Seattle Parks and Recreation invites the public to submit potential names for two new parks in the Ballard and University District neighborhoods and three park sites along Thornton Creek in north Seattle.
Please submit suggestions for names to the Parks Naming Committee by March 31, 2016.
Below are descriptions of the parks to be named:
University Heights: This is a multi-use open space for public use on the south side of University Heights Center for the Community (UHCC) in the University District. Project elements include a performance area/plaza, rain gardens, pedestrian pathways, lawn areas, landscaped areas and other amenities. This project is one of 15 community-initiated projects that received Opportunity Funds, and combines $254,000 in development funds from the 2000 Pro Parks Levy and $747,000 of funding from the Parks and Green Spaces Levy Opportunity Fund. Construction was completed on January 4, 2016. More information can be found at http://www.seattle.gov/parks/projects/university_heights/open_space.htm
14th Ave. NW: This project converts two full blocks of 14th Ave. NW to a new park between NW 59th and NW 61st streets with transition lanes to the park from the north and south. A park will replace the gravel parking median and portions of the existing concrete roadway. The project includes green infrastructure and incorporates safety improvements for pedestrians, cyclists and vehicles. The Parks and Green Spaces Levy provided approximately $2.9 million for design and construction of the 14th Avenue Park Boulevard. The Parks and Green Spaces Levy Acquisition Fund provides $24 million for the acquisition of neighborhood parks in up to 20 identified areas throughout the City. The Ballard Residential Urban Village was included in that list. The community prioritized this development project in lieu of acquiring additional property. More information can be found at http://www.seattle.gov/parks/projects/ballard_hub_uv/
Thornton Creek Watershed sites:
Little Brook: Located on NE 117th Street, between 35th and 36th Ave. NE, this site is composed of two properties: the two-acre Kartess property, which was acquired in 2002 in partnership with Seattle Public Utilities as part of the 2000 Pro-Parks Levy acquisition program, and the .35-acre Douglas property, which was acquired in 2015 as part of the 2008 Parks and Green Spaces Levy acquisition program. This park site features an upland area with native vegetation and trails, and a tributary to Thornton Creek (Little Brook) in a small ravine on the west side of the property. Neighbors and stewards have worked to restore the upper habitat areas of the ravine and the gently rolling uplands near the entrance on 36th Ave NE.
95th & Sand Point Way: This 2.5-acre site is the main stem of Thornton Creek. It was acquired between 1992 and 1998 and was initially saved from development as part of the 1989 Open Space and Trails bond program for open space, park, and recreation purposes. Although much of the property is steep, there is a limited access point across the street from Matthews Beach Park. Neighbors and stewards have removed invasive plants and replanted with natives including conifers.
Jackson Park Golf Course: This parcel is contiguous with Jackson Park Golf Course and is along the North Fork of Thornton Creek. Properties at the south end were acquired in 1950 using cumulative reserve funds for park purposes. This park site features excellent habitat, with wetlands, forests, seeps and pools. There are also trails in the uplands of this natural area.
About the Parks Naming Committee and Park Naming Policy:
The Parks Naming Committee is comprised of one representative designated by the Board of Park Commissioners, one by the Chair of the City Council Parks, Seattle Center, Libraries and Waterfront Committee, and one by the Parks Superintendent. Criteria the committee considers in naming parks include: geographical location, historical or cultural significance, and natural or geological features. The Park Naming Policy, clarifying the criteria applied when naming a park, can be found at http://www.seattle.gov/parks/Publications/namingPolicy.htm
The Parks Naming Committee will consider all suggestions and make a recommendation to Seattle Parks and Recreation Superintendent Jesús Aguirre, who makes the final decision.
Please submit suggestions for park names in writing by Thursday, March 31, 2016, and include an explanation of how your suggestion matches the naming criteria. Send to Seattle Parks and Recreation, Parks Naming Committee, 100 Dexter Ave. N, Seattle, WA 98109, or by e-mail to paula.hoff@seattle.gov.