West Seattle, Washington
09 Monday
By Tracy Record
West Seattle Blog editor
If you didn’t get to Alki Bathhouse Friday or Saturday to see UW students’ visions for Schmitz Preserve Park Creek‘s future – we can show you what you missed.
Their professor, landscape architect Paul Peters, explained that the inspiration for the “studio” in which his master’s-degree students created their proposals began when he read about the grassroots effort Schmitz Park Creek Restore on WSB, shortly after their launch event last May. Peters is a West Seattle resident and had been looking for something to assign his students to work on. Over 10 weeks, amid site visits, his nine students worked on plans for how the creek could come back to life.
Friday afternoon, on the first day of a two-day open house, the students presented their concepts. We recorded each group’s presentation so you can see for yourself, starting with the two-part introduction and acknowledgments by Daniel Nye from Schmitz Park Creek Restore:
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Nye turned it over to professor Peters, who told the story of how the project launched, and how – when they saw the creek undergrounding – they all agreed “there’s a lot of opportunity here”:
Peters explained that the students worked in three groups, focused on the forest, on the park (Whale Tail to Alki Playground), and the beach. The forest group gave their presentation first:
The forest presentation continues in this clip:
Next, the park group:
They continued in the next clip (as everyone switched locations to see the second set of renderings) and explained how they’ve designed their idea to a “100-year storm surge” situation:
Finally, the students who reimagined Alki Beach:
Keep in mind, none of these ideas is an official proposal yet – they’re ideas, visions, even dreams of what could be, so there’s no official feedback process, though Schmitz Park Creek Restore would certainly love to hear from you about these or anything else relevant to their dreams and goals – here’s how to reach the group.
(Schmitz Preserve Park is the forest in the center of pilot/photographer Long Bach Nguyen‘s 2012 image)
Back in May, a new community-led effort to restore Schmitz Preserve Park‘s creek debuted at a memorable gathering on which we reported. Now Seattle Parks is joining forces with community advocates and UW students “to explore the unique identity of landscapes, fostering designs that celebrate and revive the wild within Seattle’s urban fabric.” A two-part open house is planned: First, on Friday, December 6, meet the design team at Alki Bathhouse (2701 Alki SW). Then, on Saturday, December 7, they’re offering “self-guided explorations.”
The backstory here is that Seattle-based landscape architect Paul Peters, a principal at Hood Design Studio and UW lecturer, “is leading graduate UW students in “an in-depth exploration of Schmitz Park’s ecological, historical, and cultural narratives … to develop designs that restore the connection between Schmitz Park’s 53-acre old-growth forest and Alki Beach.” Right now, the Schmitz Preserve Park creek goes underground before getting to Elliott Bay, but the students are envisioning “restoring the creek’s natural flow, creating a continuous ‘wild corridor’.” To learn what’s possible here, you’re invited to the bathhouse one or both days of the open house:
To showcase the students’ work and engage with the community, the UW Studio, Schmitz Park Creek Restore, and Seattle Parks and Recreation will host an open house at the Alki Bathhouse in West Seattle. Join us on December 6th, from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM, for discussions with the project team, or visit on December 7th, 2024, from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM for a self-guided experience. This event will offer the public an opportunity to explore the students’ designs and understand the possibilities for restoring Schmitz Creek’s natural flow.
Restoration, of course, will cost money, so, Parks says, the project “plans a public fundraising initiative in 2025 to support Seattle Parks and Seattle Public Utilities in advancing restoration efforts. Additionally, a significant capital campaign titled “53 for 53” will seek to establish a $53 million endowment, providing one million dollars per acre of Schmitz Park to preserve its wild landscape for future generations.” Find out more about the project here; learn more about Schmitz Preserve Park’s history here.
(WSB photo, last Saturday)
Just announced by Seattle Parks, two weeks and two days after flames blamed on an arsonist tore through the Camp Long lodge, the park reopens today:
oday, Wednesday, November 27, Camp Long reopens to the public. The lodge remains closed & fenced off but the park is open. The bathrooms are currently offline because their waterline is connected to the lodge, & there are porta-a-potties on site. The park hours are Tuesdays-Saturdays, 10 am-6 pm.
