In August 2014 Seattle voters passed Proposition 1 (Parks for All) which funds the Seattle Legacy Plan developed by a Citizens Oversight Committee. The most publicized aspect of this plan was the formation of the Seattle Metropolitan Parks District (FYI, you can apply to be on the Seattle Parks District Citizens Oversight Committee. Applications due by Oct 20th). But, there was more in Proposition 1 than just the establishment of the parks district.
Less publicized, but very important to Wedgwood, was that funding was included to develop the 14 land banked park properties acquired through the 2008 Parks and Green Spaces Levy. One of these 14 park owned properties is our very own Morningside Substation site at the intersection of 35th Ave NE and NE 86th St.
According to our email with Mr. Shiosaki, Seattle Parks Director of Planning and Development, about $750,000 is budgeted to develop each site. This funding becomes available in 2016 and Parks is planning to plan and develop 3-4 sites over the following 5 years in the order of their acquisition. As our park site was one of the latest park site to be acquired, we’re likely looking at park development in 2019-2021.
Picnic tables are in place at Wedgwood’s future park at the corner of NE 86th Street.
So, the good news is that funding is set aside for park design and development which means we don’t have to pursue grants. But, park development likely will be a few years down the road. Parks is open to interim uses of the site in the mean time.
The Seattle Times has a story on the funding for park design and development, which you can read here.
While we wait for park design and development, in June 2015 Wedgwood Community Council volunteers utilized a Department of Neighborhoods grant to create a usable Picnic Place at the future park site.