC's City Revenue Guide, County Revenue Guide, and Comparison of Recreation Districts.
Additional information on ballot measures can be found at the following resources:
State Grant Programs
The State of Washington provides a number of grant programs for a variety of park and recreation programs. Many of these grants are provided through the Recreation and Conservation Office (RCO).
The Washington Fund Directory, created by the State Treasurer's Office, provides a centralized online database listing state grants and loans to local governments, nonprofits, tribes, and other entities. There are listings for many different project types including recreation, transportation, housing, environment, infrastructure, and more.
Finance Administration and Planning
Concessions
Local governments may sign concession agreements with vendors to conduct business within parks (such as selling food and beverages or renting equipment) and charge the vendors a concession fee. Below are selected examples of concession/beverage requests for proposals (RFPs) and requests for qualifications (RFQs).
Gifts and Donations
Local governments, including park agencies, may raise funds through private gifts, donations, and bequests. Below are examples of some codes and policies related to gifts and donations.
General Gift Policies
Park Policies and Gifting Opportunities, Including Memorials
Scholarship Donation Programs
Other Memorials
- Fort Collins, CO Living Tribute – Tree program to pay tribute to persons living or dead. Site provide regulations and a list of suggested trees.
- San Jose, CA Monument Policy (2010) – Policy related to the installation of permanent outdoor Monuments on city property to provide the city’s commemoration of persons or events of note, or to otherwise convey the city’s position on various topics (referred to as “Government Speech”).
Park Foundations
Below are some examples of local park foundations.
Recommended Resources
- Trust for Public Land Action Fund – Nationwide organization providing strategic, organizational, fundraising, and financial assistance for state and local ballot measure campaigns and legislative advocacy