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Seattle Parks and Recreation news and events

Amy Yee Tennis Center Reopens January 21

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In response to the State of Washington’s recent modifications to public health gudelines for indoor tennis, Seattle Parks and Recreation is happy to announce the re-opening of the Amy Yee Tennis Center at 2000 Martin Luther King Jr. Way South.

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.

Masks are now required at all times, including during play. Temperatures will be taken at the door. If you have recently traveled to another state or country, you must have quarantined for at least 14 days before participating at this facility.

Please do not arrive more than 10 minutes ahead of your scheduled court time. The front door will be locked until your court is clear and the lobby is clear to enter.

Ten courts with staggered start times are in use. (Normal court block times have been adjusted to accommodate this change.) Please note that there is a 15 minute window between reservations to clear the courts.

Other things to know:

  • Tarp doors have removed to reduce the number of touch points.
  • Please exit through the nearest auxiliary door on the west side of the building at the conclusion of your scheduled court time.
  • Water fountains, showers, lockers and benches are still restricted.  The touchless water bottle filler is available for use.
  • Programming, private lesson and ball machines are still on hold until further notice.

For more information about the tennis center, please visit this link.

Seattle Parks and Recreation explores creative pest management strategies for invasive beetle

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There’s a new kid on the block, and they are tearing up our athletic fields. It isn’t cleats or shovels, or other tools of childhood that are digging up the grass at our fields, however. And it isn’t even the crows, racoons, and other wildlife doing the digging that are the real culprits. Our new neighbor is up to two inches long, wiggly white, and packed full of protein.

A European chafer larvae

Seattle is in the early stages of a European chafer (Amphimallon majale) infestation. These invasive scarab beetles were first spotted in Washington State in 2008 and recently made their way to our region, most likely via cargo at SeaTac. They are now inching north into south Seattle and beyond. The beetles lay their eggs in turf and the larvae that hatch eat the grass roots, weakening the plant. Then animals like crows come to dig them up and get an easy bite of protein, while also tearing up the fields.

Our first step was to learn – from our situation, others who have experience, and from the science. In 2019, we started annual monitoring of European chafer in our fields. This helped to understand the extent of the problem and informs what strategies we can use to address it. What we learned is that moist fields are less attractive to beetles to lay eggs. And we learned that these pests are still in the early stages of the infestation but are expanding their range here in Seattle

Photo credit: Seattle Times. Dewright Brooks and Patti Bakker investigate turf for chafers.

Next, we followed the steps of our Integrated Pest Management (IPM) program. We always look to behavioral changes first – in this case we want to ensure our athletic fields are adequately watered in the coming summer, to provide an environment that is less attractive for egg-laying. SPR uses RainBird smart irrigation systems that use weather data and real-time information to ensure we do so efficiently. We will also ensure our turf is healthy through use of targeted fertilizers. Athletic fields in the Northwest use a sandy soil base to ensure proper drainage, and they require additional nutrients to remain healthy.

Successful IPM programs look to exhaust all other possible control options before utilizing chemical pesticides. In the case of European chafer, there are fortunately biological control options we can employ. We will be testing use of a bacteria-based bio-insecticide aimed at providing grub control equivalent to chemical methods, but without impacts to non-target insects like pollinators. Another biological control that has been known to be used effectively is a certain species of nematode that hunts down the grubs in the soil and can greatly suppress populations.

We are not alone in struggling to manage this new pest, as described in a recent Seattle Times article, Move over murder hornets, there’s a new bug in town – and its coming for your lawn, featuring Washington State University and staff at Seattle Parks and Recreation. We are working with our partners to share knowledge and get the word out to provide property owners the information they need to responsibly manage European chafer using IPM strategies. By working together and learning from each other, we are using the best available science and identifying the most environmentally safe pest management practices to save our athletic fields and have a healthy environment, too.

This article was written by Patti Bakker (Manager – Green Seattle Partnership, Wildlife, IPM) and Todd Burley (Sustainability Advisor). Questions? You can contact Patti Bakker at Patricia.Bakker@seattle.gov.

Exciting Updates to Park and Community Projects in South Park

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Duwamish Waterway Park, Marra-Desimone Park, South Park Community Center and South Park Plaza

Seattle Parks and Recreation (SPR) is excited to be working on five projects in the South Park neighborhood over the next two years. SPR is working across City departments to improve parks and open spaces in the community and plays a central role in advancing these priorities and the Duwamish Valley Action Plan.

