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Seattle Parks and Recreation news and events

Park Board to hold regular meeting on September 9

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The Seattle Board of Park Commissioners will hold its next meeting at 7 p.m. Thursday, September 9, in the Park Board Room at 100 Dexter Ave. N at the corner of Dexter and Denny.

The meeting agenda includes:
Board discussion and recommendation to the Superintendent on the use of the Atlantic City Nursery site.

Parks and Recreation operated the Atlantic City Nursery at 5513 S Cloverdale St. from the 1940s until January 2010, when it was closed as a budget reduction. The 10.9 acre property features wetlands, trees, and a blueberry patch, and includes six buildings, including two greenhouses, three lath houses, and one office/shed. Parks is undertaking a process to identify a new use for the site that benefits the public, is compatible with the natural features of the site, and includes a partnership with a group to minimize operations and maintenance costs. The Board heard a staff briefing on the process at its July 8 meeting and held a public hearing at its August 12 meeting.

Possible change of use at some of Seattle’s underused tennis courts.

The Board will hear a staff briefing on the possibility that Parks will conduct a pilot project at selected underused tennis courts under which Parks would allow other emerging forms of recreation such as dodgeball and bicycle polo. The Board will hold a public hearing on the concept at its September 23 meeting and will discuss it and make a recommendation to the Superintendent at its October 28 meeting.

West Seattle Reservoir Project schematic design.

Parks staff will present a briefing on the proposed schematic design for the 20-acre lid on the West Seattle Reservoir at Westcrest Park. For more information on the project, please go to http://www.seattle.gov/parks/projects/west_seattle_reservoir/.

A briefing paper on the Atlantic City Nursery site is available on the web at http://www.seattle.gov/parks/parkboard/. Briefing papers on the possible pilot project and the West Seattle Reservoir will be available at that site on Friday, September 3.

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.

See the Rotary Viewpoint Totem Pole rededicated on August 10

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The public is invited to join the Rotary Club of West Seattle to celebrate the return and rededication of West Seattle’s beloved Totem Pole, at 5 p.m. Tuesday, August 10.

The Totem was recently refurbished and re-installed at The Rotary Viewpoint Park on 35th Ave. SW and SW Alaska St.

The Rotary Club and Seattle Parks and Recreation are honored to welcome the original carver Robin Young, Duwamish Tribal Chairperson Cecile Hansen, and other dignitaries as guests.

After the ceremony, all are invited to join the Rotary Club at the West Seattle Golf Course Fox Den Grille as we continue our celebration. Refreshments will be available for purchase.

A Work Party to spruce up the park is scheduled for Saturday, August 7 at 8:30 a.m. Volunteers are needed if you would like to help.

For more information, please contact Shirley Clough at s.clough@comcast.net or 206-293-2773.

Park Board to hold regular meeting on August 12

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The Seattle Board of Park Commissioners will hold its next meeting at 7 p.m. Thursday, August 12, in the Park Board Room at 100 Dexter Ave. N at the corner of Dexter and Denny.

The meeting agenda includes:
A public hearing on the use of the Atlantic City Nursery site
Parks and Recreation operated the Atlantic City Nursery at 5513 S Cloverdale St. from the 1940s until January 2010, when it was closed as a budget reduction. The 10.9 acre property features wetlands, trees, and a blueberry patch, and includes six buildings, including two greenhouses, three lath houses, and one office/shed. Parks has begun a process to identify a new use for the site that benefits the public, is compatible with the natural features of the site, and includes a partnership with a group to minimize operations and maintenance costs. The Board heard a staff briefing on the process at its July 8 meeting, and will discuss the issue and make a recommendation to the Superintendent at its September 9 meeting.

A Board discussion of the Seattle Parks and Recreation budget
The Board will continue the discussion of “guiding principles” that began at the July 22 meeting. The guiding principles will be used to frame the Board’s discussion and recommendations to the Superintendent on the Parks and Recreation 20 budget.

