Parkways Seattle Parks and Recreation

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Seattle Parks and Recreation news and events

Seattle Parks and Recreation’s Summer Guide Available Online

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The Seattle summer is officially here! The Fourth of July is behind us, and there’s nothing but a string of sunny days in the forecast. It’s time to get out and enjoy your Seattle parks. 

To help you do that, Seattle Parks and Recreation has created the Summer Guide. You can check it out online while you’re out and about, or you can download it and keep a hard copy in your backpack or glove box. 

http://www.seattle.gov/parks/Publications/summer_guide.pdf 

Feel like enjoying a free concert in the park on your lunch break? Check out the Out to Lunch Concert series. 

Want to introduce your kid to the joys of the bicycling in a safe environment? We’ve got that one covered for you: Bicycle Sundays. 

 Live in a condo or apartment and want to learn how to compost? We can help. Check out one of our Urban Vegetable and Composting courses taught by Seattle Tilth. 

Lots of events are free. Come enjoy your summer with us.

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Celebrate Olympic Day on June 23 in West Seattle

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Seattle Parks and Recreation invites the community to celebrate Olympic Day on Wednesday, June 23, at West Seattle Stadium, 4432 35th Ave. SW, from 5 – 8 p.m. 

The event is free and designed especially for kids ages 3 – 12. Meet Olympic athlete Emily DeRiel and Paralympic athlete Mike Peters, test your skills at Olympic events and rock out with the Recess Monkeys. 

June 23 is the anniversary of the founding of the modern Olympic movement, and is celebrated annually by thousands of people in more than 160 countries. Not only does it commemorate the birth of the modern Olympic Games, Olympic Day is an international effort to promote fitness and well-being and encourage Olympic ideals, such as fair play, perseverance, respect and sportsmanship. 

For more information, or if you would like to volunteer at the event, call High Point Community Center at 206-684-7422 or send e-mail to hallr@seattle.gov.

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Free Concerts, Movies, Art and More in Downtown Parks This Summer

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Explore life between the buildings at downtown parks this summer. Enjoy free concerts, dancing, outdoor movies, art installations and performances, gardening classes, bocce tournaments, and more. Here are a few highlights to jump-start your summer.

Bring the kids to a free family concert at Freeway Park with Johnny Bregar, Caspar Babypants, Recess Monkey, and The Not-Its!, from noon to 2 p.m. Sunday, June 13.

Or take the kids for an amusement ride at Occidental Park on Thursday, June 10, and Westlake Park, Saturday, June 19. Rides are open 3 to 6 p.m.

Dance in the park at “Dancing ’til Dusk.” The salsa band Cambalache kicks off the dance series July 1 at Occidental Park. Beginning salsa lessons are from 6 to 7 p.m., then dance from 7 to 9 p.m. And on July 9, enjoy the Seattle Chamber Music Festival, simulcast from Benaroya Hall on 98.1 Classical King FM at Westlake Park. Recital is at 7 p.m.; the concert is at 8 p.m.

For a complete listing of events and information, check out Seattle Parks and Recreation’s website at www.seattle.gov\parks\downtown. The Downtown Seattle Association has also put together a list of its “Out to Lunch” concerts and other downtown summer events and tips at www.downtownseattleevents.com.

Family Programs at Camp Long

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Camp Long, located at 5200 35th Avenue SW, is one of Seattle’s best kept secrets. Located in West Seattle, this 68-acre park offers visitors an opportunity to enjoy nature, hike in the forest, camp overnight in rustic cabins, rock climb, and learn about natural history. 

Programs at Camp Long feature fun and numerous opportunities to discover what you can do to help the planet. For more information go to: http://seattle.gov/parks/environment/elc.htm  

Delridge WALKS – Exploring our Community on Foot

Saturday, June 5, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m.

Begins at Camp Long at 9 a.m.

FREE 

Camp Long will participate in “Delridge WALKS” as part of the reFRESH Southwest event at Delridge Community Center on June 5 by leading a walk through the neighborhood. Join Naturalist Gretchen Graber as she takes you on a walk through your community. Learn little known facts about your neighborhood and be entered to win one or more of dozens of prizes. Other “Delridge WALKS” events will depart from South Seattle Community College, Delridge Neighborhood Service Center and Highland Park Improvement Club. Additional cash prizes will be awarded for “Delridge WALKS” participants who enter to win the photo contest. To join a walk, or for more info, email info@feetfirst.info or call (206) 652-2310.  

