Fire Pit Garbage Can Set On Fire

On April 10th, it was reported that the the garbage can near the firepit was set on fire and the metal lid, also burned was thrown down the hill.

A neighbor said that he and other neighbors have done a lot over several decades and even recently to save the fire pit, and he said it's such a shame that most likely students damaged public property with no remorse.

Cara, Laurelhurst Community Center Recreation Coordinator, told the Laurelhurst Blog:

I have not heard about anyone being apprehended regarding the fire pit issue.  I know our grounds crew cleaned up the mess and got it all back in shape.  They monitor and work in the park daily as well as open/close and clean outdoor restrooms.  We do not have staff working full time from the building, just checking in periodically to check on things and gather any items we may need to work from home. 

A neighbor told the Laurelhurst Blog staff:

I was at the park the morning after when the garbage can was in the fire pit.  The grounds were clean and I simply picked the garbage can up and put the lid on it and put it back.  

There was no mess and the Parks Department did nothing.  They are giving themselves too much credit taking responsibility for cleaning it up.  

Firepit Will Not Be Removed

Seattle Parks and Recreation posted this information on their website:

Laurelhurst Firepit to remain open (March 4)

Over the years, many community members have shared concerns about vandalism and unattended fires at the Laurelhurst firepit. When Seattle Parks and Recreation (SPR) recently proposed addressing these concerns through the removal of the firepit, many community members reached out to say that they were not pleased with this plan. 

We heard from many of you about how this firepit still serves as an important community gathering location and how it holds lots of value to the Laurelhurst community. So for now, SPR will not be moving forward with plans to remove the firepit. 

We will continue to listen to and respond to public concerns, and will follow the community’s lead on how we can best support community-building efforts and safety in this neighborhood. 

If you have comments or concerns about the firepit, please email pks_info@seattle.gov.

Seattle Parks Department published on their Parkways website on January 24th about removal of the Laurelhurst Park firepit. 

However, Parks did not inform the Laurelhurst Community Club about their decision until February 10th, a few minutes before their monthly Board meeting. And neighbors found out about it, through each other as there was no information posted on any neighborhood websites. 

A neighbor pointed out that it is interesting that Parks published that the firepit would stay on Nextdoor the day they published the information on their Parkways site. But when they were going to remove the firepit, Parks didn't publish this information on Nextdoor. Neighbors said it seemed quite evident that Parks was trying to follow through with the removal under the radar, without the neighborhood knowing about it, without seeking any input from the community or contacting LCC or the Blog to get the information out. 

Rachel, Parks spokesperson, told the Laurelhurst Blog that Parks shared the information on their blog, their websites, Twitter and Facebook. Rachel is incorrect, as the information was not on the LCC website and LCC told the Laurelhurst Blog that they just found out the decision the same day as their recent LCC meeting last month. The Laurelhurst Blog found a post on Park's Twitter and Facebook, but not until 3 days after their Parkways post.

Rachel also told the Laurelhurst Blog when they were moving forward with the firepit removal:

Both community members and staff who have worked at Laurelhurst community center have expressed concerns over the years of the dangerous activity that happens at the fire pit. In response to these concerns, we proposed the removal of the fire pit.  The concerns are unattended fires or lit embers, drinking, vandalism, littering, and fires happening outside of the fire pit. These concerns were shared with our grounds and community center staff over years and so we don’t have a written record.

The Laurelhurst Blog asked Rachel about the complaints received - how many, when and nature of the complaints and Rachel she said that Parks had not documented one single complaint over the years to support the information she posted in her Parkways media release post.  Yet these undocumented comments were what closure of the firepit was based upon.

Parks also never solicited feedback from the community regarding their sudden decision that has an impact on many members of the community and beyond, though Rachel said she did ask for feedback, which is not accurate. Neighbors commented Parks when word got out, not the other way around.

Neighbors commented following the most recent media release:

It seems Parks was really trying to close the firepit and do it under the radar, as there are so many avenues to get information out and quickly. 

Parks also didn't mention in their latest media release they a neighbor hand deliver almost 500 signatures from an on-line petition started by a long-time neighbor who said "A vocal minority has the parks department closing down the fire pit in Laurelhurst Park. Please sign this petition to save the fire pit!" 