“We are excited to be moving these projects forward and to bringing increased access to parks, open spaces, and recreational facilities for the South Park community. Each project involved extensive community input as we work across City departments and with partners to address equity, access and health outcomes for all in this vibrant neighborhood,” said Jesús Aguirre, SPR Superintendent.

Below is an update on the projects with contact information for each project for any community questions.

At Duwamish Waterway Park, SPR began construction in October and the renovated park will be open to the public this summer. The community led park project has been carefully designed to maximize open space for recreation and festivals, and to preserve river access for launching hand-carried boats. The renovated park will provide a new play area, an accessible perimeter pathway with a series of interpretive artwork boulders, new park furnishings with accessible picnic tables, barbecues, as well as a drinking fountain and food wash area. Working with Seattle Parks Foundation, the Friends of Duwamish Waterway Park raised over $1 million for the park renovation. For more information please contact Jessica Michalak, Capital Projects Coordinator, Seattle Parks and Recreation, at Jessica.michalak@seattle.gov or 206-470-9147 or visit http://www.seattle.gov/parks/about-us/current-projects/duwamish-waterway-park-activation.

At Marra-Desimone Park, SPR awarded the construction contract to A1 Landscaping & Construction who will be mobilizing on the site by early Feb. SPR developed the park design through extensive community engagement and the new design will provide a start to an accessible, multi-use and attractive park that will improve park/farm safety and visibility through Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED) principles. The renovated park, shaped by budget and community priorities, is a phased park development that includes accessible pathways and walking loops, a central open green area, benches, picnic tables, drainage improvements, paved parking lot with ADA parking, new irrigation system with solar powered control system and 80+ trees and grass plantings. Subsequent phases of park development will need to address other community/park needs, including the play area, added park benches, picnic tables, gathering facilities (shelters, meeting space, Harvest Center), farm improvements and other active play facilities. As part of the Marra-Desimone Park improvement project, SPR is collaborating with SDOT on street accessibility improvements on S 7th St. and Director Ave. S and will include these improvements into the upcoming construction project. To stay up to date on the project please visit https://www.seattle.gov/parks/about-us/current-projects/marra-desimone-park or contact Jay Rood at jay.rood@seattle.gov or 206-516-9477. 

In conjunction with the Marra-Desimone Park project the Rejuvenate our P-Patches Program, a partnership between, SPR and the Department of Neighborhoods, will be making improvements at the east portion of the site which houses the farm and P-Patch.  For more information contact Michelle Whitfield at Michelle.Whitfield@seattle.gov or 206-465-8492.

At South Park Community Center, SPR is in the final stage of design for the site redevelopment project that will include a spraypark, play area, picnic area, lawn, extended parking, dog off-leash area, and a full-size multi-sport court. The project also includes an all-season synthetic lit turf field with a circular walking trail, in partnership with Seattle Academy (SAAS). Construction will begin in late spring of 2021 and be completed in fall 2022. This project will be concurrent with the South Park Community Center Stabilization Project that will address a number of major maintenance, accessibility, and program needs at South Park Community Center. It will include a roof replacement, HVAC system upgrades, renovation of the restrooms, kitchen and lobby spaces in addition to the addition of a gym divider and replacement of the multi-purpose room flooring.  For more information please visit https://www.seattle.gov/parks/about-us/current-projects/south-park-community-center-site-redevelopment or contact Toby Ressler at toby.ressler@seattle.gov or 206-615-1482. 

The future South Park Plaza project is located along the South Park River Walk, an element of the South Park Green Spaces Vision Plan. SPR purchased the .83-acre site in 2014 to provide the South Park community access to open space within this high density urban area and has worked with the community on the schematic design. We are finalizing the design which includes an open lawn, primary event space, play elements, seating terraces, accessible pathways, bio-swales, irrigation and landscape improvements. SPR anticipates project construction starting in Winter/Spring 2022 with completion in Fall/Winter 2022. This project is also collaborating with SDOT on S. Dallas Street and 14th/Bridge and S. Orr Street accessibility and circulation improvements for pedestrians and vehicles at this important open space connection between South Park’s Business District and the river. For more information please visit https://www.seattle.gov/parks/about-us/current-projects/south-park-plaza-landbanked-site-park-development or contact Jay Rood at jay.rood@seattle.gov or 206-516-9477.

Provide feedback on Pier 58 playground options through January 24

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Available in Chinese, Spanish and Somali

The Office of the Waterfront and Civic Projects hosted an online open house in November and December 2020, and heard from 148 of you about playground themes and play types for the new playground at Pier 58.

