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Seattle Parks and Recreation news and events

Seattle Parks and Recreation amenities: What’s open and what’s closed?

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Revised Tuesday, April 6 2021

We are in the process of determining which programs and activities are feasible for 2021. When visiting the Seattle Parks and Recreation website, be aware that many pages contain outdated information, and will be updated when the way forward is clear. To learn how the pandemic has affected our 2021 operating budget, please visit this post.

Please be advised that the status of activities listed on this page is subject to change at any time.  Most facilities remain closed due to the pandemic.


KEEP MOVING STREET – LAKE WASHINGTON BLVD (4/9/21 – 4/18/21)

Friday, April 9 (around noon) through Sunday, April 18, one mile of the northern portion of Lake Washington Blvd from Mt Baker Park to Stan Sayres Park will open to people walking, rolling, and biking, and close to people driving. Barricades will be removed on Monday morning (April 19).  
Presented by Seattle Parks and Recreation and SDOT!



CHILDCARE

Through the end of the 2021 school year (June 18), childcare programming is offered all-day only, weekdays from 8 a.m.-5 p.m., with options to enroll either Mon/Wed/Fri –OR– Tue/Thur –OR– Mon/Tue/Wed/Thur/Fri.  

Families with children returning to in-person school must select from the all-day care options even if children can only attend care fewer hours each day. Also, Seattle Public Schools confirms that no transportation to childcare will be provided for general education students who opt for in-person learning, which means that families need to transport their child to the care location. For more info please contact your local Community Center, or visit this page to find out where programs are being offered, prices and hours of operation changes. 

POOLS

Medgar Evers Pool in Central Seattle opened to the public for lap swimming and independent water fitness on Feb. 17. Hours are from 11:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.  Pool admission must be reserved in advance online or via phone 206-684-4766. The first reservations can be made on Feb. 10 starting at noon. Full details here.

PARKING LOTS

Almost all parking lots are open. Exceptions: the Green Lake west lots near the row house; lower and upper Woodland Park except for the lots near the ballfields; Atlantic St. Boat Launch; and the upper lots at Seward Park due to a long-term construction project. (Lower lots are open.)

BOAT LAUNCHES

Atlantic City Boat Launch is closed to accommodate the City’s COVID-19 testing site. Boaters, please use Stan Sayres launch, 4 miles north, as an alternate. Most other boat launches are open, with adjacent parking open as well, except for Ferdinand St. Strict guidelines are in place; read those here.

OTHER ACTIVITIES & AMENITIES

Social distancing should be practiced at any open amenities:

AmenityStatus
Adult Fitness EquipmentOpen
Amy Yee Tennis CenterOpen as of 1/21/21
Athletic Field UseOpen for use with some restrictions** (see below)
BasketballOpen for groups of 5 and under
BBQ GrillsOpen for groups of 5 and under
Bike TrailsOpen 
BeachesSee Swimming Areas
Boat Launches
(hand carry & motorized)		Most open except Atlantic City & Ferdinand St.
Boat MooragesOpen to renters only
Camp Long Walk-in GateOpen Tues – Sat, 10am – 6pm
Community CentersClosed
Community GardensOpen
Disc GolfOpen for groups of 5 and under
Dog Off-Leash AreasOpen
Drinking FountainsOpen
Environmental Learning CentersClosed
Fire PitsClosed
FishingOpen
Japanese GardenOpen with advance ticket purchase only
GardensOpen
GolfOpen for groups of 5 and under
Hiking TrailsOpen
Horseshoe PitsClosed
Lawn BowlingOperated by third party
PathsOpen (Green Lake loop pedestrian only, ONE WAY)
Pickleball CourtsOpen for groups of 5 and under
Picnic SheltersOpen for reservations of groups of 5 and under
Picnic TablesOpen for groups of 5 and under
Play AreasOpen (see notes)
Pools  Medgar Evers is OPEN with advanced reservations only
P-Patch Community GardenOperated by Dept. of Neighborhoods
Rental FacilitiesClosed
RestroomsOpen
Scuba DivingOpen
Skateparks/SpotsOpen
Spray ParksClosed
Swimming Areas with LifeguardsClosed for the season
Tennis Court or Tennis Backboard Open
Wading PoolsClosed
Weddings and CeremoniesClosed
Volleyball (outdoor)Open for groups of 5 and under
Volunteer Park ConservatoryClosed
Zoo; Aquarium Open (operated by third party)
Museums; Restaurants Operated by third party

** Athletic Fields: scheduled activities can be permitted under revised guidelines.  As per 11/16/20 each league, organization, or club must publish and follow a new “return to play” safety plan that reflects the newest restrictions.  Parents and household members must not congregate on the sidelines during practice.  Drop-in use is allowed on Seattle Parks playfields if there are no permitted users on the field. Masks are required.

