Don't Miss The Salmon Bake Thursday Evening, Great Band and Kids Carnival Games

This Thursday from 5:30-8:30 is the popular annual Salmon Bake held at the Laurelhurst Park.

Delicious wood smoked salmon dinners will be served for $12 each including coleslaw, watermelon
and a roll, and maybe a few surprises, we are told. Child salmon dinners will be $8 each, and hot dog or garden burger dinners will sell for $5 each.

Kids will have a great time playing the fun carnival style games for kids, as well as jumping in a bouncy house and stoping by the face painting booth.

There will also be live music by Jacqueline Tabor, winner of the 2011 Kobe Jazz Vocalist Competition.  

Last year, several hundred people showed up to enjoy the Salmon Bake.  Here are some photos.

Cheryl, with Seattle Parks and Recreation, is still seeking volunteers to set up, help serve and clean up. Call Cheryl at 386-9106 if you can help.

Salmon Bake Tickets Now On Sale, Buy Now And Save $2 Per Dinner Ticket

Families enjoying the Salmon Bake last year

Cheryl with Seattle Parks, sent us email with the good news that the popular annual Salmon Bake will be happening this year at the Park on September 8th from 5:30-8:30pm.

And tickets are on sale now.  Purchase your tickets by September 1st at the Laurelhurst Community Center (4554 NE 41st Street).and you will save $2 on adult meals.

"As usual the Salmon Bake will feature live music, a kids carnival and a wonderful salmon dinner," Cheryl said.

The Laurelhurst Community Center is open Monday through Friday 9:30 – 12:30 pm and 2:30-6pm Monday through Thursday.

Volunteers are needed for this year's Salmon Bake which will be completely volunteer driven, as there is no longer a dedicated Laurelhurst Community Center Staff putting on so many of the fun events the neighborhood enjoyed in the past due to budget cuts.

Cheryl is seeking volunteers to serve as organizers as well as to work at the event,  to ensure that this fun event for all ages is as successful as all the previous years.

Call 386-9106 for more information and to sign up to volunteer.

Fall Seattle Parks And Recreation Catalog Available

Registration for Fall 2011 classes and programs at Seattle’s Community Centers and indoor pools is now open.

You can browse all the classes and register online using SPARC: Seattle Parks and Recreation Connection.

The brochure is available online and hard copies are available at Community Centers.

Seniors Walking Tour Of Olmsted Parks Thursday, Friday and Saturday

Seattle Parks’ Lifelong Recreation Sound Steps Walking Program is hosting a "3 day Olmsted park to park walk" Thursday through Saturday for walkers 50 and "better."

The information says that "walkers will see historic Olmsted parks and boulevards, recent improvements to them and highlights the historic Olmsted park plan and some improvements made possible by the voter-approved 2000 Pro Parks Levy and the 2008 Parks and Green Spaces Levy."

The walking tours are free and the total distance covered for each day is between 12 and 13 miles. The walk pace is moderately brisk.

Here is the walk schedule:

Thursday, August 4:
Meet at Seward Park’s Caffe Vita (5028 Wilson Ave. S). The walk proceeds from Seward Park to Capitol Hill by way of Genesee Park, Jefferson Park, Cheasty Blvd, Mount Baker Park, and the many other parks along Lake Washington Blvd.

Friday, August 5: 
Meet at Victrola Coffee (411 15th Ave. E). Walk from Capitol Hill to Ballard, by way of Volunteer Park, Interlaken Blvd., the Washington Park Arboretum, the University of Washington campus, Ravenna Park, Green Lake Park, and Woodland Park.

Saturday, August 6:
Meet at Aster Coffee (5615 24th Ave. NW). Walk from Ballard to Queen Anne by way of Discovery Park, Magnolia Blvd, Kinnear Park, and Queen Anne Blvd.

Walkers can join for one, two, or all three days. The walks are one way, so walkers need to plan on their return route if driving or use the Metro bus system. 

To participate contact Mari Becker at sound.steps@seattle.gov or 206-684-4664 by tomorrow.

Calling All Volunteers For Salmon Bake Planning Meeting On Monday

Salmon Bake last year

Cheryl, with Seattle Parks and Recreation, sent us email that a date has now been set for the annual Laurelhurst Community Salmon Bake held annually in the park.

This year the popular event will happen a bit later, on Thursday, September 8th.

This year's Salmon Bake will be completely volunteer driven, as there is no longer a dedicated Laurelhurst Community Center Staff putting on so many of the fun events the neighborhood enjoyed in the past due to budget cuts.

Last year, several hundred people showed up to enjoy the Salmon Bake, with Carnival type games and prizes for children,  face painting, a balloon man, bouncy house, delicious salmon dinner, and everyone dancing to the live music.

As with this year's Easter Egg Hunt, success of the event depends on Laurelhurst residents getting involved with the Salmon Bake and organizing and staffing it.

Cheryl writes:

Help Make it Happen!

