“We heard from the community that this was an issue, that people weren’t feeling safe or able to fully utilize these parks, so we’re responding to those concerns” said Mayor McGinn. “By hiring new Park Rangers, we can create a safer and more welcoming atmosphere in our parks. And we’re asking park users to be proactive as well – our officers need your help to keep our parks safe. We encourage you to call 911 when you see any kind of disturbance or crime in our parks.”

The funds for the new Park Rangers will come from underspent Seattle Parks and Recreation operating budget dollars. Through careful management, Seattle Parks and Recreation was able to stay under budget this year, allowing the city to make this investment at a critical time.

“Park Rangers are key to the city’s efforts to keep Seattle parks safe” said Parks Security Supervisor Corby Christensen. “We remind park users of the rules, moderate disputes that can sometimes arise over things like use of playfields, and keep an eye on the park in general. We work closely with Seattle Police officers to address issues as they arise. I encourage all park users to approach Park Rangers with any questions or concerns you may have. We need the public to be actively involved in our efforts to keep our parks safe.”

“Thank you to the Mayor’s Office, Seattle Parks and Recreation and the Police Department for listening to concerns from the community and acting on them” said Michael Wells, President of the Capitol Hill Chamber of Commerce. “Having a full-time Park Ranger on duty in Cal Anderson will make a huge difference in the way people perceive the park.”

The new Park Rangers will be hired, trained and on duty by the end of June, just in time for summer weather. In the meantime, police will contribute to this effort with emphasis patrols in Cal Anderson and Occidental, with existing Parks employees working overtime to create a safer atmosphere in these parks as well as others. Parks will be working with police to determine optimal shift schedules for the rangers to most effectively deter crime.

“With the warmer weather we are seeing an increase in public safety issues in Cal Anderson Park. We’ve begun several new approaches in response” said East Precinct Commander Captain Ron Wilson. “Our Anti-Crime Team will be spending more time proactively working to address public safety issues within the park and surrounding neighborhoods.  Patrol officers will be making more frequent visits during park closure times to ensure all is well. Our Community Police Team has begun to assist our patrol resources by outfitting some of their officers with bicycle uniforms. These bicycle-trained CPT Officers will periodically break away from their traditional role in order to expand police presence in various hotspot areas within the East Precinct.”

All Mayor’s Office press conferences, town halls and general public meetings are archived by Seattle Channel. Many town halls and press conferences are also broadcast live to the web. Sign up for The Reader, our office newsletter, at our website. And learn more about your neighbors and the mayor’s activities on our blog.

Guests will meet Trimpin, a world-renowned sound artist and pioneer in the field of computer-programmed instruments and “sound sculptures” and enjoy theatrics by Teatro ZinZanni performers and the debut performance of the PlayGarden Children’s Choir.

Tickets are $150 for adults and there is no fee for children 12 and younger. Proceeds from this fundraiser support the work of Children’s PlayGarden. For more information on the PlayGarden, please go to http://www.childrensplaygarden.org/.

The PlayGarden came about as the result of a collaboration between Seattle Parks and Recreation and the Children’s Playgarden to build a park that offers facilities, features and programs for children with special needs. It took some time, but the result is a beautiful park that offers gardening spaces, specialized butterfly and herb gardens, accessible play equipment, a basketball court, and climbing mounds. The park development, funded by the Parks and Green Spaces Levy, also included renovation of the existing Shelterhouse and a new 1,400-square-foot Garden House.

The Children’s PlayGarden opened a preschool in fall 2010, and offers school-break and summer camps, play dates, classes, and celebrations such as the Earth Day event in April, Summer Barbecue in August, and Harvest Festival in October. All programs integrate children with special needs with typically developing children. Programs are often multi-age, to maximize the opportunity for siblings and friends to attend together.

Summer opportunities at the PlayGarden include Summer PlayDates with staff is onsite running art, sport, science, and gardening and outdoor play activities; Parent Child Play Groups: led by PlayGarden staff; Summer Camps from June-August; and field trips. For more information, please go to http://www.childrensplaygarden.org/html/programs.html.

Local puppet theatre MIMIBUNKO will present The Red Demon Cried, a Japanese language puppet show for children of all ages at 12:30 and 1:45 p.m.

Attendees will enjoy hands-on craft activities with paper (origami) and opportunities to talk with Washington Park Arboretum Education and Outreach staff and Japanese Garden volunteers.