A briefing paper on the Atlantic City Nursery site is available on the web at http://www.seattle.gov/parks/parkboard/.

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.

Dunkin’ Doggies! A dog swim is coming up at Helene Madison Pool

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It’s that time again, for a four-legged fun swim at Helene Madison Pool, 13401 Meridian Ave. N., from 2 to 4 p.m. on Sunday, August 7, followed by a barbecue for the dogs’ humans.

Since 2003, Seattle Parks and Recreation has been offering opportunities for dogs to swim just before swimming pool maintenance closures, and this new Seattle tradition was recently recognized by Seattle Magazine as a “Best of 2008.”

The swim in the heated pool is made possible by the closure of the pool for preventive maintenance from August 8 through September 13. Parks worked with Public Health – Seattle & King County to clear the way for this fun event for Fido, and Health has approved the operating guidelines:

 The cost is $12 per dog; humans get in free.
 Dogs must be licensed; if you don’t have one, Seattle Animal Shelter staff will have them for sale.
 Dogs must be at least six months old and up to date on vaccinations.
 Dogs must undergo a “pre-wash” with the help of Parks staff, and Animal Shelter staff will inspect each dog before it goes into the pool.
 Sorry, humans are not allowed in the pool with the dogs.

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 A lifeguard will be on duty to ensure our furry friends’ safety.
 Stairs are available for dogs to enter and leave the water.

After the swim, the pool will be closed, drained, and cleaned, and will undergo its regular 18-month preventive maintenance. It will reopen on Monday, September 13.

Spring break week is Youth Appreciation Week at Seattle Parks and Recreation!

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Too often, we hear stories about young people only as superstar athletes or violent criminals. Seattle Parks and Recreation is sponsoring a week’s worth of events that recognize the real heroes among our youth—the ones who go to school every day and give it their best, the ones who work hard and study hard, the ones who help out in their community and help their neighbors.

The events take place during the week of March 26-April 2, coinciding with Spring Break for Seattle Public Schools. All activities are free or low cost and open to youth ages 11-18.

Youth Appreciation Week’s All City Main Event takes place on Thursday, April 1 from 1 to 4 p.m. at Rainier Community Center. This year’s theme is Block Party – April Fools Edition. Activities include games, entertainment, competitions, giveaways, nutrition and fitness awareness, and food.

Schedule of events:

Friday, March 26

Youth Appreciation Free Swim 4:30-5:30 684-7438
Southwest Pool, 2801 SW p.m.
Thistle St.

Teen Dinner, Yesler Community Center, 917 E Yesler Way, 5:30 p.m. Contact: Donna,  386-1245

3 on 3 Tournament, Van Asselt Community Center,  2820 S Myrtle St., 5-8 p.m. Contact: Joy, 386-1921

Friday Night Teen Swim, Ballard Pool, 1471 NW 67th St., 7-8 p.m. Teens swim free and receive a FREE slide bracelet by showing
middle or high school photo ID! Contact: Angie, 684-4094.

Saturday, March 27

 Yesler Movie and Field Trip, 116:30 a.m. , Yesler Community Center, 917 E Yesler Way. Contact: Donna, 386-1245.

Monday, March 29

Wii/Xbox Festival and Game, Ravenna-Eckstein Community Center, 6535 Ravenna Ave. NE, 1 p.m. Contact: Lisa, 684-7534. Come spend the afternoon playing All the Wii and Xbox games you Want! Top dogs can face off in an end-of-day tournament. We’ll have basketball, volleyball, Frisbee golf, ping pong, and FOOD! It’s your time, so come have fun!

Wii Tournament, Rainer Community Center, 8825 Rainier Ave. S, 1-4 p.m. Contact: Derryn 386-1919.

Hip Hop Hoop, Rainier Beach Community Center, 4600 38th Ave. SE, 2-6 p.m. Contact: Cara. 386-1925.

Swimming at Medgar Evers Pool, meet at Montlake Community Center, 1618 E Calhoun, 10 a.m. Contact: Traci, 684-4736. There is a 10-
teen maximum; please be prompt!

