West Seattle parks 2030 results

PHOTOS: Here’s what students, Scouts, and other MLK Day of Service volunteers did at Lincoln Park

One of the local MLK Day of Service volunteering opportunities we featured in advance was a forest-restoration event at Lincoln Park. Today we have photos and words of gratitude sent by forest steward Lisa McGinty from Friends of Lincoln Park:

We are so thankful for the 91 volunteers who braved the cold and brought the sun to honor MLKJ and build community while caring for the land.

This event was co-led by WSHS Earth Club students Tatum Paddock, Charlie Lewis, Madi Krehbiel, Lizzy Greene, Noah Swab, Cooper Schwerin, and Adam Gosztola. Thanks also to local Cub Scouts 282 for bringing their fun energy.

You can watch here for future Lincoln Park volunteering opportunities (and elsewhere too – right now that page shows four West Seattle events in the next week alone).

Countywide levy leads to South Delridge land purchase

Back in 2022, King County voters approved a levy for bringing the Conservation Futures program back to its original rate. This week, County Executive Dow Constantine announced some of the land purchases that will lead to, and they include a bit of land in South Delridge. First, from the countywide announcement:

King County Executive Dow Constantine announced $107 million in land conservation awards – approved by the King County Council – that will protect more than 3,000 acres of open space to advance climate resilience, farmland access, environmental justice, recreation access, and habitat restoration.

A few of the 53 projects include helping the City of Auburn build its first downtown park and public space, permanently protecting the lowland forests of Camp Sealth on Vashon Island, creating more greenspace near affordable housing in Seattle’s Georgetown neighborhood, and helping a community-based organization create an urban farm near Sound Transit’s Rainier Beach Station.

The funding package continues the accelerated pace of land conservation in recent years, which is the result of several actions: Voters’ approval in 2022 of Executive Constantine’s initiative to restore the local Conservation Futures Program to its historic funding rate, bonding against future revenues to protect natural areas before they are no longer affordable, and cutting in half the amount of matching funds cities and other partners are required to provide.

The South Delridge purchase is described in the announcement as:

Seattle’s Westwood-Highland Park Urban Village acquisition: Combining new open space with future acquisition of repurposed properties owned by the Seattle Department of Transportation to secure a full acre in a rapidly developing neighborhood and provide more park access near White Center.

So we asked for specifics. County spokesperson Doug Williams replied:

Specifically, the land we’re talking about is to the southeast of the Delridge Way / Southwest Barton Street intersection: maps.app.goo.gl/8S2FkL1hpshqJa6V6

The grant funding will be used to reimburse Seattle for their recent purchase of the vacant square of land you see just to the southeast of the treed triangular land. The idea is to combine the treed triangular land with that vacant land and a street closure (that little chunk of 18th Avenue Southwest on the eastern border of the treed triangular portion) to create a nearly one-acre piece of public open space.

Community advocates had long worked for a park in that area, though their effort has gone dormant. We’re checking on next steps for the site’s future.

FOUND BICYCLE: Bike with training wheels, abandoned in Lincoln Park

This abandoned bike has been seen in upper Lincoln Park for at least three days.

That photo is from Mike, the fourth person to send us a photo. He also sent a wider view of where he saw it:

If you need more help in finding it – Mike sent these coordinates too.

In case you wondered too: Here’s what Seattle Fire Ladder 13 was doing in the Lincoln Park forest

Thanks to Kersti Muul for the photos! Seattle Fire‘s Ladder 13, based at Station 37 in Sunrise Heights, was seen with its ladder extended in upper Lincoln Park this afternoon. No calls logged to the area, so we asked SFD what they were doing.

Reply from spokesperson David Cuerpo: “They were doing a training exercise utilizing the aerial ladder for a rope rescue. Pulling up a Stokes basket.”

FOLLOWUP: More on Hiawatha Community Center and Play Area project status

(WSB photo from start of work in March)

More followup information today on where the Hiawatha Community Center and play area projects stand. Late last month we checked in and learned that Seattle Parks was in the process of changing project managers for the community center “stabilization” project, but we did not request an update on the play area. Today we have a brief update on both, thanks to a community member who’s been concerned about the projects inquiring with Parks’ capital-project manager Mike Schwindeller. He says that the new project manager is “working with both the contractor and design team to confirm the schedule implications of the addition of scope associated with the decarbonization of the building.” Parks has applied for a permit for that additional work (explained in this document). Meantime, Schwindeller adds, “As far as the Play Area project, we will have the final Geotechnical Report in the next couple of weeks which will dictate our next steps and timeline. Unfortunately, SPU (and subsequently SDCI) required this enhanced level of documentation associated with the Stormwater Code for us to proceed with the project just as we were going out to bid.” Schwindeller also said yet more details are expected “next week” and that’s when they’ll update the project website, which hasn’t been updated since summer.