We’re continuing to check with Parks about decisions regarding the lodge’s future. Damage to the lodge and two cabins vandalized the same night was estimated at $1.2 million.
(Added: WSB photo, current SWTLC play area)
Seattle Parks says the Southwest Teen Life Center play area – on the south side of the building that also houses Southwest Pool – is getting an overhaul. Parks just announced a December 10th event for community feedback, 4-6 pm at the site (2801 SW Thistle). The design team will be there. The play area dates back to when the facility was a full-service commuity center; Parks’ announcement says, “All ages are encouraged to participate as we consider adding elements for teens at the site. This project will replace the existing play equipment and make necessary accessibility improvements. The equipment will include play structures and seating for children of all abilities.” Construction isn’t expected to start until 2026, but they’re looking for design opinions now. Funding – estimated at $720,000 – is coming from the King County Parks Levy.
Tomorrow marks two weeks since arson gutted the lodge at West Seattle’s Camp Long. We’re checking in periodically with Seattle Parks as they decide what to do about the lodge and two cabins that were all damaged that night. (The park has remained closed too.) Most recent statement was this response to our inquiry, from Parks spokesperson Rachel Schulkin: “We are still working through a lot of questions with insurance and building inspectors and so on before we make any decisions. The park is still closed as we work to secure the building. Once the building is secured, we will reopen the park to the public.” Our photo (taken through the closed gate) is from Saturday; no work crews or others in sight at the time. Meantime, a reminder that park staff are seeking public help in recreating Camp Long’s catalogue of history – here’s how you can be part of that.
One week ago, we reported that the city said it had no plans to “resolve” that tent encampment at Schmitz Preserve Park. That apparently changed quickly: One of the readers who had contacted us got a message Tuesday that the encampment had been resolved after all. A Unified Care Team rep told them:
Our contracted outreach partners were out last week to engage with individuals at the site and connect them to services and resources. They left the grounds on Friday and UCT performed trash pick-up services yesterday and today [Monday-Tuesday]. We consider this issue resolved. Re-encampment can occur at a site; please continue to submit new service requests by using our Unauthorized Encampment service request form or on your mobile device using our Find It, Fix It mobile app. The information you provide will help the Unified Care Team (UCT) deploy the right teams and resources to address the issue as quickly as possible.
(Photo courtesy Stu Hennessey)
Volunteer work and donations power Puget Ridge Edible Park, a unique space at 18th/Brandon that nourishes the community in many ways. Stu Hennessey asked us to share the announcement of the park’s winter fundraiser, noting, “We have visitors from all over West Seattle coming to the park to harvest, see what we are doing, or to enjoy the atmosphere. We are still operating with a volunteer crew and rely solely on the efforts of these few.”
We are a group of volunteers who work together for the purpose of growing food for public open harvest. 2025 will be our 10th year of developing a farm-like production of healthy produce for neighbors to harvest or to be distributed. We have accomplished a lot in the last decade but still have some structural needs to be resolved,
The park has become a focal point for all ages. Kids to seniors come regularly to harvest a meal or to enjoy the peacefulness of nature. there are many things we grow that before had not been known to many a visitor. Kids come to devour goumi berries and compete in the aronia challenge to see who can eat the biggest handfuls.
We have many events through the season, from the Easter egg hunt to the pumpkin hunt. Kids get to enjoy the farm atmosphere even if they cannot leave the city. They really enjoy the Haunted Food Forest. 
There are many opportunities for learning by all age groups and school groups. Partnering with local schools, Seattle City Parks and the Delridge Neighborhoods Development Association, we offer a classroom that has fresh air and a built-in lunch program. The first ten years has been a learning experience. The foundations, relationships and the support of our city and community will sustain us for the future. Thank You!
You can donate (and see more photos) by going here.
(Tuesday photo by Kevin Freitas)
One week ago tonight, an arsonist set Camp Long‘s historic lodge on fire. That not only gutted the building, but also destroyed decades of history. And it torched some people’s plans for events at the lodge, which the city rented out. If you were among them, the company that manages The Hall at Fauntleroy wanted to share an offer. From D Squared Hospitality:
We were all devastated by the news of Camp Long and recognized the importance of the lodge as a meeting place for the community it’s served for many years.
