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.
Seattle Parks Department published this information on January 24th about removal of the Laurelhurst Park firepit. Parks did not inform the Laurelhurst Community Club about their decision until February 10th, when a representative attended LCC's Board meeting. Neighbors are just starting to find out this week.
Parks public relations post: Saying goodbye to the Laurelhurst Fire Pit January 24, 2020 by Christina Hirsch
Seattle Parks and Recreation will be removing the Laurelhurst Fire
Pit in the coming
weeks. Over the past 5 years, we have seen an increase in more aggressive fires
and unattended fires. Staff have also reported fires being ignited by youth
under the age of 18 without adult supervision as well as users burning trash or
unclean wood. In addition, neighbors have complained each summer about the
smoke and the use of the pit, including issues around trash and alcohol bottles
being left in the area.
We are sad to see the fire pit go, but we want to be responsive to the community’s concerns as well as the health and safety concerns noticed by our staff.
Do you have fond memories of the Laurelhurst Fire Pit?We’d love to see pics of how you’ve enjoyed the fire pit over the years! Please share pictures or your favorite memories by tagging “SeattleParks” on Twitter or “Seattle Parks and Recreation” on Facebook.
The Laurelhurst Blog contacted Christina copying several others Parks employees on the email and said:
Is this the only communication to the public about this? What if someone doesn't read Parkways? Neighbors are just finding out about this.
It appears that Parks is keeping this quiet as no one knows about this and just wants to quickly and quietly remove the firepit.
Who made the decision?
Were any neighbors contacted or the Laurelhurst Community Club?
When will the firepit be removed?
You said - "Over the past 5 years, we have seen an increase in more aggressive fires and unattended fires" - what is the evidence of this - can you please let us know how to access this information
You said "neighbors have complained each summer about the smoke and the use of the pit" - what is the evidence of this - can you please let us know how to access this information
You said "we want to be responsive to the community’s concerns as well as the health and safety concerns noticed by our staff" - where are these concerns documented?
What are the "health concerns?
When are staff at the park? Our Blog staff is there throughout the day and have only seen Parks personnel cleaning the bathrooms and picking up trash at the garbage cans around the park. The Blog Staff has on occasion seen garbage around the pit. There seems to be 1-2 calls to the Fire Department over the last 2 years.
If people have "fond memories" why would you ask them to share pictures on Twitter? It seems contradictory
Christopher Williams, Superintendent of Parks, mistakenly replied all to the email, but didn't remove the Laurelhurst Blog on the email and he said: Let’s huddle today CW."
Rachel, Parks spokesperson responded:
Thanks for reaching out. 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, but first wanted to hear from community about this change.
We have shared this information on our blog, on our website (both Laurelhurst park page and Laurelhurst CC page), on twitter, and Facebook. We met with the Advisory Council at Laurelhurst Community Center on Feb 3, and at a Community Club meeting on Monday (2/11).
Rachel is incorrect, the information is not on the LCC website, the last time the Laurelhurst Blog checked, and LCC told the Laurelhurst Blog that they just found out the decision the same day as their recent LCC meeting which occurred on Monday, February 10.
The Laurelhurst Blog found a post on Park's Twitter and Facebook, but not until 3 days after their Parkways post.
The Laurelhurst Blog sent another email to Rachel saying:
LCC learned about the removal just before their Monday meeting. Neighbors don't read any of the social media you have put this very important news on. The Advisory Council is comprised of members that are your staff and a few neighbors and neighbors don't attend that meeting.
Why didn't you contact us to publish the info? There is no info on the LCC site - at least on their first page. There are many more ways you could have gotten the word out - sent an email out through LCC's Constant Contact resource, but none have been done, only information published on your Parks site, of which very few people read.
Also why hasn't Cara, Laurelhurst Community Club Recreation Coordinator, sent out information?
Rachel responded:
We are still continuing to hear out community on this proposed changed and do not yet have a date for removal.
Today the Laurelhurst Blog sent another email:
We are following up as we have not received a response. We look forward to hearing from you with specifics in response to our questions.
Rachel responded today saying:
We have no timeline for removal, and please direct folks to email us with any concerns. The best place to do that is pks_info@seattle.gov.
The Laurelhurst Blog responded:
We are directing ourselves to you with our concerns! Please answer our questions. Thank you.
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. In response to whether arks Public Involvement Policy, LCC stated, at the time, that Parks formal public involvement policy applies to proposals to 1) acquire property, 2) initiate funded capital projects or 3) make changes to a park or facility, LCC added that it's unclear whether the policy applies to the situation of removing and/or replacing the fire pit.
LCC also added, at the time, that citizens certainly have the right to ask for additional public process. But whether a public meeting is held is up to the Parks Superintendent. The Laurelhurst Blog has received many emails from neighbors against the removal of the fire pit. Here are some of the comments:
We have lived in the neighborhood for decades and have just learned about Parks' decision. Why wasn't the community notified via an on-line communication that neighbors read, such as this Blog, or LCC. We don't know anyone that reads "Parkways." Parks seems to have made this decision and is doing their best to not let anyone know. Doesn't Parks represent the neighborhood and its interests?
