Council authorizes staff to apply for state Recreation and Conservation Office grant for Lookout Trailhead

David Erickson, Parks and Recreation Director, asked the City Council to approve Resolution 2026-06 so the city can apply for a Recreation and Conservation Office (RCO) / Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program grant to develop the Lookout Natural Area Trailhead Project (Bighorn/Lookout Ridge property).

Erickson reviewed the city’s history of RCO grant success, saying the city has secured nearly $13–14 million in grant funding over about 18 years for acquisitions and trail projects. He described the application process as rigorous and multi‑stage and said staff expects to finish the application in September with results in October. “Best case scenario, if we are successful, you could see construction and engineering starting in 2028 or 2029,” Erickson told the council.

Council Member Cuevas moved to approve Resolution 2026-06 authorizing staff to prepare and submit the RCO/Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program grant application for the Lookout Trailhead Project; Council Member Atkinson seconded and the council approved the resolution by voice vote.

The action authorizes staff to move forward with application work; the meeting did not include the grant request amount or detailed project scope beyond the trailhead designation.