Enumclaw council authorizes $400,000 RCO grant application to light youth athletic fields

The Enumclaw City Council on April 27 approved Resolution 1874, authorizing the mayor to execute a grant application with the Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office for youth athletic facilities lighting at Boise Creek.

Parks Director Aliyah Hibbs said earlier estimates to relamp fluorescent fixtures and add lighting for two unlit fields proved insufficient because construction cost increases left a funding gap. Hibbs said the grant application seeks $400,000 and that the program requires a 50% match. "We already have $202,000 in impact fees that we can utilize for this," she told council; the additional $198,000 would be budgeted during the 2027 process. The project budget presented includes a 15% contingency and a total project budget of about $800,000.

Council members asked about the matching requirement and confirmation of available funds; Hibbs confirmed the 50% match and the existing impact fee balance. The council moved, seconded and approved Resolution 1874 by voice vote, authorizing staff to apply for the grant and proceed with matching plans.

The resolution authorizes staff to pursue the grant; final funding and project scheduling will be determined through the budget process and contingent on grant award.