West Seattle, Washington
08 Wednesday
(Photo from Westcrest compost giveaway last year)
Another chance to pick up free compost in West Seattle! Here’s the announcement sent to us to share with you:
GROW will be sponsoring a FREE compost event at Westcrest Garden P-Patch (9000 8th SW) on Saturday, April 11, from 10 AM to 2 PM or until compost runs out. Seattle Public Utilities and the Department of Neighborhoods have worked together with us and the Westcrest P-Patch community team to supply the neighborhood with up to 60 yards of compost. Bring a bucket and a shovel if you have one.
“
(WSB photos by Torin Record-Sand)
What just might have been the biggest crowd at a West Seattle egg hunt today was lined up and waiting before the start of the event presented by Bethany Community Church and community partners at the Highland Park Elementary playground.
The Easter Bunny was even there to greet the estimated 500+ kids:
Egg-hunting of course was a thrill all its own:
The little ones also got to frolic in a sort of ball-pit setup:
And bubbles!
The Highland Park Corner Store‘s famous Tip Top Ice Cream was part of the fun:
The remaining West Seattle egg hunts are smaller ones held in conjunction with some of tomorrow’s Easter services.
While continuing to raise money for the rebuild of their fire-gutted ex-HQ, Highland Park Improvement Club is also continuing to find creative ways to serve the community at its site. One way. – spring and summer “First Fridays“ – launched the 2026 season tonight.
The El Koreano food truck served up dinner, while DJs Mighty Moss and Rich served up music:
Environmental education and art was courtesy of DNDA:
And Linda Hornberg, with her book “Picture a Garden“:
Hanging out with neighbors was at the heart of it all:
Next First Friday – May 1st, 12th/Holden.
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
SDOT‘s contention is that converting a downhill lane on the Highland Park Way hill will make the road safer.
“For bikes or cars?” asked an attendee at last night’s HPAC meeting, loudly.
“For people!” retorted another attendee.
HPAC – the community coalition for Highland Park, Riverview, and South Delridge – has long been asking SDOT for an in-person meeting to answer questions about the lane-conversion project, which is fiercely opposed by drivers who say removing a driving lane will lead to traffic jams on one of the few ways out of West Seattle. Last night, they got that meeting. Judging by various bursts of applause and jeering – which HPAC co-chairs Kay Kirkpatrick and Barb Biondo tried to discourage – that viewpoint dominated among the 50+ people who filled the Southwest Library meeting room, but at least a few supporters were present too.
SDOT has remained resolute that driving-lane removal is not up for debate, but other aspects of the project are. Earlier this week, they unveiled another option for configuring the bottom of the hill, where Highland Park Way meets West Marginal Way. Before that, they announced they would separate the converted lane from the vehicle lane via jersey barriers that could be removed in case of catastrophe like another West Seattle Bridge long-term closure requiring restoration of the second downhill lane. But that didn’t seem to placate those whose memories of the 2020-2022 bridge closure remain fresh. Two people even brought signs, one reading “Fix Existing Problems Before Creating New Ones.”
Last night’s meeting was held in three parts – first, SDOT reps recapped where things stood, then everyone was invited to engage them in conversation around the room, and finally a reconvening of the full room for questions/comments. We recorded the first and third parts on video. Here’s part one:
SDOT reps who spoke were project manager Tony Roberts, project engineer Luke Larson, and project communicator Dan Anderson. They opened by trying to clarify a statement made at the online meeting earlier this month, in which this was described as a “safety project” rather than a “bicycle project.” Yes, but, they said, the money – $4 million – comes from Bicycle Master Plan funding and Vision Zero. In addition, the bicycle lane is intended to address a gap in how riders can get from West Seattle to the Duwamish River Trail. Regarding the newly unveiled Option 2B for handling traffic at the bottom of the hill, SDOT feels that its configuration means two lanes aren’t needed to feed into it any more. Larson said they’d done “modeling” to verify this. They also intend to use plastic center-line posts (like Sylvan Way and Alki/Harbor Avenues) and a high-friction surface treatment – all that will be part of a separate project but concurrent with construction on the lane-conversion. They reiterated that putting jersey barriers on the center line is not an option because they need two feet of width.
When the time came to circulate, about half the attendees did, while the other half stayed in their seats until the full-group session – here’s our video of that:
One of the first to comment declared, “You need to give precedence to the cars over the bikes, I’m sorry.” Anderson acknowledged “this is where we get into disagreement … there’s a lot of expertise … we feel with this it will still work OK.”
In the face of repeated contentions that “this will make it worse,” he insisted, “We don’t believe it will.”
The “what if the West Seattle Bridge goes out?” question also repeatedly arose. Larson said the jersey barriers could be removed to reopen a car lane “within a couple of days.” Anderson also tried to use this to reinforce that SDOT had listened to feedback on some points, saying that SDOT did not expect feedback to include “what if the West Seattle Bridge goes out?”