Nature Programs for all ages 

Camp Long Owl Hoot

Saturday, June 19, 8:30 – 10:30 p.m.

Ages 5 and older

Join us for a dusk-to-dark owl prowl through Camp Long’s woodland. Might we encounter baby owls? Dress for the weather and bring a flashlight.  Please register by June 18 by calling (206) 684-7434.

Activity Fee: Adult $8 / Child $6    

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Full Moon Celebration!

Saturday, June 26,   8:30-10:30 p.m.

Ages 5 and older

 Watch as the moon ascends above the Cascade Mountains in the east to reveal her beauty to the not quite dark, night sky. As the sun sets in the west behind the Olympic Mountains the light will linger long enough to taint the moon’s glow.   Please register by June 25 by calling 206-684-7434.

Activity Fee: Adult $8 / Child $6

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 Salamander Search

Saturday, June 12, 2-3:30 p.m.

Ages 1 and older

 Search under logs, in the pond and the woods for all the cool varieties of salamanders that call Camp Long home. Long-toed, Northwestern, Red-backed and Ensatina are all possible to see if you have good Salamander searching eyes!  Please register by June 11 by calling (206) 684-7434. Instructor: Stewart Wechsler

Activity Fee: Adult $8 / Child $6

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 Beach Day!

Saturday, June 12, 10 a.m.-12 p.m.

Ages 4 and older

 Beach life is revealed during minus tides. Give yourself a chance to sea the diversity of life forms that the ocean has created over millions of years. Bring a healthy lunch to munch after exploring.   Please register by June 11 by calling (206) 684-7434. Location: Me-Kwa-Mooks Park -3.4 tide

Activity Fee: Adult $8 / Child $6

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 Beaver Life on Longfellow Creek

Saturday, June 19, 8-9:30 p.m.

Ages 1 and older

 Did you realize we have beaver living in our own backyards? Yup, they are doing their beaver thing on Longfellow Creek. After many years’ absence they have returned to fill their role in nature. Come and learn how beavers actually improve the habitat that they live in, naturally.  Please register by June 18 by calling (206) 684-7434. Location: Longfellow Creek at the trailhead of Juneau and 25th Ave SW

Activity Fee: Adult $8 / Child $6

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 Preschool/Tot Programs

Ages 2-3 w/adult

Adults, explore the wonders of nature with your 2-to-3-year-old tots. Discover life in the pond, forest, and field. Make new friends. Please arrive 10 minutes before class time and wear weatherproof clothing. Up to two children can be registered with one adult. No strollers please. Activity Fee: $7 for child/adult and $3.50 for each additional person.

 Wings and Things

Tuesday, June 8, 10:30-11:30 a.m.

Please register by June 6 by calling (206) 684-7434.

 Tide Pool Treasures

Meet at Me-Kwa-Mooks

Tuesday, June 15, 12:30-1:30 p.m.

Please register by June 14 by calling (206) 684-7434.

 Animal Daddies!

Sunday, June 20, 1-2 p.m.

Please register by June 19 by calling (206) 684-7434.

 Volunteer Opportunities

 Camp Long Third Saturday Work Parties

Ages 8 and older

Begin a family tradition at Camp Long by restoring native habitat in the park. Spring is a perfect time for restoration and cleanup. Make new friends while preserving the future for yourselves, your children, the animals and the native plants. Reserve your place by calling (206) 684-7434 or (206) 423-0762

 Construct a Brush and Rock Habitat Pile

Saturday, June 19, 10 a.m. – 1 p.m.

FREE

Create a nice condo for many of our native animals: garter snakes, salamanders, ground-nesting birds and butterflies. Later, come back to visit the creatures that take up residence. This plan can be adapted to any backyard space.

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2010 Bicycle Sunday Dates Announced

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Bicycle Sundays will start on the first Sunday in May and continue nearly every Sunday through the end of September. For 19 weekend days this spring and summer, the City will devote a stretch of Lake Washington Boulevard exclusively to bicycles. Cyclists can ride along the car-free shores of Lake Washington from Mt. Baker Beach south to Seward Park from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on the following days: 

  • May 2, 9, 16, 23, 30
  • June 6, 13, 27
  • July 5 (a Monday), 11, 18, 25
  • August 1, 22, 29
  • September 5, 12, 19, 26 

There will be no Bicycle Sunday on the following dates:

This program is brought to you by Seattle Parks and Recreation and Cascade Bicycle Club, with the support of the Seattle Police Department. 

