Potential Admiral “play area” project gets $15,000 city grant

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

FANNA, the group proposing a “play area” and/or expanded “beautification” in the area of California Place, the Admiral District mini-park shown above, just got word of city grant approval – here’s how it was announced on the official mailing list:

We’ve just received word from the Department of Neighborhoods that our application for funds to plan improvements at California Place Park has been approved! We’ve been awarded $15K to hire a landscape architect to help take us through the planning process. Along with our letter was a personally written note from Mayor Greg Nickels who said, “As a neighbor, I’m looking forward to seeing your project!”

Next steps are to align with our Project Manager at the Dept of Neighborhoods and our representative at the Parks Department to define scope and refine our work plan.

That’s the second West Seattle park/play project in less than 15 hours to get word of a $15K grant — we told you last night about the approval for the Cottage Grove Park “tot lot.”

Diane August 22, 2008 (3:52 pm)

good to hear support from the mayor
~
this just reminded me; I went to an open house last weekend of a gorgeous historic brick Tudor home in Admiral area, not far from this park; there were little postings throughout the house with descriptors; on the kitchen counter there was a note saying “the mayor lives on this block” (I don’t remember the exact quote) which made me laugh; I asked if that was supposed to be a selling point; the realtor and another visitor laughed and said “or a disclaimer”

respect to homeowners August 22, 2008 (10:49 pm)

I love this park as it is and have been visiting it for almost 30 yrs and an sadden to see it change.

AK August 23, 2008 (10:37 am)

congratulations on your progress! looking forward to seeing some prospective designs.

Diane August 23, 2008 (11:54 am)

kudos to Manuela and Ann for all your efforts in initiating this beautiful project for enhancing another community space for all to enjoy & gather, get to know neighbors

respect to homeowners September 3, 2008 (10:04 am)

Even though FANNA and it’s supporters use buzz words like “Play Area” and “Beautification” all application forms say “Playground” and the city officials speak and e-mail “Playground” In an e-mail from FANNA they state that there would be no changes to California Place Park if they could get the Ferry ave (SDOT) site. FANNA has received grant money to start planning changes to California Place Park. But Tom Rasmussen(E-mail dated Aug. 29th 2008) and I quote “What I am working for is to have the parcel of property under the jurisdiction of the Seattle dept of transportation(SDOT) and an eyesore developed as a park and playground. This is the possiblity of 2 “play areas” in a 1/2blk area. Planning Meeting Wed Sept 3rd 7pm Admiral Library next to Met Market. Have A Voice

Jan September 10, 2008 (8:44 pm)

Re: California Place Park Development. If you would like to see this park remain as it is. Please come by the Park(Hill st & California ave)on Sat. Sept. 13th from 3-6pm. A small contingency will be available to have you sign our petition for “NO CHANGE TO THE PARK” Please help save this green space!

wsd September 11, 2008 (12:08 pm)

This project is dividing our neighborhood. Many

Residebts wish to see the park remain as it is

and not be converted to a sigle purpose use as

this special interest group is proposing.

Pamela September 16, 2008 (11:23 am)

I am not familar with any play structures in the North Admiral area for families to use. We are not located in the suburbs where land is plentiful. Come on people have some compassion for children and families. There are several scenery only parks in North Admiral in fact all of them are. So can you give up one for children? I do believe you were once a child too. Or you might have even had children once…and I am sure you loved having a play structure nearby to play on and or have your kids play on. Why be so selfish now? What park in North Admiral is acceptable to you? I mean there is nothing in the park but a bus stop. No bench nothing. This is the most logical one to “give up” for a “single” purpose for a “special interest group”. I mean we wouldn’t want to take away any of your views, rolling green grass perfectly groomed, or pretty flowers that are in the other parks in Admiral. Or are you telling this special interest group that children do not matter? That all the parks in our neighborhood should just be for adults only. Another special interest group who clearly does not like children or want children playing near their homes. So where can they play? That will be safe and out of your way? if you have not noticed recently that your neighborhood is changing. It is covered with families and you cannot avoid us. We live less than a block from the park and have wanted something nearby for years that is safe for our children when we did not even have any children. Now that we have a baby we support it even more. Come with solutions and alternatives. No change to the park does not solve the problem or need that the admiral neighborhood for a play structure. Pick another park. Recommend something! Maybe the big empty field at Hamilton Park? Or is that not acceptable either? How can you just say No and feel good about that. Give ideas…we are talking about children.

WS Neighbor September 16, 2008 (8:19 pm)

To any opposer of the play structure: Go visit a neighborhood play structure on a Saturday morning, or a nice evening, and you’ll see the benefits. You will see and feel the fun and happiness of kids and parents alike. The well-knitted, safe and clean neighborhoods of Seattle have central play areas for fun and socializing… for kids and parents… a virtue that the only the best neigbhrhoods possess. The pros outweigh the cons 20:1. There actualy *are* kidless communities out there…. check it out… http://www.delwebb.com/.

Neighbor October 3, 2008 (9:07 pm)

Looking for an update on Cal Park Place space. I’ve noticed the woman collecting signatures for No Park is suddenly gone. Or perhaps she just realized there are worse things in the world to worry about.