Dreaming of spring hikes? Updated West Duwamish Greenbelt Trails map will get you into Seattle’s largest forest

(Photos courtesy West Duwamish Greenbelt Trails Group)

One month ago, we told you about a new website for the West Duwamish Greenbelt Trails. Now, there’s word of a newly updated map to help you safely and knowledgeably get out into the forest! Here’s the announcement:

The West Duwamish Greenbelt Trails Group (WDGT) has updated an extensive map of trails in the West Duwamish Greenbelt as part of its mission to activate the park and draw people to the vast green space.

The West Duwamish Greenbelt is Seattle’s largest forest, covering more than 500 acres spanning more than four miles north to south. There are two distinct networks of trails. The northern network is between Highland Park Way SW and the West Seattle Bridge and includes the Duwamish Longhouse, South Seattle College, the Seattle Chinese Garden, Riverview Playfield, Puget Park, and Pigeon Point Park. The southern network includes Westcrest Park. WDGT would ultimately like to see the northern and southern trail networks connected, but it has been challenging to maintain a viable trail in the section of greenbelt between Highland Park Way SW and Westcrest Park.

The updated map includes additional trails, trailheads, landscape features and points of interest. Trails on the map are color-coded as improved; partially improved (soft surface); rough, steep and adventurous; pedestrian path, and paved public trail. To help guide you in real-time in the greenbelt, download the map to a phone using the Avenza Maps app. You can also create a route or track a route.

Throughout the map, users will find names of different areas in both English and Lushootseed, the language of the Coast Salish, such as Seven Cedars — c̕úʔkʷs x̌payʔ.

The updated trail maps are posted at various trailheads throughout the greenbelt and are also available as a downloadable PDF at wdgtrails.org/trails. The QR code to download the map to your phone is also available on the map.

Trail conditions and quality vary throughout the year. The soft trails are often muddy and slick during periods of heavy rain. Avoid hiking in the forest when wind speeds are high. Because there is currently little to no signage in the forest, the trail map is a helpful navigation tool for hikers new to the area.

The updated map was supported by a Community Partnership Fund grant from the city of Seattle. (The grant also supported an update of the West Duwamish Greenbelt Trails website and creation of an exhibit at the Log House Museum.) Matt Dressler, Cartographer and GIS Analyst at Mountains to Sound GIS in West Seattle, who created the map in 2022, updated the map from sources of available GIS data along with GPS tracks recorded by WDGT members.

WDGT is a collection of neighbors who promote walking and hiking trails in the greenbelt in partnership with the Duwamish Tribe. WDGT has been offering seasonal (April- November) free guided hikes in the greenbelt for nearly a decade. Find more info and opportunities to get involved at the new website.

FOLLOWUP: Quick check-in on Hiawatha Community Center

(WSB photo from start of work in March)

Almost 10 months have passed since Seattle Parks‘ long-delayed “stabilization” work at Hiawatha Community Center finally began. When Parks recently released a list of open-this-winter restrooms, with a notation about one at Hiawatha reopening, we asked if that meant the center was expected to reopen, at least partially, before spring. Short answer from Parks: No. Longer answer from Parks spokesperson Karen O’Connor: “The building will not be opening before spring. We are working on assigning a new project manager and working out some potential additional environmental improvements. We will have more information in January.” Last December, we talked with a Parks manager about why the center had been closed almost four years before work began.

Three more West Seattle park restrooms to stay open this winter

(WSB photo from September: Newly winterized restroom building at Walt Hundley Playfield)

More news from Seattle Parks: This year’s list of winterized park-facilities restrooms is out, and they’ve added three more in West Seattle. Open this winter for the first time, Parks says, will be:

DELRIDGE COMMUNITY CENTER – EXTERIOR RESTROOM
HIGHLAND PARK RESTROOM
WALT HUNDLEY PLAYFIELD RESTROOM

That’s in addition to 13 others on the list. Parks says it’s still “working to make all 129 public restrooms [around its system] available for year-round use by the end of 2028.”

FOLLOWUP: City ‘optimistic’ that Camp Long’s fire-gutted lodge can be restored

(WSB photo, December 9)

1:07 PM: Five weeks after fire ravaged Camp Long‘s historic lodge, we checked in again today with Seattle Parks for an update on the status of decisionmaking regarding its future. This time, spokesperson Rachel Schulkin had a major update for us:

We are optimistic that we will be able to restore and retain the lodge building. However, the full extent of the damage is still unknown. Because the stairs were destroyed, for example, we haven’t been able to access and assess the second floor. As we gain more access to the building and begin the stabilization work, we will learn more about the damage and restoration needs. Our team will assess the damage and develop options with cost estimates for restoration or other alternatives. We plan to have a preliminary scope and estimate by the end of Quarter 1, 2025. Given the time associated with design, permitting and public works, construction would likely take place in 2027 or 2028.