Another attendee declared, “You’re not solving the crashes – you need to separate the downhill and uphill. Put in some trees like you did on Delridge.”
Then, the question, why not improve the existing sidewalk on the downhill side?
“There’s not room,” said Larson, saying it’s six to eight feet now but they need 10 to 12 feet, adding that the steep dropoff from the existing sidewalk would require “tens of millions of dollars (to be spent) on retention walls.”
A man who spoke in favor of the lane conversion said he’s biked up Highland Park Way “100 times, and downhill maybe once” because of the bumpy path. When this is built, he said, he can put his kids on a bike and ride to South Park. “I will not be driving that street in the future if I can ride the street safely” – one less car, he noted.
A number of concerns were raised by people who live on Othello, a southward turn off the hill. Anderson said SDOT would come out to talk with those residents before long. He also acknowledged that the concept of adding a traffic signal there was mentioned at the meeting, though it hadn’t come up previously.
The SDOT replies to concerns didn’t win over the doubters. One concern about “so much road rage” on the hill was met with a reply that it would be less prevalent with one lane of traffic, if you’re only looking at a car directly in front of yours. That drew derisive hoots.
If the goal is to slow drivers down, why not speed bumps? someone asked. Larson said they’re generally not installed on slopes steeper than eight percent – HP Way is 11 percent.
What about a speed camera? someone else asked. Short answer: That would have to be enabled by state law (which currently limits speed cameras to school zones; the HP Way hill is not part of one).
What about widening the path on the uphill side? Kirkpatrick reminded everyone that the uphill side has had slides, and trees fall fairly frequently.
The SDOT team kept trying to reassure the room that they had “looked at a lot of concept.” Larson mentioned Alki and Green Lake. Those are flat, someone countered. Yet another attendee who described himself as “the most seasoned cyclist in Highland Park”
“By reducing the number of lanes, you’re reducing our quality of lives!” someone said. Another: “This plan is pitting drivers against bikes, but we should be working together.” Another: “This is planning for the future.”
Meantime, alternatives were suggested. Rumble strips? Turtles?
One person also noted that Highland Park has been saddled with a lot over the years, dating back to the municipal-jail proposal that HPAC fought tooth and nail more than a decade and a half ago, and multiple encampments, both RVs and tents, not to ention the future Glassyard Commons tiny-homes-and-RV-lot site close a short distance east of the Highland Park Way hill.
Another tried a final line of questioning: “Is there a date by which you have to spend the funding for this?”
SDOT didn’t really answer that, but Roberts noted that construction is currently set for next year.
When SDOT held an online meeting earlier this month about the Highland Park Way lane-conversion project (WSB coverage here), community group HPAC‘s co-chair Kay Kirkpatrick got the project team to commit to something the coalition had long been requesting – attending an HPAC meeting to answer community questions. They’re keeping that promise this Wednesday (March 25), 6 pm at Southwest Library (9010 35th SW). HPAC’s meeting announcement says they’re hoping SDOT team members’ in-person appearance will allow “in-depth conversation with the community and a chance to really drill down into the work they are doing.” The project would convert the outside downhill driving lane on the Highland Park Way hill to a bicycle/pedestrian path; the newest version of the plan would separate that path from the remaining driving lane via removable jersey barriers as shown in graphic above), so it could revert to a driving lane in case of a major event like the 2020-2022 West Seattle Bridge closure. HPAC also hopes to update the Glassyard Commons RV/tiny-home site project at Wednesday’s meeting.
After 911 calls reporting what sounded like gunfire in or near Westcrest Park, a police officer just told dispatch they’ve found evidence – shell casings in “the main parking lot.” No report of anyone hurt, so far.
Most of West Seattle’s only official off-leash area, at Westcrest Park, will close for four days next week, according to this announcement from Seattle Parks:
We need to temporarily close the Westcrest Off Leash Area (OLA) from March 23rd through March 26th.
During this time, crews will deliver wood chips (Engineered Wood Fiber) to the terraced area near the shelter and picnic table. We planned this maintenance effort in close consultation with our COLA stewards at Westcrest Park to improve the play space for your pets.
While the main area is closed, the small and shy dog area will remain open and accessible to all dog owners. Because this space is much more confined than the main park, please pay close attention to your dog’s behavior to ensure a safe environment for all visitors.
We recognize this temporary closure might disrupt your routine, and we appreciate your understanding and cooperation as we work to maintain the park. If you have any questions or concerns about this project, please call us at 206-684-4075.
Also in south Highland Park – a gunfire incident. Police checking out the area after 911 calls about 15 minutes ago report they’ve found a shell casing in Westcrest Park‘s south parking lot. No report of any damage or injuries, so far.
