West Seattle parks 2036 results

Three reader reports from Lincoln Park

Thanks to the three readers who sent photos and info about three Lincoln Park sightings, starting with tree trouble:

Huge fallen oak tree limb on the north stairs at Lincoln Park, the ones that were recently closed for the stair maintenance

From another reader, this sighting of what appears to be a poisonous weed:

Sharing a safety alert: there is a lot of poison hemlock growing in Lincoln Park between the south playfield and south restroom. The one by the restroom (NW corner) would be especially easy for a small child or a dog to snag a piece of and eat. The bigger patch (south of field, north of the concrete) is also very exposed. I’ve alerted Parks and King County noxious weeds department but unsure how quickly these will be addressed so thought you may want to post a warning.

Here’s a closer look at, and more information about, this plant.

Finally, from Dawn, who spotted this on the shore:

Panels coming down at Colman.

As we reported a month ago, Saturday is the first preseason-weekend day for the only city-owned outdoor salt-water swimming facility, Colman Pool, but you’ll see activity there tomorrow too (Friday, May 9, 6:20 pm) as the West Seattle Water Polo team hosts a home game!

FOLLOWUP: Don Armeni Boat Ramp gets new signage as well as float fixes

Thanks to Stewart L. for the three photos of signs sighted at Don Armeni Boat Ramp shortly after its repaired floating docks reopened this week. The one above doesn’t seem to convey anything particularly new, but then there are these:

And these …

As for the docks, they’ve indeed fully reopened – we took these photos on Friday:

The floating docks were removed last November, pronounced unsafe because of damage just months after they had been installed in a years-in-the-works project

Girl Scout troops team up for Camp Long cleanup

April 28, 2025 10:21 pm
|    Comments Off on Girl Scout troops team up for Camp Long cleanup
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle parks

(Scouts and volunteers at Camp Long – photo by Erik Bell)

By Hayden Yu Andersen
Reporting for West Seattle Blog

Camp Long got TLC Sunday from more than 70 volunteers and Girl Scouts from 11 troops, pulling up invasive weeds, picking up trash, and helping spread fresh wood chips across a handful of campsites as part of a yearly Earth Day cleanup event.

ā€œThis year has been easier,ā€ said Maya, one of the Scouts in attendance. Maya and fellow Girl
Scout Izzy attended the first cleanup last year, but this year they’re acting as youth leaders, helping younger Girl Scouts participate in the event.

Camp Long is traditionally the location of the local West Seattle Girl Scout Summer Day Camp. When deciding what they would do for Earth Day last year, event organizer Alexa Huggins said the park seemed like the perfect choice. Huggins is with Service Unit 550, which encompasses all Girl Scout troops in West Seattle and Vashon.

The help has an impact beyond just cleaning up the park. In November of last year, historic Camp Long Lodge was the target of an arson attack which caused an estimated $1.2 million in damages, and led to the loss of many historical documents. So this was heartening. ā€œWe really appreciate the love and support, especially right now,ā€ said Camp Long supervisor Matt Kostle, who was there to help organize and assist volunteers on his day off.

(WSB photo by Hayden Andersen)

ā€œ(The Girl Scouts) get very excited, because they care about this camp. Especially after the fire, a lot of them want to know what they can do to help,ā€ Huggins said.

(Scouts hold up their finds – WSB photo by Hayden Andersen)

The younger scouts were especially excited, seeking out the most interesting pieces of trash to show off. The highlight of the day by far was Troop 42886’s Eleanor and Dela, who managed to find an old bucket, broken baseball bat and a plastic easter egg which they theorized was ā€œeaten by a squirrelā€.

(Huggins speaking to scouts and volunteers – photo by Erik Bell)

Next year, Huggins said, they’ll have to set up a reward for the most interesting piece of garbage picked up by the scouts.

The tools for the event were supplied by Erik Bell of our area’s most prolific volunteer cleanup group, A Cleaner Alki. Bell says it’s a good experience for everyone to get involved in cleaning local parks, especially younger people. ā€œIt helps to get them out here, and show them that they can make a difference.ā€

If you’re interested in supporting cleanups like these, Bell says you can support A Cleaner Alki here. To get involved with Girl Scouts by volunteering or joining, find out more here.