The stabilization work is focused on maintaining the lodge structure and preventing any further damage until a long-term project can be scoped, designed, and completed. The scope of the stabilization work will include selective demolition of the damaged parts of roof, assessment and shoring of walls that need support, carting-out of debris, and ventilating the building to dry it out. The stabilization work will also provide an opportunity for our team to better understand the extent of the damage caused by the fire.

We aim to begin stabilization work as soon as possible. It will likely begin before the end of 2024 and go well into the first half of 2025.

To date we have:
• Hired a contractor to board up windows and tarp over open holes in the roof of the lodge and damaged cabins;
• Documented the damage to structures, met with insurance representatives and initiated an insurance claim;
• Replaced the windows to one of the damaged cabins;
• Began working with an architect to outline a scope of stabilization work to the lodge; and
• Initiated an Emergency Public Works process to hire a contractor to perform stabilization work.

The park is currently open for use, and there are port-a-potties on site. We are working on a plan to see if we can still offer environmental education programs without the use of the building. Start date on programs is still TBD.

Investigators ruled the November 11 fire arson; we’re checking with SPD for updates on the investigation.

6:10 PM: While interviewing District 1 City Councilmember Rob Saka on a variety of topics late today as his first year in office comes to a close (story to come), we asked about this. He told us he “look(s) forward to supporting” the restoration/rebuild.

WINDSTORM AFTERMATH: Lincoln Park path blocked

Thanks to the texter who sent that photo this morning. That big tree is down across the trail in the central upper area of Lincoln Park. We don’t know if it’s already been reported but if not, your options for reporting this or any other park maintenance problems include 206-684-7250. P.S. This is also a good reminder that you want to stay away from tall trees during windstorms – in parks and elsewhere!

First chance for feedback on Southwest Teen Life Center play-area replacement. Teens’ input sought. (Survey, too!)

That’s the one and only visual you’ll find at the drop-in event happening right now at Seattle Parks’ Southwest Teen Life Center (2801 SW Thistle, enter from the south side). It’s a board with possible elements for its play-area replacement – but there’s a twist. Project manager Colin Campbell tells WSB that they’re really hoping to hear from teenagers because there’s a strong chance the replacement (for which $720,000 is budgeted, from a grant) will be all or partly geared toward teens, since the SWTLC is, well, a center for teens, and the neighborhood already has a traditional play area (uphill and west, on Seattle Public Schools-owned property, where the old Denny IMS used to be). You can stop in until 6 pm (free drinks and snacks!) to offer your thoughts (when we dropped in, just one comment was written – “swings are important”) and/or you can answer this new online survey, which will be open until January 2. Campbell says the playground is being replaced because the department tries to keep its play structures on a 20-years-or-so replacement cycle. This is only the first design discussion; the next one is likely to have “design concepts” on display.

VIDEO: Students explain their visions of how Schmitz Park’s creek could be brought fully back to life and light

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.

Restoring Schmitz Preserve Park Creek: Next step! And you’re invited

(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.

FOLLOWUP: Camp Long reopening today, 2+ weeks post-fire

(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.

New play area ahead for Southwest Teen Life Center. What do you want to see?

(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.

FOLLOWUP: Camp Long, almost two weeks later

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.

FOLLOWUP: Schmitz Preserve Park encampment ‘resolved,’ city says

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.

YOU CAN HELP: Puget Ridge Edible Park nourishes many. Now’s the time to reciprocate

(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.

CAMP LONG: Had an event booked at the Lodge? Another local venue provider wants to help

November 18, 2024 9:35 pm
|    Comments Off on CAMP LONG: Had an event booked at the Lodge? Another local venue provider wants to help
 |   Fauntleroy | West Seattle news | West Seattle parks

(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.

CAMP LONG: More than a building burned. Here’s how you can help rebuild the ‘catalogue’

(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:

form.jotform.com/camplongchallenge/camp-long-catalogue

Parks’ most recent public comment was that the lodge is still being “assessed” so they can decide what to do next.

FOLLOWUP: Determining Camp Long lodge’s future, post-fire

(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.”

WEST SEATTLE ENCAMPMENTS: One ‘resolved’ today, one being monitored

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.

FOLLOWUP: Last night’s ‘heartbreaking’ Camp Long lodge fire was arson, SFD says

(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.
.
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.