Chestnut Seekers In Park Damaging Trees

Every year at this time, many people from outside the neighborhood arrive on public buses and by car to gather chestnuts from the large trees in the park. They arrive very early in the morning, sometimes 5am and stay until dark. 

They have been seen hitting branches with a stick, throwing items up into the chestnut trees to have the chestnut fall among some of the actions witnessed by park goers.

The chestnuts are inside burs that are covered with very sharp spines that keep the nut protected. Sometimes, the burs sometimes open while still on the tree, but most seem to fall first, then open on the ground with typically 2 or 3 nuts inside.  Then the empty are left behind.

The Laurelhurst Blog received this information from a neighbor:

I have witnessed multiple people using pole saws to cut down chestnut tree limbs in order to obtain chestnuts. 

Both a man and a woman were using pole saws on the group of chestnut trees closest to the playground equipment. The man would then take the limbs that he had cut down and throw them over the side of the park near 48th Avenue NE. 

I notified the staff inside of the Community Center. The Director came out and told them to stop cutting the tree limbs. The Director witnessed them using the pole saw and also the throwing of the limbs on the edge of the park. 

This is both unacceptable and outrageous behavior. 

Below are photos to show the destruction of the trees.

Shortly after, Seattle Parks and Recreation posted signs all around the park and surrounding the two largest chestnut trees.  

However multiple reports still see people damaging the trees.

Tomorrow City-Wide Pickleball Meeting

 

Laurelhurst pickleball court

 Tomorrow  at 4:30, Parks and Recreation would like your input on the future of pickleball in Seattle.  Below is the information.

In September of last year, two neighbors, Wendy Kelly and Frank Chiappone,  oversaw the project to convert the tennis backboard area to a pickleball court

The court was was resurfaced with an acrylic court resurfacer and then lines were painted using sport surface paint in two colors. A permanent net was installed to extend the lifespan of the court and protect the court surface, based on advice from the contractor. Original plans were for a net on wheels that could be used so that tennis players would still have full use of the court. 

The total project cost was $16,000. Chiappone donated $3,000 which was matched by his employer . The Seattle Metro Pickelball Association manages the fund raising.

For further information contact Wendy Kelly: wendygkelley@hotmail.com and Frank Chiappone: frankchip@hotmail.com.

Here is information about today's meeting:         

Seattle Parks and Recreation needs input on the future of pickleball in Seattle’s parks

Seattle Parks and Recreation (SPR) is seeking input from tennis and pickleball players on how we can best support the growth of pickleball. Please join us online on Wednesday, To register go here. 

This event is part of the 2021-2022 Pickleball Study funded by the Seattle Park District. The project team will use the input from our community survey, the project advisory committee, and community meetings to recommend revisions to our dual-striping practices, evaluate standards for dual-striping, and draft a list of potential sites for dedicated pickleball. The team  looks forward to presenting pickleball study work, input to date, and next steps at this meeting. Thank you to the over 3,300 people that responded earlier this year to our pickleball survey. Please continue your involvement and join us at this meeting to learn more and provide input.

An advisory committee is meeting throughout the study and additional community engagement will include one additional public meeting.

To find out more about the study and to subscribe to updates go here or contact Oliver Bazinet at oliver.bazinet@seattle.gov.

Eagles At Laurelhurst Park

 A neighbor sent in these pictures of 2 eagles in a tree last night near the Community Center. The neighbor commented that they were having quite a loud chat together!

Park Pickleball Court Ready For Use

The pickleball court, located just north of the tennis courts, in the tennis practice area, in Laurelhurst Park is finished.

A permanent net was installed to extend the lifespan of the court and protect the court surface, based on advice from the contractor. Original plans were for a net on wheels that could be used so that tennis players would still have full use of the court. Now tennis players can practice against the backboard wall on either side of the net.

Paddles and balls will be available for checkout when the Laurelhurst Community Center opens.  Exact time is unknown. Until that time there will be a few paddles and balls stored at the court to borrow if needed.

The half tennis court with backboard was converted over the spring and summer and is part of the Seattle Parks Department. The court was was resurfaced with an acrylic court resurfacer and then lines were painted using sport surface paint in two colors

Frank Chiappone and Wendy Kelley, Laurelhurst residents, oversaw the project since last year and had their plans already approved by the City through the small improvements project. Frank said that neighbor input was not required during the approval process "with no change to the structure of the court or impact on how it’s currently being used as a practice court for tennis, soccer, lacrosse and others."

The total project cost is $16,000. Chiappone donated $3,000 which was matched by his employer . The Seattle Metro Pickelball Association manages the fund raising.

For further information contact Wendy Kelly: wendygkelley@hotmail.com and Frank Chiappone: frankchip@hotmail.com.