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Spring Egg Hunts at Seattle Parks and Recreation

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As sure as the cherry trees and daffodils are blooming, it’s time for spring egg hunts and celebrations. All events take place on Saturday, April 3, are free and begin at 10 a.m. – unless otherwise noted. Prices for optional pancake breakfasts at select locations and the underwater egg hunt vary from $1 to $5. For more details on any of the spring egg hunts, please contact the facility directly. 

Southwest

Boys and girls ages 3 to 11 will have a great time at the spring hunt searching for chocolate eggs, candy and prizes. The hunt will begin at 10 a.m. sharp. Please come early to find the hunting area for your child’s age group.

  • Alki Community Center, 5817 SW Stevens St., (206) 684-7430
  • Delridge Community Center, 4501 Delridge Way SW, (206) 684-7423
  • Hiawatha Community Center, 2700 California Ave. SW, (206) 684-7441  
  • High Point Community Center, 6920 34th Ave. SW, (206) 684-7422
  • South Park Community Center, 8319 8th Ave. S, (206) 684-7451
  • Southwest Community Center, 2801 SW Thistle St., (206) 684-7438

Alki and Southwest Community Centers will host an optional pancake breakfast in conjunction with the egg hunt. Pancake breakfast starts at 8:30 a.m. The cost is $4 per person. Ages 3 and younger are free.The menu includes eggs, sausage (regular and vegetarian), coffee, juice, tea and all-you-can pancakes. 

Southwest Community Center will host a Teen Flashlight Candy Hunt on Friday, April 2 at 8:45 p.m. Bring a bag to collect your goodies and prizes. This event is for youth 12 to 17. For more information, please call (206) 684-7438 or (206) 684-4115 for further information.

Teens aged 12 to 17 are invited to come to Hiawatha Community Center for a Flashlight Egg Hunt on Friday, April 2, beginning at 7:45 p.m. There will be candy and prizes. 

Northwest

Rain or shine, kids 2 – 10 scramble for goodies in age-appropriate hunt areas. Please bring a basket or bag for collecting. Nonperishable food donations are gladly accepted. Volunteers needed. Call your local center.

  • Ballard Community Center, 6020 28th Ave. NW, (206) 684-4093
  • Bitter Lake Community Center Annex, 13040 Greenwood Ave. N, (206) 684-7524
  • Loyal Heights Community Center, 2101 NW 77th St., (206) 684-4052

Green Lake Community Center

Join your friends at Green Lake Community Center, 7201 E Green Lake Dr. N, for the Spring Scramble. We scramble rain or shine!  We will set up different areas of Green Lake Park near the community center with lots of goodies to scramble for!  Please bring your bag or basket to collect, and wear appropriate scrambling and outdoor attire.  Please meet at the community center gym no later than 15 minutes before your scramble time.  This event is sponsored by the Seattle Parks and Recreation Green Lake Advisory Council. For more information, call the center at (206) 684-0780.  Ages: 3 and younger at 10 a.m.;  ages: 4-6 at 10:30 a.m.; ages: 7-11 at 11 a.m. 

International District/Central Area

Children ages 11 and younger are invited to come on down for the annual Spring Egg Hunt. Please bring a bag or a basket to collect goodies. We need volunteers, so please call your local center to find out how you can help.

  • Garfield Community Center, 2323 East Cherry St., (206) 684-4788
  • International District/Chinatown Community Center, 719 8th Ave. S, (206) 233-0042
  • Yesler Community Center, 917 E Yesler Way, (206) 386-1245 

Southeast

Bring a basket or a bag to gather up goodies at our Spring Egg Hunt! All children 10 years of age and younger are welcomed to the hunt. Come rain or shine!  A pancake breakfast will follow the egg hunt. The cost is $1 per person or $5 per family

  • Jefferson Community Center, 3801 Beacon Ave. S, (206) 684-7481
  • Van Asselt Community Center, 2820 S Myrtle St., (206) 386-1921 

Rainier Beach Community Center and Pool

Come join Rainier Beach Community Center and Pool, as we ring in spring with our annual Egg Hunt and Fun Run! There will be an egg/candy hunt for children and refreshments for adults. There will also be side activities and fun runs for kids. Following the spring hunt, the Rainier Beach Pool will host an underwater egg hunt.