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Reopening Activities for More Summer Fun Announced by Seattle Parks and Recreation

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Outdoor pools, sprayparks, beaches, meals for kids and more
are tentatively scheduled

Summer is coming and boy, are we all ready for it!  After a year of restrictions and uncertainty – not to mention a long winter – everyone is looking forward to reliable sunshine, mild temps and more outdoor activities. Access to parks and open spaces is essential for our physical and mental health, as we know more than ever, and so parks are going to be very busy this spring and summer. That’s why Seattle Parks and Recreation (SPR) staff have been working hard on plans to welcome you back bigger and better than last year, while still keeping an eye on the changing public health situation – because as we’re currently seeing, the pandemic is not entirely in the rearview mirror.

While planning, we’re working with a number of operational restrictions. First among them is reduced financial resources. The impact of the pandemic on our ability to provide regular services can’t be understated; this detailed overview of how revenue loss has affected programming is a must-read. In addition, as the pandemic continues, many staff are working to ramp up services and prepare our parks and facilities for increased use, including addressing deferred maintenance from last year.

We remain hopeful that as more people get vaccinated, new virus cases will decline and the state, county and city guidelines will relax allowing us to gradually expand our offerings. So while these tentative plans are not set in stone, here’s our current thinking on what we hope will happen this summer. Keep in mind, our goals are multifaceted: to help people reconnect with nature and each other in a safe manner; to focus our services on BIPOC and other historically underrepresented communities; and to offer programming primarily outdoors.

Seattle Parks and Recreation Summer 2021 Plans

The schedules and locations for many of the following activities are yet to be determined. Please visit www.seattle.gov/parks for updates and check current SPR capacity information here.

AQUATICS:

  • Indoor Pools: Medgar Evers Pool is currently open; Rainier Beach Pool will open on April 19.
  • Outdoor Pools: SPR is planning to operate two unique outdoor pools for summer fun: Colman Pool (8603 Fauntleroy Way SW) and Lowery C. “Pop” Mounger Pool (32nd Ave. W).
  • Sprayparks: SPR is planning to operate 11 unstaffed sprayparks this summer. Sprayparks normally operate from 11 am – 8 pm, unless thunder and lightning are present.
  • Lifeguarded beaches: SPR is planning to offer at least 5 safe, lifeguarded beaches at sites around the city this summer. We strongly recommend swimming only where lifeguards are present.
  • Boat Ramps: Three of five motorized boat launches are fully open – Magnuson Park, Eddie Vine, and Don Armeni. The Atlantic City Boat Ramp on Lake WA Blvd. remains a COVID vaccination / testing site and is closed to boat launching. Stan Sayres Boat Ramp on Lake WA Blvd. is mostly closed while SPR awaits permits to begin repair work, but limited launching is allowed for boats and vehicles that can fit in between the block barriers to use just the central portion of the ramp.
  • Rowing and Sailing Centers: Mount Baker Rowing and Sailing Center and Green Lake Small Craft Center are working toward reopening some rowing, sailing, and paddling programs in late spring/early summer of 2021. To receive updates on reopening and registration, please sign up for one or both email lists: Green Lake Small Craft Center email list, Mount Baker Rowing and Sailing Center email list.
  • Wading Pools: SPR is looking into whether we can operate any wading pools this summer, and we will update the community as soon as a decision has been made. Due to staff capacity and budgetary concerns, opening all wading pools will not be possible this summer.