Today Drop-Off Furniture And Other Donations At Park

Today, Humble Design is holding a "Stuff the Truck" event in the Community Center parking lot from 10-2pm.

The event is organized by a Laurelhurst resident who is currently an intern with Humble Design

Used home furnishings are accepted as well as these items including:

Furniture

• bed frames (twin-queen)
• bookshelves
• chairs
• coffee tables
• couches
• dining chairs
• dining tables
• futons
• love seats
• mattresses/box springs
• night stands

Decor

• artwork
• bedding
• blankets
• curtains
• lamps
• pillows
• table linens
• throw pillows

Kitchen and Bath

• bathroom rugs/mats
• coffee makers
• cups/mugs
• dish sets
• shower curtains & liners
• silverware
• towels
• trash cans
• utensils

Miscellaneous

• books
• brooms
• extension cords
• toys
• vacuums

Go here to see the full list of what is accepted.

Humble Design's website says:

Humble Design serves individuals, families, and veterans emerging from homelessness by transforming empty houses into welcoming homes using donated furniture and household goods. Our warehouses are curated by design teams that personalize homes based on our clients’ needs and preferences.

Go here for more information.

Accessibility Improvements Planned For Laurelhurst Community Center And Park

The Seattle Park District is funding the design of accessibility improvements at Laurelhurst Community Center and Park.  

Karen with Seattle Parks and Recreation told the Laurelhurst Blog that the upcoming improvements inside the building will be updates in the kitchen and bathrooms to bring the building and site in compliance with accessible standards. Currently, there are elements in the kitchen and bathrooms and on site that do not meet current accessibility standards.

Improvements will also be in the Park which include:

• creating compliant accessible parking and drop off areas
• providing accessible routes from the parking to the community center, play area, and north ballfield
• new stairs and handrails in the southeast corner of the site
• handrails at the center east stair 

Karen said there is no work scheduled adjacent to the tennis court. 

Karen said that the project was initially identified by the Citywide Barrier Removal Schedule and was to be jointly funded by the Department of Early Learning (DEEL) and Seattle Parks and Recreation’s ADA Compliance Program. 

The DEEL provided funding in 2019 to design Pre-K classrooms at Laurelhurst and several other Community Center and "shelterhouse" sites.  In 2020 the DEEL made a decision to not move forward with construction in 2020-2021. And according to Karen, complete funding is not yet available to move forward.

Karen told the Laurelhurst Blog that the Community Center ADA Schematic Design is $109,500.00. The project is funded through design only.  Timeline, final budget and other information will be posted on the Seattle Parks website closer to construction. 

Design Construction documents are scheduled to be completed in late Spring 2021.  Once funding is available for construction a project sign will be put up and construction announcement will be made in a press release.  The earliest construction could be funded and start would be in 2022.

Neighbor Reports "New No Parking" Signs Inhibit Visibility And Safety of Pedestrians

 

The Laurelhurst Blog received this information from a neighbor:

Last month, we noticed that many new "no parking" signs were installed along the perimeter of Laurelhurst Park and the perpendicular side streets.  Cars are now speeding around the park with children at play because there are no longer cars parked alongside the Park to slow drivers down. 

I'm shocked that SDOT would do such a thing without consulting our residents first and it seems negligent. If anything, we have been petitioning for measures to slow cars down (stop signs, etc), not speed them up. 

 

In addition, SDOT installed a "no parking" signs smack dab in the middle of the sidewalk along 45th Ave NE, which greatly reduces the width of the already narrow sidewalk. I can't even pass my kids' stroller anymore and have to jump the curb and push the stroller in the street. It seems awfully dangerous.

The Laurelhurst Park contacted SDOT who said: 

SDOT formalized the parking at the corners. The restriction does not take away any legal parking spaces. As per Seattle Municipal Code, whether or not there are signs present it is illegal to park within 20 feet of an intersection. 

To address the sign placement, a work order was placed to move the parking sign support into the planter area and reduce the post size to 5' on the west side of 45th Avenue NE, south of NE 41st Street

The neighbor confirmed that SDOT came last week to move the sign and also adjust the sign height.  

She added: 

Thank you, Laurelhurst Blog, so much for following up about this and being an advocate for Laurelhurst residents.

Electrical Substation Near Tennis Courts Undergoing Electrical Improvements

Seattle Public Utilities is currently doing work at the former electrical substation at the south end of Laurelhurst Park near the tennis courts at 4502 NE 41st Street,.

In September 2019 SPU salvaged the old Laurelhurst Substation equipment which was decommissioned.

Seattle City Light told the Laurelhurst Blog Staff, at the time, that the equipment was no longer needed, but the substation property would remain with one high voltage switch still in service.

