SPOKANE, Wash. — New funding approved this week will be used to upgrade several neighborhoods throughout Spokane.
The Northeast Youth Center, which serves 132 children, will receive more than $200,000 in federal funding to upgrade its current play area. The concrete space, surrounded by substandard fencing, will be transformed with new play structures, a sport court and garden.
“It’s been pretty barebones. We have, this concrete space. Obviously, if you look around, there’s fencing that is a little bit, subpar,” said Crystal MaCurdy, executive director of the Northeast Youth Center.
The center serves children from vulnerable places, with many from low-income families. MaCurdy said 93% are state-paid kids.
“We serve children from vulnerable places. Low a lot of low income. We are 93% state paid kids. So for them, this is an opportunity they wouldn’t otherwise have an opportunity to be able to engage in beautiful space,” MaCurdy said.
The Northeast Youth Center is not the only project that received funding through the newly awarded grant. Other projects include a new sport court at Friendship Park.
“We utilize the basketball court several times back in the in the, in the day, and it’s a little uneven, so it’s a bit hazardous. So bright colors, fresh grounding I think would be great,” said Alicia Rainner, who lives near Friendship Park.
The improvements are possible thanks to the Community Development Block Grant that cities apply for. The projects are meant to benefit the whole community.
The Northeast Youth Center and Friendship Park projects are just two of 11 citywide projects receiving money.
You can see the full list of projects below:
1. Northeast Youth Center, NEYC Rehabilitation
2. Transitions, TLC Boiler Replacement
3. Northeast Public Development Authority, 3011 Wellesley
4. Northeast Community Center Association, Air Filtration and Upgrades
5. Catholic Housing Services of Eastern Washington, Ridpath
6. The Salvation Army, Stepping Stones Rehabilitation
7. Salish School Of Spokane, Salish Cultural Recreation Community Center
8. Martin Luther King Jr Community Center, Restroom Rehabilitation
9. Shiloh Hills, Friendship Park Sports Court
10. Nevada Heights, Just One Neighborhood Project
11. Chief Garry Park, Northeast Youth and Family Services, Parking Lot
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