(WSB photo)
SFD and SPD were called to that RV on 9th SW between SW Barton and SW Henderson a short time ago; a 911 caller asked for medical help for a woman. As soon as SFD got there, they radioed that she was an “obvious DOA.” They subsequently called for police and the Medical Examiner’s Office, which will investigate the cause of death. The only thing we’ve heard about circumstances is that the caller told dispatchers they had last seen the woman alive last night.
4:21 PM: More news from Highland Park Way hill today – this time, a power outage. More than 2,000 customers are out after, according to a 911 dispatch, tree limb(s) fell on wires at Highland Park Way and Othello. Updates to come.
4:38 PM: SCL confirms “tree/vegetation” as the cause.
5:24 PM: Thanks to Kay Kirkpatrick for the photo! City Light crews are on the scene clearing branches, she reports.
5:26 PM: And moments later, we’re getting reports of restoration. The SCL map shows everyone’s back on.
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
Ten years after a planned RV “safe lot” in Highland Park was scrapped, a much larger RV/tiny-house site yards away is on a fast track toward opening, and a community meeting last night revealed much more about how its operator plans to manage it.
Glassyard Commons – the site we were first to report on, after discovering the plan in city permit filings in January – will be Seattle’s only RV “safe lot” when it opens on state-owned land at 7201 2nd Avenue SW.
LIHI, which will add Glassyard Commons to its portfolio of tiny-house villages, organized the meeting, held at Georgetown’s New Direction Missionary Baptist Church (different from the similarly named church that is listed as sponsor for Glassyard Commons, New Hope Missionary Baptist). Among many other things attendees learned last night, if a shelter site is “religiously controlled,” it doesn’t need to be rezoned to host this kind of use.
(WSB photos by Macey Wurm)
The meeting’s location also provided a visual reminder of the homelessness crisis and its RV tensions along Seattle streets, with RVs parked across South Homer Street from the church, bordering a park – and lines of ecoblocks along properties to the west, a common preventive measure deployed in unofficial attempts to prevent RV parking.
Our full unedited video of the meeting is atop the story; if you don’t have time to watch, here’s our summary.
Marta Kidane, LIHI’s community-engagement leader, emceed. First speaker was the meeting-host church’s pastor Rev. Lawrence Willis, who said he’s worked with LIHI for 15 years, including five years on their board,
LIHI executive director Sharon Lee said her organization’s current shelter portfolio include 17 tiny-house villages – West Seattle’s Camp Second Chance among them – and five hotel shelters. She touted LIHI’s management of the Salmon Bay Village site for a year and a half, from December 2023 to May 2025 with 28 RVs and 11 tiny houses. (That’s considerably smaller than what’s projected for Glassyard Commons, 72 RVs and 20 tiny houses.) She said Salmon Bay was a success, forced to close because the land owners decided to turn the Interbay site into a pickleball facility.
City policy analyst Jon Grant revealed that Glassyard Commons will be the only RV safe lot in the city – for now – and apparently also the only one in King County. “People in RVs are suffering; they want a way to get out of them.” He described the site as a “stepping stone” for vehicle residents to get into permanent housing; the tiny houses will in some but not all cases be a bridge for people, whose RVs will be hooked up to power upon arrival, as well as drained of fluids, and modified so their bathrooms don’t work (they’d use the provided hygiene facilities instead).
LIHI’s senior construction project manager Matthew White offered more details of the site plan. Since they’re only using part of the WSDOT-owned property, he said, there will be two fences, interior and exterior. All entries will be via the front gate, with 24/7 security (these are paid staff members, Kidane confirmed when we asked, knowing that at sites like CSC security had been the responsibility of resident volunteers). LIHI staffers, including the site manager and three case managers, will have six offices to use. There will also be asphalt paths, security cameras, a kitchen, laundry room, and hygiene facilities with seven showers and eight toilets. And fire extinguishers would be available at least every 75 feet. Also, it’ll have outdoor community areas including smoking zones and picnic tables. Tiny houses, it was noted, all have heating and A/C. As for overall schedule, White said they’re “pushing very hard” to get this up and running in three months.
From operations and case management, Donna Anderson and Victoria Kent discussed details such as “We don’t allow visitors – they can’t come inside or park outside.” (Parking, and even camping, just outside the front gate had been a longtime problem at Camp Second Chance.) Regarding those who fear “this is going to bring crime to the neighborhood,” their contention was “when folks get in and feel safe, they start policing themselves” and even what happens nearby off the premises. Clients will have “individual service plans,” they said, touting that Camp Second Chance has seen 20 housing placements so far this year. Also at the mic were outreach managers Jen Manlief and Jonah Silverstein; they said they’ve been in the area daily, including Highland Park, Westwood, the nearby encampment site cleared on Monday.
The last section of the presentation somewhat dovetailed with Mayor Katie Wilson’s pitch earlier in the week for volunteerism to help with the homelessness crisis. LIHI volunteer manager Amanda Benson said there are multiple ways to support them, including painting and vegetation clearing; Kidane explained the Community Advisory Committee process and again promised one will be set up for Glassyard Commons – email her at marta.kidane@lihi.org
The Q&A period was constrained because, organizers said, they had to end the meeting after an hour because the church had another event scheduled shortly thereafter.