We rallied together to come up with ideas about how we could offer our support and services to those who have already booked their special events at Camp Long by providing a deeply discounted venue space, including many of our standard fees waived with the sincerest intention to allow these community-building events to still happen!
Anyone who has an event booked in December 2024 and into January 2025 can connect with our team directly at info@dsquaredcompany.com if they have any questions or concerns. We would love to work with each person affected individually to help come up with a practical solution that works for everyone.
Meantime, no new info from Parks or Police yet in the Camp Long fire’s aftermath.
(WSB photo, Tuesday)
Four days after Camp Long‘s historic lodge was gutted by a fire that’s been ruled arson, the park’s supervisor Matt Kostle asked us to share this with the community, because more has been lost than a building:
Dearest friends, community members and supporters of Camp Long,
Thank you all for your thoughts and support after this tragic fire.
At this time, we do not have any updates on the investigation. We also do not yet have any updates on the next steps for our park. We ask that you look to Seattle Parks and Recreation Communications Department for any updates as they come. We know how special this place is to everyone and what a terrible loss this is to the West Seattle Community. We are so grateful to you for your outpouring of support, memories and inquiries as we grieve this catastrophic event.
In addition to the devastation of our beloved lodge, we also lost everything within it. This includes many historic photos, documents and stories of all the magic that has happened here over the years.
In light of this, we are reaching out to all of you, our community, friends and supporters, to share with us your stories and photos so we can rebuild a new Camp Long Catalogue of history. Below is a link where you can upload photos and stories you would like to share with us, and that we may feature on our social media sites in the days and weeks to come:
Parks’ most recent public comment was that the lodge is still being “assessed” so they can decide what to do next.
(Monday night photo by Kerry Antezana)
2:57 PM: Three days after a deliberately set fire gutted the historic lodge at Camp Long, Seattle Parks is still working to determine its future. Parks spokesperson Rachel Schulkin had told us they hoped to have more to say later in the week, so we checked back, also asking about the park’s status overall. Here’s the response:
Currently the department is assessing the damage of the main building at Camp Long. After this assessment we will be able to determine next steps.
The park continues to be closed but we hope to reopen it soon as soon as we can secure the building.
Programming is currently cancelled and we hope to resume in the coming week.
Parks said on Tuesday that damage from the fire is estimated at $1.2 million; two of the park’s rustic cabins were vandalized the same night. Investigators found shattered glass and blood droplets; no new information about the investigation so far.
The lodge went through a million-dollar renovation back in 2010.
ADDED 3:50 PM: We also followed up with District 1 Councilmember Rob Saka‘s office. Chief of staff Elaine Ikoma Ko tells WSB they’ve been talking to both SPD and Parks and “We let them know that we stand prepared to support next steps. So we are waiting and monitoring this closely.”
Two notes about West Seattle encampments:
BEHIND HOME DEPOT: A texter reported that it looked like city crews were engaged in a cleanup at this encampment today, and on behalf of the Unified Care Team, city spokesperson Callie Craighead confirms it:
The area behind the Home Depot on Delridge was resolved today with tents and debris cleared. Over the last several months our contracted outreach partners have been engaging with the individuals residing at this encampment and at the time of resolution, 4 out of 5 offers of shelter were accepted.
This encampment has had multiple fire responses, including a big one this past spring.
SCHMITZ PRESERVE PARK: Multiple readers have reported an encampment inside Schmitz Preserve Park (one of whom sent the photo above), and wondered what the city plans to do about it. Nothing yet, Craighead told us:
UCT is actively monitoring the reported encampment at Schmitz Preserve Park. UCT uses an objective prioritization matrix based on health, safety, and accessibility hazards and shelter availability. Based on the current size and impact of this encampment, it is not scheduled for resolution at this time. We will continue to monitor the area and asses the site for resolution based on changing conditions and the availability of resources.
