Seattle Parks and Recreation (SPR) is happy to announce the Pratt Park Spraypark Renovation is complete and welcomes the community to enjoy the new spraypark at a celebration from 4 – 6 p.m. on Friday, June 10, 2022! As part of the celebration, SPR encourages the community to come run through the spraypark, listen to great DJ music, enjoy food from The Barbeque Pit and learn some low impact exercises from members of Seattle’s own Northwest Calisthenics Collective who will be onsite to engage community and demonstrate fun low impact routines on the fitness equipment. 

Pratt Park is located at 1800 S Main St. in the Central District. The spraypark is located near the play area at the corner of 20th Ave. S and S Washington St. 

To renovate the park, SPR hired Site Workshop Landscape Architects and Hoshide Wanzer Architects to work with the community and design the park improvements. The original project scope included installing a re-circulation water system and new play features at the existing spraypark and grew to include a new restroom building, adult fitness equipment, site furnishings, pathway improvements and upgrading the irrigation system. The re-circulation system greatly improves water conservation, and increases safety and play-value, making for a better user experience. The custom-designed restroom building features a butterfly roof and vegetated wall trellis systems, as well as a gender-neutral single stall restroom.

The spraypark surfacing features a map of Africa etched into the concrete and retains bronze sculptures that were created by artist Monad Elohim; the sculptures represent the spirits of African American ancestors. The spraypark also retains bronze plaques, created by artists Monad Elohim and Daniel Minter, reflecting the African American community’s identity, culture and places of origins. These plaques will be re-installed at a later date. The pathway between the spraypark and the play area will have painted lines for hopscotch, two square, and jumping rope.

The renovation is a great example of public and private funding coming together to make improvements. The Parks & Green Spaces Levy and Seattle Park District provided the initial funding for the park with Vulcan Real Estate and Seattle Seahawks Charitable Foundation contributing a total of $50,000 toward the park renovation and pathway improvements. A  partnership with Kaiser Permanente provided $80,000 for the adult fitness equipment.

Multimedia Resources and Training Institute (MMRTI) is participating in the event. They will be documenting this new project and celebration. MMRTI is a community-based nonprofit providing effective technology-driven programs, education, multi-media training, and community-development services for historically under-represented and underserved children and families-especially East Africans living in King County and Puget Sound area.

The park is located in the Central District and named after Edwin T. Pratt. Pratt was a community leader, Executive Director of Seattle Urban League, and a founder of the Central Area Motivation Program and the Seattle Opportunities Industrialization Center. He was slain by unknown assailants at his home in 1969.

For more information about the project visit http://www.seattle.gov/parks/projects/pratt_park/. For questions concerning the project please contact Shannon Glass at Shannon.glass@seattle.gov. To see a list of other sprayparks in Seattle, visit https://www.seattle.gov/parks/find/sprayparks-and-wading-pools.

Beginning Saturday, June 25, the following beaches will be guarded daily from 12 P.M. -7 P.M. on weekdays, and 11 A.M. -7 P.M. on weekends. We encourage all Seattleites and visitors to come out to these beaches for a safe and fun swim experience.  

• Madison Beach, 1900 43^rd Ave. E 
• Madrona Beach, 853 Lake Washington Blvd. 
• Magnuson Beach, park entrance at NE 65^th and Sand Point Way NE 
• Mt. Baker Beach, 2301 Lake Washington Blvd. S 
• Pritchard Beach, 8400 55^th Ave. S 
• West Green Lake Beach, 7312 W Green Lake Dr. 

The following beaches will remain CLOSED this summer: 

• Matthews Beach 
• Seward Park Beach 
• East Green Lake Beach 

Seattle Parks and Recreation intended to reopen all Seattle lifeguarded beaches this summer, however we were not able to hire enough trained, experienced lifeguards to do so.  

Please click here for information that informs our decision-making regarding closing beaches due to staffing constraints.

To ensure that our open summer beaches are fully staffed, Seattle Parks and Recreation is taking advantage of several planned pool closures for construction work by redirecting lifeguards at these sites to beaches. This means that Medgar Evers, Evans, and Queen Anne pools will remain closed for the summer. Rainier Beach, Ballard, Meadowbrook, Madison, Southwest, Colman, and Mounger pools will all be open this summer.  

Please help us expand our aquatic offerings by applying to be a lifeguard or sharing these opportunities with your family and friends.

We’re offering a variety of free events in parks this summer for the whole family, including dance classes, plays, cultural celebrations and more. See below for our Arts in Parks and Welcome Back Seattle June events.