The first questions came from an adjacent property owner who asked about zoning – that’s where the “religious sponsor” information emerged – and contaminated soil on the site; White said they’d see what environmental reports revealed but didn’t seem to worried. Are the every-75-feet fire extinguishers enough? The intent is for them to buy enough time that people could get away from a fire. Other questions included the eligibility requirements; those would include no registered sex offenders, and no one under 18. They are not limiting the RV spaces to vehicle residents who have been in the general area (City Councilmember Rob Saka had previously mentioned some “set asides” but no specifics were offered) – but they expect nearby areas will ultimately see fewer RVs on the street.
Regarding turnover, though, there is no time limit for clients to get out of their RVs: “The goal is for them to come in and go to housing.”
It’s not going to be a completely drug-and-alcohol-free facility, it was disclosed. The only policy regarding drugs and alcohol is that they cannot be used in the public areas. What happens inside individual RVs and tiny houses is not “policed,” said LIHI reps. But recovery services will be available.
Have they done Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design for site planning? White said no, but “we can look into it” – generally their focus has been more on fire safety, and they have an SFD plan for that. Pressed again on the point of crime prevention, they stressed the plan for security staff and that they would have cameras, though no specifics about their location or monitoring plan were offered.
There are 11 businesses nearby – will they be able to visit the site and look around? Kidane promised a tour.
Regarding Glassyard Commons being the only RV lot in Seattle/King County, is that expected to remain true for a while?
Grant replied that “we want to see geographic equity … Our hope is that we can open up more RV programs in the future,” though he indicated they don’t have any target sites yet. “We know we need more.”
WHAT’S NEXT: The construction-permit application for Glassyard Commons remains under review by the city, with more documents filed today, including the full plan set (not available online) and the “religious sponsor MOU” document, which includes more on how the site will be operated
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
SDOT has made another change in its plan for replacing a downhill driving lane on the Highland Park Way hill with a biking/walking/rolling lane.
Now, instead of separating the lane from motor-vehicle traffic with curbing, SDOT reps told an online community meeting last night, they’ll separate it with jersey barriers.
That makes the lane separation removable if the hill needs to be restored to four driving lanes – a “break glass in case of emergency” type of failsafe, as it was described at one point.
That wasn’t much consolation to project opponents among the attendees, who continued to express concern about backups even in routine times.
Also last night, co-chair Kay Kirkpatrick of the neighborhood coalition HPAC secured a commitment from SDOT communicator Dan Anderson to bring project-team reps to this month’s HPAC meeting – something she’s been requesting for many months. The online meeting format last night was also somewhat awkward; of note, though SDOT had a seven-person team available live, the narrated presentation toward the start was pre-recorded (they promised it would be added to the website “after the meeting” though as of this writing, it’s not there yet. We did obtain the full slide deck, from which most of the visuals in this report were taken – see that here.)
The proposal is not new, though one attendee lambasted SDOT for not getting the word out as thoroughly as befits a project that will affect road users who come from far beyond Highland Park to travel toward West Marginal Way, the 1st Avenue South Bridge, South Park, and elsewhere. From the slide deck, here’s the latest “early design” version of the “typical” crossection that would result:
The slide deck also focused on the plan for access to the hill from both residential streets and the near-the-hill-bottom Pioneer Industries, including:
And two options were offered for the bottom of the hill, where it meets West Marginal Way:
Another point of contention during the meeting, besides general opposition to the lane conversion, was the rationale for it. SDOT reps insisted that this is not a “bicycle project” but rather a “safety project,” that in its current configuration, two lanes each way, the road cannot be made safe enough for city standards, so it has to be redesigned. And, the questions continued, why does this seem to be so high up on the priority list when other seemingly more urgent matters – like the crash-prone section of the westbound West Seattle Bridge by “the curve” – have not had this kind of attention? Bicycling came more into play in the answer to this – that it was identified as a “gap” in the city bike network, to connect to the Duwamish River Trail, “part of a regional gap to fill,” said SDOT’s Christiana Farrell, who works on the city’s Bicycle Master Plan. As it has in many previous discussions, the point was made that few people currently walk/bike on the hill. And the answer as always could be distilled to (as the old movie quote goes) “if you build it, they will come.”
