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!
City Councilmember (District 4) Alex Pedersen contacted the Laurelhurst Blog following the Laurelhurst Blog post last week about the potential that the Laurelhurst Community Center could close permanently and no longer offer community services.
The Laurelhurst Community Club learned that "buried in the 2022 Mayor's budget is the closure of one of the City's 26 community centers. Ours." as they wrote in a recent newsletter.
The LCC newsletter also included this information:
In the budget, Parks and Recreation unilaterally changed the center's purpose from a facility that serves the community to that of a "premium rental facility” to generate revenue in support of pop-up activities around the City. This is a complete shut down of community programming at the center.
The process of the proposed closure was not transparent. There was no outreach from Parks and Recreation to LCC or to its Laurelhurst Advisory Committee, no public meetings, no disclosure to our District 4 City Councilmember. It is just buried on page 103 in the City's Budget book.
All City community centers should remain public facilities, not exclusive private rentals for the Department of Parks and Recreation. Closing ANY of the City's community centers to convert them to exclusive private rental facilities sets the wrong precedent that Parks and Recreation can make unilateral decisions about the use and future of the City's public facilities. Closing a center in the community it was established to serve is not just.
Surrounding neighbors donated the original land and community center building to the City by in 1927 as a "recreational" facility for the entire public. For 94 consecutive years, Parks and Recreation has operated center programming.
The next closest center, Magnuson Park Community Center, is completely closed for renovation through early fall of 2022. This exacerbates the elimination of the Laurelhurst Community Center. The complete lack of programming along this Northeast sector of the City for a year is poor planning. If anything, budgets should be increased at nearby centers to provide more needed classes and programming.
Councilmember Pedersen told the Laurelhurst Blog:
Hi, Laurelhurst Blog,
Thanks for alerting neighbors about Mayor Durkan’s unfortunate decision to try to close the Laurelhurst Community Center!
I wanted to make sure you saw the amendment I introduced and pitched at our Council’s Budget Committee meeting this week in hopes of restoring the funds to keep the center open.
It might be helpful to ask readers to ask Councilmembers to support my amendment specifically. Also, they can reach all 9 Councilmembers using the following email address: Council@seattle.gov. Here is the Mayor's email address: Jenny.Durkan@seattle.gov .
This Council Budget Amendment would add $190,000 GF ongoing to Seattle Parks and
Recreation (SPR) to sustain the current use of the Laurelhurst Community Center.
The 2022 Proposed Budget ends this facility’s use by the public and its programming and regular
staffing by SPR employees and converts it instead to availability for rental.
The Laurelhurst
Community Center is connected by a bridge to the adjacent elementary school, where 45 percent of
students are Black, indigenous, or people of color (BIPOC) and 31 percent of students’ families are low
income. These demographics are consistent with those of typical users of the community center.
Neighbors were sent this information when sending in comments:
Dear community member,
Thank you for writing about changes for Laurelhurst Community Center in the proposed budget for 2022. We appreciate what an asset Laurelhurst Community Center has long been for the Laurelhurst neighborhood, with its programs for seniors, youth, and others, and with its signature events like the Salmon Bake.
For 2022, we made the difficult decision to transition Laurelhurst from a full-service community center to a rental and event space. Some of its historic programming will take place at nearby centers, but it will no longer function as a Seattle Parks and Recreation community center.
We do anticipate programs and events continuing to be offered at Laurelhurst through the outside organizations that rent the facility. We made this decision in order to prioritize our limited resources toward the goal of EQUITABLE SERVICE DELIVER.
The funds that had paid for recreation staffing at Laurelhurst are proposed to create a pilot program that provides free, pop-up recreation programming in streets, parking lots, and parks in low-income neighborhoods as an ongoing Seattle Parks and Recreation program.
Here is more information about the City Council budget process currently considering this change, including information on how to participate in the upcoming public hearings on November 10 and November 18.
Laurie Dunlap Superintendent’s Office, Seattle Parks and Recreation
Currently all community centers are closed except for childcare and registerable programs. We plan to reopen more community centers for drop-in programs and rentals when rates of COVID-19 begin to decline in our region.
