Sunset Park Shelter Improvements

Airway Heights Parks & Recreation (AHPR) is making more improvements at Sunset Park, this time to update the deteriorating picnic shelters. This project is made possible by funding support from the Recreation Conservation Office (RCO) Local Parks Maintenance Grant Program. The Local Parks Maintenance (LPM) grant program was created in 2023 when the Washington State Legislature allocated funding in the operating budget to provide grants to local parks to support needed maintenance. LPM grants help local agencies provide safe and modern amenities that support meaningful outdoor experiences. This program focuses on helping communities in need address maintenance backlogs at local parks.

AHPR applied for and received $100,000 the maximum amount available. The grant will provide funding to re-construct the roof structures on shelters number 2 & 3 located at the north end of Sunset Park along 8th Avenue and to re-side the storage shed behind home plate at Martella Field. These projects have been identified as a priority in the Parks and Recreation Master Plan and were a great fit for this funding opportunity. The City will also be replacing Shelter number 1 that is located on the southeast corner of the park adjacent to the park maintenance building. Shelter 1 was beyond the ability to make repairs to so a complete tear down and replacement will be taking place.

As a result of the construction, the Sunset Park shelters will not be available for rent until the projects are complete. In accordance with RCO grant requirements, AHPR staff are targeting a completion date of no later than June 30th, just in time for the busy summer season. If you have a gathering planned and need a space, the picnic shelter located adjacent to the sports fields at the Recreation Center will still be available for rent. Interested parties can contact Guest Services at the Recreation Center to secure a reservation.