Two heavily-used Queen Anne playgrounds that have seen better days will get some needed upgrades after receiving King County Youth Sports Facilities grants.

The Bayview-Kinnear Playground—also known as Lower Kerry Park—and the Big Howe Playground—better known as the West Queen Anne Playground—will both receive the grants, which are administered by the King County Department of Natural Resources and Parks. The grants are funded and sustained through a tax of a quarter of 1 percent on car rentals.

“These funds support the work of residents living near these parks who are championing their importance in the community,” said Council Chair Larry Phillips, whose district includes Queen Anne. “They are gathering places for families, athletic fields for a number of activities, and most importantly, provide a ‘green oasis’ for our urban neighborhoods. These funds will ensure they are available and safe for generations to come.”

The Bayview-Kinnear Playground will receive $29,000 to help improve safety, security and accessibility. The old play structure will be replaced with modern equipment and a trail will be built between the playground and the Kerry Park Viewpoint.

The $49,094 grant awarded to the Big Howe Playground will go towards replacing the play structure, improved landscaping, benches and picnic tables and improved stroller access.

These Youth Sports Facilities Grants will compliment previously announced 2006 Conservation Futures allocations in District 4 at Discovery Park and the Burke Gilman Trail.