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Seattle Parks and Recreation news and events

Free meal program for all youth in Seattle Parks this summer

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In partnership with United Way of King County and the City of Seattle’s Human Services Department, Seattle Parks and Recreation will be offering the FREE Summer Meals program this summer at parks throughout Seattle for youth ages 1-18. Each site will be open from Monday through Friday from July 6 – August 21, and will be offering a limited amount of take-away activity kits for youth to enjoy at home or in the park. Each meal will consist of lunch and a snack, and can either be eaten at home or in the park.

We received a donation of soccer balls from the Sounders Rave Foundation and will be giving out 20 soccer balls at each site on Monday, July 6 to kick off the program! 

Meal Times starting 7/6/20

Starting Wed., July 8: Roxhill Park 10-12

Date TBD: Othello Park 1-4

For additional questions about the Seattle Parks summer playground meals program, please contact Connor Durham at 206-615-0303 or by email at connor.durham@seattle.gov.

For all the free summer meal sites around the entire Puget Sound region, please visit https://www.uwkc.org/free-summer-meals/

Athletic field lights on to discourage illegal fireworks, July 3 and 4, 2020

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Seattle Parks and Recreation will turn on field lighting on ballfields throughout the city on the evening of Friday, July 3 and Saturday, July 4  to protect the surfaces. The ballfield lights will be turned on at approximately 8:30 p.m. and most will be turned off at either 10 p.m. or 11 p.m., depending on the field.

The lights will be turned on to discourage the use of fireworks. Fireworks are illegal in the city of Seattle and will destroy the artificial turf on the fields or surrounding facilities. The approximate replacement cost for the synthetic surface based on per average full-size field (110,000 square feet) is $1.2 million. All the fields have been renovated in the past several years and benefit field users including players of soccer, football, baseball, Ultimate Frisbee and lacrosse.     

The fields will be monitored by security from 9 p.m. to 4 a.m.

Lights at the following fields will be turned off at 11 p.m.:

  • Bobby Morris at Cal Anderson Park, 1635 11th Ave
  • Brighton Playfield, 6000 39th Ave S
  • Delridge Playfield, 4458 Delridge Way SW
  • Garfield #1, E Cherry St & 23rd Ave
  • Genesee Upper and Lower Playfield, 4316 S Genesee St.
  • Georgetown Playfield, 750 S Homer St.
  • Hiawatha Playfield, 2700 California Ave. SW
  • Interbay Athletic Complex, 3027 17th Ave W
  • Jefferson Playfield, 4165 16th Ave. S
  • Lower Woodland Playfield #2 and #7, 5201 Green Lake Way North
  • Walt Hundley Playfield, 6920 34th Avenue SW
  • Washington Park Playfield, 2500 Lake Washington Blvd. E
  • West Seattle Stadium, 4432 35th Ave. SW

Lights at the following fields will turned off at 10 p.m.:

  • Loyal Heights Playfield, 2101 NW 77th St
  • Mickey Merriam Athletic field complex, Magnuson #5 (Rugby), #6, #7, 7400 Sand Point Way N.E.
  • Miller Playfield, 330 19th Ave. E

Lights will turned off at the following grass fields at 11 p.m:

  • Ballard Playfield, 2644 NW 60th St.
  • Rainier Playfield, 3700 S Alaska St.
  • W Queen Anne Playfield, 150 W Blaine St.

Opening of lifeguarded swim areas on hold due to rise in COVID-19 cases in King County

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July 1, 2020 – Seattle Parks and Recreation’s lifeguarded swimming areas that were scheduled to open today are delayed by at least 2 weeks due to the recent rise in COVID-19 cases in King County. Dr. Jeff Duchin of Public Health – Seattle & King County says “Increasing cases and risk for acquiring COVID-19 in our community threatens the hard-earned progress we made during the stay-at-home order…. Everyone, especially young adults, needs to double down on COVID-19 prevention in all aspects of our lives immediately, including in social, recreational, workplace and business settings to avoid a rebound in serious illnesses, hospitalizations and deaths.”   

The parking lots associated with the swimming areas will open when it is safe to reopen the beaches.

While the beaches near the swimming areas are open for walking or sitting on, we strongly advise against swimming where lifeguards are not present.