RECREATION:

  • Community Centers/Teen Centers:  Community Centers will continue to operate over the summer for childcare and teen services only (including Late Night). We expect to pilot limited indoor recreation opportunities at two community centers this summer and expand community center programming in the fall.
  • Virtual Recreation: SPR will continue to offer a variety of Virtual Recreation programs so that you can explore new opportunities to learn and engage from the safety of your own home. Visit the SPR YouTube channel, where you can explore casual recreation, environmental education, children’s story-time, and other videos created by our staff. We are also expanding our structured virtual programs, which you can browse and register for classes here.
  • Sports programs: SPR will offer a modified track program this spring and a variety of youth sports and adult sports programs this summer, including adult softball and free summer sports camps for youth.
  • Athletic Field Permits/Rentals: Sports field reservations are open. Drop-in use is allowed on SPR playfields if there are no permitted users on the field. Masks are required.
  • Golf: Jefferson, Jackson, Interbay, and West Seattle golf courses and ranges are all operating. Visit this page for contact info. and addresses.
  • Amy Yee Tennis Center: The Amy Yee Tennis Center reopened on January 21. The Center is open Monday through Friday from 7:30 am until 9:30 pm, and Saturday and Sunday from 9:00 am until 5:15 pm. Reservations are being taken at (206) 684-4764 each day beginning at 9:10 am; prepayment is required. More info. here.
  • Mobile Recreation: SPR’s Rec N the Streets program provides outdoor, mobile recreation opportunities at various park sites across Seattle and will expand services over the summer. Learn more here.
  • Summer of Safety: SPR will offer Summer of Safety (SOS), a free program that provides structured activities and a safe space for young people not connected to other supervised programs over the summer. The program is geared towards serving diverse tweens and teens from low-income families and will operate at Bitter Lake Community Center, Southwest Teen Life Center, Garfield Teen Life Center, South Park Community Center, Magnuson Community Center, and South Shore (in the South Shore K-8 School).
  • Summer Lunch Programs: SPR is planning to operate summer lunch programs to provide free meals for youth at 12 standalone sites this summer.
  • Outdoor Activity Camps: SPR will be offering 10 weeks of Summer Activity Camps at Jefferson, High Point, Loyal Heights, and Montlake community centers for children 5-12 years old. For 2021, we will not be able to offer Nature Camps at Discovery, Carkeek or Camp Long.
  • Teen Programs: SPR will keep several Teen Hubs open this summer, providing their usual academic support if Seattle Public Schools offers summer school this year. The hubs are safe places with wifi for teens to go during the pandemic, with activities and support provided by SPR staff. Some Late Night programs will be offered as well at Bitter Lake and Rainier Beach community centers and Southwest Teen Life Center, giving teens a staff-supported central location to gather with peers.

CHILDCARE:

  • Summer Childcare: Camps for children ages 5-12 will be offered at 17 locations. Scholarships are available; registration opens April 20. Details here.
  • School Age Care: SPR’s School Age Care program is open and operating at 18 sites. See more details under “Childcare” on this page, and for locations, fees and registration visit the registration portal. You can also contact your local Community Center for more information.

OUTDOOR EVENTS:

This summer, SPR will permit picnic shelter reservations, outdoor events (such as movie nights, 5k runs, and food services), as well as ceremonies and commercial photography for families and community organizations adhering to COVID safety protocols.

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As you may have noticed, there are not many indoor activities planned yet for this summer. This is due to an abundance of caution as we monitor public health conditions, and as we prioritize staff and financial resources. These factors steered us towards planning to welcome the community back through our outdoor opportunities. We’re confident, however, that this summer will allow us to offer a few pilot indoor activities.

Because public health conditions seem to be two steps forward, one step back, please keep on doing your part to social distance, wear a mask, and keep groups small. Be sure to follow this page for all the current info on what’s open and closed. Whatever we end up with, we’re very optimistic that this summer will be filled with opportunities for fun, connecting with community, and celebrating how resilient we and the world around us can be.  

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Storing Carbon is Cool

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By Todd Burley, Lisa Ciecko, and Craig Chatburn

The City of Seattle has signed on to the Paris Climate Accord and is committed to reducing our greenhouse gas emissions as part of a global community. Much of our effort is dedicated to reducing our carbon emissions through transportation and building improvements, yet it is also important to absorb and retain atmospheric carbon. This is called carbon sequestration, and as the manager of almost 12% of Seattle’s land, it is right up Seattle Parks and Recreation’s alley.