  • Candy Hunt and Fun Run Location: Rainier Beach High Track, 8815 Seward Park Ave. S.
  • Alternative location, in case of rain: Rainier Beach Community Center, 8825 Rainier Ave. S
  • For more information, call (206) 386-1919.
    • Underwater Egg Hunt Location: Rainier Beach Pool, 8825 Rainier Ave S
    • Time: 1:30-2:30 p.m.
    • Cost: $4 (Adult), $2.75 (Youth/Senior/Special Needs)
    • For more information, call (206)386-1944

Rainier Community Center

Be sure to dress warmly and bring a basket or bag to the Rainier Community Center Spring Egg Hunt. This event will take place on Sunday, April 3. For more information, call the center at (206) 386-1919. The center is located at 4600 38th Ave. S.

Northeast

Children ages 1 – 11 are invited to come celebrate the coming of spring with an egg hunt.

  • Nathan Hale Track, 10750 30 Ave. NE (Sponsored by Meadowbrook Community Center, (206) 684-7522)
  • Laurelhurst Community Center, 4554 NE 41st St., 4554 NE 41st St.
  • Ravenna-Eckstein Community Center, 6535 Ravenna Ave. NE, (206) 684-7534

Queen Anne/Magnolia/Capitol Hill/Montlake

Magnolia Community Center

Bring your baskets and your cameras for an egg-citing time at the Magnolia Community Center’s Spring Egg Hunt for children age 12 and under. The hunt begins at 11 a.m., starting with the youngest age group. The center is located at 2550 34th Ave. W. For more information, please call (206) 386-4235

Queen Anne Community Center

Bring a basket or a bag to gather up all of the goodies found at the Queen Anne Annual Spring Egg Hunt for children 11 and under. Meet in the Queen Anne Community Center, 1901 First Ave. W. For more information, call (206) 386-4240.

Celebrate Urban Nature

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Join Magnuson Community Center and EarthCorps for the first “Celebrate Urban Nature” event at the center, 7110 62nd Ave. NE, from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday, April 10. 

Bring the whole family to enjoy:

  • A tour of the Magnuson Park wetland, before the event at 9 a.m. 
  • A free concert by Caspar Babypants, (Chris Ballew, formerly of the Presidents of the United States), who performs “simple good time sing along music for kids and parents to enjoy together.” 
  • Birds of prey from the Woodland Park Zoo’s UP CLOSE program, which provides programs with live animals and keepers for classroom visits: http://www.zoo.org/Page.aspx?pid=552. 
  • A representative of the marine mammal division of NOAA (National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration), who will talk about seals and whales. 
  • Interactive booths and displays including Seattle Bug Safari, which keeps a bug zoo and provides education workshops at schools; Bats Northwest, and the Washington Native Plant Society. 
  • Roving Reptiles, with their slithery collection of snakes, lizards, and more. 
  • Art and nature activities, including a worm bin, nature crafts, a recycle art workshop, and a class on how to create a bird-friendly garden. 
  • Nature-themed carnival games with nature-related prizes. 

Parks’ partner sponsor, EarthCorps, is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to build global community through local environmental service. An AmeriCorps affiliate, EarthCorps trains young adults in best practices for conservation and how to lead volunteers. For more information, please see http://www.earthcorps.org/.

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Music is back on Jackson Street

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The community is invited to enjoy Music Back on Jackson Street on Saturday, Sept. 26, from 12 noon – 5 p.m. in Flo Ware Park, at the corner of S Jackson Street and 28th Avenue S. 

This community fun-fest will feature a free concert with a special musical tribute to jazz legend John Coltrane; a barbeque, including halal items; face painting and basketball. There will also be dunk-a-cop in a dunking booth with officers from the Seattle Police Department’s East Precinct. This event is free and open to everyone. 

Music Back on Jackson Street is presented by the Leschi Community Council, the Seattle Neighborhood Group, the East Precinct Crime Prevention Coalition, Langston Hughes Performing Arts Center, Seattle Parks and Recreation, Seattle Police Department, Seattle City Attorney’s Office, and Seattle Department of Neighborhoods. 

For information, please contact Randy Wiger at 206-684-0775.