Arts in Parks Events:

• Kathya Alexander – The Negro Passion Play. Jimi Hendrix Park, June 10, 11, 12, 13 & 14.
  June 10 & 11 from 4-10PM; June 12 from 12-8PM; and June 13&14 – 12-4PM. The Negro Passion Play is a historic retelling of the birth, life, death, and resurrection of black Jesus, who is called Immanuel it is set during the civil rights movement with real life leaders of the movement as disciples, including Martin Luther King Jr, Rosa Parks, Malcom X, and other lesser-known activists.

• Praxis Essentials – the Circle: an exploration in rhythm and performance. MLK Jr Park. June 11, 18 & 25 I 12-2PM. The Circle is a space where culture engages community though music and performance in a participatory way, through celebration and story. We will also have art supply table available and large banners that folks can paint, draw add too in response to the performance, story, feeling that they want to express.
• It Takes A Village AMSA Edition – My Black is Beautiful. Othello Park June 18-19 I 8AM-8PM. Ezra Dickinson & Nahaan Edie: Bring Back the Salmon 2019. Celebration of music, freedom, Camaraderie, around Juneteenth in the central district holding space for exploration of rhythm and various performances embracing, uplifting the arts as an expression of community.
• Kevin Connor – Park Swing. Dr. Blanche Lavizzo Park June 30 I s-7PM. A series of community swing dance events at Dr Blanche Lavizzo Park, in the original epicenter of Sea>le Jazz, the Central District.

By Todd Burley

Managing garbage in outdoor spaces comes with a host of challenges. In a home setting, residents can easily sort their waste into recycling, compost, and landfill thanks to the excellent system in place by Seattle Public Utilities. Seattle is known for its progressive waste management system that in 2020 diverted 54% of waste from the landfill. As an industry leader in this space, many cities around the country look to our community as an exemplar of how to deal with waste in the most responsible manner.

In our parks, however, there are a host of challenges to overcome to divert waste from the landfill. Beverage containers may not be emptied, plastic tubs will likely have food waste in them, paper may get wet, and often the wrong item gets put in the wrong bin, contaminating the rest of the container.  Add to that the wet weather, rodents and other wildlife, and dispersed location of our bins, and you can see how outdoor waste management is quite a challenge!

Seattle Parks and Recreation is piloting some new bins and decals to support proper waste sorting in our parks, and we’ll be conducting the second of two waste audits at some athletic fields to learn how we are doing. Yet there are ways that you can help, too.

Pack it in, Pack it out

One of the best ways to ensure your waste gets into the proper bin is to bring it home with you. This allows for recyclables to be rinsed and dried, something that is difficult to do in a park. Also, you’ll be able to compost your food waste, an option that isn’t available in most parks.

Empty and Dry

If you’ve got a bottle, make sure to empty the contents before you recycle it and remove the cap. Soda is not recyclable, and keeping it in the bottle risks contaminating other items. Plus, liquid is heavy! Our crews would appreciate less weight.

Stop, Read, Sort

Before you drop your waste in a bin, take a moment to ensure your items are going in the right place. Most parks will have black or gray bins that go to the landfill, blue bins for recycling, and some will have green bins for compostable items. Not sure what goes where, check out SPU’s Where Does it Go guide.

Report an Issue

While SPR staff are on the ground every day, with 489 parks to manage, your eyes can be a big help. If you see an issue with our waste bins, call our Parks Work Order line at (206) 684-7250 or report it on the Find it Fix it App.

Working together in community we can ensure that the waste in our parks gets to the right place. This reduces our environmental impact, preserves resources, and keeps our parks clean. In 2020 45,000 cubic yards of waste was diverted from the landfill. What can we do in 2022?

Got a Healthy Environment tip or idea? Send it to our Sustainability Advisor at todd.burley@seattle.gov.

Seattle Parks and Recreation (SPR) paused the B. F. Day Playfield play area project after receiving community concerns about the impact of construction on the existing trees on site.

As a Parks and Recreation agency, it is our job to balance the needs of the natural environment and the built environment, particularly in a growing, urban city. This is not always a simple task. After meeting with the Fremont Neighborhood Council and agreeing on an alternative construction entry we are happy to announce construction will resume this summer. We have developed a plan that takes into account community concerns and puts in place a plan that will minimize any impact to existing vegetation.

This plan includes changing construction access to the existing entrance off N. 41st St., adjacent to the softball field. The access will begin near first base with turf protection in place in order to cross the outfield.  SPR is committed to restoring the turf after the project is complete. Pedestrian access to the park from this point will be maintained during construction.

