Happening now: 3rd design workshop for California Place Park

| California Place Park | West Seattle news | West Seattle parks

We’re at Alki Community Center for the third and final “design workshop” in this stage of the process that could result in additions to little California Place Park next to Admiral Church (WSB sponsor) at California/Hill. Park-change opponents are here with bright lime-green mini-signs that say NO CHANGE TO PARK on one side, echoing the large sign held by Jan Bailey, greeting meeting attendees outside (then at the back of the room once the meeting began, per photo added above at 7:16 pm), while landscape architect Karen Kiest and members of Friends and Neighbors of North Admiral get ready to lead the meeting inside. About 35 people are here as the meeting starts; Steven Gray from FANNA just announced there will be a May 24 gathering, location TBA (probably at the park), to celebrate the time and energy everyone’s put into this – on both sides. Kiest will be presenting final design options for the park; we’ll add a note or two along the way as the meeting proceeds, before a separate, full writeup afterward. 8:41 PM UPDATE: The meeting just wrapped up; next steps, Kiest will write up a report within the next month and a half or so, and FANNA will decide what if anything they might pursue funding for – cost estimates presented here went all the way from less than $100,000 for one component of the “draft plan” to almost $400,000 for everything that could be done (including extending the park boundaries to green up a currently paved section of land on the north side that belongs to the park but is currently used as road). ADDED FRIDAY MORNING: While we’re working on the in-depth followup, here’s the design artwork shown at the meeting.

rainyday April 16, 2009 (8:53 pm)

How can the city of Seattle even consider spending this kind of money now. Even if the entire community supported this park, which is not the case. If there is this kind of money that needs to be spent, why not divide it up among the schools in the neighborhood and put it towards those playgrounds?
What a waste of my tax dollars that continue to go up while sales prices decline!

My two cents ... April 17, 2009 (10:39 am)

This process started prior to the dramatic change in the economic forecast for the region. No decision has been made with respect to what will happen to this area. It should be noted that most, if not all of the recent park development has been split with the community via matching grants, donations, etc. Just because a dollar figure has been proposed doesn’t mean that the city and community will want to, or even be able to commit to the expenditure.

School playgrounds do equate to public parks, with or without playground equipment.

With respect to the statement of tax dollars and sales prices, it should be noted that the Parks Levy (and Pike Place Market Levy) were passed by the citizens of this city just 5 months ago – affirming their commitment to developing and preserving these assets. I for one, welcome this development as I feel it does add to the community, livability, and ultimately my property value. I would also suggest that the assessment process and methodology be reviewed by Rainyday to get a full analysis on the rate of tax value versus market value – with corresponding time fame/lag.

Tina C April 17, 2009 (10:57 am)

Part of the controversy around this project is that a lot of my neighbors still don’t understand this matching fund grant was awarded to facilitate a discussion with neighbors regarding potential improvements to this public park and fear that tomorrow they will wake up to a new park and a hefty bill to pay with “our taxpayer dollars”. They claim that they have not been listened to when in fact they are the ones that have been so wrapped up in their fears that have failed to participate in a productive conversation.
What a shame…

Dis April 17, 2009 (11:36 am)

Right on, Tina C. Rainyday doesn’t understand city funding, esp. with regards to schools. As far as I recall, it will be up to FANNA to raise funds for the park; there aren’t any city funds dedicated to this project. So Rainyday, if you are a home owner, your property tax funds are safe, funding our excellent Seattle schools.

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