It is surprising that the the public had to initiate contact to Parks, once the public found out about parks's very quiet action.   

Parks should have solicited public input from the neighborhood,  some of us have lived in Laurelhurst since 1970 and are not in favor of removal!!

In 2007, the fire pit was in jeapordy of being removed, and LCC supported the recommendation of some neighbors to remove it. Seattle Parks' Royal Alley-Barnes presented her plan at an LCC meeting for the removal and recommendation of replacement with a portable unit. LCC suggested that the Community Center Advisory group have an opportunity to weigh in on this decision. 

A group of neighbors were very vocal against removal of the fire pit  asked for a formal public process to weigh in on the final decision. The group said that there was lack of public input and that there a certain uniqueness of the urban fire pit as well as a decades-long history and tradition of the fire pit.

Concerning us of firepits in the City, the Seattle Municipal Code 18.12.270 - Fires states:  

It is unlawful (a) to ignite or maintain any fire or to participate in igniting, maintaining or using any fire within any park except in a designated stove or fire ring or (b) to ignite in any stove or fire ring any household rubbish or other material banned from outdoor burning by air pollution control regulations, or (c) to ignite or maintain a fire in any fire ring during any stage on an air pollution episode declared by the Puget Sound Air Pollution Control Agency. All fires within parks are prohibited between the hours of eleven p.m. (11:00 p.m.) and six a.m. (6:00 a.m.).

The Seattle Parks and Recreation website says: 

Light fires only in designated fire pits. Burn only clean firewood like bare, clean dry cordwood (chemically treated wood like lumber releases a strong-smelling, dirty smoke into the air and burning pallets can leave nails and debris on the beach) Douse your fire completely with water before leaving. Dispose of trash and ashes in the containers provided for each.  Be considerate of others – no amplified music Alcohol is not permitted in Seattle parks. 

In addition, the Laurelhurst Park closes at 10pm daily and everyone is required to leave at that time.  Residents are encouraged to call 911 to report disturbances, especially those after 10pm in the Park.

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Tonight Laurelhurst Community Club Board Meeting

Tonight at 6:30pm, the Laurelhurst Community Club (LCC) is holding its monthly Board meeting, open to all neighbors, at the Laurelhurst Community Center in the Fireside Room. 

Here is tonight's agenda:

6:30pm Welcome 

Removal of the Laurelhurst Firepit, Cara Brown, Community Center Coordinator and Justin Cutler, Seattle Parks and Recreation Director

ADMINISTRATION · Minutes
· Calls/Concerns from Neighbors · Treasurer's Report
· Announcements

7:20

· Metro Planning Changes for Bus Routes

· Crime Prevention/ Public Safety

· Helicopter Landings Update

· Talaris Update

· Tree Ordinance Update

· Centennial Celebration Planning

8pm Adjourn

Rules For Using The Firepit At The Park

The Laurelhurst Blog has received several reports of the firepit left smoldering after use as well as lots of garbage left in and around the firepit. 

Last week a neighbor called the Fire Department to report a small flame and smoke in the unattended firepit in the late morning on a very hot, breezy day. 

The Seattle Municipal Code 18.12.270 - Fires says:  

It is unlawful (a) to ignite or maintain any fire or to participate in igniting, maintaining or using any fire within any park except in a designated stove or fire ring or (b) to ignite in any stove or fire ring any household rubbish or other material banned from outdoor burning by air pollution control regulations, or (c) to ignite or maintain a fire in any fire ring during any stage on an air pollution episode declared by the Puget Sound Air Pollution Control Agency. All fires within parks are prohibited between the hours of eleven p.m. (11:00 p.m.) and six a.m. (6:00 a.m.).

The Seattle Parks and Recreation website says:

Light fires only in designated fire pits. Burn only clean firewood like bare, clean dry cordwood (chemically treated wood like lumber releases a strong-smelling, dirty smoke into the air and burning pallets can leave nails and debris on the beach) Douse your fire completely with water before leaving. Dispose of trash and ashes in the containers provided for each.  Be considerate of others – no amplified music Alcohol is not permitted in Seattle parks. 

The Park closes at 10pm daily and everyone is required to leave at that time.  Residents are enouraged to call 911 to report disturbances, especially those after 10pm in the Park.