Speaking of low usage, all current bus stops on the hill will remain though they currently are experiencing that, according to SDOT. The low bus-stop usage was also cited in response to a question about what happens if a bike rider is headed downhill at the time a stopped bus is blocking the lane
What about emergency responders – have they been asked about how the loss of a driving lane might affect them? asked another attendee. Anderson said SFD and SPD had been consulted and had “no major concerns,” adding that other similar (unnamed) projects in the city had not resulted in problems; three lanes on the hill should provide them a way to get around if they need to, he said,
Still, meeting participants’ concerns were not quelled. One cited traumatic experiences from past backup problems, and working for years just to get the Highland Park Way/Holden intersection’s challenges addressed – something that had dragged on for years, and suddenly was addressed in a matter of days after the West Seattle Bridge closure in 2020 turned Holden into a major detour route. Another participant, observing that the situation was “miserable” during the 2 1/2-year bridge closure, said, “We care about safety, but we care about our mental health” – she and others contended that the hill’s vast majority of users are drivers and their concerns and opinions should get the most attention. “I’m astonished this idea has advanced to this point,” said yet another attendee.
SDOT stuck to its contention, however, that “even (significant opposition) doesn’t mean we don’t have a duty to safer streets.”
The meeting ran almost two hours, longer than planned. Assuming SDOT does indeed attend the next HPAC meeting, that would be March 25, time and location TBA. Here, meantime, is the project timeline presented last night:
BACKSTORY: In 2020, SDOT had a plan for a bike lane on the Highland Park Way hill, but put it on hold. The concept re-emerged in a 2022 application for federal funding. Then in May 2024, SDOT formally announced a plan for a downhill bike lane and/or expanded path along about half a mile of the hill.
(Photos courtesy HPIC)
In Saturday’s sunshine, during the Highland Park Improvement Club compost giveaway and plant/seed swap, folks got their first chance to browse the 70 planters donated to HPIC for an online fundraising auction that’s continuing right now. They’re all from one generous donor who was making some landscaping changes.
They’re unique and up for grabs to the highest bidders.
HPIC explains:
These are salvaged architectural quality pieces, most of vitrified stoneware type clay, there are some small dings from use, but their overall quality is excellent, and will be a great addition to any garden or deck. Planters range from midsized, suitable for seasonal accent planting, to large enough to be able to hold a small tree or shrub. Your purchase supports the rebuild and will be an excellent addition to your garden as well.
That of course is the rebuild of HPIC’s HQ, gutted by fire almost five years ago. To browse and bid, start here!
12:09 PM: Thanks to Kay from Highland Park Improvement Club for the photo and update:
We have lots of excited gardeners getting free SPU compost plus free seeds and plants to swap- and complimentary coffee and cookies from the Highland Park Corner Store.
We are also kicking of a really fun fundraising auction. One of our board members acquired an amazing donation of 70 architectural ceramic planters which we will be offering via online auction starting today through March 12.
Find the bidding site here:
The compost giveaway is at 1116 SW Holden, on until 2 pm or until they run out.
1:05 PM: Just stopped by. Compost left! Some plants and seeds too. We’ll have a separate story later with more on the planter auction.
SDOT says it’s finalized the plan for seven blocks of new sidewalks and walkways in Highland Park, five months after proposing which blocks would go into “conceptual design.” The orange lines above show the final decisions – which removed several blocks from last October’s proposal. Now a block of Cloverdale is removed, and the 8th and 7th sidewalks/walkways will end at Thistle instead of stretching north to Kenyon. City reps walked the area with local residents in May, to help determine where to improve walking routes with Seattle Transportation Levy money. See the final report here; it includes notes on other traffic-calming features, as well as this:
In most cases, sidewalk or walkway will be designed on one side of the street. Sidewalks and walkways may be constructed from a variety of materials including paint, asphalt, concrete and barriers. Specific design treatments are decided based on factors including the space available on the street, drainage needs, existing infrastructure, impacts to parking, slopes, and estimated construction costs. Projects will be in construction between 2026 and 2029.
(WSB file photo)
Thanks to HPAC co-chair Kay Kirkpatrick for the tip. SDOT has scheduled an online public meeting March 4 for the most controversial West Seattle project on their drawing board, the plan to convert the outside downhill lane on the Highland Park Way hill to a multi-use path. The possibility of rechannelizing the hill – which was a busy detour route during the West Seattle Bridge closure – first came up in the 2010s, then went on hold in 2020, then turned up again in a city application for federal funding in 2022, and then moved onto the path toward finalization a year ago despite loud opposition. SDOT recently told WSB that construction is at least a year away; the department says it’ll have design updates at the March 4 meeting, which is scheduled to start at 5 pm, and will be at this Zoom link.
Though the sign that’s been on the door for more than three months says Miso at 16th SW and SW Holden is “temporarily” closed, right under the NOW OPEN banner, the closure appears to be permanent. We noticed in a routine check of commercial listings that the small restaurant space next to the Seamart convenience store is up for lease and is described as “vacant.” Miso originally opened as a Korean restaurant in September 2023 but eventually broadened the menu to include teriyaki/wok offerings, and had a two-week closure in 2024. The space was previously home to Wanna Burger and Teriyaki, and the original home of legendary Zippy’s Giant Burgers before that.