In the 2022 proposed budget, Laurelhurst Community Center would not reopen with SPR registerable or drop-in programs, but would reopen as a rental only facility. We do anticipate recreation programming being offered at Laurelhurst CC through outside programmers and instructors who would rent the facility. Again we do not yet have a timeline for when the center would reopen for rentals.
This change was proposed in order to prioritize our limited resources on our goal of equitable service delivery. Specifically the funds that paid for recreation staffing at Laurelhurst are proposed to make a pilot program that provides free, pop-up recreation programming in streets, parking lots, and parks in low-income neighborhoods an ongoing Seattle Parks and Recreation program.
The annual neighborhood Salmon Bake, usually taking place the Thursday evening right after Labor day, has been cancelled this year.
Several hundred neighbors and families showed up every year to enjoy the Salmon Bake, along with carnival type games and prizes, face painting, a balloon man, bouncy house, and live music, all benefitting Seattle Parks programming.
Several community businesses, along with the Laurelhurst Community Center and Lifelong Recreation programs partnered to make the even successful, as well High School volunteers.
For the first time in our 54-year history, the Laurelhurst Salmon Bake will be cancelled this year. Due to COVID restrictions on gatherings of over 5 people for the indefinite future, the Salmon Bake is postponed until the Thursday after Labor Day, September 9, 2021.
We miss you, and wish we could see you at the Community Center! As soon as we get the go ahead, we plan to be back offering classes and programs for all ages.
Laurelhurst Community Center Staff and Advisory Council
The Laurelhurst Community Club (LCC) is hosting a food drive on Sunday from 12:30-3pm for the University District Food Bank, which also serves the Magnuson housing complexes for low income families and individuals.
The food drive is being held on the sidewalk in front of the Laurelhurst Community Center. Drivers can pull into the driveway and easily loop back out onto NE 41st Street.
Donations can be given by car, by bike or just walking by. Volunteers will be on hand for those who would like to simply open their trunk and donations will be removed or drivers can hand out bags from the car or set donations on the table.
LCC said:
Food insecurity and hunger during the Covid-19 challenges are real, we can all pitch in right now to help this growing need, and dwindling supplies at this very local level. Many more in our area are suffering food scarcity due to job losses during Covid-19. Approximately 19% of University District Food Bank customers are infants and children, 63% are adults, and 18% are senior citizens. 17% of their customers are homeless, and they try to provide them with ready-to-eat foods when they visit the food bank.
Everyone wants "to do something" to help needy neighbors with food insecurity, and this is a tangible way for neighbors to help neighbors at a very local level. Your LCC Trustees will be there to work with our generous volunteer students and adult neighbors throughout the drive. Help us meet our goal of 1,000 donated items-we can do it! Thank you for your support!
Here is a list for needed items:
canned fruit
canned chicken, tuna, and salmon
soups and stews
peanut or other nut butters (especially crunchy)
shelf stable milk and milk alternatives (rice, soy, hemp, etc)
cereal
cooking oil
baby formula and diapers (especially for older babies)
reusable shopping bags are incredibly useful and help us save money in the long run,
toiletries and hygiene supplies like soap, toilet paper, toothpaste, and feminine hygiene products all help food bank customers meet more of their basic needs
fresh produce from your garden, CSA or P-Patch is quite popular with our customers, and
pet food helps food bank families keep their pets nourished too
For more information go to the University District Food Bank website.
Laurelhurst Community Center spring program registration is currently open.
Register online, in-person at the Community Center Monday through Friday 9-2pm or by calling 684-7529.
Here are the children's classes:
TOTS
EMERALD CITY FLOORBALL Ages 3-5 Experience the newest, fastest, most fun, all-inclusive, and safest version of off-ice Floor Hockey through the sport of Floorball! Come learn the fundamentals and enjoy this great game taught by an off-ice hockey expert. #34849 4/9-5/7 Th 5-6 p.m. $105 #34852 5/14-6/11 Th 5-6 p.m. $105
MUSIC FOR TOTS - PARENTCHILD MUSIC PROGRAM Ages 6 months - 5 years Let your little ones learn music and release their inner diva at the same time! Children will learn musical skills while playing and interacting with each other and their parents. Grown-ups wear comfortable clothing. Siblings up to 6 months can attend free. Seasonal CD and songbook included. #34785 4/8-6/10 W 9:30-10:30 a.m. $145 #34788 4/8-6/10 W 10:30-11:30 a.m. $145
YOUTH
EMERALD CITY FLOORBALL Ages 6-11 Experience the newest, fastest, most fun, all-inclusive, and safest version of off-ice Floor Hockey through the sport of Floorball! Come learn the fundamentals and enjoy this great game taught by an off-ice hockey expert.