What we heard

  • Pier Piles, Shoreline and Washington Waters were the three themes. There was no overwhelming favorite, but you liked vertical structures to provide a balance with the flatness of the pier, and some see-through elements to highlight the view of Elliott Bay from the promenade.
  • A lot of you liked the climbing features and rope elements.
  • Parents and guardians want to easily be able to visually inspect the entire playground in terms of safety.

Thanks to this feedback, three initial concepts have been developed. You can read the full summary on our website.

We want to hear from you (again)!

Tell us more! We have three options from our playground designers. Find us via our online open house (also available in Chinese, Spanish and Somali). There we have the video overview and a new kid-friendly survey for the new playground concept designs. We encourage you and your kids to provide feedback on these concepts through January 24. Let us know what type of playground you want to see on the future Pier 58!

Pier 58 removal is nearing completion and is being redesigned to create a public park and to improve access, safety and flexibility to the pier, while offering expansive views of Elliott Bay and the Olympic Mountains. The new pier park is being designed especially with families and young children in mind, with a playground, spaces to relax and a public plaza that will be programmed by Friends of Waterfront Seattle.

Seattle Parks and Recreation needs input on three concept designs for Salmon Bay Park Play Area

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While we cannot meet in person right now, your input is important to the future of the Salmon Bay Park play area! Salmon Bay Park is a neighborhood park in Ballard at 2001 NW Canoe Pl, Seattle WA 98117. Seattle Parks and Recreation (SPR) incorporated the community’s early input—all 350 responses—for the play area renovation project into three concept designs. The project team appreciates your previous input and encourages additional community participation.

Please participate in the design by first viewing the design team project presentation here https://youtu.be/ecraZ07Gs4E and then taking a short survey,  https://seattle.surveymonkey.com/r/SalmonBayDesign.  We will be hosting an online Open House to answer any additional questions and gather further input on Thursday, January 21, 2021 from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. The online Open House will be hosted on Webex at http://bit.ly/SalmonBayOpenHouse and can be accessed through your web browser. Please join us! All links and additional information can be found on the project website.

SPR’s project team wants to hear what the community values about this park and play area, and how it might be improved. Three concepts will be presented proposing new play equipment layouts (the newly replaced zipline will be retained), adjusting equipment locations, potential access improvements, and locations for new and replaced site furnishings. Renovated elements will meet current safety and accessibility standards.

For more information please visit http://www.seattle.gov/parks/about-us/current-projects/salmon-bay-park-play-area-renovation or contact Jessica Michalak at Jessica.Michalak@seattle.gov or 206-470-9147.

Seattle Parks and Recreation closures for Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday

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Most Seattle Parks and Recreation facilities remain closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The few that have opened at partial capacity will be closed on Monday, January 18, 2021 in observance of the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday, with a few exceptions. See below for specifics:

These remain closed long term due to the pandemic:

  • Community centers
  • Indoor swimming pools
  • Environmental learning centers
  • Small craft centers (Green Lake and Mount Baker Rowing and Sailing)
  • Teen Life Centers
  • Amy Yee Tennis Center

Closed specifically for this holiday:

  • Childcare
  • Middle and high school academic support HUBs
  • Hygiene Shower Program

Open:

  • Parks
  • Boat ramps
  • Golf at Interbay, Jackson Park, Jefferson Park and West Seattle facilities

Seattle Parks and Recreation begins construction for new Loyal Heights play area

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Seattle Parks and Recreation(SPR) is happy to announce the beginning of construction for the Loyal Heights Play Area, 2101 NW 77th St. SPR awarded the construction contract to Green Tech Excavation who will mobilize on site on Monday, January 11, 2021. The play area will be completed in early May. 

The play area renovation project installs new play equipment from Landscape Structures with slides, swings, and climbing features. The renovation will provide a new plaza with picnic tables, benches, water fountain, and accessible pathways connecting the play area to the community center. The improvements will bring the site into compliance with current play area safety standards and Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) standards for accessibility.

For more information on the play area project, please visit http://www.seattle.gov/parks/about-us/current-projects/loyal-heights-play-area-renovation. If you have questions about the project please contact Shannon Glass, Seattle Parks and Recreation, at Shannon.glass@seattle.gov or 206-733-9319. 

The Loyal Heights Playfield Turf Replacement project experienced some Covid delays and issues with the drainage discovered after the turf/carpet was removed. The project is making good progress and is anticipated to be completed in February 2021. To stay up to date on the project please visit http://www.seattle.gov/parks/about-us/current-projects/loyal-heights-playfield-turf-replacement.

