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RCO Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program

RCO State

Checked Nov 2, 2026 on rco.wa.gov

This round has closed. The page stays up so you can plan for the next one, and it updates when the funder posts new dates.

Award: Local Parks development projects up to $500,000. Limits vary by category and project type.Unverified
Next date: Next date not postedUnverified
Who can apply: Local governments
Where: Washington

Washington's state program for buying and developing outdoor recreation land, including local parks, trails and water access. Play areas, picnic shelters, playing fields and park renovations are eligible development projects. Washington cities, counties, towns, tribes and local districts with a comprehensive recreation plan should apply.

Could a playground win this?

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Play areas and park renovation are listed as eligible development projects. Only cities, counties, towns, tribes and local districts with a completed comprehensive recreation plan can apply, so schools, churches and nonprofits would need to partner with their local government.

Play areas

Renovating community parks

Based on the funder's words, from rco.wa.gov (opens in a new tab). This is our read, not the funder's.

About the match

A match is required, but the page says the amount varies and does not state it. Applicant labor, equipment and materials, cash, bonds, donations of land, labor, equipment and materials, and other grants can count. State agencies do not have to provide match, and some local agencies in communities or counties in need, underserved areas or federal disaster areas may reduce their match. Volunteer labor or donated materials can count.

How to apply

Complete a comprehensive recreation or conservation plan that meets RCO planning requirements.
Watch the recorded application webinar and review the grant manual and Local Parks to-do list.
Submit the application through RCO's PRISM grants system during the application window.
Contact an RCO grants manager with questions about eligibility or match reductions.

See this grant on rco.wa.gov (opens in a new tab)

All the details

Match: Match amount varies and is not stated on this page; state agencies do not have to provide match.
Opened: Wed, Feb 11, 2026
Deadline: Thu, Apr 30, 2026
Cycle: Grants are awarded every two years. The 2026 cycle opened February 11, 2026, and applications were due April 30, 2026.
Who can apply, in full: Local Parks Category: cities, counties, towns, federally recognized tribes, and special purpose, port or other local districts. Trails and Water Access also allow certain state agencies.
What it funds: Land acquisition and development of outdoor recreation, including local and state parks, trails and water access. Eligible park development includes play areas, picnic shelters, playing fields and hard courts.
Area: Washington State only. Projects must be kept for public outdoor recreation use for at least fifty years.
Contact: Contact an RCO grants manager: https://rco.wa.gov/contact-a-grants-manager/
Funder: RCO (State)
Source we checked: https://rco.wa.gov/grant/washington-wildlife-and-recreation-program-recreation/ (opens in a new tab)
Date last checked: Mon, Nov 2, 2026

We summarize public information. Always confirm details with the funder before applying.