Additionally, this new plan allows the contractor to work during the dryer summer months limiting the rutting and impact to tree roots. The project will take approximately fourteen weeks to construct, and we anticipate the playground and playfield to reopen by early October.

SPR values community input and is happy to have found a path forward to restarting this challenging project. The play area was well used by the community and needed updating as the equipment was past its useful life. During the design process we heard the community liked the sandbox and swings. The new play area design replaces the swings and relocates the sandbox, further away from stormwater catch basin, to eliminate the sand migrating to the catch basin. The updated design includes several “nature play” elements which have been carefully chosen for this site. These elements will fit in well with the existing large trees and nature already on the site. The project also includes decorative elements and renovating the full site to meet Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and national safety standards.

Funding for this park project is provided by the Seattle Park District. Approved by voters in 2014, the Seattle Park District provides more than $47 million a year in long-term funding to tackle the $267-million major maintenance backlog for Seattle Parks and Recreation as well as other facilities including the Aquarium and Zoo. In addition, it provides funding to improve and rehabilitate community centers, preserve the urban forest, perform day-to-day maintenance of parks and facilities, provide more recreation opportunities for people from underserved communities, provide programs for people of all ages and abilities, and acquire and develop new park land.

To stay up to date on the project please visit https://www.seattle.gov/parks/about-us/projects/b-f-day-playground-play-area-renovation.

Both organizations are hiring dozens of positions to provide a safe summer for kids

Step up and help kids this summer – do work that matters! Seattle Parks and Recreation (SPR) and YMCA of Greater Seattle (YMCA) have an alarming number of summer positions to fill in roles that serve youth in the Seattle area, especially around water-related activities and day camps that provide childcare for parents this summer.

Both organizations have over 100 positions to fill to run day camps and staff pools, beaches, and wading pools. SPR and YMCA will be holding joint hiring fairs where candidates can learn more about available positions, ask questions of staff, and apply on the spot.

SPR and YMCA offer great starting pay and benefits, and have permanent, temporary, seasonal, full-time as well as part-time opportunities available, including positions for people as young as age 16. These positions are great for entry-level young adults and anyone looking to get into education, social services, or emergency responder fields, all while caring for kids and families in their communities.

Joint SPR and YMCA Job Fairs:

• Wednesday, June 1 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Meredith Matthews YMCA (1700 23^rd, Seattle, WA)
• Thursday, June 2 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Magnuson Park, Building 406 (6344 NE 74^th, Seattle, WA).
• Saturday, June 4 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at West Seattle YMCA (3622 SW Snoqualmie St., Seattle, WA)
• Saturday, June 4 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Rainier Beach Community Center (8825 Rainier Ave. S, Seattle, WA)

If you or someone you know loves working with people and is looking for a fun and meaningful job this summer, please apply today and share these opportunities with your networks. Many critical programs—including lifeguarded beaches, summer camps, and childcare—that provide young people with safe summer experiences will not be possible if we cannot fill positions.

See Seattle Parks and Recreation job opportunities here: https://www.seattle.gov/parks/about-us/jobs

See YMCA of Greater Seattle job opportunities here: https://www.seattleymca.org/jobs

“Seattle Parks and Recreation is a great place to work! Our summer programs make meaningful impact in our communities and in the lives of young people. It is critical that we fill our open positions so that we do not have to close programs and activities that community rely on. I encourage everyone interested in a summer job to attend one of our job fairs and to apply today,” said Christopher Williams, Acting Seattle Parks and Recreation Superintendent.

“Working at the Y is a life changing experience and more than an ordinarily job,” said Sara Biancofiori, YMCA AVP/District Exec overseeing aquatics. “Spend your summer helping kids learn to swim, supporting families with outdoor learning, and more, while you build your leadership, help community and have your best summer ever!”

Seattle Parks and Recreation (SPR) is happy to announce the Pratt Park Spraypark Renovation is complete and welcomes the community to enjoy the new spraypark! The spraypark will open on Saturday, May 28 over Memorial Day weekend. Pratt Park is located at 1800 S Main St. in the Central District. The spraypark is located near the play area at the corner of 20th Ave. S and S Washington St.  A community celebration and ribbon cutting will be held on Friday, June 10 and the community is encouraged to come out and celebrate.  

SPR hired Site Workshop Landscape Architects and Hoshide Wanzer Architects to work with the community and design the park improvements. The original project scope included installing a re-circulation water system and new play features at the existing spraypark and grew to include a new restroom building, adult fitness equipment, site furnishings, pathway improvements and upgrading the irrigation system. The re-circulation system greatly improves water conservation, and increases safety and play-value, making for a better user experience. The custom-designed restroom building features a butterfly roof and vegetated wall trellis systems, as well as a gender-neutral single stall restroom.