City of Seattle Announces Additional Child Care Assistance for Families Through March

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In response to the ongoing needs of our communities during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Seattle Parks and Recreation (SPR) before- and after-school childcare program for students age 5-12 continues to provide a safe and supportive option for remote learning.

Now the City of Seattle has extended childcare copay relief for income eligible families through March 2021. SPR currently has space available at 16 of its 17 school age care sites, for full or partial week care.Wifi, learning support and enrichment activities are provided, and all public health guidance is followed. Click here to see details on locations and space availability. More information on the copay relief extension can be found below.

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SEATTLE (December 22, 2020) – Mayor Jenny A. Durkan announced today that the City of Seattle is extending child care copay relief for income-eligible families through March 2021. The City will cover 50 percent of the remaining copay costs for all families participating in the Department of Education and Early Learning’s (DEEL) Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) and scholarship-eligible families participating in Seattle Parks and Recreation (SPR) child care. Both DEEL and SPR currently have space available in their high-quality, affordable child care programs and families are encouraged to sign up today.

“We know that the COVID-19 pandemic has put an immense strain on so many Seattle families, and the transition to virtual learning has made the need for high-quality, affordable child care even more acute,” said Mayor Durkan. “The necessary extension of the statewide COVID-19 restrictions could exacerbate the financial hardship already experienced by so many Seattle families. The City of Seattle is covering the majority of costs for our high-quality child care through March, and we’re urging Seattle families to sign up now for this affordable, accessible child care option.”

“Childcare is an essential service, especially for working families juggling their work responsibilities and their children’s at-home school schedules. As our city experiences another wave of COVID infections during a tough winter, providing affordable, accessible and safe childcare is more important than ever. The City of Seattle will continue to prioritize working families and childcare in its COVID relief programs, knowing these services are key to rebuilding our economy,” said Seattle City Council President M. Lorena González (Position 9, Citywide).

The City covered 100 percent of child care copay costs for the final two months of 2020. Under the updated relief package, the City will cover 50 percent of family copays for three months. Copays are the portion families owe after their normal subsidies or scholarships have been applied. New families who sign up for either the CCAP or SPR programs will be eligible for 50 percent copay relief through March.

DEEL’s Child Care Assistance Program helps low- and moderate-income working families or families with a parent attending school or a qualified job-training program to pay for child care for children ages one month through 12 years. CCAP subsidies can be used at any one of the City’s 205 participating CCAP providers.

“We’re taking concrete action to support both families and our child care providers as we move into 2021,” said DEEL Director Dwane Chappelle. “It’s important that we work together as we continue to respond to and recover from COVID-19. This additional support the City is providing to families will help ensure working families continue to have access to sustainable, quality child care, an essential part of our city’s economic recovery.”

Seattle Parks and Recreation has traditionally offered before- and after-school care during the school year for school-age children; they expanded the program for the 2020-2021 school year in response to school closures and the need for school-age kids to receive support in accessing remote learning. SPR currently has space available at 16 of its 17 School Age Care sites; click here to see details on locations and space availability.

“High-quality child care is crucial to supporting healthy families and strong communities, and the pandemic has underscored how access to affordable child care is an equity issue that disproportionally impacts women and BIPOC communities,” said Jesús Aguirre, Seattle Parks and Recreation Superintendent. “This additional child care assistance is an important step in supporting families during this time, and I encourage families to sign up for available programs in your neighborhood today.”

Around 520 children currently receive child care subsidies through CCAP vouchers and SPR scholarships. Families supported by the City are those who are ineligible for the State’s Working Connection Childcare program and under 350%-400% of the federal poverty level (about $90K-$100K for a family for four). CCAP provides vouchers for approximately 375 children each month, and SPR currently provides either part-time or full-time child care for between 290-320 children each week.

Families can visit seattle.gov/ccap or call 206-386-1050 for more information or to confirm their eligibility for the Child Care Assistance Program. More information on SPR child care programs is available here.

Cal Anderson Park Activation Activities, Week of 12/21/2020

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Seattle Parks and Recreation (SPR) announced that Cal Anderson Park reopened on Wednesday, December 23 with more activities, maintenance, and services planned for 2021. SPR and other City departments have worked with community members to identify next steps and to develop a plan for key changes within the Capitol Hill neighborhood to create a safe and welcoming environment for all, including ongoing outreach for individuals experiencing homelessness on Capitol Hill. Beginning this week, SPR will also begin to bring new activation activities to the park. 

SPR staff have created and posted a map for a walking loop around the park and surrounding neighborhood at Cal Anderson Park. At a time when COVID restrictions prevent us from gathering in one place, SPR wants to encourage folks to walk and explore our parks, while following social distancing and masking guidelines. Park Ambassadors* will have copies of these maps and we have posted them on larger signs around the park.