We are very disappointed with Parks that they would act alone without any communication to the neighborhood to close this gathering spot which has been used for generations. Where is the evidence that Parks is referring to in their Parkways post?
We have used the firepit through many generations of our family and were surprised to hear that suddenly it is being removed. Seems it would be due diligence to provide statistics on all that Parks is saying about its concerns - health, etc. We have never heard of these types of concerns over the many, many years we have lived in the neighborhood.
It really seems that Parks is acting completely on their own and keeping all the information under the radar so that no one finds out, regardless of whether neighbors agree with the decision or not.
It is really upsetting that Seattle Parks and Recreation that serves and promotes community has made their own decision with no neighbor input and on top of that, has not used any social media that people actually read to get the word out widely.
Can there not be a public input process on this important decision? It appears that Parks has made the decision completely by themselves without publishing any specific information that they refer to in their Parkways post. Does it really exist or is it just lip service and a PR spin?
Other neighbors said:
We are glad to see that the firepit will be removed. In the summers mostly, groups hang out there till quite late, after the Park has formally closed. We have never heard of any safety issues ever or unattended fires, but we will be glad that it will be quiet in the park.
I walk the park every day and have seen garbage around the firepit and always pick it up. The debris from the fire is never outside the firepit and we don't have concerns about fires that are not put out. But it seems that sometimes there are groups who may not be managing themselves well at the fire pit. So maybe it is a good idea to remove it.
Parks Department contacts:
Rachel Schulkin: Rachel.Schulkin@seattle.gov or (206) 684-8020 Christopher Williams, Superintendent: Christopher.Williams@seattle.gov Cara Brown: Cara.Brown@seatte.govGeneral Parks general email: pks_info@seatte.govAssociated Recreation Council (ARC): www.seattle.gov/Parks/Arc
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
The 54th annual Laurelhurst Backyard BBQ (formerly the Salmon Bake) is coming up on Thursday, September 5th, from 5:30-8pm at the Laurelhurst Park.
Cara, with the Community Center, is looking for volunteers to help during set up time from 1-6pm, during the event, and clean up time from 7:30-9:30pm.
She told the Laurelhurst Blog:
The success of this event greatly relies on the many volunteers who graciously give their time and support. Whether it’s all day or just a few hours, we can use your help. This is a great opportunity for community groups and high school students needing to fulfill service learning hours, We could not do this event without the help of our wonderful volunteers.
All volunteers are invited to enjoy a free dinner as a thank you for your time and effort, but must be signed up in advance. This is also a great opportunity for students
to receive community service hours for high school.
Some of the tasks include:
·Food service ·Ticket sales ·Clearing tables ·Compost/garbage directing (telling people where to put things where) ·Facilitating carnival games, face painting
All proceeds support community center programs, events and scholarship funds.
Student and Community Volunteers are needed for the Laurelhurst Spring Egg Hunt
Are you looking for a fun way to get involved in your community? Or a great opportunity for students to earn volunteer service hours for school?
The Laurelhurst Community Center is looking for students and community members to help hide eggs, hold age group signs and direct people at our annual egg hunt on April 20th from 8:30-11am.
If you are unable to volunteer but would still like to help, please donate candy and plastic eggs on Mondays and Wednesdays 9am-8pm or Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays 9am-2pm.
The Laurelhurst Community Center once again has a dedicated Recreation Coordinator. Cara Brown has been transferred back to the Laurelhurst Community Center, after being moved to another Community Center for about a year. Cara previously worked for the Laurelhurst Community Center for several years as the Recreation Coordinator. Her responsibilities include coordinating the daily operations of the community center, overseeing all programs as well as creating new programs and activities for the community.
Cara told the Laurelhurst Blog Staff:
I wanted to reach out and let the neighborhood know that I have been transferred back to Laurelhurst CC. I enjoyed my time at Meadowbrook CC, but I am thrilled to back and working with the Laurelhurst community!
Now that I am back, I would like to engage our community and
let them know what we have to offer them as well as find out what we CAN offer them in the future months. I am passionate about recreation and building community and welcome input on what the needs and desires of the residents are.
I would like to encourage families to please let us know if they have a program or event idea that they would like to see offered at the community center. I am looking for fresh ideas for programs, special events and activities that will bring your friends, neighbors and community members together.
Feel free to email me directly with any ideas for new programming that we can offer that would be wonderful.
Cara will continue the special events that have long been traditions in the neighborhood along with the support of volunteers and the Lifelong Recreation staff, who will continue to be housed on the lower floor of the Community Center.