(WSB photo)
2:16 PM: Seattle Parks crews have spent the morning boarding up the windows and doors at Camp Long‘s fire-ravaged lodge. As reported here last night, the fire was reported around 8 pm Monday; no one was hurt, but it’s clear that major damage was done. Seattle Fire spokesperson Kaila Lafferty tells WSB that the fire remains under investigation; this post on SFD’s Fire Line site details how firefighters battled the flames. As for the lodge’s fate, we asked Parks, and spokesperson Rachel Schulkin responded with this statement that reveals the lodge wasn’t the only building affected:
Last night our beloved and historic Camp Long building, along with two other cabins on site, were vandalized and caught fire. We are still actively assessing the situation at Camp Long and currently do not have any information on the future of this facility. We hope to have more information by the end of tomorrow.
(Added: The entire park is closed today.)
Camp Long falls under the designation of what the city calls an Environmental Learning Center; commenters have noted that the proposed city budget calls for cuts to the department’s environmental-education program, and a proposal to move it under a “public/private partnership.” Supporters of the program were already planning to testify at tonight’s 5 pm budget hearing. (Here’s the online petition they’re circulating.) Meantime, people continue arriving at the park’s entrance to gaze sadly at the charred, boarded-up lodge; the word “heartbreaking” was heard over and over again. Many are there in honor of memories made at the lodge. One person who briefly spoke with us said there’s an apartment on the lodge’s second floor in which they lived many years ago.
4:09 PM: SFD has just announced that investigators ruled the fire “intentionally set” and have “shared their findings with police.” Damage is estimated at $1.2 million.
4:25 PM: Added information from a summary released by SPD after their investigator talked with SFD’s investigator:
(SFD’s investigator) informed me he believed the fire was arson. He explained to me there were multiple glass windows broken behind the building, which he believes could have been a forced point of entry. He stated he did not know what was used to start the fire, but believed the fire started inside the North stairwell.
He informed me there were two cabins on the property that appeared to have been broken into. He said one of the cabins had glass shattered across the ground and there were blood droplets inside and outside the cabin. He stated there were no indication that any property was stolen from the lodge or cabins.
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I then contacted a Seattle Parks and Recreation Branch Manager who walked me around the property and pointed out the damage done to the lodge. I observed a broken glass door on the north end of the lodge and multiple broken windows on the west side of the lodge’s basement. All could have been possible entry points of the suspects.(The manager) then walked me to the two cabins that were broken into. The first cabin was cabin 6 (Glacier). I immediately noticed a shattered window, with glass dispersed across the ground inside and outside of the cabin. I observed what appeared to be a blood trail that started on the front steps of the cabin entrance and tracked inside the cabin.
(The manager) showed me Cabin 4 which appeared to have had its Plexiglas window pushed out of its frame and onto the floor. I confirmed with (the manager) that there was no other vandalism done to the property, and there was no property stolen.
They’ve sent samples of the blood in for testing.
(Added: Reader photo by Trevor)
8:06 PM: Seattle Fire has dispatched a “full response” to 5200 35th SW, which is the address for Camp Long. “Multiple calls on a structure on fire” at the park, per the dispatch.
8:08 PM: First units on scene report this is a “working fire.” They’re calling for more engines. They’re describing the burning building as a “single-family residence with basement.”
8:16 PM: They report the fire is “partly knocked down.” They’re also reporting broken windows on at least one level. We don’t yet know if this is the park’s historic lodge. We have WSB team members on the way. Note police are blocking 35th in the area.
(Reader photo by Kevin Freitas)
8:22 PM: The building is too dangerous for firefighters to be in, so they’re getting out. A nearby neighbor confirms the lodge is what’s on fire.
(Added: Photo by Sharonn Meeks)
8:33 PM: The lodge is more than 80 years old, constructed from wood and stone, rented out for events as well as used for park programs. Fire’s not out yet.
8:48 PM: Those in the area say even in the rain, you can smell smoke for blocks around. Firefighters have been on scene battling the fire for 40 minutes now.
(Reader photo sent by Kacie)
9:05 PM: Southbound 35th is reopening. Some of the units on scene are being dismissed.
9:16 PM: SFD says the fire’s out and under investigation. No injuries reported. The lodge was renovated in 2010. We’ll check with Parks tomorrow, and go to the scene, to find out about the extent of the damage.