Carbon can be absorbed from the atmosphere in a number of ways, including new technologies that “strip” it from the air. However, natural methods of carbon storage are very effective and pertinent to parks. In fact, trees, wetlands, soils and oceans have been doing a great job of balancing the carbon cycle for millions of years. The science if simple – plants take in carbon, store it in their bodies, and pass it on to the soil to be stored.

Seattle Parks and Recreation supports carbon sequestration through planting trees and restoring forests, improving soil health, and restoring and protecting wetlands and near-shore habitat.

Source: https://ohioseagrant.osu.edu/ Did you know that a 45-foot tall tree can store a ton of carbon in 40 years? The longer the tree lives, the longer the carbon is stored. Over the past decade, SPR’s Green Seattle Partnership has worked diligently to restore our urban forests with native evergreen trees and shrubs that will renew the complex ecosystem still found in places like Seward Park. In the last 15 years, GSP has planted over 300,000 trees in Seattle’s natural areas! SPR also works to maintain the trees we have, and replaces each tree removed with at least two others. Urban trees are a critical part of reducing the impacts of climate change, particularly in the cities they grow in. 

See the source image

But healthy trees aren’t the only part of the story. Healthy and stable soil is also a significant contributor to carbon sequestration (watch this soil carbon sequestration video or go deep with this academic paper on soil carbon). Carbon in the soil is absorbed by fungi and other living things and held in place underground. In fact, even gardeners can contribute to carbon sequestration by building healthy soils. In our parks, we work hard to compost weeds in place, leave grass clippings in place, retain fall leaves as free mulch and minimize tilling. We let logs decompose on site wherever possible and add wood chip mulch to support a natural soil biome and keep the carbon stored underground.

See the source image

Finally, “blue carbon” is another important part of carbon sequestration in Seattle. Like soils on land, soils in wetlands and nearshore ecosystems do a great job of absorbing and storing carbon from the atmosphere. In fact, because much of this substrate become anaerobic over time, carbon can be stored in these systems for millennia, undisturbed. Wetlands, estuaries, and near shore coastal ecosystems are extremely rich and productive, and as such can sequester significant amounts of carbon.  

Cities like Seattle are working hard to reduce our contribution to climate change through emissions reductions but sequestering the carbon already in the air is important as well. Seattle Parks and Recreation, as the manager of most of Seattle’s green spaces, can have a significant impact in this area. Whether it is in plants, in the soil, or under water, we think storing carbon is pretty cool. 

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Pilot re-opening for Rainier Beach Pool on April 19

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The lap lanes at Rainier Beach Pool.

We’re excited to announce another pool re-opening to the public! Rainier Beach Pool will open for lap swimming and independent water fitness starting Monday, April 19. Hours are Mon//Tues/Thurs/Fri from 11:30am-6:30pm, Wednesdays from 2:30pm-6:30pm, and Sat/Sun from 8:30-3:30pm. Swimmers must be age 13 and up.  Pool admission must be reserved in advance online or via phone 206-386-1925. The first reservations can be made on Thursday, April 15 at 11am. (Video demonstration of registration process .)

Compliance with safety guidance is critical to keeping this facility open and safe for all. To that end, some special procedures have been put in place. Please watch this very helpful video illustrating how to use the pool when it re-opens. Also, please see this FAQ with answers about what to expect.

Currently, only lap swim and independent water fitness (independent water jogging or exercise) will be offered at the pool. Please note that at this time, only the lap pool is open. The leisure pool, spa and sauna are all closed. We are not currently offering swim lessons, recreational swim, or family swim. We are hopeful that we may be able to add other swim sessions soon.

For info about the pool schedule and offerings, see here.

Seattle Parks and Recreation continues to keep most pools closed. With public health restrictions, limited staffing, and a reduced budget reopening all pools is not currently feasible. As Rainier Beach Pool and Medgar Evers Pool operate more regularly and safely, we hope conditions are favorable for opening additional pools and aquatics programs as staffing and health guidance allows.

The Governor’s guidance for counties in Phase 3 allows for pools to operate if they are at a reduced capacity and follow public health guidelines. For pool visitors, that means limited access to common areas and lockers (no lockers are available at this time), wearing masks when not in the pool, and temperature checks upon entry. Additional safety measures for staff and the facility will include increased cleaning, temperature checks for staff and pool users, masks required when not in the pool, and two or fewer users per lane. For more information about the WA State Department’s guidance on pool operations under Phase 3, please see here.