(SPU file photo of a compost giveaway event)
The next event at the past-and-future Highland Park Improvement Club site is one week from Saturday – pick up free compost – 10 am-2 pm February 28. HPIC’s announcement says, “In partnership with Seattle Public Utilities, we will be offering free compost from Lenz Enterprises for members and neighbors to pick up. Bring your shovels and buckets to the HPIC parking lot to swap seeds, share extra plants, load up on compost, and help your plants and neighbors thrive! There will be free coffee on-site. One load per household, please.” RSVPs not mandatory but appreciated – go here!
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
The newest plans for relatively small projects in two parks comprised most of the first 2026 meeting of HPAC, the community coalition for Highland Park, Riverview, and South Delridge.
HPAC co-chair Kay Kirkpatrick facilitated, and started with a brief mention of a story we’d broken the night before:
(‘Site plan’ shown in early permit filing)
RV SAFE LOT/TINY HOMES? The city had not notified HPAC – or other community advocates, so far as we know – about the permit filings first reported by WSB on Tuesday night for a new RV safe lot/tiny-home site in east Highland Park. She suggested that people read the report and let HPAC know if they had any thoughts or other feedback. (We have yet to receive answers to the followup questions we’ve asked, aside from the site’s owner, WSDOT, acknowledging our inquiry and promising a forthcoming reply.)
One other topic preceded the Parks presentations – crime/public safety.
SEATTLE POLICE: Community Liaison Officer German Barreto first presented updated crime stats – first the West Seattle/South Park precinct’s annual stats we’ve already reported in coverage of four recent community meetings. Highland Park for the year was up incrementally in robbery, aggravated assault, sexual assault, and arson; for the last 30 days, all categories are down except robbery and burglary. Highland Park saw 16 shots-fired incidents last year compared to 22 a year earlier. Co-chair Kirkpatrick mentioned the chronic problem with people driving into the West Duwamish Greenbelt and causing trouble – abandoning stolen vehicles, for example. The gate that’s chronically broken/unlocked will be addressed by the city, she noted. The area has “fresh tire tracks today,” an attendee noted.
Another attendee brought up ICE activity concerns and asked recommendations. “I’d say record from a distance, don’t get involved,” replied Ofcr. Barreto. He said calling 911 could be one way to discern if you don’t know whether something is an ICE raid or “actual kidnapping” – because until they know for sure, SPD will respond “lights and sirens.” He also was asked to clarify the policy. “We don’t work with them, they just show up.” Kirkpatrick wondered about groups of unmarked vehicles showing up and then heading out together – again, he suggested getting photos discreetly. It was also pointed out, though, that for raids, warrant operations, etc. it could be a gathering point for SPD. Barreto noted that plates of SPD or other local unmarked vehicles would say XMT on them. (Footnote: SPD posted a new clarification of its immigration-enforcement-related policies on the SPD Blotter site today.)
(Photo courtesy Kay Kirkpatrick)
PARKS PROJECTS: First one presented was the south Westcrest Park restroom rebuild. Planner Tizai Mauto was introduced as Parks’ Southwest District planner and brought his team, including Justin Martin, a landscape architect from MIG, who gave most of the presentation on the restroom project. It’s in a conceptual design phase with three options. This is meant to replace the old long-closed restroom (photo above). A secondary goal is to remove infrstructure left over from an old long-removed play area near there, and to replace picnic tables and benches. Total budget for the restroom and the play area: $1.35 million.
Martin said the P-Patch and trails account for the major share of how the nearby area is used. The old restroom building probably won’t be removed but instead will be converted to storage. They expect to protect the big conifer trees near the building. The two ADA parking spots will be redone, with a curb ramp. They evaluated six potential sites; three southeast of the current site are being. considered right now. They’re looking at using the Portland Loo type of restroom structure, since it’s “more vandal resistant” and better for the lower use level they expect from this. Just one stall, like Ballard Commons, and it’s single-occupancy. They’re robust but not cheap, was the explanation.
Then he opened the door to Q&A. First attendee to speak offered more comments than questions about being baffled at how often restrooms are vandalized. They appreciated Concept 3 the most, with its proximity to picnickers. The Portland Loo design means less seclusion for people who want to vandalize, he noted. Second commenter also liked 3. Third commenter agreed and also appreciated the line-of-sight entrance from the middle of the lot. Fourth commenter noted that this area of the park wasn’t discussed much when the rest of the park was developed. Planner Mauto suggested mentioning ideas in the project survey, for building down the road. Fifth, Kirkpatrick mentioned the future public market/housing site for African Community Housing and Development at the end of Henderson should be considered, too. She also pointed out that the dog park area needs better restroom access, which Option 2 would provide. Kirkpatrick also noted long-neglected public art that might be relocatable to the eventual area.
More project info is here; you can answer a survey about the project here.