WEEKEND SCENE: South Park Plaza grand-opening celebration

April 26, 2025 12:17 pm
|    Comments Off on WEEKEND SCENE: South Park Plaza grand-opening celebration
 |   South Park | West Seattle news | West Seattle parks

Thanks to Nathan for the photos! Looking for someplace new to take your little one(s) to play? If you can get over the ridge to South Park, the play area at this brand-new park is an option. The park is South Park Plaza, on what was most recently a big gravel lot southwest of the South Park Bridge. The grand-opening celebration is happening until 2 pm, with speeches and a ribbon-cutting:

The city infopage for the project says the almost-one-acre park has been in the works for seven years, at a cost of $2.6 million.

FOLLOWUP: Don Armeni Boat Ramp dock work expected to wrap up today

Thanks to Stewart L. (above) and Bob Burns (below) for the photos and tips that the Don Armeni Boat Ramp floating-dock work appeared close to completion.

We obtained this update from Seattle Parks spokesperson Karen O’Connor: “The float fabricator is finishing up and should be completed with their work today. We have scheduled the substantial completion walk-thru for Tuesday. We anticipate both docks will be open on May 1.” That’s next Thursday; the floats were removed almost half a year ago, because of damage and deterioration, despite being relatively new. The same contractor that did the original work, Bellingham Marine, is re-doing it now.

READER REPORT: Box of Christmas items found. Stolen/dumped?

April 25, 2025 11:14 am
|    Comments Off on READER REPORT: Box of Christmas items found. Stolen/dumped?
 |   Seen around town | West Seattle news | West Seattle parks

The photo and report are from Laura:

A box of someone’s family Christmas ornaments / decorations was found in the alley behind my house near Admiral Safeway this morning. It looks like it was stolen and dumped. Could you post a photo of this box to see if I might connect it to the owner?

Recognize it? Contact us and we’ll connect you.

FOLLOWUP: Don Armeni Boat Ramp float work finally getting into high gear

(WSB photo)

After reader tips, we headed to Don Armeni Boat Ramp at noontime and found work crews finally doing major work on the float replacements. We checked with Seattle Parks, whose spokesperson Karen O’Connor confirmed to WSB, “Bellingham Marine has mobilized at the site and is beginning repairs to the float system. We anticipate the work to be completed by the first week in May. SPR requested the fabricator open one side first, so at least we can restore partial service in April.”

(Seattle Parks photo)

Don Armeni has been without extended dock floats for almost half a year, since the then-newly-installed floats had to be removed because of “abnormal wear.” Parks has since elaborated on the problem as “the hinges between the floats (were) failing and the concrete on the floats (was) spalling and cracking.”

Alki Beach summer safety: Hear/talk about the plan Thursday

(WSB file photo, SPD at Alki on a summer night)

As we’ve reported, the city is moving toward an earlier closing time for Alki Beach Park this spring/summer – and beyond. But what else is planned to address safety concerns as warmer weather brings more people to the regionally renowned beach? The Alki Community Council invites you to this Thursday’s monthly gathering, this time at Alki Bathhouse (60th/Alki), to hear from and talk with a panel of people working on the issue. Here’s the ACC announcement:

Reminder: Alki Community Council Meeting – Thursday, April 17th
Special Summer Safety Prep Meeting

* New Location: Alki Bathhouse
* New Start: 6:30-8 pm (In-person only)

We’re switching things up this month as we take it to the beach—right where it matters most. Our meeting at Alki Bathhouse is all about the beach: how we can protect it, and the people who live and visit here.

As we prepare for a busy summer with environmental and ongoing safety concerns—amid a 300+ officer shortage—you’ll hear directly from those on the front lines of guardianship of both people and our parks.

What makes this meeting special? We’re bringing together voices from 8th grade changemakers to top city leaders—all committed to keeping Alki safe, clean, and cared for.

Speaker Lineup:

Explorer West Middle School 8th Graders – Youth-led action item.
Captain Krista Bair, SPD SW Precinct commander
Jon Jainga, Seattle Parks Security & Emergency Mgmt.
Tracy Cramer, SPU Clean City / Litter Abatement
Seattle Park Rangers
Dave Delgado, Seal Sitters –– Wildlife crisis response

Bring your questions and concerns, and join us to help keep the place we love safe and beautiful.

