Here’s why much of Jack Block Park is closed to the public


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It would usually be a great place to enjoy the West Seattle sunshine – but this weekend, much of Jack Block Park on the Harbor Avenue waterfront was closed, according to several notes we received from WSBers wondering why. Jack Block Park is operated by the Port of Seattle; here’s what we found out by calling Peter McGraw, media officer for the port: “We have some blown fuses – an electricity problem we found out about on Friday, affecting the restroom areas and some walkways, so we had to shut them down for public safety, affecting about two thirds of the park.” He says crews were working over the weekend to try to fix the electrical problem and are back out at the park today; he’s expecting a status report in early afternoon – we’ll let you know when that new info is available.

8 Replies to "Here's why much of Jack Block Park is closed to the public"

  • Robert May 18, 2009 (11:25 am)

    Thanks for the info – I was there Sunday and was curious about the closure as well. I always consider this park “a secret” – which is a good thing.

  • growl May 18, 2009 (1:40 pm)

    why is there no water access?

  • Susan May 18, 2009 (2:42 pm)

    There’s no water access because the shoreline is a Superfund site. My understanding is that the park was created as mitigation for all of the pollution caused by an old wood treatment plant. The rocks and soil under the fill they put the park on is soaked in creosote.

  • Mona May 18, 2009 (3:29 pm)

    Would love to see this area used eventually as a permanent dock for the water taxi.

  • chase May 18, 2009 (3:34 pm)

    We love you Ms. West Seattle Blog…I find myself referring someone at lest once if not twice a day to you. There is always some Question and before I can get to it you answer it…You are so on top of it. Do you know what the heck is up with that New sidewalk on Alki point they have stopped work on it for some reason? Could you find anything out? Please it’s a mess and really unsafe for everyone!

  • JH May 19, 2009 (10:20 am)

    I’m with you Robert! I call this “The Secret Park” and was always hoping people would never discover it!

  • Dennis May 27, 2009 (9:12 am)

    Can you find out when Jack Block Park will re-open again? Last evening I noticed that the back park is still closed! I hope it will be open this weekend during the Alki Summer Streets Celebration. The back lot even though it is not striped for parking is a large lot that has been used for overflow parking in the past. Two bike rides will be originating from JBP Sunday morning at 11:00 a.m. Thanks.

    I second Mona’s suggestion that this area be used as a permanent dock for the water taxi.

  • WSB May 27, 2009 (9:30 am)

    The water taxi proposal has been out there for quite some time but there are numerous issues that various jurisdictions have to work out before it can get close to gaining traction, we have been told. Meantime, didn’t know it was still closed – will call the port guy to see what’s up – TR

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