More than ever, please keep socially distant, gather in groups of 5 or less, wash or sanitize hands frequently, and stay home if you are sick.  

More info here: https://durkan.seattle.gov/2020/06/as-cases-double-in-king-county-over-the-last-two-weeks-city-of-seattle-launches-new-education-and-outreach-team/

Cal Anderson Park temporarily closed starting 6/30 at 12pm

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Today, Seattle Parks and Recreation (SPR) is temporarily closing Cal Anderson Park to the public at 12 pm to allow City crews to assess damage and clean up areas that have seen significant waste collection. At this time, no changes will be made to the community garden or art installed by demonstrators.

The City’s goal remains to create safe spaces for residents to express their first amendment rights, while also preserving the public safety and public health of the area. The aim is for Cal Anderson to be restored and repaired for future demonstrations and other park uses. SPR will begin to repair damage from newly created fires pits, graffiti, fencing, vehicles on the reservoir, impacts to the lawns and the play field, and other infrastructure.

Today staff will focus on removing litter, assessing the park and critical reservoir infrastructure to see what larger cleaning or repair efforts will need to take place in the coming days. Since last Tuesday, City departments including SPU, SPR, the Human Services Department, along with service providers have been on site to provide a wide range of social services to help individuals with needs move out of Capitol Hill area, and if experiencing homelessness, provide access to shelter or temporary housing (services have included: health care, food resources, access to COVID-19 testing, and mental and behavioral supports).

Over the weekend, artists and demonstrators began cataloging and removing plywood to preserve art for future installations. Operational planning to remove some barriers and allow vehicle traffic is ongoing. In addition, Seattle Parks and Recreation will be working with a range of stakeholders to memorialize at Cal Anderson park aspects of the community protests, such as a garden, art and/ or speaker’s corner. 

Unless there are any incidents, SPD is not expected to be at Cal Anderson Park.

Construction on Occidental Square Pavilion Begins July 2020:

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Central performance pavilion, covered gathering area, and visitor kiosk to serve users of Occidental Square in the heart of Pioneer Square.

Occidental Square has been transformed into the lively heart of the Pioneer Square neighborhood, with colorful café seating, new planters, artwork, ping-pong tables and musical performances. The activation of the park is the result of five years of investment in staffing, programming, maintenance, and security. What was once a barely visited public space, that felt unwelcoming and even unsafe to many, is now a thriving gathering place for all. The park’s newfound popularity and high attendance at regular free events has inspired donors to invest in a graceful new wood and glass pavilion.

Like other parks in Seattle’s Downtown, the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted Occidental Square’s activation and programming levels. While the colorful café seating, ping-pong tables, and musical performances are paused for the near future, Occidental Square will return to its previous vibrancy once it is safe for the community to safely return to public spaces. 

The many performances and exhibitions that have been previously spread out in temporary tents in the park will soon largely be accommodated in a beautifully designed pavilion paid for entirely by private-sector contributions. Led by general contractor Schuchart, construction of the Pavilion is scheduled to begin in the first week of July 2020 in Occidental Square located at 117 S Washington St.

The Pavilion, designed by Olson Kundig Architects, will replace the existing kiosk at the south end of the square, with a larger information and concierge center for enhanced park activation. The new wood and glass pavilion is designed with a glass roof that can serve as an outdoor classroom, a stage, a dining area and most importantly a covered space for use by the public. The project construction is led by Schuchart Corporation and completion of the Pavilion is expected to be celebrated with the community in the Fall.

During construction we will follow guidance from Public Health – Seattle & King County (PHSKC), Washington State Department of Health (DOH), and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) regarding COVID-19. The contractor overseeing this jobsite will be diligently managing a Safety Plan that includes precautions to reduce the spread of COVID-19.

Funding for this park project has been provided by donors to Seattle Parks Foundation in partnership with the Alliance for Pioneer Square. Thank you to the Seattle Parks Foundation, the Downtown Seattle Association and Seattle Parks and Recreation for their support of this project.

For more information about the project please visit https://www.seattle.gov/parks/about-us/current-projects/occidental-square-park-projects or contact Garrett Farrell at garrett.farrell@seattle.gov or 206-233-7921.

