Neighbors Again Asking For Fireworks To Stop Going Off Late At Night In Park

fireworks found in the park

The Laurelhurst Blog continues to receive numerous emails about people letting off fireworks in the park almost every week-end and sometimes on weekdays. 

The last report received was very loud fireworks being set off middle of last week.  Fireworks usually happen between 9:3pm-11:30pm and last sometimes for several minutes and are extremely loud, according to neighbors. 

Neighbors are requesting that "if anyone knows who is doing it to please stop as it causing a great deal of stress for families and espeically for pets" one neighbor told the Laurelhurst Blog.

 

Here are some reports from neighbors:

Last month a large amoutn of fireworks was let off at the Park. These fireworks were special: they woke everyone up and added to terrified dogs already worst day of the year. The risk is fires, fireworks gone wrong, injury from a delayed explosion and not super great for the environment. Begs the question: is there anything we can do to prevent this at parks with multiple points of entry?

The nightly fireworks are extremely tressful for pets and sleeping families, including elderly and adults. It is extremely insensitive of whomever is doing this causing such anxiety on so many people and so late at night.

The fireworks are usually so loud and long that is actually seemed like cars were blowing up as the sound echoes and magnifies off the school and the hospital on the north side of the park. It is extremely scarey, jarring and traumatic for so many people.

Please put out a plea to the neighborhood to do all they can to discourage fireworks from being set off in the neighborhood. Besides being dangerous for people, there are nesting eagles and many other birds in the neighborhood as well as many, many dogs who do not do well the noise from fireworks.

Some neighbors may not know that there are at least 3 families of nesting eagles in our neighborhood. Please also consider the other birds and the many, many pets (especially dogs) in Laurelhurst.

The people that are doing this are not only committing a crime but are in violation of the City Ordinance as they over the allowed decibel level, especially when they are being set off so close to homes.

What about the sick children at the Hospital being awoken and terrified by the loud noise of the fireworks?

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. SPD advises to use the 625-5011 line to report any fireworks violations.

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.

Today TV Series Being Filmed Near The Park

"Three Busy Debras, a cable quarter hour comedy television series, is being filmed today in a home in the 4200 block of 48th Avenue NE as well as in the park. The home recently sold for $2,650,000.

Television production trucks are set up along 48th Avenue NE, on the east side of Laurelhurst Park, including multiple trailers used as dressing rooms, others for lighting and production equipment as well as generators. Portable restrooms are set up in the parking lot of the Park. 

The production company has received a City permit  for reserved parking between NE 45th Street and NE 39th Street for the numerous trailers and trucks.  Access to through traffic along 48th Avenue NE is restricted to local resident access only, with appropriate signage and flaggers.

It appears that filming may also take place in the Park sometime today as numerous small desks and chairs are set up on the south eastern side in between the parking lot and the home where filming is occurring. 

 "Three Busy Debras premiered on Cartoon Network's late-night programming block, Adult Swim on March 30, 2020.  Many of the scenes for Season 1 were filmed in Snoqualmie.

The show "follows the surreal day-to-day lives of three deranged housewives, all named Debra, in their affluent suburban town of Lemoncurd, Connecticut."  

The show is executive produced by Amy Poehler and Kim Lessing through Paper Kite Productions.

According to Hollywood Reporter, Adult Swim started experimenting with late-night programming in an attempt to see if teenagers or young adults would tune in after hours.

On May 31, 2020, Adult Swim renewed the series for a second season, which will include scenes from the film production in Laurelhurst today. Other scenes were also shot in a film production studio under the West Seattle Bridge, according to one of the actors at the Park.

Here is some information about  "Three Busy Debras:

Three Busy Debras follows three women named Debra who, well, live quite busy lives. 

Created by Mitra Jouhari, Sandy Honig, and Alyssa Stonoha, who star as the three Debras, met while performing with the sketch comedy group, Upright Citizens Brigade, where the initial idea for Three Busy Debras came about during one of their performances. 

They then turned it into a one act play, then a web series, before finally bringing it to television — and nabbed a star producer in Amy Poehler. 

Within its short episodes — around 12 to 15 minutes each — Three Busy Debras parodies suburban life, specifically that of suburban housewives, along with wealth and privilege. The three individual Debras, must exist within the umbrella of being the group of Debras, while also existing on their own.

Igloo In The Park And Downed Branches

Yesterday several kids and their parents worked on this igloo for several hours and it was big enough for several kids to go inside.

And near the Community Center, several large branches have fallen due to the heavy snow.

