You asked, so we asked: What’s happening at Morgan Junction Park expansion site

| Environment | West Seattle news | West Seattle parks

Work has been going on at the Morgan Junction Park expansion site, north of the current park in the 6400 block of California SW [map], but it’s not a sign the long-shelved park-development project is getting under way. That and other “landbanked” park projects (including two others in West Seattle) have been indefinitely idled because of Parks revenue losses blamed on the pandemic. So, some asked, what’s up with the heavy equipment and piles of gravel/rocks that have shown up at this site?

Kelly Goold of Seattle Parks told WSB that it’s “being used by a contractor associated with a SPU project under a Revokable Use Permit. Instead of fees [for using the site] the contractor will perform work on the site – clearing and grubbing of blackberries and invasive, rough grading, limited demolition, and the like.” What’s the Seattle Public Utilities project? We asked SPU’s Sabrina Register, who said the project is almost next door, “repair to a section of the sewer main that runs along SW Beveridge Place as part of a multi-site sewer-rehabilitation project.” SPU has used other Parks property in similar ways before, such as a section of the Myers Way Parcels (explained here). As for the future of the Morgan Junction Park Addition, the site (which formerly held businesses including a dry cleaner) is still set for hazardous-materials remediation at some point in the not-too-distant future – Goold said the funding for that, unlike the park development itself, has not been suspended, but the work has to go out to bid. (Here’s the environmental “checklist” from earlier this year.) The city bought the park site seven years ago; its status is likely to be a topic during the next quarterly Morgan Community Association meeting (7 pm July 21st, full announcement to come).

JULY 21 UPDATE: SPU has corrected which project is being staged at the future park site – it’s for the water-main repair work on SW Othello in Gatewood, not the upcoming Beveridge work.

Mr J July 11, 2021 (11:32 am)

I’d love to know where the Parks money went, the City didn’t have the shortfall they were predicting. I hope it went to essential services or services to our house less community, but inquiring minds would love to know.

Rick July 11, 2021 (12:11 pm)

Kinda sad when dirt piles,chain link and oil drums are an improvement.

Happy July 11, 2021 (5:39 pm)

Agree with Rick.
bridger July 13, 2021 (6:58 am)

It’s not sad at all. Clearing and grubbing (removing veg, roots, etc.) is one of the first steps in a project like this. The site has contaminated soil, due to dry cleaning chemicals and petroleum; that soil will be removed and disposed of at a landfill that is designed for such soils, after which the park can be built. Having the SPU contractor do the clearing/grubbing is a simple way to save a little money to build the park.

Deb July 11, 2021 (1:08 pm)

Thanks WSB.

Conjunction Junction July 11, 2021 (1:25 pm)

Now that its going to be all cleaned up, we need a food truck court there! Even if its temporary, the city can issue permits (and get a little revenue) and we can get all the food trucks in one place. With the park and Beveridge Place next door, I think this is GREAT use of this space! I know that the other restaurants may feel a little put out, but honestly, don’t we think it will bring more business for everyone?

Anne July 11, 2021 (3:19 pm)

Not really
Disagree July 11, 2021 (4:22 pm)

It siphons off sales from the businesses that have put down roots and are part of the neighborhood.
- Brian July 11, 2021 (7:22 pm)
  
  You should let Beveridge Place know that they’ve had multiple profit thieves parked in their lot for years and years stealing their money by selling food from trucks.

Marty July 11, 2021 (6:57 pm)

I like the food truck court idea. It makes a great community meeting place. As for brick and mortar, create one offs, and day of specials. You have what they don’t- seats and service, AND AC!!

Harry July 11, 2021 (8:18 pm)

I live in the apartment building next to the site. There was no warning. Just one morning at 7:00 AM it sounded like the world was ending. It was not and remains not a pleasant sound to wake up to. Four weeks. Four weeks and counting….The city could have given us a heads up. It really impacts the work I can do at home. I have recording i do from home and now that schedule is completely disrupted…..