ON HOLD: Selected Seattle Parks and Recreation Swimming Areas Open July 1 with New Guidelines

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UPDATED JULY 1, 2020:
Based on King County Public Health recommendations, the City has decided to delay opening until at least July 15 due to a sharp increase in King County COVID-19 cases. The opening of selected swim beaches will “now be delayed for a minimum of two weeks as City officials and Public Health Seattle & King County continue to monitor transmission rates and case numbers.” You can read more from the Mayor’s blog release here.

Starting on Wednesday, July 1, selected lifeguarded swimming areas will open for summer fun! This is welcome news for all who have been waiting for more ways to enjoy the nice weather during this challenging time. Staying safe is still of critical importance, so there are some new guidelines to follow that will help keep the swim areas open. (See graphic below.)

Pritchard, Matthews, Madison, and Mount Baker beaches, plus the swim area at west Green Lake (next to Seattle Public Theatre) will be open, weather permitting, from

·        noon to 7 pm weekdays

·        11am to 7pm weekends

·        The parking lots associated with these swim
areas will also be open

To reduce the likelihood of a high-contact water rescue, swimmers need to be no deeper than chest high. Masks are highly encouraged when not swimming, and everyone must stay 6 feet away from others. To help reduce crowding, visit the swimming area only in groups of 5 or less. For those tending to children, please stay within arms reach of kids under five. These swim areas and hours are subject to change depending on public health and other conditions.

And as always, stay home when sick.

Please be advised that the swimming lesson and loaner life jacket programs are suspended this summer. 

Announcing outdoor tennis court reservations for July 6 and beyond, with new guidelines

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As you know, the Governor has provided updated guidelines for tennis activities to resume. This is exciting news, and we’re looking forward to working with you to get you back on the courts.

Starting on June 29th, we will resume booking outdoor courts reservations for dates from July 6 and beyond.

New guidelines

This guidance is directly from the Governor’s office, and we are following their plan. In Phase 2.0 modified, tennis can resume if:

  • Groups are limited to groups of five players maximum per court (no tournaments)
  • Play can follow social distancing of a minimum of six feet between players with no contact
  • No additional players or spectators allowed on the court
  • Each league, organization, or club must publish and follow a “return to play” safety plan with their field request.  Permits will not be issued without your return to play safety plan.
  • Individuals must read and follow USTA Tennis Safety guidelines found here: https://www.usta.com/en/home/stay-current/national/usta-statement-on-safety-of-playing-tennis-during-the-covid-19-v.html

What you can anticipate

  • Booking hours will begin June 29th at 10AM by calling Amy Yee Tennis Center at 206-684-4764 or by emailing tenniscourtscheduling@seattle.gov.  Courts must be booked a minimum of 24 hours in advance.  Reservations will be accepted M-F from 10AM to 5PM
  • Many of our parking lots will remain closed. This is to prevent crowds at parks.
  • We must revise our scheduling processes to allow for transitions of each group. You will have 15 min from the conclusion of your rental to be completely off the court and out of the park. This should be included in your “return to play” safety plan.
  • Portable toilets are available at some locations (comfort stations will remain open).
  • Most drinking fountains are not operational; please bring your own drinking water.
  • With courts being open for drop-in use, users with reservations should bring their permit to the court in case others are on the court during your scheduled booking.
  • Please wash hands before and after play (bring hand sanitizer if at a park that does not have a restrooms)
  • Most importantly–stay home if sick

What we need from you

  • If you would like to reserve courts for teaching lessons or camps, please provide us with:
    • A “return to play” safety plan, as required by the Governor’s office. We don’t have a template from their office for you to follow, we just ask that you outline in a Word document how you’ll follow the new guidelines. We will keep this on file.
  • Activities occurring on tennis courts will comply with all applicable laws, including any COVID-19 guidelines put in place by the Governor. If the guidelines are not followed all permits will be cancelled.

Brighton Playfield Opens

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Seattle Parks and Recreation (SPR) is happy to announce the opening of the renovated Brighton Playfield, 6000 39th Ave. S, just north of Aki Kurose Middle School. The new 200,000 sq. ft. synthetic turf multi-sport lighted field accommodates baseball, softball, soccer, Ultimate Frisbee and football. The renovation provides new/upgraded accessible pathways, spectator areas, and better connections to the existing park features.

