PORT ANGELES — Erickson Playfield has been selected to receive the 2023 Spotlight Award for Facilities from Washington Recreation and Parks Association.
The annual award recognizes individuals and organizations for their contributions to parks and recreation across the state.
The facilities category of the award, for which Erickson Playfield has been selected, recognizes high standards of design, development and renovation of park areas.
“This award is a significant achievement made possible through the support and generosity of local community partners,” Port Angeles Parks and Recreation Director Corey Delikat said.
The parks department has focused on building partnerships to foster greater collaboration and invest in the city parks and other recreation facilities, he said.
“These public and private partnerships have helped to transform Erickson Playfield into an exceptional facility for both residents and visitors to enjoy,” Delikat said.
Erickson Playfield is a 4.2-acre park located on Race Street across from Civic Field and hosts five amenities including a state-of-the-art playground and pump track, a skate park, a calisthenics park and four tennis courts.
In 2021, the City of Port Angeles partnered with the Dream Park Foundation and rallied the community to build the Gen II Dream Playground, replacing the original playground that was built in 2002.
The updated playground includes improvements to the playground surface and inclusive equipment for children of all ages and abilities.
More recently, the city partnered with Lincoln BMX Association to install a pump track, funded with state grants and community donations.
“We are thrilled and honored to receive this recognition. However, this is really an award for the community that helped make it possible,” Delikat said. “It’s a testament to the hard work of our partners and staff and serves as a great reminder for what can be accomplished when we come together to create something special.”
The park’s tennis courts are a staple of recreation in Port Angeles due largely in part to the city’s partnership with Peninsula Tennis Club (PTC).
This year, the tennis courts are set to undergo some major upgrades to the surface paint and improvements in LED lighting to extend play time.
Funding for these improvements will come from the PTC, the City of Port Angeles and a potential state grant.
“Currently, the Erickson Playfield Tennis Court Project is ranked No. 6 in the state and we are waiting for the governor’s budget to be approved so that we can receive our $200,000 from our Youth Athletic Facility Grant,” Delikat said.
Representatives from the Parks and Recreation Department and Erickson Playfield will be at the WRPA awards banquet on May 18.
“This award is a tribute to the community members who have helped to bring this park to life,” Delikat said. “Thank you to all who volunteered, donated or come to play at Erickson Playfield. We look forward to future partnerships to cultivate thriving public spaces.”
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Reporter Ken Park can be reached at kpark@peninsuladailynews.com.