FOLLOWUP: Parks Board approves fewer summer hours for Alki Beach & Don Armeni, fewer year-round hours for Hamilton Viewpoint

Story by Jason Grotelueschen
Reporting for West Seattle BlogĀ 

Summer visitors to some of West Seattle’s most popular parks will likely have slightly fewer hours to enjoy them.Ā 

As we’ve been reporting (including last week, and a couple of weeks before that), Seattle Parks had been considering “permanent seasonal” reductions (Memorial Day to Labor Day, for all upcoming summers) to the hours during which several parks across the city are open, including our own Alki Beach ParkĀ and Don Armeni Boat Ramp, as well as a permanent reduction in hours for Hamilton Viewpoint Park.

On Thursday night, the city’s advisory Board of Parks and Recreation Commissioners held a public hearing and vote, and the board unanimously approved the proposal, which now goes to the Parks superintendent Anthony-Paul (“AP”) Diaz (who was in attendance on Thursday night) to issue a final decision, which would be followed by necessary city clerk filings and then updates to parks signage and websites.Ā 

Of the impacted Seattle parks that are specifically in the West Seattle area, the now-approved proposal calls for:

  • Alki Beach closing one hour earlier at 10:30 pm rather than 11:30 pm (just like last summer) and being open 4am-1030pm daily in the summer
  • Don Armeni boat ramp shifting away from 24hrs/day to instead match the Alki hours of 4am-1030pm daily in the summer
  • Hamilton Viewpoint Park would have a permanent year-round change, shifting from the current 4am-11:30 pm timeframe to a new reduced timeframe of 6am-10pm (this is based on the results of a pilot program dating back to 2015).Ā Ā 

The meeting on Thursday was a “hybrid” forum, with the board and a handful of in-person attendees gathering downtown at Seattle Parks HQ, while others joined online via Zoom. Public participation was light, with two “general commenters” who signed up and offered thoughts about overall parks concerns, but zero commenters signed up or in attendance to speak specifically about the proposed hourly changes. However, commission members did make reference to some emailed comments from West Seattle residents, as well as “comments on the West Seattle Blog,” summarized as such:

  • Via email: Two heartfelt thanks from WS residents in favor of the change, and one question about parking on Harbor Ave which, in some areas, is a “no parking” zone from 11 pm-5 pm, which means there is one hour of misalignment in the morning when nearby Don Armeni and Alki Beach will be open (at 4 am) but no parking is allowed on Harbor Ave until 5am.Ā  Attendees at the meeting said they’d look into that.Ā 
  • WSB comments: At least two commissioners made note of comments here on WSB stories regarding the proposal, describing them as a “mixed reaction,” but noting that many commenters do understand and agree “that the changes are being made to help make things safer.”

From last month’s meeting slides, here are two tables showing the city-wide changes that were proposed and now approved:

Commissioners noted that the rationale for the changes included fire safety (particularly for Alki and Golden Gardens), managing late-night noise and problematic “non-boating activity” on the boat ramps, and aligning hours and resources with SPD and other resources.Ā  Commissioners added that although public commentary on the issue was minimal, the department had done the best it could to get the word out via their web and social channels, and in local news and blogs and social media. Two commissioners suggested the need for a future “comprehensive approach” to park hours, noting that numerous parks (such as Ravenna) have late-night hours but minimal/no lighting, which probably should be evaluated, and others agreed.Ā 

In Thursday’s meeting, commissioners discussed the general positive sentiment about the proposal among board members, and among the (admittedly small) number of comments gathered online and via email (again, there was nobody signed up to comment at Thursday’s meeting). Based on that, they agreed to call for a vote rather than to delay a vote to a later meeting (the board meets again on April 24), and the motion then passed unanimously.Ā 

Aside from the park-hours discussion, there were a handful of other West Seattle mentions during other portions of the meeting agenda:

YOU CAN HELP: Puget Park weekend work party

April 11, 2025 8:59 am
|    Comments Off on YOU CAN HELP: Puget Park weekend work party
 |   How to help | West Seattle news | West Seattle parks

(File photo – trail in Puget Park)

If your Saturday isn’t all booked up … volunteer slots remain for a work party at Puget Park, 9 am-noon tomorrow (Saturday, April 12). From the invitation:

Excited to host you all at Puget Park for a little park volunteer fun. Appreciate you all coming out. We will be re-constructing a bit of trail and removing some invasive blackberries. All ages OK.