The project installed fitness equipment near the play area donated by SPR community partner Kaiser Permanente Washington. The equipment and play area will be available for community use as additional phased-in activity is allowed under public health guidelines.

When you visit the renovated field please respect the minimum of 6 feet of separation between people, do not congregate in the park and please stay home if you are feeling sick. The athletic field is open for non-organized groups of 5 people or less. For a list of activities that are open and closed at Seattle Parks and Recreation please visit https://parkways.seattle.gov/2020/05/14/seattle-parks-and-recreation-amenities-whats-open-and-whats-closed/.

The Brighton restroom/comfort station renovation will open in July 2020. SPR is planning a social distant ribbon cutting celebration in late July when the restroom is complete. Please contact Karen O’Connor at karen.oconnor@seattle.gov if you wish to participate.

SPR invested over $7 million in this renovation to provide a year-round sports field for the community. Additional funding was provided by King County Youth Sports Grant Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program and Local Park Development Grant.

SPR is leading the way to find alternate synthetic turf field design systems/materials and deliver a safe, durable and playable athletic facility and experience. The Brighton Playfield uses a cork infill instead of crumb-rubber. Additionally, we installed a state-of-the-art lighting system that enhances play ability with safe and efficient lighting for field users, and limit light spill from the field edge, greatly reducing glare offsite.

This park project is made possible by the voter-approved Seattle Park District, which provides more than $47 million a year in long-term funding for SPR, including maintenance of parklands and facilities, operation of community centers and recreation programs, and development of new neighborhood parks on previously acquired sites.

Brighton Playfield was covered by the City’s Priority Hire program, which required that contractors hire individuals living in economically distressed communities in Seattle and King County to work 32% of the project hours. Priority Hire creates equitable access to construction training and living-wage employment through worker development and public works investments. For more information on the Priority Hire program, go to www.seattle.gov/priorityhire.

To learn more about the project visit http://www.seattle.gov/parks/about-us/current-projects/brighton-playfield-renovation or for more information please contact Jay Rood at jay.rood@seattle.gov or 206-733-9194.

Temporary program allows local walking, rolling and biking on Lake WA Boulevard and Golden Gardens Drive NW

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The Seattle Department of Transportation and Seattle Parks and Recreation are piloting two new street closures to open up even more opportunities for local recreation. Since staying healthy by staying local is still the goal, these two Keep It Moving streets provide several more miles of traffic-free space for the community to walk, bike or roll on. (Although street residents and deliveries will be allowed through.) The Lake Washington Boulevard closure serves southeast Seattle, and Golden Gardens Drive serves the northwest.

Both locations are trials; Lake Washington Boulevard’s closure, starting in the north at Mount Baker Beach and ending at Seward Park, runs from Friday, June 26 through Tuesday June 30. The closure will prevent access to Stan Sayres boat ramp, but you can launch from the Atlantic City ramp in Rainier Beach, or at Magnuson Park in NE Seattle.

Golden Gardens Drive NW, which begins on top of the bluff on Sunset Hill and winds down to the park entrance, will remain closed to traffic starting Thursday, June 25 until further notice. The off-leash area at Golden Gardens will be open during the street pilot, but the parking lot will be closed. The Eddie Vine boat launch at Golden Gardens will remain open. Both pilot streets will be considered for longer closure depending on usage and other factors.

Email StayHealthyStreets@Seattle.gov and let us know if people #KeepMoving, share the road well, and why or why not you’d like to see the closure extended throughout the summer. 

Seattle Parks and Recreation needs input on Dearborn Park Play Area Improvement Project

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Seattle Parks and Recreation invites the Beacon Hill/Rainier Valley community to provide input on the Dearborn Park play area renovation project. Please share your ideas for improving the play area by taking this short survey https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/Dearborn-Survey. The survey will close July 10, 2020. 

The project focuses on installing new play equipment and improving access to the play area. The project design team needs to know what is important to you at the Dearborn Park play area so please visit the park and share this survey with neighbors.

Dearborn Park is located at 2919 S. Brandon St. on Beacon Hill just north of the Dearborn Park Elementary School and east of Martin Luther King Jr. Way S.

For more information please visit http://www.seattle.gov/parks/about-us/current-projects/dearborn-park-play-area-renovation or contact Libby Hudson at libby.hudson@seattle.gov or 206-256-5988.