Summer is here and that means the city’s neighborhood program is ramping up for several months of picnics and projects.

Earlier this month, the City Council approved eight neighborhood grant awards totaling more than $52,000 for projects to enhance neighborhoods. The neighborhoods must match the amount provided by the city.

According to the city’s website, the City Council has dedicated one dollar per capita each year for neighborhood projects. Grant projects are evaluated and selected based on a series of criteria including planning, neighborhood support, “sweat equity,” need, final project maintenance, and benefit to the general public.

This year, the top amount awarded was $16,347 to the Maple Ridge Homeowners Association to erect a new playground structure in their common area.

Next on the list was $10,000 for the Brookfield Homeowners Association for the planting of trees and the installation of an irrigation system at the three islands leading to the neighborhood.

The Shamrock Heights HOA was given $6,029 to install an entry sign at the main entrance to their neighborhood.

The LaCrosse Homeowners Association will receive $5,789 to erect a neighborhood kiosk in their common area and to add signs and landscaping to entrances.

The Monterey Terrace Neighborhood Association will get $4,321 to landscape the steep slopes at the entrance to their neighborhood as a way to combat erosion.

The Snake Hill neighborhood, which was officially recognized earlier this year, will receive $4,030 to install a bus shelter for kids in the neighborhood. That project is also an Eagle Scout Project for one resident of the neighborhood.

The Pioneer Place HOA was granted $3,500 to install a gazebo-type shelter for children in the neighborhood.

And finally, the Victoria Park HOA will use $2,685 in grant funds to install timber borders and wood chips in the neighborhood playground.

For more information on the City’s Neighborhood Grant Program, visit http://rentonwa.gov/living/default.aspx?id=2234.