What to Bring
Gloves, water, snack & proper attire (may get muddy). I have gloves if needed and plenty of tools. Also please note there is no bathroom on site.

Where to Meet
19th Ave SW & SW Dawson

If you can go, please register here ASAP!

REMINDER: Parks Board hearing Thursday on newest summer-hours proposal for Alki Beach, Don Armeni, more

By Hayden Yu Andersen
Reporting for West Seattle Blog

This Thursday (April 10), the city’s advisory Board of Parks and Recreation Commissioners is holding a public hearing and possible vote on park-hours changes for this summer. Some of the proposals concern West Seattle parks, as we first reported last month.

If you’d like to attend the hearing or provide comments on the proposed changes, you can show up in-person or on Zoom, as explained on the agenda document. The meeting is at Parks HQ at 100 Dexter Ave. N. downtown and begins at 6:30 pm Thursday.

Key points of the proposal: Permanent seasonal changes that will apply every summer going forward are proposed for several parks, including Alki Beach.

The proposal basically would have parks closing one hour earlier. Here’s the slide used during last month’s briefing, which shows the proposed hourly changes for Alki and other parks.

ā€œSeasonalā€ means Memorial Day to Labor Day, in this context.

Another West Seattle waterfront park, Don Armeni Boat Ramp on Harbor Avenue, also has a seasonal hour change proposal from 24 hours to 4 am to 10:30 pm, which is in alignment with the proposed hour changes for Alki and others.

One more West Seattle note – Hamilton Viewpoint Park has a proposed permanent hourly change from 4 am to 11:30 pm to 6 am to 10 pm.

As explained on the agenda document, if you want to comment during the hearing, sign up via email before 5 pm Thursday. The final decision is up to SPR Superintendent AP Diaz to make next month.

Longer season for West Seattle’s outdoor Colman Pool this year, and rental reservations start tomorrow


(Colman Pool, photographed in 2017 by Long Bach Nguyen)

Thanks to Jimmy for the tip! Colman Pool – the heated outdoor salt-water pool at Lincoln Park – is opening sooner and closing later this year, with more pre-season and post-season weekends than last year. Here’s what’s on the pool’s website so far:

Preseason Weekends: May 10 – June 15, 2025

Colman Pool will operate Preseason Weekends from May 10 to June 15.
Saturdays, Sundays, and Memorial Day (May 26)
Each day will have 4 swims:

12:00 pm – 1:30 pm
1:45 pm – 3:15 pm
3:45 pm – 5:15 pm
5:30 pm – 7:00 pm

Each swim will have 4 lap lanes (50 meters) and 1/2 open pool for recreational use. The 1-meter diving board will be open.

The “main season” will be June 16 – Sept. 1, and the postseason weekends will be September 6-7 and 13-14; no scheduling specifics for those yet. If you’re interested in renting the pool for events/parties, those bookings open tomorrow (Tuesday, April 8) according to the website, and usually go fast.

Here’s when Seattle Parks wants to close Alki Beach, Don Armeni Boat Ramp this summer. One more West Seattle park proposed for changes too

With about two months to go until Memorial Day, Seattle Parks has just unveiled its proposed plan for Alki Beach Park and Don Armeni Boat Ramp hours this summer – and it’s proposing a permanent change for Hamilton Viewpoint Park. Deputy superintendent Daisy Catague just briefed the Board of Parks and Recreation Commissioners on this year’s proposed hours, pending a public hearing and vote next month. First, from the slide deck used for the briefing, here’s the list including Alki (which would have the same closing time as last summer):

“Seasonal” means Memorial Day to Labor Day, Catague explained. The key word on that slide, however, is “permanent”; for the last several years, changes have been made, always explained as a “pilot” project. Parks is also proposing a permanent seasonal change for Don Armeni Boat Ramp:

Parks also is proposing permanently shifting Hamilton Viewpoint Park hours, currently 4 am to 11:30 pm, changing to 6 am to 10 pm. Catague says there was a pilot of those hours dating back to 2015. If you want to have a say in the process, here’s the timeline:

The hearing and vote will be at meetings of the Parks and Rec Board, and you can participate either in person at Park HQ downtown, or remotely – agendas will appear here.