Snowmen Visit The Park

Check out the variety of snowmen at the park:

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?

Take A Virtual Park Tour

Seattle Parks and Recreations offers "virtual park tours" on its website, including nearby Magnuson Park and several others.

The information says:

Dreaming about your next urban adventure and want to see what our wonderful park lands have to offer? Try out our parks virtual tours provided via Google Maps.  

Last year we partnered with Google to borrow the trekker camera to capture trails, gardens, and viewpoints across the city.

Go here for more information.

Pick Up Dog Waste On Streets And In Park

The Laurelhurst Blog regularly receives comments regarding neighbors not picking up after their dogs on the streets and in the  park.

Neighbors commented:

Please remember to only use the waste cans that are either yours or ones furnished by the City. The waste cans at the bus stops are not to be used for the disposal of  dog waste.  Notices have been placed on the Metro waste cans to not use them for pet waste.

Please dog owners, use your own garbage can to dispose of your pet's poo. I don't appreciate your calling card in my can.

Please be respectful and clean up after your dogs, especially in driveway approaches and sidewalks.  Watch if your dog stops instead of continuing to keep jogging or walking and pick up the waste.  

Recently in the park and on the streets around Laurelhurst Elementary there has been an increase in pet waste in the pedestrian areas.    

There seems to be an increase of dog owners not picking up waste in the neighborhood and also on the paths in the park.  We regularly pick up other dogs' feces each time we see it.  It is our expectation, and per Seattle City law, that dog owners pick up after their pets, no exceptions. 

Please be courteous and clean up after your pet. We have a great neighborhood to take walks and children to play.  Let's all do our part in keeping our neighborhood a pleasant environment for all of us. 

We have lived in this area for over three decades  and are noticing more and more that people are not scooping up after their dogs. We have stepped in it several times in the lawn in front of our house. Please pick up after your dog.  

Please pick up after your dogs, it is your YOUR responsibility, no one else's, Don't be lazy. It is hazardous, neglectful and not courteous.

Seattle Public Utilities reports on their website: 

We have more than 125,000 dogs and 60,000 outdoor cats in Seattle. That amounts to about 50,000 lbs of pet waste every day.

Left on streets, curb strips and in yards and parks, pet waste can be carried by rainwater to storm drains and into our creeks, lakes and Puget Sound without treatment. It is one of the leading causes of bacterial contamination in our streams and causes other water quality problems just like livestock manure and fertilizer. 

There are bacteria and micro-organisms in pet waste such as Roundworms, E. coli, and Giardia that can make people sick if they’re ingested. Some can last in your yard for as long as four years if not cleaned up.  

Children who play outside and adults who garden are at greatest risk of infection. If pet waste is washed into the storm drain it ends up in lakes, streams or marine water, and people can accidentally swallow bacteria and other disease-causing organisms while swimming or playing in the water. These bacteria also end up in shellfish, and can make the people who eat them very sick. 

Put pet waste in a plastic bag, seal it, and throw it in the garbage- not in the yard waste! There are also Mutt Mitt (pdf) dispensers located around the City. The next time you're out walking your pet, take advantage of this free resource to help keep our waterways clean. 

There are laws in Seattle to protect our health and our environment which require pet waste to be picked up and disposed of properly.

Here are applicable Seattle City laws relating to Offenses of Safety and Sanitation:

• $109 Allowing accumulation of feces SMC 9.25.082 (A)
• $54 Not removing feces from another’s property SMC 9.25.0822 (B)
• $54 Not having equipment to remove feces  SMC 9.25.082 (C)
• $54 In Parks: Failure to carry equipment for removing feces OR failure to place feces in appropriate receptacle. SMC 18.12.080 (C)

Go here for more information.

Volunteers, Eggs And Candy Needed For March Egg Hunt At Park

Cara Brown, the Laurelhurst Community Center Coordinator, would like to share this information:

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. 

For more information and if you are interested in helping, contact Cara at 206-684-7529 or cara.brown@seattle.gov.

Cars Not Allowed To Park Or Drive In Park Except For Designated Purposes

The Laurelhurst Blog has received many emails about cars driving in the Laurelhurst Park and feeling unsafe with kids and dogs running around.

One neighbor said:

On September 3rd, around 11am, a person parked their silver SUV (license plate starting with BEY) on the path and then proceeded to get their dog out to train off leash. He didn't move his car but kept it on the foot path.   

It was parked closest to the NE 48th Street side of the park, very close to where the stairs are down to the street.

It is insane to see a car driving around the perimeter of the park with many small children playing at the park. 

