Placemaking Grant to update park's playground equipment

PRIEST RIVER — The Selkirk Association of Realtors has received a $7,500 Placemaking Grant to support updating and replacing playground equipment in Priest River’s City Park, helping transform the playground into a vibrant community space designed to bring people together.

The local grant award is made possible through funding support provided to the Selkirk Association of Realtors by the National Association of Realtors as part of its Community Development Advocacy program, which empowers real estate associations to strengthen their communities through effective advocacy, partnerships and on-the-ground initiatives.

Through this initiative, the Selkirk Association of Realtors will support the city of Priest River in the second phase of the City Park playground area, working collaboratively with the city and other partners, to deliver a project that reflects local needs, community input and shared stewardship. 

In addition to this funding, the Selkirk Association of Realtors awarded the city a $2,000 grant and will support the project in any means needed, SAR officials said. Other project partners include Avista, Walmart, the Innovia Foundation and residents of Priest River, who are contributing their time, materials, expertise, matching funds and grants.

“Local Realtors don’t just open doors or sell homes, they truly care about the communities they live in and want to see those communities thrive by updating existing spaces and/or creating places for residents to enjoy the quality of life in their neighborhoods," Stephanie Rief, SAR association executive, said. 

Rief said association members enjoy working with other community partners to see these projects to fruition and bringing people together.  

“The city of Priest River has a lot to offer," she added. "It is an attractive destination with such beautiful surroundings. As you know, playgrounds are an excellent space to develop social skills, exercise, be creative, boost physical/emotional development and most of all, have fun!  With this renovation, the City of Priest River will be able to give our youngest citizens a 95’ x 95’ fenced area, full of new structures and hours of fun. The design features components that can include children of all ages. The playground will be ADA accessible, inclusive, and up to date.”

Placemaking focuses on creating people-centered public spaces that strengthen neighborhoods by fostering connection, collaboration and civic pride. By leveraging this grant, the Selkirk Association of Realtors is helping turn a local vision into a place where residents can gather, engage and build a stronger sense of community.

Projects like this reflect a commitment by community real estate officials to building better communities beyond the transaction — using local expertise, partnerships and advocacy to enhance quality of life and support vibrant, resilient neighborhoods.

For more information about the Priest River City Park Playground Improvement Project, visit priestriver-id.gov/city-park-playground-improvement-project.