FOLLOWUP: Revised dates for Hiawatha Community Center, Play Area reopenings

(Hiawatha CC last week – photo sent by Al)

The newest projected reopening dates for long-closed Hiawatha Community Center and Play Area projects were just announced by District 1 City Councilmember Rob Saka, both for next year. His announcement says Seattle Parks expects that work at the community center will be done in time for a reopening in January 2026, while the play area renovation will be complete in spring 2026. The delays for the community center are explained as a dramatic expansion in project scope:

What began as a stabilization project has evolved into a FULL-SCALE renewal after uncovering significant defects in the original structure – including its infamous heat trap due to poor insulation and outdated infrastructure. The comprehensive upgrades now include seismic retrofitting, modernized kitchens, improved restrooms, renewal of the HVAC utility to an electrified system, and revitalized child-care spaces. The extended timeline was to accommodate a full decarbonization that was made possible by funding that was prioritized by community members during the 2023 Seattle Park District Cycle 2 planning process.

The result will be a greatly enhanced public space, improving the functionality of the building, addressing long-term maintenance concerns, and enhancing the historic aspects of this building. The eventual reopening will mark a significant milestone for Seattle Parks as Hiawatha becomes the City’s first fully electric community center!

Work at the community center finally began a year ago, four years after it was closed; previous explanations for the delay had involved a half-million-dollar grant (about a sixth of the project’s budget).

Meantime, the play area work is expected to go out to bid late this summer, with construction expected to be complete in spring of next year. Councilmember Saka’s emailed announcement (read it in full here) explains, “This new play area had some delays due to changes in the City of Seattle’s stormwater code that required months of additional documentation,” as Parks explained back in January.

P.S. If you have questions about the Hiawatha projects, Parks’ project manager is scheduled to be at the next Admiral Neighborhood Association general gathering, 7 pm Tuesday, May 13, at Admiral Church.

YOU CAN HELP: Admiral Music in Parks returning for 16th year

March 20, 2025 7:50 pm
|    Comments Off on YOU CAN HELP: Admiral Music in Parks returning for 16th year
 |   West Seattle news | West Seattle parks | WS culture/arts

On this first day of spring, another look ahead to summer – Admiral Music in the Parks will return for another year! You can help ensure the three-concert series has awesome music – here’s the announcement from coordinator Meagan Loftin:

The Admiral Neighborhood Association is excited to bring back AMP: Admiral Music in the Parks (formerly Summer Concerts at Hiawatha) for its 16th year! AMP is a beloved community event that brings neighbors and visitors of all ages out for three weeks of free family-friendly concerts in our beautiful city parks.

Mark your calendars for July 17th, 24th, and 31st and follow us on Instagram @admiralneighborhood for more details in the future.

Join us in creating the best and biggest year for AMP yet! Your support funds local musicians while also providing free community programming to everyone in our neighborhood.

AMPlify your summer and consider donating here today!

Last year’s biggest concert was the series finale, The Abbagraphs at Belvidere Park (WSB coverage here).

ALKI ELEMENTARY PROJECT: Another construction milestone; playground preview

Two updates on the Alki Elementary construction (on the site of the old school, 3010 59th SW):

ABOVE-GROUND CONSTRUCTION: Two weeks ago, we mentioned the slab pour. That paved the way – literally – for the framing, which is visible from outside the construction fencing, as our photo shows. You can get an on-site view from the project webcam.

ADDED: Here’s a view from above, courtesy of Don Brubeck:

PLAYGROUND CONCEPTS: Seattle Public Schools project spokesperson Tina Christiansen told us the project website has just been updated with a preview of the play equipment that’s in the works for the city-owned playground on the north side of the school (south side of Alki Playfield). Here’s one of the boards you’ll see at that link:

Alki Elementary is scheduled to move into the new school for the 2026-2027 school year, and SPS says the playground should be complete in “early-to-mid-2026,” in collaboration with Seattle Parks.

Lincoln Park trail reopened

Thanks to Troy for the tip. Seattle Parks has reopened a West Seattle trail:

(Seattle Parks photo)

Good news! Our Trails Crew has been hard at work restoring the Lincoln Park North Bluff Trail, including repairing the staircase and retaining wall. We’re thrilled to announce that the trail is now REOPENED!

Thank you to everyone for your patience and support while we got everything back in shape.

Digital wayfinding comes to Fauntleroy Park

(Photo by Dave Gershgorn)

By Judy Pickens
Special to West Seattle Blog

Digital wayfinding in Fauntleroy Park has just gone live.