For the most current list of what’s open and what’s closed please visit this web page.

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Waterworks at Cal Anderson Park under repair

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Seattle Office of Arts and Culture has contracted with JMS Masonry to repair the public art piece Waterworks in Cal Anderson Park. Doug Hollis’ Waterworks, is the cone shaped fountain and flume in the center of the park. The contractor for the fountain project will mobilize in the park starting in mid-April and will work to complete the project as soon as possible, however, work may extend into this summer.

Scaffolding will be installed around the water feature to provide access for repairs. The granite stones which make up the surface of the cone fountain will be partially removed to allow for the underlying support structure to be repaired, and then the stone surface replaced. In addition, the pump system will be assessed and made operational. Subsequent vault cleaning and testing of the flow system will commence following completion of the work.

For more information please contact Tiffany Hedrick, Seattle Office of Arts & Culture at 206-615-0175 or Tiffany.hedrick@seattle.gov. 

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Seattle Parks and Recreation leads early restoration efforts in April along Thornton Creek in Lake City

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Seattle Parks and Recreation (SPR) is partnering with Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) and the non-profit Mid Sound Fisheries Enhancement Group (MSFEG) to develop a floodplain reconnection project at 2318 NE 125th Street, Seattle, 98125. This project will improve Thornton Creek water quality, in-stream and riparian habitat, and on-site stormwater management, while creating an accessible natural area for the Lake City community, a heavily urbanized and underserved area.

Initial work in the area will include weed removal work set to begin on the site in April 2021. SPR’s Green Seattle Partnership is helping to lead this effort with generous assistance from the King County Noxious Weeds Program through the Healthy Lands Project. Professional crews from Dirt Corps will be active in spring and summer carrying out weed control of potentially problematic plant species, as well as soil stabilization near Thornton Creek and on steep slopes adjacent to 125th St. As construction progresses, crews and volunteers will eventually replant with a diversity of native trees and shrubs in these areas now dominated by just a few species of weeds.

This project will help to enhance and restore both ecosystem health and community health. The location of the property provides a unique opportunity to improve water quality and to reduce future flood losses. The goal of this project is to promote partnerships and enable high impact investments that will enhance water quality and salmonid habitat, help mitigate current and future climate-influenced flood flows, and provide public green space in a racially diverse and underserved urban community.

The parcel is entirely within the FEMA floodplain along 200 ft of Thornton Creek channel, while also adjacent to a designated urban village. Floodplain reconnection and additional flood storage will provide climate resiliency in the future, while reducing the impacts of stormwater runoff into the creek, including water pollution and potential flood damage to residents along this section of the creek.

The entire project still needs funding approval. A fully funded project will include a site plan, conduct community engagement, develop design solutions, and construction of the preferred design option. The designs will consist of nature-based solutions including riparian habitat, stream restoration, green stormwater infrastructure such as rain gardens or swales, and community access.

For more information about the project please visit https://www.seattle.gov/parks/about-us/current-projects/lake-city-floodplain-park-development or contact Cynthia McCoy at Cynthia.mccoy@seattle.gov.

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Climate Resilient Parks & Recreation

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By Todd Burley and Cynthia McCoy

Earth’s climate is changing. The science is clear, and the imperative to act is imminent, both to reduce our carbon emissions and to prepare for the impacts of this changing climate. The World Meteorological Organization, in its 2019 report, states, “Science tells us that, even if we are successful in limiting warming to 1.5°C (34.7° F), we will face significantly increased risks to natural and human systems. The consequences are already apparent. More severe and frequent floods, droughts and tropical storms, dangerous heatwaves and rising sea levels are already severely threatening lives and livelihoods across the planet.” Seattle Parks and Recreation agrees that we must both reduce our carbon emissions and prepare for the impacts of climate change.

Seattle’s Preparing for Climate Change report from 2017 lists many of the challenges we will need to plan for locally. We are already experiencing more extreme heat days (over 86° F) and dealing with the air quality impacts of increased wildfires in the region. Sea level in the Puget Sound region is expected to rise an additional 12 inches by 2035, impacting areas like the Duwamish Valley and our waterfront parks (check out the Climate Explorer for more). And we should expect the continuation of hotter and drier summers and winters with more extreme rain events causing landslides and flooding. Studies like the King County 2020 Strategic Climate Action Plan show how these impacts are born disproportionately by lower-income households and communities of color.

