For the second time since voters passed the Parks and Green Spaces Levy in 2008, a share of its Opportunity Fund is awaiting allotment to community-proposed projects. This round of the process – with $8 million to be spent – started a year ago (here’s the timeline) with draft criteria, and is now starting the review phase for the 53 formal applications submitted from around the city. We’ve obtained the application-summary list from Pete Spalding, the West Seattleite who chairs the levy’s Oversight Committee; seven of the 53 proposals (full list here) are from West Seattle. From the list, their names, locations, proposed price tags, and summary descriptions, ahead:
CAMP LONG INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENT WINTERIZATION PROJECT – estimated $750,000
By making infrastructure improvements to the grounds and facilities at Camp Long, the park will be able to offer year-round camping and environmental education experiences for the public and schools. This project both reduces cost to schools and funds the Parks department by directing students to Camp Long for environmental education. Previous opportunity funds upgraded the learning environments and food preparation areas in the Camp Long Lodge, and the Large Match Fund added a full Challenge Course on the grounds. This project will be the final step in creating an ideal, full service, year-round environmental learning facility for Seattle’s youth.
HIGHLAND PARK PLAYGROUND IMPROVEMENTS – estimated $518,000
With the new spraypark and public art project planned for Highland Park Playground, we will see an increase in an already steady flow of users. Two unresolved gaps remain for Highland Park Playground: access into the park, and new play equipment. Attention to pedestrian flow will tie its new pieces together into a cohesive whole, create a better connection to the neighborhood, make the park more usable and safe for everyone, and is a proactive measure to address increased use. The park also needs some fresh play equipment that adds to the diversity of play experiences in the neighborhood.
48TH SW & SW CHARLESTOWN (map) – estimated $600,000-$800,000
Acquisition of open green space for use by neighbors and community in nearby urban village; for recreation, physical exercise, gardening, orchards, walking, etc.
ERSKINE WAY PARK ACQUISITION (4845 45th SW) – estimated $1,079,000
Acquisition of double lot near West Seattle Junction. Lot has quite the vista of sound and mountains and would make a terrific park connecting the urban village to single-family-home neighborhood.
LAFAYETTE ELEMENTARY PLAYGROUND, PHASE 3 – estimated $600,000
Further (development) of the recently remodeled Lafayette Playground to incorporate community access to educational gardens. The new gardens will utilize rainwater harvesting, active composting and solar panels for energy offsets. There will be a new outdoor classroom/amphitheater type stair incorporating a new ADA compliant ramp connecting the school and garden area to the playground. The area will be maintained by the student body, teachers and PTA. The recent remodel of the playground (completed Sept. 2011) was supported with a Department of Neighborhoods matching grant.
GREG DAVIS PARK COVERED STAGE/OUTDOOR CLASSROOM – estimated $208,000
We propose the construction of a covered stage in Greg Davis Park that will provide a community performance and meeting space venue for our underserved neighborhood. The park, currently underutilized, offers the opportunity to site a performance space that won’t significantly impact neighbors. The space will also be used as an outdoor classroom by organizations such as schools, Camp Long, and numerous non-profits at nearby Youngstown. The project will include solar panels to self-power the facility and a rainwater collection system to protect nearby Longfellow Creek. Eventually, our stage will generate revenue to support its own operation through user fees.
GENESEE HILL PARK – estimated $750,000
Develop a two- to four-acre park adjacent to Genesee Hill School. The park will increase community access, renovate and improve existing open space. The proposed park is common sense use of existing open space, a good investment for the future, and good for kids and all ages residing nearby. Recommendations are:
1) create at least two welcome, attractive entrances.
2) open the site for north and south pedestrian and bicycle access.
3) create, renovate, restore, salvage existing play fields, play structures, play courts, gardens and paths.
4) collaborate with school district via joint use memorandum of agreement/understanding.
Parks staff will make its recommendations next month; project proposers will make their pitches at a hearing before the Oversight Committee early next year – no date announced yet – and then after a variety of other reviews and discussions, a funding recommendation will go to the City Council next spring. Levy money also has funded dozens of projects outright, separate from the Opportunity Fund; they’re shown on this citywide map.
| 12 COMMENTS