SPU said that the benefits of decommissioning the equipment has given the customers better system reliability by moving from the phasing out 4,000 volt system to the current 26,000 volt distribution system. Another benefit is removing the hazard of having thousands of gallons of dielectric oil removed from the existing transformers on-site. All of the aging equipment was also removed.

In May 2014, LCC wrote in their Laurelhurst Letter that neighbors should consider emailing City Council to support surplus Electrical Substations being turned into Park space rather than a new development. 

Scott Thompson, with Seattle City Light, told the Laurelhurst Blog at the time that "other small substations like Laurelhurst have been taken out of service in other parts of our service territory and some of those properties are being reviewed for possible sale now that we are no longer using them. That is not the case in Laurelhurst."

Seattle City Light completed the upgrade of power lines from 4,000 to 26,000 Volts to the south portion of Laurelhurst in January of 2011. The boundaries for the upgrade were NE 38th Street on the north, NE 33rd Street on the south, East Laurelhurst Drive NE on the east and 43rd Avenue NE on the west. Old cable was removed and replaced with newer, more reliable cables.


The SPU website says about the current project:

Project Details

Electrical Improvements at Laurelhurst Substation

---

Posting Date: 1/12/2021                

Contact: Rose Peterson - Electrical Service Representative

Phone: (206) 684-4986

---

Project Overview

Seattle City Light crews will be working inside the Laurelhurst Substation to remove aging equipment and install new electrical conduit.

Construction Work Area

Project Benefits

This work is needed to upgrade the electrical infrastructure in the Laurelhurst neighborhood.

Project Impacts

• Crews will be working inside the substation to remove an old transformer concrete pad and other associated equipment. Crews will also trench and install new electrical conduit.
• An excavator will be used during construction, which may produce some loud noises.
• Maintenance power outages are not planned during this work.
• Customers can expect some parking, sidewalk and traffic restrictions along NE 41st Street.

---

SCHEDULE

Construction Start: mid-January 2021

Duration: Up to two months

Daily Work Schedule: Mon-Fri: 9 a.m.-3 p.m., Sat: 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Refrain From Feeding Squirrels At The Park

Several neighbors have reported seeing a mother and her young boy regularly trying to feed squirrels out of their hands at the park near the playground. 

Neighbors reported they felt unsafe with the squirrels convening close to the playground with young children and another neighbor felt it was unsanitary especially with the current situation.

The Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife says:

Don't feed squirrels. Tree squirrels that are hand-fed may lose their fear of humans and become aggressive when they don't get food as expected.

The King County Health website says:

Don’t feed raccoons, squirrels, pigeons and crows.  These animals can find food on their own. Feeding them leads to overpopulation and causes disease to be spread.  

Educate others why it is important not to feed them.  

Enjoy wildlife from a distance. These animals are not domestic pets.

Go here for more information

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.

.

Neighbor Reports Eagles Hovering Over Dog

A neighbor has reported several times over the last two weeks that several eagles have been hovering over his small dog when he takes him to the Laurelhurst Park and also even in his backyard near the Park.

The neighbor said:

Just want the neighborhood to be aware that the eagles seem to be very aggressive circling and hovering around our small dog recently.  Please keep an eye on your pets, especially small ones, when taking them for a walk, or leaving them in your backyard. Eagles are lovely creatures, just don't want them flying away with any of anyone's beloved pets.

Eagle nests have been reported on 55th Avenue NEand Talaris.

Bee Hive Near Fire Pit, Area Now Safe

The Laurelhurst Blog has received emails about a bee hive on the north side of the park and if the area is safe.

The Laurelhurst Blog contacted Cara, Laurelhurst Community Center Coordinator, who said:

The Community Center was first alerted to the bee hive, which was located on the walking path, just north of the fire pit, around 9:30am on Wednesday, July 10th. It appeared as if the hive had fallen out of the tree.  

Several joggers on the park path were stung by the bees that morning. They  said they were fine and continued on their way home to take care of the stings.   

The Northeast Parks District was contacted immediately after, to request the hive to be sprayed and removed.  The Laurelhurst Community Center also blocked off the area.   

Unfortunately, shortly after, another park user had walked by the hive and her dog was stung.  She showed me where the hive was.  

Following that incident, 2 A-frame boards with warnings and caution tape were placed around the hive.    

About an hour after the first report, Parks arrived to spray the hive and the bee activity calmed down. The Parks Ground crew then removed the hive.   

The area was cleared and has been safe for users since that afternoon.

Rules For Using The Firepit At The Park

With the holiday week-end coming up, several neighbors have asked that a reminder be posted about the fire pit at the park.

Neighbors have reported seeing the firepit left smoldering after use as well as lots of garbage left in and around the firepit. 

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?