Children’s Day is a Japanese national holiday that traditionally takes place on May 5, the fifth day of the fifth month. It is a day set aside to respect children’s personalities and to celebrate their happiness. It was designated a national holiday by the Japanese government in 1948.

Please note that Seattle Japanese Garden Annual Passes or Memberships are not applicable during the Children’s Day event. Event admission is $10 for adults, with up to two children free (age 12 and younger) per paying adult, and $5 for each additional child. Event admission for adults without children is $10. Admission for visitors ages 13 -17, senior adults 65 and older, college students with ID, and people with disabilities, is $5.

The Seattle Japanese Garden is located at 1075 Lake Washington Blvd E in Seattle’s Washington Park Arboretum. To contact the Garden, please call 206-684-4725. The Japanese Garden is open 7 days a week from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Contact: Leslie Yuenger
E-mail: leslie.yuenger@navy.mil
Voice: 360-396-6387
Fax: 360-315-0088

1101 Tautog Circle, Suite 207A
Silverdale, Washington 98315-1101

SILVERDALE, Wash. – The Navy and Washington Department of Ecology are holding an open house to present information, receive comment and answer questions about the clean-up of low-level radiological contamination at the former Naval Station Puget Sound at Sand Point, now named Warren G. Magnuson Park, on May 29, 2013 from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m., in the Mountaineers Building 7700 Sand Point Way NE. The clean-up is set to begin in early summer 2013.

“All of the clean-up will be conducted in accordance with work plans reviewed and approved by the state,” said Cindy O’Hare, Base Realignment and Closure Environmental Coordinator. “The highest priority is the safety of the public and protective measures will be taken throughout the project.”

To address potential public concerns the Navy, in coordination with Washington Department of Health, sampled for radon gas in facilities used by the community during the week of April 8, 2013. A total of 20 samples were collected and the results showed no detection of radon gas at any location within buildings 2 or 27.

The clean-up, also known as a Time Critical Removal Action, includes portions of the second floor of building 2 where low-level radiological contamination was found under layers of flooring materials and inside piping. The clean-up project also includes removal of low-level radiological contamination and demolition of the south shed of building 27. Contaminated soils, piping, and catch basins will also be remediated.

Due to the deteriorating condition of the south shed of building 27, a TCRA has been determined to be necessary. The Navy is following the federal Comprehensive Environmental Response, Compensation, and Liability Act Program at this site. The Navy’s cleanup action under CERCLA also meets state requirements under Washington’s Model Toxics Control Act.

The Navy continues to collaborate with the City of Seattle Parks & Recreation, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, the Washington State Departments of Ecology and Health on this clean-up project. The Department of Health has oversight on radiation protection issues for the State of Washington. Department of Ecology oversees the overall cleanup process under MTCA.

Through the course of planning facility renovations in 2009, the City of Seattle recovered historical building drawings that identified facilities where operations using radioactive materials may have been used in buildings 2 and 27, and conducted a radiological screening that confirmed the presence of radiological contamination.

In 2010, the Navy completed radiological characterization surveys that identified areas of low-level radiological contamination in buildings 2 and 27 and associated catch basins, piping and soil outside of those buildings. The findings were finalized in an investigation report in 2011. The areas with low-level radiological contamination are not accessible by the public, are secured to prevent unauthorized access and are monitored by a state licensed radiological contractor who performs weekly security inspections and monthly radiation surveys.

The Navy plans to publish a Notice of Intent and the Action Memorandum by May 31, 2013.

Acquired by the Navy in 1920, former Naval Station Puget Sound, now known as Warren G. Magnuson Park, was originally a Naval Air Station where aircraft repair and maintenance was performed. The Air Station had used radioluminescent (glow-in-the-dark) paint to repair and touch up dials, markers, and gauges for aircraft, in buildings 2 and 27.

The Navy will continue to post information about this project on their website at: http://goo.gl/t4JKw. For more information about CERCLA and TCRA’s, please visit the Environmental Protection Agency’s website at: www.epa.gov.

Media availability is set for 4:30 p.m. in the Mountaineers Building 7700 Sand Point Way NE; please contact the Navy Public Affairs Officer to reserve your attendance.