Our Park Ambassadors have created a “Cal Anderson Park Edition” scavenger hunt for kids to explore the park and its different elements. You can pick up a scavenger hunt sheet at the Park Ambassador booth. Additionally, SPR has installed ping pong tables at the park and players can pick up equipment from our Park Ambassadors.

The basketball court, tennis court and athletic field are also open for individual use now; no organized sports are allowed at this time due to COVID-19 restrictions.

In the coming weeks, SPR will be in dialogue with participating communities on how it may assist with their desired next steps. If you are interested in knowing more or participating in the conversations, please contact SPR at: 2020CalAnderson@seattle.gov

*Please note that SPR will continue to have Park Ambassadors at Cal Anderson from 10AM to 4PM daily, except on December 24th, 25th and January 1st.

Seattle Parks and Recreation Reopens Cal Anderson Park

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Seattle Parks and Recreation (SPR) announced that Cal Anderson Park reopened on Wednesday, December 23 with more activities, maintenance, and services planned for 2021. SPR and other City departments have worked with community members to identify next steps and to develop a plan for key changes within the Capitol Hill neighborhood to create a safe and welcoming environment for all including ongoing outreach for individuals experiencing homelessness on Capitol Hill. Beginning this week, SPR will also begin to bring new activation activities to the park.  

Several City departments have been engaging with community, business owners, and neighbors to re-envision this park and the surrounding blocks to be safer, more welcoming and inclusive, and to honor the protests that took place here. SPR will be announcing additional engagement in early January to provide additional feedback and suggestions on what community members would like to see at Cal Anderson. Please check SPR’s website (http://www.seattle.gov/parks/) for updates on the meeting and how to join.    

“Cal Anderson Park has been an epicenter for activism and social justice movements for decades and is the heart of the Capitol Hill community. As we move into 2021, Cal Anderson will continue to be a hub for the entire community —neighbors and park visitors alike,” said Mayor Jenny Durkan. “As we reopen the park, the community and the City will continue its ongoing conversation to provide services to those who are unhoused, create new ongoing activities to support diverse community needs, increase safety, and restore the vibrancy and inclusivity of the Capitol Hill neighborhood.”  

“During the pandemic, access to outdoor space and recreation activities has been more important than ever for the physical and mental wellbeing of so many in our community. The reopening of Cal Anderson Park restores essential open space in this dense and vibrant neighborhood,” said Superintendent Jesús Aguirre. “Starting this week, we will begin offering new recreation activities at the park. These activities are just the beginning and we look forward to continuing to work with the community to build on these efforts to support a more inclusive park that reflects community needs and desires for this important gathering space.”   

Prior to the park reopening, SPR crews had conducted a surge in maintenance since last Friday to address backlogs in grounds maintenance, building repair, graffiti removal, and litter pick-up including the removal of 100 tons of debris such as large pallets and furniture. Maintenance and repair work will continue and some areas of the park, including two of the comfort stations and the shelter house, still need substantial repair work. SPR decided to open the park while we continue to do significant repair and restoration work in order to provide the community with access to the park as soon as possible.   

Since Friday, City-funded outreach providers, like REACH, Urban League, and LEAD, have been engaging existing or potential clients in and around the park, resulting in 12 referrals to hotels and shelter. Outreach workers engaged people around the park on Monday and this work will be ongoing in the Capitol Hill area. In recent weeks, providers reported 51 individuals were connected to safe places from the Cal Anderson Park area – including hotels, tiny homes, and shelter beds.   

SPR looks forward to collaborating with community and the Cal Anderson Park Alliance to determine next steps on bringing about programs and activities around community needs and values. As this work continues, SPR is set to begin initial activation activities in the park starting this week, such as setting up ping pong tables and outdoor dining areas, as well as creating a scavenger hunt for kids and a map for walking loops around the park and the surrounding neighborhood in order to encourage folks to explore our parks while following social distancing and masking guidelines. Please visit SPR’s blog (https://parkways.seattle.gov/) for updates on park activities. During the pandemic, all activation activities will follow COVID-19 public health guidelines, and we ask that anyone visiting parks or play areas use a face covering, practice social distancing, and wash hands frequently.    

In service of longer-range community values and desires for the park, community engagement and planning efforts will continue around restoring current art, bringing in new art, restoring the fountain and other historic features of the park, partnering to pilot a garden, and more.  

For information on how community and neighbors can participate and contribute to these efforts at Cal Anderson please visit the Cal Anderson webpage.