The agenda includes:

Green Seattle Partnership

Parks and Cascade Land Conservancy staff will provide the Board with an update on progress on the Green Seattle Partnership. The Partnership, between the City of Seattle and the Cascade Land Conservancy, is a commitment to restore 2,500 acres of urban forest by the year 2020. For more information on the Partnership, please go to http://greenseattle.org/.

 Viewpoint Management

Parks staff will bring the Board up to date on Parks and Recreation’s implementation of the Viewpoint Management Policy. It will include information on the status of designated public viewpoints and the efforts underway to manage the vegetation at these sites.

 Budget Briefing

Parks staff will provide a briefing on information received to date on 2010 City revenues and the likelihood of a 2010 mid-year budget reduction, and on the 2011 budget process.

 Briefing papers on the above presentations will be available on the Park Board website, http://www.seattle.gov/parks/ParkBoard/default.asp, by close of business on Thursday, March 18.

The Board of Park Commissioners is a seven-member citizen board created by the City Charter. Three members are appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by the City Council; three members are appointed by the City Council; and one member is appointed by the Park Board. The Board meets the second and fourth Thursday of each month to advise the

Parks and Recreation Superintendent, the Mayor, and the City Council on parks and recreation matters. For more information, please contact Sandy Brooks at 206-684-5066 or sandy.brooks@seattle.gov.

Races will start every 10 minutes. Schedules are available at www.greenlakecrew.org or available for pick up at the event. Races begin at the north end of the lake near Duck Island, and finish at the Aqua Theater. Seating in the Aqua Theater is limited, but another great viewing spot is along the southwest shore of the lake, just west of the Aqua Theater. 

There will be a coffee and tee-shirt vendor available for hot drinks and merchandise throughout the day. The Green Lake Junior Rowers will announce the races. Come cheer on the home team at this annual start of the racing season regatta. 

Spectators are encouraged to walk, bike or bus to the park. Parking will be extremely limited. 

For more information, call the Green Lake Small Craft Center at (206) 684-4074. 

# # #

Dodgeball

Relive your glory days in gym class! Join the fastest growing league in Seattle. We offer the best leagues, courts, and fun in the city. The league consists of 6 matches followed by a single elimination tournament. 

Game play is 40 minutes. Games are self-officiated, and all league games are held at Jefferson and Delridge Community Centers. Spring team registration closes on April 7, 2010. 

Game Times: 6 p.m., 6:45 p.m., 7:30 p.m., and 8:15 p.m. Players will play a mix of game times listed. 

Cost per team: $180 – Based on a six-team league. Fees may increase or decrease depending on the number of teams in the league.  Rosters are due by April 7. 

Level:  Open to teams of all abilities 

Kickball

Come get your kicks with us! Sign up now for our new Adult Kickball League. Seattle Parks and Recreation offers the best leagues, fields, and fun in the city. Recess was never this much fun! 

Players of all ability levels are welcome. Teams play with 10 players at time, with 6 men and 4 women on the field. You can bat/kick as many people as you want. Seattle Parks and Recreation’s leagues include regular season games and one playoff game.  All teams make the first round of playoffs. Leagues also typically include an umpire, t-shirts, and online schedules and standings. 

A team organizational meeting will take place on Thursday, April 1, 2010 at 6:30 p.m. at the High Point Community Center.  At this meeting, you’ll need to provide a $100 deposit to hold your team’s spot in the league. 

Cost per team: $459 – Based on an eight-team league. Fees may increase or decrease depending on the number of teams in the league. A Roster is required by April 9. 

Level:  Open to teams of all abilities  

Adult and Co-ed Volleyball

This recreation level league is for players looking to enjoy volleyball without an intimidating atmosphere or attitude. The league consists of a minimum of three women and a maximum of three men. Each game consists of three matches.  Spring league is limited to eight teams. 

 Times: 6:30, 7:30p.m. 

Cost: $309 per team Based on an 8 team, single elimination league.  