Naval Facilities Engineering Command: The Facilities and Expeditionary Combat Systems Command

NAVFAC is the Systems Command that delivers and maintains quality, sustainable facilities, acquires and manages capabilities for the Navy’s expeditionary combat forces, provides contingency engineering response, and enables energy security and environmental stewardship. Additional updates and information about NAVFAC can be found on social media sites Facebook and Twitter. Become a Fan at www.facebook.com/navfac and follow us at www.twitter.com/navfac

Funding from the Parks and Green Spaces Levy contributed to both play area renovations. These projects provide new play equipment and bring the play areas into compliance with current safety standards and guideline efforts, and meet the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Seattle Parks has completed 19 of the named 23 play area renovations since the Parks and Green Spaces Levy passed in 2008.   

Seattle voters passed the Parks and Green Spaces Levy by a 59% vote in November 2008. The $146 million Levy provided acquisition funding for new neighborhood parks and green spaces and development funding for projects such as play area renovations, improved playfields, reservoir lid parks, community gardens, and safety upgrades at city owned cultural facilities.

Volunteer Park

The Volunteer Park play area dedication is Friday, May 17, 2013 from 4 – 6 p.m.  The event features music by CHORAL5 from Stevens Elementary along with other family entertainment and light refreshments.

Seattle Parks and Recreation will celebrate the opening of the new play area at Volunteer Park on Friday, May 17.

The renovated play area offers musical components, climbing rocks, climbing wall, slides, higher swings, and a new sand box. The design of the new pathways is sensitive to the original Olmsted plan and mimics the historic promenade. The Volunteer Park play area opened to the public in mid-April. It is located in the northeast corner of Volunteer Park, 1247 15^th Ave E.

For more information on the Volunteer Play area please visit http://seattle.gov/parks/projects/volunteer_park/playground.htm

Maple Leaf

The Maple Leaf play area dedication is Saturday, May 18, 2013 from 10 a.m. – noon. The park features a zip line, climbing rocks, and a children’s garden.

The new play area at Maple Leaf Reservoir opens several months in advance of the completed reservoir covering project.

In conjunction with Parks and Green Spaces Levy, a Large Matching Fund Award of $100,000 from the Department of Neighborhoods provided funding for the children’s garden, adventure play and whimsical art area. The community raised $75,000 in cash to support the effort and contributed $25,000 in volunteer labor. The event on Saturday includes family entertainment and light refreshments.

Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) is replacing its open reservoirs with underground structures that will improve the quality and security of our water supply and provide new public open spaces on reservoir lids throughout Seattle.  The Maple Leaf Reservoir is one reservoir that is getting covered.

Seattle Parks, along with the contractor, worked hard to have the play area portion of the park open to the public for the summer 2013. Construction for the reservoir project will be complete in fall 2013. The play area is located at 1020 NE 82nd St.

For more information on the project please visit  http://www.seattle.gov/parks/projects/maple_leaf_reservoir/

# # #

To support safe recreation, Seattle Parks and Recreation and Seattle Children’s Hospital have partnered with Mustang Survival and the Coast Guard Auxiliary to offer low-cost life jacket sales at Evans Pool in Green Lake Park. The first of five sales will take place on Saturday, May 18, from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Evans Pool is located at 7201 E Green Lake Drive N.

Drowning is the second leading cause of unintentional injury death among children ages 1 – 14 years old. Wearing a life jacket saves lives. Washington state law requires children ages 12 and younger to wear a Coast Guard approved life jacket or life vest on vessels fewer than 19 feet long. There must be a life jacket on board that fits for each person older than 12.

“For parents, it’s important to set an example for your kids, and be ready to rescue if needed,” said Elizabeth Bennett from Seattle Children’s. “In an observational study of thousands of boaters in Washington state, both children and teens were significantly more likely to wear a life jacket if the adult was wearing one.”

The cost for life jackets sizes infant to youth large is $20, and for teens to adult size XXXL, is $30.  The life jackets are comfortable, high quality vests in fashion colors. All sales are final. Seattle Parks and Recreation cannot offer refunds or returns.

“It’s a great time to get a life jacket for the summer,” said Southwest Pool Coordinator Diane Jones, who has coordinated the program since 2006. “Life jackets are available in all sizes. They must fit properly to work; they need to be snug but comfortable.”

Customers younger than 18 years old must be accompanied by a parent/guardian. Fitters will be on site to help purchasers choose the correct size. The person for whom the jacket is being purchased must be present for proper fitting.