Tuesday, March 30

Full Court Basketball “Game Time,” Yesler Community Center, 917 E Yesler Way, 3-6 p.m. Contact: Donna, 386-1245. Pick your squad!

T-Shirt Design and Making, Garfield Community Center, 2323 E Cherry St., 2-4 p.m. Contact: Nikitta, 684-4788.

Hike and Rope Course, Camp Long, 5200 35th Ave. SW, 1-5 p.m. Contact:  Lisa, 684-7534. Spend the afternoon exploring the tidepools and hiking trails and exploring the great outdoors! We may just challenge you to a rope course, and we will provide snacks. Please register by March 26. Van leaves from Ravenna-Eckstein Community Center at 12:30 p.m.

Free Teen Swim at Evans Pool, 7291 E Green Lake Dr. N, 7-8 p.m. Contact: Mputela, 684-0780.

Public Swim at Ballard Pool, 1471 NW 67th St., 1:30-3:30 p.m. Contact:  Angie, 684-4094.  $2.75, $1 for slide use. Relax at the pool
during your break! Use the basketball hoop, diving board, rope swing, and hot tub.

Ice Cream Social, Loyal Heights Community Center, 2101 NW 77th St., 4-6 p.m. Contact: Alexis, 684-4052.

Teen Travel Day, Garfield Community Center, 2323 E Cherry St., 1 p.m. Contact: Van leaves Nikitta, 684-4788. Van leaves at 1 p.m.

King Kong of Ping Pong, Magnolia Community Center, 2550 34th Ave. W, 3:30 p.m. Contact: Raft, 386-4235. An epic day of ping pong; up to 32 people can enter. Prizes include T- shirts, sports paraphernalia, and movie passes!

Movie and Burger Bar at Rainier Community Center, 4600 38th Ave. SE, 2-6 p.m. Contact: Cara, 386-1925.

Dodgeball at Hiawatha Community Center, 2700 California Ave. SW, 1:30-3:30 p.m. Contact: Matthew, 684-7451. There’s an 8-team cap, so interested groups should email matthew.roberson@seattle.gov to sign up in advance.

Wednesday, March 31

Pathways: Life After High School Youth Education and Career Fair, The journey to your future begins here. In a time with few jobs and a large workforce pool, what can you do to strengthen your resume and develop your employable skills? Join us and find out what paths lay ahead. Rainier Community Center (4600 38th Ave S, Seattle, WA 98118), from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

Scavenger Hunt, various north end community centers, 2-5 p.m. Contact: Cindy, 684-7529. Compete in this hunt and win some great prizes. We will hop from center to center, so meet at your center at1:15 p.m. We’ll need an E-13 form for you to ride in the van.

 Northgate After Hours, Late Night at Northgate! Northgate Community Center, 10510 5th Ave. NE, 9-11 p.m. Contact : Nick, 386-4283.
Join us for music, snacks, and a Hot Shot competition. Game, Teen, and Fitness Rooms will be open. We’ll need an E-13 Form for you.

Bake-Off at Delridge Community Center, 4501 Delridge Way SW, 1-3 p.m. Contact: Daryl, 684-7423.

Youth Appreciation Week BBQ, Garfield Teen Life Center, 428 23rd Ave., 6:30-8 p.m. Contact: Joy, 684-4550.

‘Nolia Bowl,Magnolia Community Center, 2550 34th Ave. W, 4 p.m. Contact: Raft, 386-4235. Join us for a fun, spirited flag football game
followed by a unity BBQ.

Bowling! Montlake Community Center, 1618 E Calhoun St., 10 a.m. Contact: Traci, 684-4736. There is a 10-teen maximum for this event,
so please be prompt.

Thursday April 1 – No fooling!