Men, Women and Co-ed Softball

Grab your mitts and get ready to play in the largest softball league in Seattle. Last year there were 86 men’s teams, 106 co-ed teams, and 11 women’s teams.  Play on all of your favorite diamonds like Lower Woodland, Miller and Riverview.  Whatever skill level you are, we have a league for you!  League also includes umpire, t-shirts, trophies and online standings. 

Game Times: 6 p.m., 6:45 p.m., 7:30 p.m., and 8:15 p.m. When signing up for a league, you will play a mix of game times listed. 

Cost per team:  $700 -$900 (The cost varies based on league and number of teams.) 

A team organizational meeting will take place at 100 Dexter Ave N. at 6:30 p.m. on the following dates:

March 15 – Women’s Leagues

March 16 – Men’s League

March 17 – Co-ed League

March 18 – Make up meeting for all teams 

# # #

Southwest

Boys and girls ages 3 to 11 will have a great time at the spring hunt searching for chocolate eggs, candy and prizes. The hunt will begin at 10 a.m. sharp. Please come early to find the hunting area for your child’s age group.

• Alki Community Center, 5817 SW Stevens St., (206) 684-7430
• Delridge Community Center, 4501 Delridge Way SW, (206) 684-7423
• Hiawatha Community Center, 2700 California Ave. SW, (206) 684-7441  
• High Point Community Center, 6920 34th Ave. SW, (206) 684-7441
• South Park Community Center, 8319 8th Ave. S, (206) 684-7451
• Southwest Community Center, 2801 SW Thistle St., (206) 684-74380

Northwest

Rain or shine, kids 2 – 10 scramble for goodies in age-appropriate hunt areas. Please bring a basket or bag for collecting. Nonperishable food donations are gladly accepted. Volunteers needed. Call your local center.

• Ballard Community Center, 6020 28th Ave. NW, (206) 684-4093
• Bitter Lake Community Center Annex, 13040 Greenwood Ave. N, (206) 684-7524
• Loyal Heights Community Center, 2101 NW 77th St., (206) 684-4052

Green Lake Community Center

Join your friends at Green Lake Community Center, 7201 E Green Lake Dr. N, for the Spring Scramble. We scramble rain or shine!  We will set up different areas of Green Lake Park near the community center with lots of goodies to scramble for!  Please bring your bag or basket to collect, and wear appropriate scrambling and outdoor attire.  Please meet at the community center gym no later than 15 minutes before your scramble time.  This event is sponsored by the Seattle Parks and Recreation Green Lake Advisory Council. For more information, call the center at (206) 684-0780. Ages : 3 and younger: 10 a.m.; ages: 4-6: 10:30 a.m.; ages: 7-11: 11 a.m.

International District/Central Area

Children ages 11 and younger are invited to come on down for the annual Spring Egg Hunt. Please bring a bag or a basket to collect goodies. We need volunteers, so please call your local center to find out how you can help.

• Garfield Community Center, 2323 East Cherry St., (206) 684-4788
• International District/Chinatown Community Center, 719 8th Ave. S, (206) 233-0042
• Yesler Community Center, 917 E Yesler Way, (206) 386-1245

Southeast

Bring a basket or a bag to gather up goodies at our Spring Egg Hunt! All children 10 years of age and younger are welcomed to the hunt. Come rain or shine!  A pancake breakfast will follow the egg hunt. The cost is $1 per person or $5 per family

• Jefferson Community Center, 3801 Beacon Ave. S, (206) 684-7481
• Van Asselt Community Center, 2820 S Myrtle St., (206) 386-1921

Rainier Beach Community Center and Pool

Come join Rainier Beach Community Center and Pool, as we ring in spring with our annual Egg Hunt and Fun Run! There will be an egg/candy hunt for children and refreshments for adults. There will also be side activities and fun runs for kids. Following the spring hunt, the Rainier Beach Pool will host an underwater egg hunt.