9:40 PM: More reader views of what happened during the peak of the firefight – the first video was linked in a comment by Tony:
Kerry Antezana shows us the role one firefighter played:
Kerry also sent this view:
10:25 PM: A few firefighters remain at the scene on “fire watch”:
(Photo by Cindi Barker)
8:20 AM: Here’s our first look at the lodge in daylight:
(Reader photo by Kevin Freitas)
2:35 PM: On Wednesday, we reported that Don Armeni Boat Ramp‘s new floats had to be removed because they needed repairs, just months after installation, in a project that had been planned for more than six years. This morning, our videographer was there as the removal by contractor Bellingham Marine Industries began. Seattle Parks explained in an update last night that “The boat ramp opened in March 2024 and over the past 8 months the hinges between the floats have been failing and the concrete on the floats is spalling and cracking. … BMI will work with Seattle Parks and Recreation on a retrofit design and anticipates the floats will be replaced in early 2025. During this time, the final two floats on the south side dock will also be installed.” The ramp will remain open for launching, but without floats to tie up to.
3:25 PM: Thanks to Stewart L. (above) and Doug Eglington (below) for the later views from Don Armeni showing the removed floats, which Parks plans to store in the parking lot.
(Reader photo, March)
12:03 PM: Just months after new floats were installed at West Seattle’s Don Armeni Boat Ramp, they’re being removed for emergency repairs. We just got word from Seattle Parks spokesperson Rachel Schulkin:
Due to abnormal wear, all floats at Don Armeni Boat Ramp must be removed for immediate emergency repair. All floats will be removed on November 7th, 2024. It may take until late January before they are reinstalled.
During this time, Don Armeni Boat Ramp will remain open, but there will be no floats to tie up to. For most, this will mean that a second person will be needed to launch and retrieve.
The nearest Seattle Parks and Recreation Boat Ramp with saltwater access is Eddie Vine Boat Ramp in Ballard, located at 8001 Seaview Ave NW, next to Golden Gardens Park.
We have a followup question out in hopes of getting more information about the problem.
8:46 PM: Parks sent more info tonight:
For safety reasons, the contractor for the Don Armeni Boat Ramp Replacement project, Bellingham Marine Industries (BMI), will remove all the concrete floats except those connected to the abutment on both the north and south side at Don Armeni Boat Ramp on Thursday, November 7, 2024. The boat ramp opened in March 2024 and over the past 8 months the hinges between the floats have been failing and the concrete on the floats is spalling and cracking.
BMI will remove the floats from the water individually using an off-road telehandler forklift and store them within the boat launch facility parking lot. BMI will work with Seattle Parks and Recreation on a retrofit design and anticipates the floats will be replaced in early 2025. During this time the final two floats on the south side dock will also be installed. The replacement project was partially complete in March of 2024 and we anticipated the additional south floats would be added in early 2025.
Don Armeni Boat Ramp, 1222 Harbor Ave SW is in West Seattle. Boats can still be launched at the site, however, the site will be closed on November 7 and after will not have the extended dock floats.
By Jason Grotelueschen
Reporting for West Seattle Blog
Neighbors gathered Wednesday afternoon at the site of West Seattle’s future second off-leash area (OLA) dog park to learn more about the project and to give feedback to the project team.
Members of the public are encouraged to share feedback by taking the online survey, which is open until November 11th. Project information from Seattle Parks is available online here.
As we previewed here, the “West Seattle Stadium Off-Leash Area outreach event” was held at the proposed site just south of West Seattle Stadium (4432 35th Ave SW), as illustrated in this 2023 image from Seattle Parks:
The location for the site was finalized 6 months ago, and this Seattle Parks visual from yesterday’s event gives a closer look at the overhead view of the site:
The site area is 16,000 square feet (.37 acre) and the team is in the early stages of gathering community feedback. The project charter is to “turn the current unpaved overflow parking lot into an OLA (off-leash area) featuring a fenced area for unleashed dogs, seating, and a planted stormwater bioretention area.”
After the survey closes on November 11th, the team will work on design options to bring back to the public for feedback in February/March 2025, and then more detailed construction designs will be created. Actual construction is scheduled to begin in spring 2026 and be completed in fall 2026. Seattle Parks is providing $3.1 mm for the planning, design, and construction of two OLAs, including this one at West Seattle Stadium as well as one at Othello Playground (4351 S Othello St.)