Parks will hold additional life jacket sales from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. on the following Saturdays:

• June 15
• July 20
• August 17
• September 21

Don’t miss this opportunity to purchase a stylish, Coast Guard approved life jacket! For more information, please email Diane Jones, diane.jones@seattle.gov.

# # #

The Japanese Garden, located in the Washington Park Arboretum, is a 3 1/2 acre formal garden designed and constructed under the supervision of world-renowned Japanese garden designer Juki Iida in 1960. Local and visiting audiences have enjoyed this sublime retreat for many decades. Allowing wedding ceremonies will enable couples to build lasting memories at this historical landmark.

To kick off the pilot program, Parks will schedule three wedding ceremonies this year for parties of up to 75 people. Parks encourages these wedding parties to respect the tradition and serenity of the space. The base price is $3,000, which will cover rental of the facility for four hours—both the Garden and Tateuchi Room, a small meeting room on the premises. Weddings will take place on select Saturdays between August and October, from 4 to 8 p.m. Rehearsals will take place the day (Friday) before the wedding, after the garden is closed to the public. An additional damage deposit is required and parking is available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Parks invited people interested in a Japanese Garden wedding this summer to fill out the wedding inquiry form.  Staff will respond to your inquiry.

To learn about how to schedule other beautiful garden venues Seattle Parks and Recreation has to offer, such as the Volunteer Park Conservatory, Kubota Garden and Parsons Garden, please visit our weddings webpage.

Seattle Parks and Recreation is excited about this collaboration with the Japanese Garden Advisory Council, a group of community members who meet the second Tuesday of each month to develop public events and programs.

Seattle Parks and Recreation provides fire rings at two beaches, Golden Gardens Park, 8498 Seaview Avenue NW in Ballard and Alki Beach Park, 1702 Alki Avenue SW in West Seattle.

Parks encourages users to have fun, and provides a reminder of the rules that keep the parks clean, safe, and usable for everyone:

• Please light fires ONLY in designated fire pits, available on a first-come, first-served basis.
• Please burn only clean firewood (bare, clean, dry cordwood).
• Please douse your fire completely (with water, not sand!) before you leave.
• Please don’t remove anything from the park, beach, or dunes.
• Please dispose of trash and ashes in the containers provided for each.
• Please be considerate of others – amplified music is not allowed!
• Please remember that alcohol is not allowed.

For information, please call:
• Parks and Recreation: 206-684-4075
• Emergency after-hours pager: 206-982-4583
• Seattle Police and Fire Departments: 9-1-1
• Puget Sound Clean Air Agency: 206-343-8800 or 800-552-3565

Get Ready For
SUMMER BOATING 2013

CANOEING in pairs or teams…
KAYAKING in one person “Scramblers”…
A variety of boats for on-the-water adventure!

WHAT: Just Add Water! A complete boating experience available to youth throughout the City of Seattle and the Region. We provide the instructional boats and safety equipment. You provide enthusiastic and eager youth, ready to learn fun recreational boating with a high level of water safety mixed in.
AGES : 8 yrs and older, with a MAXIMUM of 16 participants plus their leader(s). 1:10 ratio minimum
COST: 3 Sessions $50, 4 Sessions $75, or 5 Sessions $100
WHERE: Mount Baker Rowing and Sailing Center; near Genesee Park
3800 Lake Washington Blvd. S.
Seattle, WA 98118
206-386-1913
Chelsea.eadon@gmail.com
Monique.miller@seattle.gov
SCHEDULE: One day of the week (Monday-Thursday) for several consecutive weeks you choose:
Mount Baker:
Weeks of July 1, 15, 22
August 6, 12, 19
TIME: Note which boating session time and day of the week you chose:
Monday through Thursday, 1:15-2:45 p.m. OR 3-4:30 p.m.  
WEATHER: Class will be held rain or shine. Alternative boating related activities will be offered during adverse weather conditions.
SWIMMING ABILITY: Before the first day of the program, each participant will need to complete a Modified Float Test or the traditional Float Test—the test cannot and will not be administered at the boating facility. City beaches will be open from mid-June to the end of August. You will need to make your own arrangements with the pool or beach for times, days, and for lifejackets for deep water tests, BEFORE THE FIRST DAY OF BOATING.
-Medgar Evers Pool, 206-684-4766
-Mount Baker Beach
-Seward Park Beach
COUNSELORS: Active participation of the program counselor/lead will make the kids’ boating experience enjoyable. Program counselors/ leads are included in the fun and are required to provide supervision of the group on land and on the water. Completed paperwork** (Small Craft risk and release forms, water tests, and summer boating contract) must be turned in before anyone is allowed on the water. Program leaders will also need to pass a Modified Float Test or the Traditional Float Test. **Medical forms (E13) for all participants must be presented and held on-site at each visit.
FORMS: The Modified Float test and Assumption of Risk and Release forms are included and are due on the first day. Your contract, which we will send to you, is your confirmation. Please sign it and bring it with you on the first day. Each participant must turn in a Risk and Release and be listed on the Float Test to be allowed to participate**. **Medical forms (E13) or equivalent for all participants must be presented and held onsite at each visit.

