West Seattle ‘Summer Parkways’ update @ Southwest District Council

SDOT has finally officially announced the September 25th Seattle Summer Parkways (aka “car-free day”) West Seattle event, more than two months after we brought you first word it was on the way.

A few hours after Wednesday’s announcement, Seattle Summer Parkways coordinator Jordan Adams briefed the Southwest District Council, during its June meeting. The plans sound bigger than any of the previous “car-free days” in the area held 2008-2014.

One key point he mentioned: While Alki Avenue will be closed in its entirety between 63rd and 56th during the event (see the map above), the closure will be only one lane from 56th eastward (the water side of the street). Otherwise, the lineup for the 11 am-4 pm street party is taking shape; he told SWDC, “We have a few food trucks participating, and we’re opening the event with a 10K run … a bunch of groups already have signed up to organize events, we have a bike parade, a full music stage on Alki Beach, also up at the boat ramp.” (The run is the Orca Half, first reported here last week.) Also part of it: A fun way to work on emergency preparedness – cargo-bike trials in conjunction with the West Seattle Emergency Communication Hubs.

Adams is also inviting other organizations to be part of the Summer Parkways event (technically on the first Sunday of fall, as someone pointed out during the SWDC discussion), promotionally and/or offering an activity, no fee required- here’s the application.

John Chattin-McNichols June 2, 2016 (7:18 am)

So is the boat ramp going to be closed?

10k? June 2, 2016 (7:20 am)

They mention a 10K yet then the link is to the Orca Half? Does anyone know if there is a 10K or did he miss speak and it is only a half marathon?

Looking for a 10K around this time, and a local one would be perfect!

Thanks.

WSB June 2, 2016 (7:26 am)

10K – It’s the Orca Half-Marathon. So whatever is on their website, to which I have linked, is actual race information.

John – I have sent that question to Jordan Adams in case he doesn’t see this first – TR
- newnative June 2, 2016 (8:58 am)
  
  A 10k is not a half marathon. 10k is 6.2 miles, half marathon is 13.1 miles. I’m wondering why he stated it’s a 10k?
  - WSB June 2, 2016 (9:07 am)
    
    Please contact them directly if you need more info on the race. In the meantime, I think I found the answer – if you scroll way down this page, it mentions that (for a fee) registered runners can switch distances, with examples given, from the half (13.1) to 10K, or 10K to 5K. So, variable distances. – TR

CMP June 2, 2016 (10:26 am)

This guy is clearly not a runner. I think it’s just a half marathon for this Orca race, no 10K option. That transfer policy is generic and not applicable to this particular race, it’s their policy for all of their races. I wouldn’t count on a 10K for this, unfortunately! Also, they may want to change the name of the event to Seattle Autumn Parkways. Summer ends September 22.

WSB June 2, 2016 (10:31 am)

That’s been pointed out numerous times and again last night as I wrote. But late September/early October tends to be summer’s last real hurrah many years so we might be in luck. Re: the 10K etc. if you really think that’s generic, I’ll ask the race director, with whom I’ve been in contact. And he can correct the overall event organizer if need be. – TR

newnative June 2, 2016 (11:26 am)

Great News! West Seattle Runner has jumped on the bandwagon, which means a local spot to buy entry and pick up packets. Facebook Event September 25th Orca Half Marathon