Cara, graduated from Western Washington University with a degree in Recreation, and has worked previously at the Northgate and Magnolia Community Centers as Assistant Coordinator and before that worked for the Snohomish County and Whatcom County Boys and Girls Clubs.
Starting today, the Laurelhurst Community Center is offering Youth Basketball Open Gym every Wednesday from 5-7pm through June 20th, at Laurelhurst Elementary School Gym (4530 46th Avenue, entrance on 47th Avenue NE).
This free program is for kids under 18 years old to work on their basketball skills. Private instruction is not allowed.
Kids under 13 must be accompanied by an adult.
Let your hoops buddies know to meet you at the gym!
Cara Brown, Recreation Coordinator, at the Laurelhurst Community Center, shared this information about Saturday's egg hunt:
Hundreds of kids along with their families enjoyed the morning hunting for eggs, playing field games such as the bunny hop and egg relay, and visiting with neighbors.
Kids in 4 age
groups dashed for 4500 eggs, filled by generous volunteers and staff, and scooped up close to 1000 other goodies.
Thank you to everyone who supported our event with donations, canned food and supporting our bake sale fundraiser.
I would also like to thank the 30 teens who volunteered to help during
the event. We cannot offer these events without such support.
Student and Community Volunteers are needed for the Laurelhurst Spring Egg Hunt
Are you looking for a fun way to get involved in your community? Or a great opportunity for students to earn volunteer service hours for school?
The Laurelhurst Community Center is looking for students and community members to help hide eggs, hold age group signs and direct people at our annual egg hunt on March 31st from 8:30-11:30am.
If you are unable to volunteer but would still like to help, please donate candy and plastic eggs on Mondays and Wednesdays 9am-8pm or Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays 9am-2pm.
Based on the 2017 City Council budget, the Community Centers current operating hours are Monday through Friday from 9-2pm. We would like to know what operational hours and programs would best serve your family’s needs. This is part of our on-going effort to align programs and operational services that meet the needs of the community.
Laurelhurst Community Center hours are not in jeopardy. We are hoping to receive more hours in the future depending on the City budget and City Council decisions.
The purpose of this survey is to reach out to our neighbors, users and community to find out “if” we were to be granted more operational hours and more staffing resources, how would the public like to see those hour/resources used. Your feedback is important to us.
We do not want to send a perception that we are in fact being granted more hours by City Council, but rather a “what if” so that we can be prepared to make changes that the direct community wants to see.
We are hoping this tool will help us in the future to modify our offerings in a way that makes the center and programs more accessible to our community and to more members of the community in terms of what programs we offer, when we are open, etc.
We hope that we are serving the needs of families in our area, but would like to ask the public if there are gaps in our current program offerings that would appeal to them and fill any needs that are out there. Things such as child care, more special events, preschool programs, teen programs, etc.
There is a new budget cycle each year and we would one day like to be restored to a fully operational site with full time staff. This may or may not happen with the 2018 budget cycle, but if more hours are granted we would like to have a strategy in place that the community has given input into.
It was another great turn-out this year for the annual Egg Hunt. Several hundred children hunted for over 4,000 eggs, Cara Brown, Coordinator, Laurelhurst Community Center, told the Laurelhurst Blog Staff. The Bake Sale was also a success raising funds for community center programs and scholarships.
Cara said:
A big thank you to all our volunteers and staff for taking the time to come and help make our event a success!
This event relies largely on a great group of volunteers, some veterans and some new, and of course our hard working staff as well.
We hope everyone enjoyed the event and look forward to next year!
The annual Spring Egg Hunt is coming up on March 26 at 10am sharp at Laurelhurst park for ages 12 and under.
And to make it as successful as past years, Cara Brown, the Recreation Coordinator, is soliciting donations of candy and small items for the 4,000 plastic eggs as well as for the prize baskets.
"We are expecting several hundred kids to participate again this year and would like to distribute enough eggs for all the kids to enjoy!" Cara told us. Cara said that candy donations should be individually wrapped and fit in the plastic eggs. Items for the prize baskets for ages 3 and under should not pose a choking hazard and for ages 4-10 could be such items as chocolate bunnies, sidewalk chalk, stuffed bunnies, any leftover birthday party prizes that people may have around the house such as bubbles, etc.
Donations should be dropped off by March 23rd to the Community Center. Hours are Monday and Wednesday between 9-7pm and Tuesday, Thursday and Friday between 9-2pm.
Cara also is looking for volunteers to help at the event between 8:30am-11:30am. Interested high School students will get volunteer credit. "Please spread the word to friends and family who may also be interested in volunteering for this fun event!" Cara told the Blog Staff.
To sign up to volunteer and for more information contact Cara at 615-0617 or cara.brown@seattle.gov.
Cara said "Thank you for your support, we look forward to hosting another year of this fun event!"
We're a blog about neighborhood news, events, issues, restaurants, businesses and lots more. If you have a story idea, know or see something interesting, please let us know at laurelhurstblogger@gmail.com.