• Candy Hunt and Fun Run Location: Rainier Beach High Track, 8815 Seward Park Ave. S.
• Alternative location, in case of rain: Rainier Beach Community Center, 4600 38th Ave. S
• For more information, call (206) 386-1919.
  • Underwater Egg Hunt Location: Rainier Beach Pool, 8825 Rainier Ave S
  • Time: 1:30-2:30 p.m.
  • Cost: $4 (Adult), $2.75 (Youth/Senior/Special Needs)
  • For more information, call (206)386-1944

Rainier Community Center

Be sure to dress warmly and bring a basket or bag to the Rainier Community Center Spring Egg Hunt. This event will take place on Sunday, April 11. For more information, call the center at (206) 386-1919. The center is located at 4600 38^th Ave. S.

 Northeast

Children ages 1 – 11 are invited to come celebrate the coming of spring with an egg hunt.

• Nathan Hale Track, 10750 30 Ave. NE (Sponsored by Meadowbrook Community Center, (206) 684-7522)
• Laurelhurst Community Center, 4554 NE 41st St., 4554 NE 41st St.
• Ravenna-Eckstein Community Center, 6535 Ravenna Ave. NE, (206) 684-7534

Queen Anne/Magnolia/Capitol Hill/Montlake

Magnolia Community Center

Bring your baskets and your cameras for an egg-citing time at the Magnolia Community Center’s Spring Egg Hunt for children age 12 and under. The hunt begins at 11 a.m., starting with the youngest age group. The center is located at 2550 34th Ave. W. For more information, please call (206) 386-4235

Queen Anne Community Center

Bring a basket or a bag to gather up all of the goodies found at the Queen Anne Annual Spring Egg Hunt for children 11 and under. Meet in the Queen Anne Community Center, 1901 First Ave. W. For more information, call (206) 386-4240.

Montlake Community Center

Little kids 0 to 12 are invited to hippity hoppity along the bunny trail to Montlake Community Center, 1618 E Calhoun St., to hunt for eggs. There will be a costume contest and a coloring contest. Egg hunts will be split among age groups 0 to 3; 4 to 5; 6 to 8; and 9 to 12. A large pink bunny will pose for photos in the meadow grass.  Please bring a bag to place eggs in, and a warm jacket in case of rainy weather. For more information, please call the center at (206) 684-4736. This event will be held on Saturday, March 27.

Teens ages 11 to 17 are invited to bring a flashlight for the Teen Flashlight Egg Hunt. Search in the dark for eggs that contain candy or a certificate to claim a special prize. The hunt is sponsored by Seattle Parks and Recreation and the Montlake Community Center Advisory Council.  Please bring a bag to place eggs in, a warm jacket in case of rainy weather and a working flash light. This event will take place at the Montlake Community Center, 1618 E Calhoun St., on Friday, March 26, beginning at dusk and continuing until 8:45 p.m. For more information, call the center at (206) 684-4736.

Miller Community Center

Say goodbye to winter and hello to spring with a Spring Celebration at Miller Community Center, 330 19^th Ave. E. There will be a coloring contest, egg hunt, jump toys and Gymboree play time. This event will be held on Thursday, March 18, from 10 a.m. to noon. The cost is $2. For more information, call the center at (206) 684-4753.

 # # #

City of Seattle employees are taking 10 days off without pay in 2010 to help fill the budget gap. Seattle Parks and Recreation has worked hard to schedule furlough days in a way that has the smallest possible impact on customers, and that provides as much coverage as possible. 

These facilities and services are closed on Friday, March 12

• Grounds maintenance
• Community centers (except child care and late night programs, which will still operate).
• Swimming pools
• Environmental Learning Centers
• Lifelong Recreation (except Food and Fitness programs, which will still operate)
• Business Service Center

 These facilities and services are closed on Monday, March 15:

• Administrative offices (communications, correspondence, Park Board support, web management, public outreach, human resources, finance and administration)
• Planning and Development Division
• Magnuson Park office

 These facilities will operate normally:

• Events Scheduling
• Golf courses
• The Seattle Aquarium will assign furloughs individually to ensure that its 24-hour animal care responsibilities are met and that it stays open to the public.

###

Salamander Search

Ages 1 and older

Search in the pond and under logs in the woods for both our Long-toed and Northwestern Salamanders and Red-backed and Ensatina salamanders. We might also find beetles, slugs, and other critters! Please register by March 19 by calling 206-684-7434.