The Fauntleroy Watershed Council is introducing this resource so that anyone with a smartphone can navigate the park’s well-maintained trails and learn about points of interest along the way. It works like this:

-Locate the poster showing the map below on the kiosk at the SW Barton or 97th St. entrance to the park. (You may instead go directly to fauntleroywatershed.org/index.php/park or here to access the map.)

-Scan the QR code on the poster to download a geo-referenced map using Avenza Maps from fauntleroywatershed.org. (You may instead download a static map to use as a guide.)

The program will follow you as you walk the trail and provide information about points of interest when you come to them.

With input from other volunteers, Tracy Randle and Sam To worked on the project over several months. They were drawn to the technical challenge as well as by wayfinding’s potential as an education tool. Chris Nack made sure that users will find the map and text about points of interest on the council’s website (fauntleroywatershed.org).

ā€œThis initial edition of the map incorporates existing points of interest,ā€ Tracy said, including the tree walk created in 2023. ā€œIt’s now our baseline for adding features that visitors suggest and as habitat features change over time.ā€

Members of the project team will be demonstrating the map during the Fauntleroy Community Association Annual Meeting and Food Fest on March 18, starting at 6 pm in The Hall at Fauntleroy (9131 California SW). Park visitors may submit updates to the map anytime at fauntleroywatershed.org/index.php/contact.

Alki restroom-building mural vandalized by tagger(s). So what happens now?

If you’ve been by Alki Beach since this morning, you might have noticed the white tagging all but covering the relatively new sea-life mural on that also-relatively-new restroom building. Alki resident Cami photographed it very early in the morning. We don’t show tags in their entirety, but are showing just a small part of it above; her photos show the damage is extensive. Since the restroom is a Seattle Parks facility, we contacted them first and heard back this afternoon, “The artist will be attending to the graffiti. We’ll let them assess and determine the path forward.” We subsequently contacted the artist, Patrick Nguyen aka Dozfy, and he first asked for a photo, while telling us, “Most likely I will repaint it depending on the extent of graffiti.” Updates to come. You’ll recall we recently reported on a report related to problems keeping Seattle Parks from fully opening all its restrooms; vandalism like this was among those problems.

FOLLOWUP: Restroom report reviewed by City Council committee

By Anne Higuera
Reporting for West Seattle Blog

Last night we told you about the City Auditor’s report on the state of Seattle park restrooms. This afternoon, that report was presented by the Auditor to the City Council’s Parks, Public Utilities, and Technology Committee, with response from Seattle Parks and Recreation (SPR). The audit details the challenges of providing restrooms that are clean, safe, and open, while reacting to unprecedented levels of vandalism and low staffing levels.

ā€œIt’s not an easy thing to keep 129 park restrooms in good working order,ā€ acknowledged Auditor David G Jones. Cleaning has been a challenge, but vandalism has really affected operations, closing restrooms regularly for repairs. ā€œSome restrooms are getting hit harder and more often than others.ā€ He noted that right now 20 restrooms account for 60% of the maintenance. Councilmember Maritza Rivera wondered why there’s been such an increase in vandalism, while Councilmember Robert Kettle asked if there might be ways to use design to deter damage.

Parks Superintendent AP Diaz acknowledged the toll of ongoing damage and arsons, and then offered up some of the ways that it could be reduced. Among other things, he said restroom attendants are now being considered. They would staff high-volume restrooms that are frequently damaged, like Cal Anderson. “We believe that might be a solution for these hotspot areas.ā€

As they look to replace one park restroom this year following arson, Diaz said Parks staff are looking at approaches like Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design that Councilmember Kettle mentioned when they design the replacement building. They’re looking at lighting, whether the building is obscured behind trees, etc. ā€œAre there some aesthetic things we can do to improve it?ā€ asked Diaz. He said that it’s essential to focus on design that will discourage vandalism, or ā€œyou’re just setting yourself upā€ for more. Parks is also looking to use more resilient and fire-resistant materials, along with stronger hardware.