To prepare for this changing climate and become a resilient parks and recreation system, SPR conducted an impacts and vulnerability assessment. This review identified areas of greatest impact, including:  infrastructure, shorelines, plants and animals, facilities, and people. We further ranked the vulnerabilities that were identified based upon exposure (the expected severity of the climate change impacts), sensitivity (the susceptibility of the system to the change), and capacity to adapt (current processes or procedures that provide capacity to adapt).

We further identified the magnitude of the impact to financial cost, health and safety, natural resources, and recreation.

The results of the above analyses are expected to be released in SPR’s Climate Resiliency Strategy later this spring. Yet there are many actions being taken today to adapt to the impacts of climate change in our parks and recreation system.

  • Infrastructure
    • Sea walls are being removed and beaches restored with replenishment of sand, rocks, and woody material at places like Lowman Beach.
    • Trails are being improved to adapt to increased heavy rain events.
    • Green stormwater infrastructure projects are inspected and maintained regularly.
    • Trees are inspected for health regularly.
  • Saltwater Shorelines
    • Habitat along beaches continues to be restored through the Green Seattle Partnership with invasive removals and planting of native species.
  • Plants & Animals
    • The Green Seattle Partnership continues to restore urban forests throughout Seattle by removing invasive plants, installing native vegetation and stabilizing slopes.
    • Plants are chosen for climate adaptability and to support native species.
    • Establishment periods (watering) for new trees and shrubs is being extended.
    • Mulching is increasing to help retain water and improve soil health.
    • Pollinator gardens are being planted to support birds and insects.
  • Facilities
    • Heat pumps and clean air systems have been installed in some community centers.
    • A solar-powered microgrid system has been installed at Miller Community Center to act as an emergency power source.
    • Water reuse is being designed in newer buildings such as the Northgate Community Center.
  • People
    • Wading pools are being converted to spray parks where possible to conserve water and provide cooling areas.
    • Clean air centers have been established at three community centers.
    • Trees continue to be planted to provide shade, particularly in heat islands.

As long-term stewards of 6,414 acres of public land, over 30 community facilities, and 485+ parks, Seattle Parks and Recreation is positioned to prepare for the impacts of climate change. We will continue to consider not just the world we live in today, but also the world we and our descendants will live in the decades and centuries ahead. Want to explore tools yourself that you can use to meet the challenges of a changing climate? Check out toolkit.climate.gov.

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Climate-Friendly Facilities

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By Todd Burley and Jacob Daley

The world is warming, the climate is changing, and humans are the cause of this shift of geologic proportions. The science is clear, as detailed in the latest report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change. “Global warming is likely to reach 1.5°C between 2030 and 2052 if it continues to increase at the current rate.” And Seattle has signed on to the Paris Climate Agreement, committing to doing our part to reduce carbon emissions. So how is Seattle Parks and Recreation rising to this challenge?

A detailed graph shows that the metrics between taking immediate action and no action can mean the difference of the planet warming by roughly 1.5C between 2030 and 2052.

First, we are reducing energy consumption at our existing facilities, by increasing efficiencies as well at switching to the carbon-neutral electricity provided by Seattle City Light. As part of the City’s Building Tune-Up Program we are sealing building envelopes and adding insulation to keep the heat in. In addition, SPR is installing efficient LED lights everywhere possible, including at our athletic fields and aquatic facilities. SPR is also installing heat pump systems and more efficient heat systems at our facilities, working to remove natural gas where possible.

We know that our largest sources of emissions are the heating systems we have in our facilities. In fact, indoor pools alone contribute to 50% of SPR’s CO2 emissions, because they take a lot of energy and it primarily comes from natural gas. To reduce these emissions, we are installing heat recovery systems for all our indoor pools. This will save an estimated 2.1 million kBTUs per year, and about $20,000 annually at each pool!

A diagram illustrates the flow of air in a modern HVAC system design.
A picture of the top of the Magnuson "Brig" building, where solar panels have been installed.

Seattle is lucky to have a carbon-neutral electricity source, making the shift to electricity an obvious choice to reduce our carbon emissions. However, we are also pursuing alternative energy sources such as solar power at our facilities.