Course #49145    March 20    Sat 3:30 – 5 p.m.

Activity Fee Adult Fee $8, Child Fee $6 

Camp Long Owl Hoot

Ages 4 and older

Join us for a dusk-to-dark owl prowl through Camp Long’s woodland. Early winter is courtship time! Dress for the weather and bring a flashlight. Please register by March 19 by calling 206-684-7434.

Course #49137    March 20       Sat 7 – 8:30 p.m.

Activity Fee Adult Fee $8, Child Fee $6

Third Saturday Free Walks

Lakeridge Park            FREE

Ages 1 and older

Why would anyone call a park a dead horse? When you learn the history of this incredible place, it will all make sense. Wear shoes that can get muddy and bring your binoculars! Find out how you can help keep this place and advocate for our finned friends, the Coho salmon.

Location: Lakeridge Park, Rainier Ave. S and 68^th Ave. S to Cornell Ave. S

Course #50816    March 20       Sat 2 – 4 p.m.

Fauntleroy Park           FREE

Ages 1 and older

The Swamp Lanterns should be poking their heads out from their loooong winter’s rest. Don’t miss the first wildflower of spring! Enjoy the sight and SCENT of bright yellow “Swamp Lanterns” in one of the best kept secret hiking spaces in West Seattle.

Location: Fauntleroy Park, 3951 SW Barton St.

Course #50821    March 20       Sat 11 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Nature Walks – Preschool/Tots

Immerse young ones in the great outdoors and let them explore the wonders of nature. Most classes require adult participation.

Spring is Here! (2-3yrs)

Ages 2 – 3

Adults, explore the wonders of nature with your tots. Discover life in the pond, forest, and field, and meet new friends. Please arrive 10 minutes before class time and wear weatherproof clothing. Up to two children can be registered with one adult. No strollers please. Please register by March 12.

Location: Outdoor Space – North of Colman Pool, Lincoln Park, 8011 Fauntleroy Way SW

Course #49149    March 16       Tue 10 – 11 a.m.

Activity Fee $7 for one adult with one child, $3.50 for each additional person.

Volunteer Opportunity

Camp Long Third Saturday Work Parties             FREE

All ages, families

Leave your family legacy at Camp Long by helping to restore a patch of native habitat in the park, building trails, or maintaining amenities. Make some new friends while preserving a future for ourselves and native plants and animals.  Register by calling 206-423-0762.

March 20 Sat 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

 The public meeting follows on the heels of a public tour of the site on Wednesday, March 10, at 5:30 p.m. An additional public meeting was held on January 13, 2010, to introduce the public to the design team from the Berger Partnership.  

 The upcoming project includes restoration of the now overgrown Holmdahl Rockery and creation of an eye-catching display of colorful Chilean plant species. Work will begin in late spring of 2010 and be complete by the end of the year. “Gateway to Chile” is situated at the southern intersection of Arboretum Drive and Lake Washington Boulevard. The Washington Park Arboretum is a living museum that hosts a diverse world of plants, and is a valuable educational tool for the people of Seattle and the entire northwest.

 Before construction starts on the project, Parks will remove 34 mature trees, which include some native species, to make way for the new Chilean garden. The project includes planting 72 Chilean trees that will contribute to the horticultural collection, and help educate the community about Chilean gardens.

 The Gateway to Chile is an element of the Pacific Connections Garden Phase II, and a symbol made more notable and poignant by the recent magnitude 8.8 earthquake that struck Chile. The earthquake imbues the project with special meaning to Seattle as we respond with the rest of the world to the crisis.

 Chilean species include Fuchsia magellanica; drimys winteri varandina, or winter’s bark; embothrium coccineum, or Chilean Fire Bush; Austrocedrus chilensis, a beautiful, endangered conifer; and Pilgerodendron uviferum, a tree that can grow to be 500 years old.

 Contributions from public and private sources provide for these improvements. The Arboretum Foundation has generously contributed $290,000 toward the $450,000 construction cost. Additional funding comes from the Parks and Green Spaces Levy.