CIRCUS MAGIC FUN WITH DAFFY DAVE Ages 6 1/2-11 Get excited to learn beginning magic and juggling tricks as well as how to perform them with humorous, dramatic flair. You'll wow your audience using magic on everyday objects and a few specialized props. Magic tricks and juggling scarves for the kids to take home will be provided. #34843 5/6-6/3 W 5-5:45 p.m. $105
PIANO LESSONS Ages 5-16 Private piano lessons are 30-minutes long and are taught in a relaxed atmosphere tailored to each child’s individual level. #34858 4/8-6/17 W 2:30-7 p.m. $27
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
Nourish your child's curiosity and creativity in this engaging arts-based STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) workshop series.
Each workshop in this series is unique and incorporates challenges and projects to teach fundamental concepts and skills across STEM subjects. We focus on hands-on, experiential learning, providing a holistic approach to education that includes soft skills, critical thinking, and building creative confidence.
Your child will have access to a variety of tools and materials used in hobbyist and professional careers in STEM fields.
Go here for more information. Register online or call 206-684-7529.
The Laurelhurst Community Center is having a Family Gingerbread House Decorating event on Friday, December 6, from 5:30-7:30pm. The cost is $8 per house.
The information says:
Join us for a gooey night filled with candy cane lanes and gumdrop rooftops! Enjoy festive music as you build a holiday house to take home to enjoy. A fun activity that is sure to bring out your families holiday spirit! Graham cracker house and candy decorations provided. Fun for all ages!
Register online, in-person at the Community Center Monday through Friday 9-2pm or by calling 684-7529. The program will take place at the Laurelhurst Elementary School gym.
Here is information:
Experience the newest, most innovative, fastest, fun, low-cost and safest version of off-ice Floor Hockey in the world through the revolutionary sport of Floorball.
Floorball is an all-inclusive game for everyone. Come learn the fundamentals of how to play this fun sport with Emerald City Floorball.
Registration is underway for a variety of Youth programs at the Laurelhurst Community Center, including floorball, parkour, soccer, basketball and others.
Register online, in-person at the Community Center Monday through Friday 9-2pm or by calling 684-7529.
Below are Youth classes offered:
YOUTH POTTERY
Ages 7-18
Youth will create a wide variety of clay projects using handbuilding wheel throwing techniques. Colorful glazes will complete each masterpiece! Whether you’re experienced or a beginner, bring your imagination and get ready to have fun being creative with clay.
Ages 7-11
#23115 10/31-12/12 Th 4:30-6 p.m. $210
#23118 9/12-10/24 Th 4:30-6 p.m. $210
Ages 12-18
#23117 9/12-10/24 Th 6-7:30 p.m. $210
#23120 10/31-12/12 Th 6-7:30 p.m. $210
YOUTH PARKOUR
Ages 9-13
Our high-energy classes will have your student jumping, climbing, rolling, and crawling around your local park!
Through fun games and safe quality instruction we teach how to overcome fear, set goals, and creatively problem solve. Good for beginners and dedicated practitioners, these classes are perfect for improving movement and making friends.
#22877 9/9-10/21 M 4-5 p.m. $146
#22878 10/28-12/16 M 4-5 p.m. $146
PIANO LESSONS
Ages 5-16
Private piano lessons are 30-minutes long, and are taught in a relaxed atmosphere tailored to each child’s individual level.
#22828 9/11-12/11 W 2:30-7 p.m. $27
#22873 9/12-12/12 Th 2:30-7 p.m. $27
CIRCUIT TRAINING
Ages 14 and Older
Circuit training will improve your cardiovascular and muscular endurance. If you are looking to get back into shape and improve your overall fitness level, this is the class for you. This class is found to be a great way to create lasting and supportive friendships with neighbors who are also interested in improving and maintaining their health.
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.