WHY? We’re surrounded by water – Let’s have some fun!
Enjoyment of water sports has not traditionally been available to many youth. You have the opportunity to channel energy productively and incorporate teamwork and cooperation in activities that are challenging. You’ll also increase your awareness of the opportunities and enjoyment afloat and how to participate safely.
GETTING STARTED: Please fill out the form at http://www.seattle.gov/parks/boats/mtbaker.htm and click on “Get ready for summer boating.” Return the form to Mt. Baker Rowing and Sailing Center. Space is limited, so please register early. Sessions will be filled at a first-come, first-served basis.
INFORMATION: Please contact the facility for more information about the program and sessions. You’ll need to come 15 minutes before your first session for a tour and orientation.
PLEASE REGISTER EARLY, AS SPACE IS LIMITED.
PROGRAMS ARE FILLED ON A FIRST-COME, FIRST-SERVED BASIS.

For more information, please call Mount Baker Rowing and Sailing Center, 206-386-1913, or email chelsea.eadon@gmail.com or monique.miller@seattle.gov

Specific daily openings for the wading pools will begin on June 22 and they will operate on sunny days when the temperature is forecast to be 70 degrees or higher. The wading pool hotline, updated each summer day by 9:30 a.m., is 206-684-7796.

Seattle Parks and Recreation offers several types of water features: decorative fountains, interactive fountains, and sprayparks.

There are interactive fountains at Ballard Commons Park, Lake Union Park and Miller Community Center.

There are decorative fountains at Cal Anderson Park, Freeway Park (Legion, Canyon, Pigott and 6th and Seneca fountains), Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Park, Westlake Park, Tilikum Place, and Waterfront Park.

Parks now offers sprayparks at Jefferson Park’s Beacon Mountain, Georgetown Playfield, John C. Little, Sr. Park, Lower Judkins Park, Northacres Park, Pratt Park, and Highland Park (opening later this spring).

Irrigation Reduction Study
In the summer of 2012, Parks conducted a focused irrigation reduction study to assess the impacts of a significant voluntary reduction in terms of financial savings, landscape health, water reduction and public response. Low priority irrigation areas such as informal lawns and well-established shrubs were targeted for reduction in about 150 parks, boulevards and triangles. High priority areas such as athletic fields, play areas, wading pools and beaches, special gardens, and areas with new plantings received
normal watering. Parks was able to save approximately 59,000 CCF (or hundred cubic feet, equaling 44 million gallons) and approximately $290,000 compared to recent four-year average use. This is just over a 20% reduction in average use, particularly remarkable given the 59-day dry spell Seattle experienced in summer 2012. What Parks learned is that it is cost effective in normal times to use the strategy usually reserved for drought conditions.

Based on continued need for balancing financial sustainability, park visitor experience, and environmental stewardship, Parks plans to continue similar irrigation conservation strategies in 2013. Parks staff will adjust sites to minimize the risk of any long term landscape health issues.

Peak-season water rates have increased 153% since 2007. While conservation can help the bottom line, park landscapes will continue to need water to maintain the trust the public has placed in Parks, and to support Parks’ great recreation opportunities and other environmental stewardship initiatives such as the Green Seattle Partnership’s citywide natural area restoration programs. Staff will continue to manage water use in the various types of landscapes with landscape health as the first priority, and will continue to uphold a strong conservation ethic by careful irrigation scheduling, appropriate plant selection, expedient irrigation repairs, and continuing to automate Parks’ irrigation systems.

The public can help in these efforts by reporting leaky irrigation lines to Parks’ maintenance request line, 206-684-7250, or emailing pks_work_order_desk@seattle.gov.