Magnolia Trail, Smith Cove Park get matching grants

Two Magnolia projects received matching grants from the Seattle Department of Neighborhoods’ Small and Simple Projects Fund.

The Friends of the Magnolia Walk and Bike Connector group was awarded $25,000 — and partially funded with a community match of $14,800 in raised money, donated materials and volunteer labor — for a feasibility study of the Magnolia Trail. A consultant will study a walking/biking trail that will provide access to the Magnolia waterfront, Smith Cove Park and trails through Interbay and Elliott Bay Park.

The Friends of Smith Cove Park also received $25,000 — with a community match of $16,700 — for a conceptual design of Smith Cove Park. The group will hire a landscape architect to conduct outreach, hold public meetings to help with planning and develop a conceptual park plan.

The Small and Simple Projects Fund, which provides awards of up to $25,000 to community organizations, opens to applications in early 2015; the deadline is Feb. 2. To learn more, visit www.seattle.gov/neighborhoods/nmf/smallandsimple.htm.