Team members on-hand Wednesday included project planner Colin Campbell from Seattle Parks, landscape architect Steve Nowaczyk from HBB Landscape Architects who will work on the site designs, and Alec Rodenhauser the chair of COLA (Citizens for Off-Leash Areas) who work with Parks and do local advocacy for OLA projects.
Team members said there was a steady stream of people (as well as 4-legged canine citizens) stopping by on Wednesday afternoon, some who intentionally made the trip, and others who were walking through the area and happened across the event (which project planner Campbell said is “encouraging” and “tells us we’ve got the right spot.”)
Attendees provided their feedback verbally, via note cards as well as sticky notes and stickers, regarding desired features and preferred usage of the OLA:
Project signage is also posted at the site:
The West Seattle area’s only current OLA is further south at Westcrest Park (9000 8th Ave. SW).
For questions about the West Seattle Stadium off-leash project, visit the project website or contact project planner Colin Campbell at 206-790-6642 or Colin.Campbell@seattle.gov.
Also, not far from West Seattle, the project team will also be at Othello Playground (4351 S Othello St, southwest corner of the park) today, Thursday, October 24th, from 4-6 pm to gather community feedback about a similar off-leash project that’s planned for that location.
(2023 Seattle Parks image of stadium study area for off-leash area)
Half a year after finalizing the location for West Seattle’s second off-leash area, Seattle Parks is inviting you to a “community engagement event” to find out more about it and offer comments. It’s set for 4-6 pm Wednesday, October 23, at West Seattle Stadium (where the new off-leash area will be created in the “unpaved overflow parking lot” south of the stadium). Parks’ announcement of the event says, “SPR’s project team and design consultant will be available to answer questions, present design concepts, and gather valuable community feedback (to) help shape the final design.” The announcement adds, “Attendees are also encouraged to bring their dogs on-leash in costume for a fun treat. SPR will be accepting pet food donations to benefit the Seattle Animal Shelter at the event or you can visit seattle.gov/animal-shelter/get-involved/donate to donate.” Parks says the off-leash area “will include fencing, seating for pet owners, and an environmentally friendly stormwater bioretention area with thoughtful plantings.” The project page says Parks is currently aiming to build the new West Seattle off-leash area in 2026.
P.S. We asked Parks two followup questions about the October 23 event – where exactly at the stadium, and is it strictly “drop-in”? Spokesperson Rachel Schulkin replied, “The gravel overflow parking lot that is usually chained/blocked off. Take the turn off of 35th Ave SW down the driveway toward the stadium/golf course and it will be immediately on the right. We’ll be the first thing people see when they pull into the stadium/golf course driveway so it should be easy to find as if they use the address for the stadium/golf course. And yes, this will be a drop-in event.”
Part of the Alki Elementary rebuild project is an overhaul for the playground on the north side of the school/south side of Alki Playfield. The city has announced a community meeting and survey to update the design process. From the Seattle Parks-circulated announcement:
Seattle Parks and Recreation and Seattle Public Schools invite you to join us on Wednesday, October 16, from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at Alki Beach Bathhouse, 2701 Alki Ave SW, to share your input on the Alki Playground Renovation project design!
During this meeting, you’ll have the opportunity to see how your input from earlier this summer was incorporated into the new playground design. This event will provide a platform for the community to engage with the design team, review the proposed layout for the play area, and provide input on your preferred play equipment option. Your participation will help shape the final vision for the Alki Playground renovation …
Please take a moment to complete the Alki Park Improvements – New Play Equipment Survey and share your preferences for the play equipment options. Your feedback is needed to ensure the new playground meets the needs and desires of the community.
For more information on the project please visit seattleschools.org/departments/capital-projects-and-planning/school-construction/projects/alki or contact Brian Fabella at brfabella@seattleschools.org or (206) 252-0702.
The new school is expected to open in fall 2026. The playground may be ready earlier that year.
In case you haven’t seen this in District 1 City Councilmember Rob Saka‘s newest newsletter:
… We’re launching a short community survey to help guide our approach to a specific investment involving our wonderful Seattle parks: playfield grass-to-turf conversions.