(Mural by Juliana Kang Robinson, installed on Walt Hundley Playfield restroom building last September)

Councilmember Rivera mentioned a grant in 2023 that funded murals on 18 park restrooms, and asked if that had decreased tagging at those locations. Parks said it had made a noticeable difference. ā€œThat’s something we should grow,” agreed Diaz. “My dream would be to continue that.” But he also said SPR needs “help from the public by treating these places with respect.ā€ Committee Chair Joy Hollingsworth concurred. “It’s on us and the community as well. It takes all of us, not just our parks department.ā€

Overall, Parks’ response to the audit and plans to improve operations did not draw any criticism from the Councilmembers, but the committee is expecting to receive a full update on progress from Seattle Parks and Recreation a year from now.

See the full briefing and discussion in the Seattle Channel meeting video here.

How easy is it to find a clean, safe, open restroom in a Seattle park? Here’s what the City Auditor discovered

By Anne Higuera
Reporting for West Seattle Blog

Finding a clean, open, and safe restroom in Seattle city parks is, for lack of a better word, a crapshoot. That’s the blunt conclusion of a City Auditor report issued earlier this month, documenting a number of failures around maintenance and access to potties in the parks. West Seattle parks fare no better than the rest. As of this writing, half of District 1’s 26 restrooms are closed for a variety of reasons, some expected and some not.

The auditor’s report (read it here), covering operations in 2023 and 2024, will be discussed by a City Council committee tomorrow. More on that later. First: The report details a confluence of circumstances that contributed to not meeting Parks’ goals around cleanliness and availability, despite almost doubling the parks tax levy in 2023. A hiring freeze in 2024 was the primary culprit, but an increase in vandalism, inconsistent/unenforced standards, and lack of data collection have added up to a situation where managers don’t know if bathrooms have been cleaned, or how much, and the public often can’t tell if the restrooms are usable, let alone open, until they arrive. Improvements are now promised for 2025, and park visitors have the potential to play a larger role in assessing them than previously.

Park restrooms bear the brunt of the challenges that come with providing public restrooms.

Read More

WEEKEND SCENE: See design options for West Seattle’s second off-leash area; rank them in online survey

10:50 AM: As we’ve been previewing, you can visit the West Seattle Farmers’ Market today for more than shopping – you can also check in with the Seattle Parks team planning West Seattle’s second off-leash area, on the south side of the WS Stadium grounds, in an area currently designated for overflow parking. Today’s booth is under the red canopy you’ll see close to the north end of the east side of the market, with the three design concepts on easels:

We asked the off-leash area’s designer Steve Nowaczyk, who’s with landscape-architecture firm HBB, about the primary differences to look for. He said the entryways on the north side are significantly different, as are the concepts for separating areas of the park, and how you’d travel through the park – two designs have a “social trail” around the periphery, while the other has a trail that’s more central. Each will have some accessible parking, but no additional general parking area beyond what’s already there for the golf course and stadium – the idea is for this to be more of a draw for those within walking distance, a more “neighborhood”-focused facility. They’re also particularly interested in whether you think the dog park will need lighting – it’s not currently planned, but could be incorporated. Meantime, at today’s event, you can put heart stickers on features and/or entire concepts that you like:

They’re also taking written comments:

And ready to answer questions – that’s Steve at right in the photo below:

In addition to stopping by this booth before 2 pm today, here’s another way to get a close-up look at the three concepts, and offer your opinion: An online survey will open soon. These designs will also be added to the website for the project, which is slated for construction next year.

8:53 PM: Just checked the project site, and it’s been updated since today’s event. Here’s the survey, which includes all three of the concept graphics shown today, and a request for you to rank them.

WEEKEND PREVIEW: Unleash your thoughts about West Seattle’s second dog park

(WSB photo at future off-leash-area site during October event)

Even if you don’t usually go to the West Seattle Farmers’ Market, you might want to visit this Sunday (February 23) if you have something to say about the plan for West Seattle’s second off-leash area. Almost a year ago, Seattle Parks announced that an area on the south side of the West Seattle Stadium grounds would become the site of our area’s second dog park. At the Farmers’ Market this Sunday, Parks plans an “open house” table/booth, four months after the previous “engagement event” at the future park site, currently used for overflow parking. Parks says its project team and design consultant will be at the market to show “concept design options” as well as gathering feedback and answering questions. The West Seattle site, expected to be built next year, is one of two new off-leash areas in the city that are budgeted together for $3.1 million from the Seattle Park District‘s second “funding cycle.” Sunday’s “open house” is scheduled for the same hours as the regular market, 10 am-2 pm.