Go here for more information about burn bans and safety tips for use of firepits.

Also a neighbor noticed the sign is incorrectly spelled. Who can find the misspelling?

Firepit Left Smoldering With Student's Notebook After Park Closure

The Laurelhurst Blog received this information:

Seems someone decided to burn their Spanish notebook yesterday evening, 6/20, in the firepit at the park. It was still smoldering the following morning.  

It’s the responsibility of whomever starts a fire in the pit to ensure it’s out before you leave the area, and the area must be clear by 10pm (per the Seattle Parks website and sign at the park), when the park closes for the night.  

Here are a few pictures of the firepit- I’m sure someone recognizes the notebook that was partially burned. Please don’t do this. It isn’t safe.

Please contact laurelhurstblogger@gmail.com if you have information.

Illegal Fire Pit In Tree Stump Removed By Seattle Parks And Recreation



Last month, the Laurelhurst Blog reported about an illegal fire pit built into a tree stump right next to the City fire pit in the park.

A neighbor commented at the time:

It's pretty bad.  That's all I know. Why they couldn't use the fire pit 100' away is unknown."

 

Seattle Parks and Recreation has since been removed and ground down the stump to prevent its use as a firepit.
 
David with Parks said that:

Fires are indeed illegal in any park except in designated barbeques and in fire rings at either Alki Beach or Golden Gardens Beach.

The Seattle Municipal Code 18.12.270 - Fires says:  

It is unlawful (a) to ignite or maintain any fire or to participate in igniting, maintaining or using any fire within any park except in a designated stove or fire ring or (b) to ignite in any stove or fire ring any household rubbish or other material banned from outdoor burning by air pollution control regulations, or (c) to ignite or maintain a fire in any fire ring during any stage on an air pollution episode declared by the Puget Sound Air Pollution Control Agency. All fires within parks are prohibited between the hours of eleven p.m. (11:00 p.m.) and six a.m. (6:00 a.m.).

 

 

Illegal Firepit Built In Tree Stump At Park And Fireworks Not Allowed Anywhere In City



A neighbor alerted the Laurelhurst Blog that someone has built a fire pit in a tree stump at the park, and coincidentally right next to the Ctiy fire pit.

The neighbor said "It's pretty bad.  That's all I know. Why they couldn't use the fire pit 100' away is unknown."

The City Municipal Code 18.12.270 - Fires says:

It is unlawful (a) to ignite or maintain any fire or to participate in igniting, maintaining or using any fire within any park except in a designated stove or fire ring or (b) to ignite in any stove or fire ring any household rubbish or other material banned from outdoor burning by air pollution control regulations, or (c) to ignite or maintain a fire in any fire ring during any stage on an air pollution episode declared by the Puget Sound Air Pollution Control Agency. All fires within parks are prohibited between the hours of eleven p.m. (11:00 p.m.) and six a.m. (6:00 a.m.).

 

 

 

The Seattle Parks and Recreation website says:

Light fires only in designated fire pits. Burn only clean firewood like bare, clean dry cordwood (chemically treated wood like lumber releases a strong-smelling, dirty smoke into the air and burning pallets can leave nails and debris on the beach) Douse your fire completely with water before leaving. Dispose of trash and ashes in the containers provided for each.  Be considerate of others – no amplified music Alcohol is not permitted in Seattle parks. 

 

Also Seattle Police Department and Police reminds residents that fireworks are illegal in the City of Seattle:

The possession, manufacture, storage, sale, handling and use of fireworks are prohibited. Fireworks offenses are gross misdemeanors punishable by up to one year in jail and/or a $5,000 fine. Fireworks pose a fire hazard to property and present a safety risk to those who use them. 

Fireworks pose a fire hazard to property and present a safety risk to those who use them. Every year the Seattle Fire Department responds to fireworks-related fires and injuries. The holiday related fires and injuries are preventable. 

On the 4th of July, 911 centers become overloaded with non-emergency fireworks calls. DO NOT call 911 unless you have a life-threatening emergency and need immediate help from police, fire or medics. Unnecessary 911 calls block people with real emergencies from reaching 911 and getting help. 

