Parks projects in Des Moines and Kent are funded in the 2015 Capital Budget proposed today by the Senate, Sen. Karen Keiser, D-Kent, announced.

“These are investments in the outdoor recreational priorities of our citizens, today and for future generations,” said Keiser, the Democratic lead on the Senate Capital Budget. “We are blessed to live in a particularly beautiful region, and we like to make the most of it.”

In Des Moines, the budget funds a badly needed picnic shelter and restroom at Beach Park, where groups of students have been relying on a Porta Potty.

In Kent, two projects are funded. One expands the park at Van Doren’s Landing and the other funds the conversion of the Russell Road Athletic Field.

With the release of the Senate budget, Keiser and other Senate leads will begin negotiations with representatives from the House on a final budget.

“We know what we need for our communities,” Keiser said. “Now we just need to make sure they become reality.”