Summer Streets ‘car-free day’ on Alki planned for May 19th, post-West Seattle 5K

(WSB photo from Summer Streets on Alki, May 2012)
When West Seattle 5K organizers announced earlier this month that registration had opened for the fifth annual edition of the big benefit walk/run on Alki, we asked if WS5K would again segue into Seattle Summer Streets – the annual city-sponsored “car-free day.” This week, race director Jeff Mensing says, they received confirmation from the city that it is indeed planned that way this year – so you can mark your calendar for May 19th, to start off with the run/walk, continuing with activities in the heart of Alki. The West Seattle 5K is a benefit for the West Seattle High School PTSA; registration and sponsorship information (WSB is a sponsor again this year) is all online at WestSeattle5K.com.

Faith4 January 27, 2013 (3:41 pm)

Is this the day after the West Seattle garage sale? When is that?

WSB January 27, 2013 (3:46 pm)

Faith – West Seattle Community Garage Sale Day, which we have presented since 2008 (picking up from its founders), is always the second Saturday in May – so this year it’s May 11th. It’s on the WSB calendar, I’m pretty sure :) thanks for asking. – TR

Faith4 January 27, 2013 (5:08 pm)

Thanks WSB

Guy January 27, 2013 (5:58 pm)

I would like to host a group bicycle ride and bicycle show for this event. Do I need any special permits?

4thGenWestSide January 27, 2013 (6:06 pm)

Why not later in the year? The last time they shut down Alki, we sat inside while it was POURING down rain and watched the kids play 3 on 3 basketball. May is not summer in Seattle. They should really consider doing it on a nice sunny July or August day.

nemobeansmom January 27, 2013 (7:11 pm)

Go play in the park, leave the streets open for cars.
Another waste of tax payer dollars.

WsEd January 27, 2013 (9:07 pm)

Really,

This is so typical Seattle. Agree with Nemobeansmom. Not that we don’t block streets for fairs and such. But just blocking of the street in this fashion stinks of a self righteous power play on the anti car bandwagon. Your tax dollars at work. Meanwhile school buildings rot to the ground.

miws January 27, 2013 (9:53 pm)

Guy, You might try contacting Summer Streets:

Summer.Streets@Seattle.gov

Mike

Guy January 27, 2013 (11:23 pm)

Thanks Miws!

Guy January 27, 2013 (11:32 pm)

So nice to not hear loud cars and trucks for a few hours on Alki. Children and adults enjoying the street. It’s a great thing. I personally think it’s a wonderful idea. And tax dollars are “wasted” on many other things.

WSB January 27, 2013 (11:54 pm)

Summer Streets is a very low-cost production – for the city. Volunteers are solicited to help with traffic control on the side streets, and the activities are put on by community groups. In addition – for any skeptic/critic who has been here a few years or less – it was scaled way down a few years back, just to close off a few blocks in the heart of the beach business zone; in the beginning, the entirety of Alki/Harbor was closed off for the entire day, and now the West Seattle 5K (which pays fees for the privilege) only closes that entire stretch for the first few hours – not too-high impact on a Sunday morning. – TR

Gene January 28, 2013 (4:54 am)

TR- With all due respect, there are many more people than just volunteers present for this event. From the city workers distributing and picking up all of the no parking signs, the sign companies themselves setting out and picking up road cones, to the seemingly endless police officers and their vehicles. I wonder if the city has an end total for what these events actually cost us?

Guy January 28, 2013 (1:31 pm)

Gene: can’t wait for the new tunnel downtown! What’s the pricetag on that?

Glenn January 28, 2013 (9:50 pm)

Thanks WSB. I’ll definitely take the family down and enjoy the day. I’ll probably even spend some money at the local shops.

Steve January 29, 2013 (11:52 pm)

Hooray! I can’t wait for this year’s street party. I have been the last two years, there’s always tons of stuff to do and it is great to see all the families get out and enjoy the street!

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