Any fireworks-related fires or injuries should be reported directly to 911. Other fireworks violations may be reported by calling the Seattle Police non-emergency number at (206) 625-5011 

The Laurelhurst Park closes at 10pm daily.

Excessive Noise Reported Again From Readers Regarding Partiers Last Night At The Park

We received this email from "Sleepless in Laurelhurst" complaining about the unusually louse noise from partiers last night at the Park:

I wanted to let you know that the kids were partying at the play-field on 45th near Laurelhurst Elementary again tonight. The noise was exceptionally loud this evening and peaked around 10:30pm.

My neighbor called 911 and apparently there was already a noise complaint called in. They were sending a police officer out to the park.

As a neighborhood, what can we do to try and deter this behavior? It is so loud and has woken me up on more than one occasion.

Just last month we posted emil another from a reader of late night reporting about all the garbage, including lighters and beer bottles left by the presumably highschool kids in the park. The reader also said he reguarly smells marijuana smoke coming from the park.

And in June another email was received from a reader about large, late night gatherings at the Fire Pit in the Park. The reader stated that close to 100 kids were drinking and carring in cases of beer. 

The reader added "The mess sunday was the worst I have seen it in a long time. We are finding not only beer cans and bottles but bags of marajuana and other drugs left behind in the dark."

Readers also report noise disturbanes all around Laurelhurst Elementary School last night and other nights, where the highschoolers park, often partying on the street near their cars or sitting in their cars smoking with very loud music going.

The sign at the Fire Pit listing the rules for use is covered in graffiti, howver here are some of the policies:

Please dispose of trash and ashes in the containers provided for each. (SMC 18.12.260)

Be considerate of others--please, no loud or amplified music (SMC 18.12.170)

Remember, no alcohol is allowed, and parks are drug-free zones

The Parks Department can also enforce the Parks Exclusion Ordinance (Seattle Municipal Code 18.12.278) which says that SPD and Parks are allowed to ban individuals from Seattle Parks for periods up to one year for violating any Park rule or provision of the Seattle Municipal Code or Revised Code of Washington.

Jeannie Hale, Laurelhurst Community Club President, advises neighbors to always call 911 to report disturbances. The more calls SPD receives, the more they will regulary patrol the disturbance areas of the neighborhood.  When calling use the address of the Playfield (4454 NE 41^st Street).

Jeannie added, "The more neighbors that call 911while disturbanes ar happening — the greater police coverage we will receive. So calling SPD is critical."

"A recent agenda item at a Trustee Meeting specifically on this issue is working with parents to curb this ongoing problem.  Not only are the teens causing a noise disturbance to those neighbor living near the park, leaving volumes of garbage at the Fire Pit, marking public areas with graffiti, they are also causing damage—burning whatever they can find and even cutting one of the tennis nets.  There are few dollars in the city budget to take care of these things, and repair the damage," Jeannie said.

The Park closes at 10pm daily and everyone is required to leave at that time.

Reader Reports Ongoing Fireworks, Garbage, Drugs Going On At The Park

A reader sent us the below email voicing frustration over the lack of respect to the park as well as those living nearby,  presumabley highschool students are engaging in, at our neighborhood park.

We have done previous posts on this, one just last month about late night partying at the firepit, drinking and garbage left behind. The firepit signs are covered in graffiti.

The Park closes at 10pm daily and everyone is required to leave at that time.  Residents are enouraged to call 911 to report disturbances, especially those after 10pm in the Park.

Here is the reader's email:
I wanted to get the word out that we’ve found a bunch of lighters (like the longer BBQ type) as well as beer bottles in the park next to the power station. 

We regularly smell cigarette and marijuana smoke coming from that direction and have seen kids (only boys although that doesn’t mean girls haven’t been there) running up there with backpacks on (often coming on bike or scooter and even out walking their dog in daylight).  They tuck deep in the corner and have complete coverage. 

Currently there are broken beer bottles, in-tact bottles as well as a strong smell of urine. 

We also have had fireworks going off in the street intersection of 41st Street and 45th avenue regularly since before the 4th.  One night they set up a street cone and the fireworks woke most of my neighbors up at 1am while they went on and on.  We jumped out of bed but didn’t see anyone. 

If people are missing their junior high boys, I suspect they’d find them here… I’d guess these kids are junior high or early high school.