State approves grant for Greg Cuoio Park accessibility improvements

Washington Gov. Jay Inslee approved a $515,000 grant for the Greg Cuoio Park Accessibility Improvements Project.

In a letter dated July 2023, Deputy Assistant Director Tony Hanson said the grant is included in the recently signed 2023-25 State Capital Budget.

The net grant that the city will receive will be $449,550, since the state’s Department of Commerce will retain 3% or $50,0000 to cover administrative costs.

During the Lacey Parks, Culture and Recreation Board meeting on Wednesday, August 2, Director Jennifer Burbidge discussed the initial plans for the monument, signages, and maps that will be installed around Greg Cuoio Park.

“The monument sign playfully nods to the surrounding nature within the Greg Cuoio Park with its use of the leaf and salmon motif,” said Burbidge.

A slide showing the park's motifs of a salmon and leaves on signages.

Burbidge said they are also exploring the use of QR codes for the maps and other wildlife information. She added that they are also looking at other options for other educational signage.

 “Because this is such a large project, there's going to probably be a lot of follow-up stuff that happens at this park site,” said Burbidge. “But it is a huge lift to get this project off the ground.”

A Master Plan, launched in April 2021, includes multiple phases of work to make accessible the 537-acre combined Greg Cuoio Park, Pleasant Glade Park, and Palm Creek Headwaters.

The project is located between the Crossroads and Hawk's Prairie neighborhoods, north of I-5.