Concern over Alki Community Center leadership change

ken.jpgA spokesperson for the Seattle Parks Department confirms to WSB that the longtime director of Alki Community Center, Ken Davis (shown at left in WSB-reader-provided photo), is being moved to South Park Community Center. We checked after receiving several e-mails expressing concern about the change; one of those e-mails, plus more from the Parks spokesperson, just ahead:

This note is from West Seattle resident Linda Layman:

Word is out that Kenny Davis, who has been director of Alki Community Center for many years, received notice of his unsolicited transfer to South Park Community Center. Ken had hoped to finish his career at Alki Community Center and does not want to be transferred. This would be a great loss to the Alki and West Seattle community as Ken has brought such a warm, caring presence to the children and adults who use the center. In about 1990 my son Adam,at age five, had Kenny as his first basketball instructor at the Alki Community Center, and I will never forget how special he made my son feel. Later when both my children enjoyed the rollerskating family skates, and other athletic team sports, Kenny always took the time to ask
how they were doing and to show them he cared about them as individuals all the way up into their adulthood.

He has been a steadying, encouraging overseer for the Alki Community Center and an outstanding role model for children (and adults) enrolled in the classes.

Let’s urge the Seattle Parks Department to reconsider and to keep Kenny here at Alki Community Center where he is still so needed and appreciated.

We asked Parks spokesperson Dewey Potter why Davis was being transferred and who would replace him; she told us: “Ken Davis was reassigned to South Park Community Center, and his replacement at Alki Community Center will be Jennifer Wagner. Quite a few assignments have shifted recently because of the hiring of five new assistant coordinators. Parks from time to time reassigns community center coordinators and other staff to provide development opportunities and for business reasons.”

10 Replies to "Concern over Alki Community Center leadership change"

  • GenHillOne June 2, 2008 (7:04 pm)

    This would be a HUGE loss for ACC. Since 1999, we have been a part of the before & after school program, sports, skating, carnivals, summer camp and teen camp. Led by Kenny, there has been a wonderful core staff that we’ve happily seen take on graduations, marriages, and babies of their own. Not having spoken to him directly, I can only go by what I see above, but if this was an unsolicited move – and they’re not making it HIGHLY worthwhile by tripling his pay ;) (okay, I’m kidding, but…) – I would urge SPD to reconsider this move. Ken Davis is a valuable piece of ACC’s past, present, and future.

  • charlabob June 2, 2008 (7:33 pm)

    I’m sorry — business reasons???? Who are these people? Have they spent too much time in the Private Sector? From what I’ve seen, the community reaction won’t make any difference and we’ll never know what happened. I say “we” because seems like all neighborhoods are part of the WS community.

  • Pam June 2, 2008 (8:20 pm)

    If the program is running well, why make a change. Kenny is a caring man who is well respected in the COMMUNITY, working for the COMMUNITY center…..we’ve loved Kenny and the influence he has had on his staff and the children in his care since we first met him some 15 years ago or so.

  • RickB June 2, 2008 (8:50 pm)

    Sounds like people are unhappy about this… Why not look at the silver lining? Now another community of families will get a chance to benefit from this man’s good work.

    And if I were the new person, I would probably feel pretty put down by the reaction… Why not give Ms. Wagner a chance to succeed without all the baggage?

    -Rick

  • Jana June 3, 2008 (12:00 am)

    Rick-

    Yes I am unhappy about this, as are many who know Ken and what his desires are. He has worked so hard for Alki Community, why not reward his efforts and let him retire from there; that would be the Silver Lining.

    And no, I don’t think that Ms. Wagner would feel down by the reaction here. These are constructive and positive reactions that can make a real tangible difference in the life of somebody who has touched so many.

    If I were her I would be humbled by the impact that Ken has had on this community, and honored to become a part of a community that would stand up to defend him.

    Dear West Seattle Community –

    If you have been blessed to know Ken at the Alki Community Center and desire to show your support to Ken, then please send an e-mail to our Mayor and members of the Seattle City Council and other SPD members listed below. Urge the Seattle Parks Department to keep Ken at the Alki C.C. where he has worked so hard for so many years to build the Alki Community!!! Let his efforts be rewarded by allowing him to finish his career where he desires.

    tim.burgess@seattle.gov,
    sally.clark@seattle.gov,
    richard.conlin@seattle.gov,
    jan.drago@seattle.gov,
    jean.godden@seattle.gov,
    bruce.harrel@seattle.gov,
    nick.licata@seattle.gov,
    richard.mciver@seattle.gov,
    tom.rasmussen@seattle.gov,
    greg.nickels@seattle.gov,
    dewey.potter@seatte.gov,
    timothy.gallagher@seattle.gov,
    christopher.williams@seattle.gov

  • Bob June 3, 2008 (10:15 am)

    What ever happened to senority??? Ken has worked for the parks department for 25 plus years. Hasn’t he put in his dues?? He has been transfered to many different centers in his career and this should be his time to be a little selfish. He wants to stay at Alki and his wishes should be listened to.

  • star55 June 3, 2008 (10:52 am)

    I am in the fight for “SAVE KENNY,” Anyone who has had a child in WS/Alki knows Kenny. Ask any kid between the ages of 1-30 and they have a positive Kenny story. As a parent of two adult children I know the positive impact Kenny had on them during “those” years. SAVE KENNY!!

  • diane June 3, 2008 (10:53 am)

    I am so happy to have the chance to say what a joy it has been to know Ken these past couple of years. His bright smile and friendliness is always so great on a Friday evening before skating or a Saturday afternoon before a puppet show. His work ethic and success at managing the Community Center should be rewarded, not met with a change that is not at his request or benefit of the community. I was heart broken to hear he was leaving. I will surely contact all of the above to let them know that this is not a welcome change.

  • Outside the Bubble June 3, 2008 (3:56 pm)

    I understand the want here to keep such a positive role model and community leader in place. But I have to agree with Rick on this one. Look at the South Park community compared to the West Seattle community, more specifically the community around Alki Elementary and the community center. I don’t think that anyone can deny that the opportunities kids have in West Seattle in general far outnumber the opportunities for kids in South Park. West Seattle is a strong community, and I’m pretty sure you will be able to withstand a new director coming in to take over. But think of all the new opportunities Ken will offer to the community of South Park, and what a great role model he will be to the families there. Before everyone gets up in arms about this, I would suggest considering how much greater South Park will benefit from this man coming in than Alki would from keeping him around. It’s difficult to accept change sometimes, especially in a small community, but it is inevitable. Besides, contrary to what your neighbors may say, South Park really isn’t that far away. You can go and visit Ken any time.

  • Pat June 3, 2008 (4:39 pm)

    If it is not broken do not fix it!!!!
    We have known Ken for many years….when he was still Kenny! He was working in the old Ballard Community center doing summer day camp. He has given a lot to the Parks Deptartment including lots of weekends and evenings away from his family.He deserves the right to choose where he spends the years of his service to the city!Please leave Ken where he is!!

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