The pertaining Seattle Municipal codes says::

11.72.280 - Park.

                        

No person shall stop, stand or park a vehicle in any park as defined in the Park Code (Ordinance 106615 ), ^[21] except in areas designated for such purposes.

(Ord. 108200 , § 2(11.72.280), 1979.)

Another Concerned Reader About Un-leashed Dogs In Laurelhurs​t Park

We have posted several times about various readers concerned about dog owners who don't keep their dogs on leashes at the Park.

It is in violation of  City Code (SMC 9.25.084) to not leash dogs, except in designated off-leash areas, and it can result in a $54 fine.

Here is  post we did in January of this year and another in July.

And here is the reader's email we received last night:

I had a scary incident with an unleashed dog this evening around 6:00 at Laurelhurst Park.  This seems to be a continuing problem with people letting their dogs off leash in Laurelhurst Park.  I really don't understand why dog owners can not follow the law and keep their animals on a leash while at the park.  Many times people let their dogs go free to chase balls. 

This evening, while I was having a peaceful walk with my dog on her leash, a person let their dog off the leash to chase a ball, and the dog immediately ran across the grass snarling and biting at my dog.  The dog was small but looked quite vicious to me.   I had to try to keep my dog out of the attacking dogs jaws, while I was spinning around to fend off the attack.  I have poor balance, and I could have easily fallen down.  The person came over, controlled the dog, and reluctantly said they were sorry; however, my walk was ruined and my heart was racing for quite a while after the incident.

The person had a small child with them.  The leash law protects walkers with and without dogs and people of all ages especially children.  I also find it hard to believe how a parent could teach a child about following the law when they themselves break the law.

Luckily my dog and I were not injured, however, I would have held this person liable for any vet and doctor bills if injuring had occurred.  If a person needs to exercise their dog, the off-leash park at Magnuson is very close; or they should use their own back yard.  Everyone should have the right to a peaceful walk through the park.  I wish I could have given this person a ticket!

Update and Call For Fundraising Volunteers For Upcoming Laurelhurst Park Playground Renovation

Proposed design with phasing plan

Karina Kunins, who has been heading up the Laurelhurst Park playground renovation, sent us an exciting update to share and also a call for volunteers to join the Fundraising Committee so all phases of the design can be completed.

Karina and the Steering Committee have been working on this project for over 2 years now.  The neighborhood group, calling themselves “Play It Safe at Laurelhurst Park” oganized themseles in 2008 when they began their first project at the park to to bring about playground equipment specifically for 2-5 year olds, of which their was none for that age group. The group self-fundraised and worked in partnership with Seattle Parks to install a few new pieces of equipment that is very popular among kids.

It was during that process, the group found out that most of the other Laurelhurst playground equipment was over 20 years old and needed to be replaced. And through the voter-approved 2008 Seattle Parks and Green Spaces Levy, Seattle Parks has allocated $400,000 to upgrade both the equipment and the space itself.

Karina told us that this $400K (from the 2008 Parks Green Spaces Levy) will be awarded to Laurelhurst Park for playground renovation in January 2012.

She said "This is great, but it will only get us through the design of phase 1 of the park. If we fundraise for $50K, we can apply for a $100K grant, and that will give us the everything through phase 3!"

Wendy Kelley and Karina will be spearheading the fundraising and writing another grant to the Department of Neighborhoods asking for additional funds.

They are looking for volunteers to to help on the fundraising committee. If interested, contact Karina at  karinagriffith@hotmail.com.

Some of the proposed design features include:

• Several outdoor “rooms”—tot area for ages 2-5, a bigger kid play space (ages 5-12), swings and picnic areas.
• Adequate seating for parents (a retaining wall flanked by boulders) and a new sandbox.
• Near toddler area, will be 5-12 kid area (so a parent will be able to track their older children too), and will be complete with a huge tree house-like fort play structure and will feature a lifelike tree slide.
• The existing tire swing, merry-go-round, and swings will remain. A pathway and a few rubber mounds suggesting an “island” and “beach” will separate the swings.
• The existing picnic area will be re-imagined with a boat covered picnic table surrounded by natural plantings, paths and downed logs (resembling drift wood).
• The circular concrete plaza will remain (for community center concerts and events) but will be flanked by boulders better connecting it with the playground.
• Connecting the playground with the rest of the park will be a series of pathways—children can ride bikes, and there will be improved access to the playground for strollers and wheel chairs. The paths will also connect with the existing park trails.

For more information on the playground project, go to their Facebook page.