Youth appreciation Week Block Party, Rainier Community Center, 4600 38th Ave. S, 1-4 p.m. Join us for fun  activities and a BBQ for Youth Appreciation Week! We’ll need an E-13 form if you want to ride with us. Please call your closest community center: http://www.seattle.gov/parks/centers.asp for transportation and information.

Friday, April 2

3 on 3 Basketball Tournament, Garfield Community Center, 2323 E Cherry St., 3-5 p.m. Contact : Nikitta, 684-4788.
2323 E Cherry St.
Field Day Event, Laurelhurst Community Center, 4554 NE 41st St., 3-5 p.m. Contact: Cindy, 684-7529.

Creating a Great Central Waterfront: Four Community Meetings Coming in March

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Creating a Great Central Waterfront
Four Community Meetings Coming in March

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.

Parks and Recreation furlough, holiday closures this weekend

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Many Seattle Parks and Recreation facilities will be closed Friday, February 12 for a furlough day, Monday, February 15 for the Presidents’ Day holiday, and Tuesday, February 16 for a furlough day.

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

 All facilities and offices are closed on Monday, February 15 for the Presidents’ Day holiday.

 These facilities and services are closed on Friday, February 12

  • Grounds maintenance
  • Community centers (except child care and late night programs, which will still operate).
  • Swimming pools
  • Environmental learning centers
  • Langston Hughes Performing Arts Center (please note that the building will close, likely in March 2010, for several months for major maintenance)
  • Lifelong Recreation (except Food and Fitness programs, which will still operate)
  • Business Service Center

These facilities and services are closed on Tuesday, February 16:

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

These facilities will operate normally:

  • Golf courses will operate as usual.
  • 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.

Seattle Park Board will hold regular meeting on Thursday, February 11

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The Seattle Board of Park Commissioners will hold its next meeting at 7 p.m. Thursday, February 11, in the Park Board Room at 100 Dexter Ave. N, the Parks Administration Building at the corner of Dexter Ave. N and Denny Way.

City Councilmember Sally Bagshaw, who chairs the City Council Parks and Seattle Center Committee, will attend.

The agenda includes:

Fee Policy:
The Board will hold a public hearing 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 will discuss and make a recommendation to the Superintendent on it at its February 25 meeting.

Code of Conduct:
The Board will discuss and make recommendation to the Parks Superintendent on a proposed Code of Conduct which will consolidate in one document many behaviors that are already prohibited, or that Parks proposes to prohibit, in parks. The Code of Conduct will be an administrative rule prohibiting specified behaviors in parks and Parks-owned facilities. The intent is to bring together in a single document the behaviors that can result in an Exclusion Order against the violator, consistent with SMC 18.12.278 and 18.12.279. The Code of Conduct will be a useful tool for police officers and park rangers, both for educating park users and for issuing Exclusion Orders. Smoking, littering, improper use of restrooms, and bringing glass containers to athletic fields, children’s playgrounds, and beaches are examples of behaviors that would be prohibited by the Code of Conduct, in addition to behaviors that are already illegal or prohibited by rule. The Board heard a briefing at its January 14 meeting and held a public hearing at its January 28 meeting.

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.

Parks and Recreation announces furlough plan for 2010

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In response to budget reductions, Seattle Parks and Recreation staff will take 10 unpaid days off in 2010.

The schedule of furlough days recognizes the need to keep community centers, pools, environmental learning centers, and other facilities open, and to meet the need for park maintenance. While there will be impacts, Parks has worked hard to devise a schedule that minimizes reductions in services and programming. Here are the furlough schedules.