 For more information, please contact Andy Sheffer at andy.sheffer@seattle.gov or 206-684-7041, or visit http://seattle.gov/parks/projects/arboretum/.

 # # #

What makes Seattle’s waterfront unique? What tools will Seattle need to create a great central waterfront? How will we keep it active and inviting for generations to come? How can public and private partners set the stage for future success? The viaduct replacement project provides a unique opportunity for the community to reclaim its spectacular central waterfront, with great public spaces and better connections to the city as a whole.

The City of Seattle is holding four community meetings for the public to learn about the exciting work of creating a great central waterfront. The Central Waterfront Partnerships Committee and the Department of Planning and Development will host the meetings to provide information on the work of the committee, which was established by the mayor and council to develop recommendations for creating safe, attractive and inviting new public spaces on the central waterfront.

The committee is in the midst of a several month process, established by Ord.123142, to make recommendations on how to best fund, manage and program a revitalized central waterfront that remains accessible and inviting to all for decades to come.

Meeting details:

Miller Community Center
330 19th Ave. E, 98112
Thursday, March 4, 6:00 – 7:30 p.m.

Northgate Community Center
10510 5th Ave NE, 98125
Saturday, March 6, 2:30 – 4:00 p.m.

High Point Community Center
6920 34th Ave SW, 98126
Saturday, March 13, 2:30 – 4:00 p.m.

Van Asselt Community Center
2820 South Myrtle Street, 98108
Saturday, March 20, 2:30 –4:00 p.m.

All meeting venues are accessible. To request special accommodations, or to request an interpreter, please contact My Tam Nguyen: (206) 386-4183, mytam.nguyen@seattle.gov.

The agenda includes: 

Fees and Charges Setting Policy The Board will discuss and make a recommendation to the Parks Superintendent on a draft administrative rule that would provide a framework and guidance to Parks staff as they develop ideas and proposals for the fees and charges that are necessary to provide financial support to Seattle Parks and Recreation (Parks) for the operation and maintenance of programs, facilities, and park grounds and are allowed for by Seattle Municipal Code 18.28. The revenue generated by these fees constitutes only about a third of the funds required to operate and maintain the park system. The policy is also intended for use by decision-makers to help ensure that fees and charges are developed and implemented in a consistent and equitable manner. The Board heard a briefing on the proposal at its January 28 meeting and held a public meeting on it at its February 11 meeting. 

State Route 520 Replacement Briefing On January 22, the Washington State Department of Transportation issued the Supplemental Draft Environmental Impact Statement (SDEIS) for the SR 520 project. Staff will provide an update on the project and the comments process for the SDEIS; public comments are due on March 8, 2010. Staff will also highlight those areas of the project that are of particular interest to the Board, i.e. potential impacts to Parks-owned properties, including Bagley Viewpoint, Montlake Playfield and the Washington Park Arboretum. 

The most recent draft of the proposed code of conduct and a draft of the proposed fee policy are available on the web at: http://www.seattle.gov/parks/parkboard/default.asp. 

The Board of Park Commissioners is a seven-member citizen board created by the City Charter. Three members are appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by the City Council; three members are appointed by the City Council; and one member is appointed by the Park Board. The Board meets the second and fourth Thursday of each month to advise the Parks and Recreation Superintendent, the Mayor, and the City Council on parks and recreation matters. For more information, please contact Sandy Brooks at 206-684-5066 or sandy.brooks@seattle.gov. 

###

The community encourages you to attend and provide feedback on the conceptual enhancement plans. HBB Inc., Landscape Architects, collected input from the first vision meeting and incorporated that input into the plans that will be presented. 

The goal of this process is to develop a schematic plan that includes stronger trail connections, a sustained natural setting and increased usage of the park. Community input and support are essential for the project.

For more information visit the project website at http://seattle.gov/parks/projects/nmf/kinnear_lower.htm,  or contact Emily Fuller, Neighborhood Matching Fund Planner at 206-684-7047 or emily.fuller@seattle.gov 

# # #