The spraypark surfacing features a map of Africa etched into the concrete and retains bronze sculptures that were created by artist Monad Elohim; the sculptures represent the spirits of African American ancestors. The spraypark also retains bronze plaques, created by artists Monad Elohim and Daniel Minter, reflecting the African American community’s identity, culture and places of origins. These plaques will be re-installed at a later date. The pathway between the spraypark and the play area will have painted lines for hopscotch, two square, and jumping rope.

The renovation is a great example of public and private funding coming together to make improvements. The Parks & Green Spaces Levy and Seattle Park District provided the initial funding for the park with Vulcan Real Estate and Seattle Seahawks Charitable Foundation contributing a total of $50,000 toward the park renovation and pathway improvements. A  partnership with Kaiser Permanente provided $80,000 for the adult fitness equipment.

The park is located in the Central District and named after Edwin T. Pratt. Pratt was a community leader, Executive Director of Seattle Urban League, and a founder of the Central Area Motivation Program and the Seattle Opportunities Industrialization Center. He was slain by unknown assailants at his home in 1969.

For more information about the project visit http://www.seattle.gov/parks/projects/pratt_park/. For questions concerning the project please contact Shannon Glass at Shannon.glass@seattle.gov. To see a list of other sprayparks in Seattle, visit https://www.seattle.gov/parks/find/sprayparks-and-wading-pools.

In celebration of Discovery Park’s 50th anniversary, we’re pleased to offer a free summer beach shuttle. On select weekends, the shuttle will loop between Discovery Park Visitor Center, the North Parking Lot, and the Beach. The shuttle will arrive at each location every 20-30 minutes. The shuttle runs 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. with the last shuttle leaving the beach at 3:45 p.m. Please plan accordingly.

2022 Discovery Park Summer Beach Shuttle Dates:

• Saturdays and Sundays through September 4th

Please call the Discovery Park Visitor Center to confirm shuttle service before your visit at (206) 386-4236.

What is allowed on the shuttle? People, including children and babies, service animals, and strollers are allowed.

What is not allowed on the shuttle? Pets, coolers, surf/paddle boards, and other bulky items.

The summer shuttle is powered by your generous donations. Consider supporting the shuttle today. You can make a donation at the Discovery Park Visitor Center or here through our partnership with the Associated Recreation Council.

On Saturday, May 28^th, the Friends of Green Lake (FOGL) will install two 650-square-feet floating treatment wetland systems, the Taiga Wetlands,  in Seattle’s Green Lake, just west of Duck Island.

These floating islands, supplied by Biomatrix Water in Scotland, are engineered, vegetated rafts made of natural or inert materials that mimic floating bog mats. Root systems of the planted vegetation extend deep into the water and become covered with a biofilm that takes nutrients and other pollutants from the water, improving water quality by reducing the nutrient supply for phytoplankton growth, and hence reducing algae blooms.

In 2018, FOGL received a large donation in memory of Taiga Brant Hinckley, and selected the floating wetland project to best represent Taiga’s interest in protecting lake water quality and wildlife habitat. After obtaining support from Seattle Parks and Recreation and receiving a Hydraulic Project Approval permit from the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW), FOGL then applied for, and won, a $50,000 Seattle Neighborhoods Matching Fund grant in 2021.

The Duck Island location was selected because it provides the best habitat for native birds, which is FOGL’s primary environmental objective. At this location, the Taiga Wetlands will also function to sequester nutrients from the lake for uptake by the plants and, more importantly, the thick microbial biofilm growth on the plant roots, supporting a diverse macroinvertebrate community and fish habitat. Educational signage and continued maintenance will be provided by FOGL.

Learn more about the Taiga Wetlands and how to get involved at https://friendsofgreenlake.org/taiga-wetlands/ or follow on Instagram at @friendsofgreenlake.

Many Seattle Parks and Recreation facilities will be closed Monday, June 20 in observance of Juneteenth.

These facilities and services are CLOSED:

• All recreation programs
• Community centers and teen centers
• Environmental learning centers
• Indoor swimming pools
• Outdoor swimming pools (open weekend-only June 18-19, and then open daily starting Saturday, June 25)
• Green Lake Small Craft Center
• Mount Baker Rowing and Sailing Center
• Amy Yee Tennis Center (Closed June 19-20)
• Seattle Japanese Garden and Volunteer Park Conservatory (closed regularly on Mondays)

These facilities are OPEN on regular schedules:

• Parks
• Boat ramps
• Sprayparks
• Interbay, Jackson Park, Jefferson Park and West Seattle golf courses