We have heard strong community demand for more turf playfields in our city. One issue that I’ve seen firsthand is that many parks currently have grass playfields, which can make it more difficult from an accessibility standpoint for those participating in sports. This problem is obviously worsened when the fields are wet. Our youth are often the most impacted.
I am honored to represent a district that has the second highest population of under-18 youth across all City Council Districts. Many of these kids are engaged in youth sports; others are regular users of our terrific parks and recreational facilities. As a dad of three young kids who are active in various team sports, I spend significant time in our parks as well. Note: our Seattle Parks & Recreation Department (PARKS) manages over 400 parks enjoyed daily by park users!
Thus, we have a unique opportunity to gradually convert more of our grass playfields to turf. This effort is necessary to improve safety, help ensure year around accessibility and playability, address fairness and equity considerations (especially gender equity), and fulfill community demand for more turf fields. …
You can answer the survey here.
By Jason Grotelueschen
Reporting for West Seattle Blog
Leaders from the Morgan Junction All-Wheels Association (MJAWA) met online to discuss the latest plans for an all-wheeled “skate dot” space (for activities like skating, scooters, and biking) in the south part of Morgan Junction Park when its expansion is built. The team also shared that they had reached a major goal with regard to volunteer hours (more on that below).
The meeting last week was facilitated by Matt Johnston and other MJAWA members, and the most recent design concepts (such as the screenshot above) were presented by team members including James Klinedinst, project manager for Grindline Skateparks (headquartered in West Seattle). The complete set of designs are summarized in this PDF, focused on the roughly 1,500-square-foot skating area within the larger park.
Also back in service as of today – Southwest Pool (file photo at right). We reported last month on the plan for two weeks of repair/maintenance work, scheduled to end in time for today’s sessions, and indeed it did – we just went to the pool to check, and the noon lap swim was under way. However, for those who have asked, the long-out-of-service hot tub was not part of this work, and it’s still not fixed, nor does pool staff have a timeframe for when it will be. Southwest Pool (2801 SW Thistle) is the only city-owned indoor pool in West Seattle; you can see its schedule online.
One of West Seattle’s newest murals is adorning the restroom building at Walt Hundley Playfield (34th/Myrtle), installed earlier this summer. We hadn’t heard about it until a brief Seattle Parks online mention this week; we went over for a closer look, and also contacted artist Juliana Kang Robinson to find out more.
She tells us the installation, commissioned by the city, is called “Pojagi Mounds.”
Pojagi Mounds is a landscape of belonging and togetherness. The design is inspired by pojagi, the historic Korean patchwork artform using scrap fabric to create cloths that were integral to a person’s daily life. They were used as tablecloths, to deliver gifts, to carry possessions on a journey, and protect valuables. Wrapping a gift in a pojagi communicated respect for the object and good will toward the recipient. Each patch added by the maker was like a prayer of good will that would enfold and carry the gift. For me pojagi represents how diverse members of a community can come together to enfold and carry one another. Pojagi Mounds underscores how the whole is more than the sum of its parts. A mountain is more than simply soil, plants and rocks just as we people in a society are greater when unified. My goal for this public artwork is to create a visual representation of this concept that spur viewers to ponder the beautiful and complex way that different parts can come together to unify and elevate us beyond the self.
She continues:
I used a traditional Korean color scheme called Obangsaek. Obangsaek means “Five Orientations” in balance with the universe – East (blue), West (white), South (red), North (black) and Center (yellow) to promote harmony while warding off evil spirits. In my work I like to incorporate animals with strong family bonds both in reference to the various creation myths and for the conjuring of strength, courage and belonging. In this mural I also wanted to honor our local “ecosystem engineers,” the beavers known for changing and maintaining ecosystems which significantly boost local biodiversity. I also love both creatures as a symbols for familial strength and working hard for one’s family and community.
You can see more of her work on her website.
Thanks to the texter who sent that photo and a note that Lincoln Park‘s wading pool is closed, no explanation on site. According to a Seattle Parks social-media note we subsequently found, a “plumbing problem” will keep it closed for the rest of the season, which had been scheduled to end after Monday. This means no West Seattle wading pools, since the others closed about two weeks ago; the Highland Park spraypark is scheduled to remain open through Labor Day, 11 am-8 pm daily.
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