Schedule A                             Schedule B
Fri., Jan. 15                            Tue., Jan. 19
Fri., Feb. 12                           Tue., Feb. 16
Fri., March 12                       Mon., March 15
Fri., April 9                            Mon., April 12
Fri., May 7                             Mon., May 10
Fri., May 28                          Tue., June 1
Fri., September 10            Mon., September 13
Fri., October 8                    Mon., October 11
Fri., November 12            Mon., Nov. 15
Thu., December 23           Mon., December 27

Schedule A:
• Parks grounds maintenance staff.
• Staff at community centers (child care and late night programs will still operate).
• Indoor pools (there will be an impact on Seattle Public Schools programs unless they are able to pay for staff during their programs).
• Small craft facilities.
• Environmental learning centers at Camp Long, Carkeek Park, and Discovery Park .
• Amy Yee Tennis Center (will be open on these days for drop-in play and limited lessons only).
• Langston Hughes Performing Arts Center (the building will be closed for much of the year for major maintenance).
• Lifelong Recreation (except Food and Fitness programs will take place).
• Most management and administrative staff.

Schedule B:
• Superintendent’s Office (communications, correspondence, Park Board support, web management, public outreach); Human Resources; Finance and Administration staff.
• Planning and Development division staff.
• Magnuson Park staff.
• Youth Violence Prevention Initiative staff.

Other:
• Half of building maintenance staff will use each schedule.
• Natural resources staff (horticulture, forestry, environmental stewardship and programming) will take half their days from Schedule A and half from Schedule B.
• Half of Park Rangers will use each schedule.
• Golf courses will operate as usual.
• Specialized programs (for people with disabilities) will continue to operate, and staff will take furlough days based on program needs.
• Business Service Center will close on Feb. 12, May 7, May 28, Aug. 6, Sept. 10, November 12, December 23, and December 27.
• Community Learning Centers (located at middle schools and funded by the Families and Education Levy) will be assigned furlough days that are consistent with closure dates for Seattle Public Schools.
• 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.

Parks hosts 8th annual Polar Bear Plunge on January 1, 2010

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Seattle Parks and Recreation and the Meadowbrook Community Center Advisory Council are co-sponsoring the eighth Annual Polar Bear Swim at high noon on Thursday, Jan. 1, 2010 at Matthews Beach, 9300 51st Ave. NE. Registration starts at 11:30 a.m.

There will be refreshments and a “2010 Official Patch of Courage” for all heroic polar bears who immerse themselves neck-deep in the lake, to prove to friends and loved ones that they actually braved the frigid waters, which in 2009 measured at a chilly 41 degrees Fahrenheit.

This year, dress up in a costume! Sign our memory book at www.theofficialunofficialpolarbearplunge.blogspot.com.

And this year, we’ll feature the new “Polar Cub Club,” a special time just before the polar bears plunge, for younger folks or people who need a little bit more room.

At the 2009 swim, the turnout set a record, and Parks staff distributed Polar Bear Vitamins (marshmallows) to each bear who felt he or she needed an “edge.”

Parks offers a few tips for enjoying a fun, safe swim:

• Come early, and carpool or take the bus. You can plan your trip at http://tripplanner.metrokc.gov/cgi-bin/itin_page.pl?resptype=U&destloc=Matthews%20Beach%20Park.

• If you have heart problems or other serious medical concerns, we recommend you consult your health care professional before taking the Polar Plunge. Come and watch!

• Don’t drink alcohol – it doesn’t warm you up, and it accelerates hypothermia.

• Don’t stay in the water for longer than 15 minutes – you lose body heat 25 times faster in water than in air.

• Don’t take off your outer clothing until you’re ready to get in the water, and remove wet clothing before getting into dry clothes.

• Costumes are part of the fun, and are welcome!

The Polar Bear Plunge was the first official event of its kind in the Seattle area. Janet Wilson, the Aquatic Center Coordinator at Meadowbrook Pool, started the event off on January 1, 2003. About 300 people participated in that first Polar Bear Plunge, and since then the attendance has soared to almost 1,000 brave bears of every age. The plunge has inspired other, similar events in the Seattle area.

Said one Parks wag, “Plungers are ‘polarized’ toward one of two styles. Some luxuriate in the refreshingly brisk waters. Others stay in as long as they can ‘bear’ it.”

Witnesses to history will, at each participant’s request, record the names of the bold souls who complete the mission—and brave the water temperature, normally about 50 degrees F. on Jan. 1.