(Photo courtesy Kay Kirkpatrick)
Next, the Southwest Teen Life Center play-area overhaul, presented by project manager Colin Campbell, who said planning is resuming after a yearlong pause; he brought equipment option info.
What’s not in the budget — He said this is the perfect time for community members to advocate for features they might not see, so they could perhaps be priorities. He noted a variety of grant funds that could be sought too.
The current play area is being repalaced because it’s 20 years old ad at the end of its life cycle. Construction is likely to happen next year. Landscape archiutect David Vader said it’s a “fun” project – he clarified that it’s not the play area up on the forer Denny IMS site, which is school district owned, but this one is city-owned, immediately behind the Teen Life Center/Pool building.
The budget would cover the replacement of the play equipment and wood-fiber surfacing, They want to keep – and repaint – the mushroom structures in the area, he mentioned.
Three options as detailed here – adventurous, less so, traditional.
Option 1 is a “spider web net” type structure that many kids can use at once. It would include a teeter-totter with some unconventional moves. Part of it would match the blue and red colors of nearby Chief Sealth IHS.
Option 2 has a spiral area that even a kid with mobility issues could climb.
Option 3 is more an “in-kind replacement” “post-and deck system.”
This project too has a survey (open until mid-February). It’s early enough in design that they “still could pivot,” the team said.
Though the center is for teens, lots of younger kids go to the pool with their families.
What about outdoor ping-pong tables? asked Kirkpatrick. Campbell said they’ve talked about “things like that, smaller, contained,” like Tek Ball. Maybe some outdoor gym equipment for older kids? suggested another attendee.
Places to sit are really important, said an attendee describing herself as a mom. Someone else elaborated, “Seating options with shade” – sonce that’s a mostly paved area and can get hot.
In other park projects, Kirkpatrick asked about the money for Riverview Playfield turf and indicated community interest in early engagement on that; Mauto pointed her at the person doing the project planning.
For seeking grants to enhance projects, Campbell said the Parks CommUNITY Fund has possibilities, and has ongoing info sessions.
WHAT’S NEXT: HPAC meets many months on the fourth Wednesday; watch hpaction.org for updates.
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
Mayor Katie Wilson vowed less than two weeks ago to “accelerate the expansion” of shelter capacity to get homeless people off the streets.
We just found a permit filing for a West Seattle site that might contribute space for almost 100 – a site identified more than a decade ago as a potential “transitional encampment” site.
This is state-owned property known as the “WSDOT Glassyard” site in southeast West Seattle, officially 7201 2nd SW [map], and it has a “site plan” on the drawing board for a combination RV safe lot and tiny-house village – up to 72 RVs and. 20 tiny houses. This area has been the site of unsanctioned encampments before, and is adjacent to the original location of the first encampment to draw widespread attention 18 years ago, the original “Nickelsville.”
The filing is very preliminary; it summarizes the proposal as:
WSDOT Glassyard RV Safe Lot
Establish a religious controlled emergency transitional encampment, per the land use code. Site will consist of (20) tiny homes and parking spaces for up to (72) RV’s on existing impervious surface. Construct decks and install buildings accessory to emergency transitional encampment, per plan.
What “religious controlled” means is not explained on the site plan, which bears the name of the secular Low Income Housing Institute, the nonprofit that operates other tiny-house villages, including the first and only one in West Seattle, Camp Second Chance on Myers Way. The site plan also has these notes:
1. All Offices, tiny houses, laundry buildings, check in offices, and family rooms are under 120 square feet in size and are considered wooden tents.
2. Site will be for resident and staff use only. No part of the site will be open to the public at any point during operation.
3. Finish height of the deck will not exceed 18″ at any point.
4. Storage will consist of an 8′ x 20′ metal storage container. Structure will be anchored to the ground.
5. The existing site surface is compact gravel. Land disturbance activities will be under 5000 SF. There will be no added impervious surfaces. There will be no clearing or grading activities.
6. The hygiene trailer, laundry room, and kitchen tent will be connected directly to new water and sewer
branch lines from 2nd Ave SW.
The site plan also carries fire-safety notes including the stipulation that RVs will be “drained of gas and oil before connecting.”
Checking WSB archives, we’re reminded that one of Mayor Wilson’s predecessors, Ed Murray, identified this site in 2015 as a potential “transitional encampment” site. In 2016, a proposal to put a small RV safe lot on a nearby parcel was shelved. Unsanctioned RV camping in the area was the subject of multiple sweeps just a few years ago. Also in the site’s history: City consideration for a new misdemeanor jail, a plan also shelved, after intense community pushback in the late ’00s.
We’ll follow up on this tomorrow with the city, state, and LIHI, to find out more, including a timeline, approvals needed, and whether any community briefings are planned. The site’s status as state-owned property would fit with the focus on public lands mentioned in the mayor’s executive order issued earlier this month.