At the Magnuson Park “Brig” building, SPR partnered with the Office of Sustainability and the Environment and Seattle City Light (SCL) to install an extensive photovoltaic system on the roof that we expect to produce about 50,000 KWH annually.

We also partnered with SCL to install a solar microgrid system at Miller Community Center this year, creating an independent (and carbon-neutral) energy source to be used in the case of an emergency.

Climate change is real, and Seattle Parks and Recreation is doing our part to reduce our carbon footprint in our facilities. This process will take many years to complete, but as a long-term manager of dozens of buildings, SPR is committed to going carbon neutral. The imperative is clear that we must act.

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Virtual spring break camps

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With spring break right around the corner, we have a handful of virtual camp options for youth at home to stay engaged and creative.

You can click here to see the options we have available.

Classes will be held virtually using Webex. Click here to download Webex.

Click here to register!

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Volunteer Program re-launches for 2021 with participation in Clean City Initiative

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From recreation coaches to park inspectors to trail and forest stewards, volunteers are essential to the work we do at Seattle Parks and Recreation (SPR). The pandemic greatly curtailed our volunteer programs, however, and it’s only now that conditions have improved enough for us to feel safe in re-starting some larger, outdoor volunteer projects.

Among the tasks volunteers have been very eager to help with is the work of the Clean City Initiative, a program that invests $3 million into new and existing efforts to clean up litter and garbage across the city. We’re very excited to have their assistance with this ongoing program, which pulls together and expands efforts from several City departments to address the backlog in park and city street maintenance. 

The next dates for volunteers to help with the Clean City Initiative have not yet been announced, but we will post here when they are. For other volunteer opportunities with SPR and our community partners, please check this calendar.

Some fun photos from the Saturday, March 27, 2021 volunteer work parties supporting the Clean City Initiative:

Jefferson Park

After handing out protective personal equipment (PPE) for ten volunteers, SPR staff explained the scope of the work. The nice weather enabled coverage of a large section of the park, and volunteers (consisting of a family and individuals) did an excellent job collecting about 300 pounds of litter. A very productive day!

Golden Gardens

Twelve volunteers met with Parks staff, and after receiving PPE and a safety briefing, went to work scanning the park and filling trash bags. Seattle City Council Member Dan Strauss also came to help.

Alki Beach Park

Six volunteers met with Parks staff, and after receiving PPE and equipment fanned out to cover the waterfront park. They removed 6 bags of garbage and 5 needles from the beach.

Magnuson Park

Nine volunteers came to help bag litter at Magnuson, along with several SPR staff members. PPE, a safety talk, and then everyone was off with buckets, sticks and vests. After covering the Flyway and the beach a large bag’s worth of trash was removed. Volunteers expressed interest in returning to assist in the future.

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Green Lake Community Center & Evans Pool Parking Closed

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Seattle Parks and Recreation closes parking on Monday, March 29 and Monday, April 5, 2020

Seattle Parks and Recreation (SPR) will close the Green Lake Community Center & Pool parking lot to facilitate the placement of mechanical units on the roof of the building as part of the Green Lake Stabilization project. The project replaces two key mechanical systems at the Community Center, “wet side” boilers installed earlier this year and “dry side” equipment to be installed on the roof in the coming weeks. The new “dry side” equipment will provide fresh air and ventilation to the locker rooms, offices and bathrooms at the community center.

SPR is working with W.S. Contractors to coordinate the removal of the old units and installation of the new systems on the roof. A crane is needed for this work and will be positioned in the Green Lake parking lot. To minimize impacts to the community and the shower program at the community center the work has been scheduled on consecutive Mondays. The crane can only travel the roads at certain hours, it will be on site by 6:00 am and may not leave until after 6:00 p.m. The W.S. Contractor will open the lot at the earliest opportunity at the end of the workday each Monday.

Weather permitting, the Green Lake Community Center Stabilization Project will be substantially complete by the end of April 2021.

For more information please contact Garrett Farrell at garrett.farrell@seattle.gov or 206-233-7921.

More information about the development of a new Green Lake Community Center & Pool and updates on the Stabilization project please visit can be found here http://www.seattle.gov/parks/about-us/current-projects/green-lake-community-center-projects.

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