Before we get to the event list for today/tonight, here’s a quick preview of a resource event on Saturday. It’s happening at Highland Park Elementary (1012 SW Trenton) but open to everyone regardless of whether you’re affiliated with the school community. The 10 am-2 pm event will feature navigation for services from school enrollment to health insurance, plus a grocery giveaway while supplies last, health services including immunizations, and more, Here’s the flyer with more info, which also includes the number to call to make an appointment for two of the health services that will require them (mammograms and dental screenings).
(Video of all paraders as it began)
Story, video, photos by Jason Grotelueschen and Tracy Record
Reporting for West Seattle Blog
The “horse” that led the Not-So-Silent-Night Parade in Highland Park on New Year’s Eve served two purposes.
Not only did it honor the fact that 2026 is the Year of the Fire Horse, it also demonstrated that the parade has now spanned a generation: Former Highland Park Action Committee co-chair Billy Stauffer noted that his son Franklin was a baby in a front-pack during the first Not-So-Silent-Night Parade … and last night, he was under the front of the horse, leading the parade. That first parade was small but spirited, maybe 20 people. Last night, we counted more than 220, toting lanterns, wearing lights, blowing horns, shaking bells:
Before the crowd hit the streets, Highland Park Improvement Club‘s vice president Alex Wheeler and trustee Galen Van Horn said a few words about the group and its work, including their monthly “First Friday” events and how fundraising is going for HPIC’s new building – but first, a lively group photo:
Until the new HPIC building is complete and open, Highland Park Corner Store is the starting place for this parade.
From there, the group paraded through the neighborhood on the way to Riverview Playfield to celebrate the end of 2025, and to welcome the arrival of 2026 (complete with glowing luminarias) :
At Riverview, participants cheered on the lighting of two “sage comets” in honor of those dearly departed from us in 2025.
Organizers then served tasty treats and hot chocolate behind the dugout at the playfield:
On the way to Riverview, the group passed the HPIC construction site at 12th/Holden, with work well underway to replace the HPIC building that was gutted by a fire four-and-a-half years ago (see our WSB status update from mid-December).
If you’re thinking about joining the parade next year, note that it’s a one-mile one-way route from HPCS to Riverview, about half an hour – then up to you to find your way back to the starting point. To keep up with what HPIC is doing all year ’round, including the rebuilding project, see hpic1919.org.
7:26 PM MONDAY: Police responding to multiple calls about suspected gunfire have confirmed it: Officers just told dispatch they’ve found “several casings so far” in the south parking lot of Westcrest Park. No reports of injuries.
12:25 PM TUESDAY: We’ve obtained the police-report narrative, though two points of interest – the number of casings and types – were redacted by SPD, along with names as usual, but the narrative does clarify where exactly the gunfire happened:
On 12/15/2025 at approximately 19:13 I responded to several reports of shots fired in the area of Westcrest Park located at 8800 8th Ave SW in the city of Seattle, county of King. Initial remarks stated, “10 SHOTS FROM 2 WEAPONS, 2 WEAPONS, NOTHING ELSE HEARD, TO THE NORTHEAST”. Multiple callers reported hearing the shots in the area and reported the following to dispatch:
“SOUTH OF 4 SHOTS AND THEN RAPID FIRE 1 MIN AGO, NOTHING ELSE SEEN/HEARD”
“ANOTHER COMPL REPORTING 8 SHOTS HEARD POSSIBLY FROM WESTCREST PARK, NOTHING ELSE HEARD OR SEEN”
“ANOTHER REPORTING HEARING RAPID GUN SHOTS 3 MINS. SOUNDED LIKE MACHINE GUNS COMING FROM WESTCREST PARK”
“ANOTHER CALLER REPORTING HEARING 3-4 SHOTS FROM A HANDGUN AND THEN RAPID FIRE FROM AN AUTOMATIC WEAPON AT 1911. SOUNDED LIKE IT CAME FROM WESTCREST PARK. RP IS AT xxxx AND CAUGHT THE SOUND ON CAMERA BUT NOTHING SEEN”
Others called in as well reporting the same as the above listed callers. I responded to the southern parking lot of Westcrest park where I know, based on my experience in this area, shootings have occurred before. I located several casings on the ground in this area. The casings were all grouped relatively close together on the blacktop near the path leading to the community garden at this end of the park. My backing officers assisted me in XXXX XXXX near the fired casings. I photographed the scene and each individual casing. Each XXXX was XXXX with a XXXX XXXX and XXXX into an XXXX XXXX which was then XXXX with the XXXX XXXX XXXX and XXXX of XXXX. The photographs have been uploaded to AxonCapture. The casings consisted of XXXX XXXX XXXX casings and XXXX XXXX casings. The XXXX were all branded “XXXX” and the XXXX were branded “XXXX XXXX” or XXXX.
The immediate area was canvassed but no victims or bullet damage were located. None of the callers reported having sustained injury or damage from gunfire. One caller had reported capturing audio of the shooting on video.
| 0 COMMENTS