Due to many planning issues, the date of the annual Salmon bake has been moved to Thursday, September 8.  A great way to end the summer! 

We are seeking volunteers who would like to have an active part in the planning and production of this years event at Laurelhurst Community Center. 

If you are able to help, please attend a planning meeting on Monday, July 11 at the Community Center from 6 -7pm. 

All are welcome!  We need ideas, support and help!

Questions?  Call Cheryl at 206-386-9106

Volunteers Needed To Help Organize Upcoming Salmon Bake, Planning Meeting Tomorrow

Salmon Dinner being served last year

Cheryl, with Seattle Parks and Recreation, has set up a special neighborhood meeting tomorrow at noon to start planning for this summer's popular Salmon Bake, on August 4th, and held annually at the Park.

With no dedicated staff organizing Community Center events anymore,  Cheryl is seeking volunteers to serve as organizers as well as to work at the event,  to ensure that this fun event for all ages can still happen this year. 

The Easter Egg Hunt in March, was a big success due to the many neighbors who volunteered during the event, as well as dropping off candy and prizes before the event, to make it a successful community event, with as always a large turn-out.

Last year, several hundred people showed up to enjoy the Salmon Bake and Carnival type games and prizes for children, face painting, a balloon man, bouncy house, delicious salmon dinner, and kids and adults alike dancing to the live music.

Cheryl's email says:

Laurelhurst Salmon Bake Needs You!

The Laurelhurst Community Salmon Bake needs your help!

Due to budget cuts, the Seattle Department of Parks and Recreation is unable to provide the huge staff support for this event that has been given in the past, but we have a small, but mighty crew who want to carry on this great event.

We are looking for help from our Laurelhurst neighbors who would be willing to volunteer as organizers and helping hands at the event to make it happen this year.

The event is scheduled for Thursday, August 4th.

We are having the first planning meeting on Tuesday, June 14th at noon at the Laurelhurst Community Center.

Please call Cheryl Brown at 386-9106 to get involved!

With your help, we can make it happen!

Bicycle Basics Class For Seniors Starting Today At Magnuson

Cheryl, with Seattle Parks and Recreation's "Lifelong Recreation" program, sent us email to spread the word that Cascade Bicycle Club is teaching a Bicycle Basics class for seniors starting today through  June 27th.

The four week class,  from 10-noon,  at Magnuson Community Center, will be a review and practice for those who have not ridden for years, or who want to get up to speed on bicycle basics. 

"This is a great way to gently ease back into ‘the saddle’ and build confidence in your bicycle skills," the class description says.

The class fee is $55 for 4 weeks, and students can borrow a bike on site, or bring their own.  Helmets are required and can be purchased from Cascade for $10.

To regster or for more informtion, call Cheryl at 206-386-9106.

City Seeking Input On Future Of Miles and Miles Of Trails In Seattle

Seattle Parks and Recreatin is soliciting input on the future trails, particularly how to preserve and develop Seattle Parks and Recreation soft surface walking and hiking paths, as part of the newly founded Trails Program.

In April, Parks hosted two public meetings to gather input on park trails.

And now Parks would like the public to take a short survey found here to provide them with additonal information.

The website says:
Seattle Parks and Recreation is using its trails inventory not only to plan work for the next five years, but to create an opportunity to work with stakeholders, citizens, and community organizations to develop partnerships and a longer term vision for our trail system through 2020 and beyond.

The Trails Program marks the commitment of Seattle Parks and Recreation to address the need for trail maintenance, trail construction, and trail development standards within our 4000+ acres of natural areas. Under the program, we taking an inventory of existing trails and coordinating new trail development. 

Find out more information about becoming a Trails Program Volunteer here as well as more information on upcoming work projects, see pictures and updates from past work parties, download trail maps, take a look at the proposed Trail Maintenance and Construction Standards, and link to other urban trails resources.

For more information on the vol Seattle Parks and Recreation Trail system, go here  or contct Chukundi Salisbury at Chukundi.salisbury@seattle.gov or by regular mail Seattle Parks and Recreation, 1600 South Dakota Street, Seattle, WA 98108, 206-684-4122.

Help Shape The Future Of Seattle Parks At Budget Meeting Tonight

In preparation for the 2012 budget process, Councilmember Jean Godden is hosting a "Community Conversation" on the Seattle Parks budget meeting tonight from 6:30-8pm at Meadowbrook Community Center (10517 35th Ave NE). 

This meeting will give the public an opportunity to provide input on priorities for the Park and to respond to the Superintendent’s proposed response to the City Council’s Statement of Legislative intent.

In anticipation of state and federal budget cuts, Community Center Advisory Teams, Recreation Council and other decision makers are starting the 2012 budget planning process early. 

The public is enouraged to attend this meeting to help in shaping the future of Seattle Parks and Recreation. The input received from the community at last year’s budget hearings made a signficant  difference in the decision-making process. 

"This is your chance to show the Mayor and City Council that Seattle’s citizens rely on Parks now more than ever," the invitation says.

For more information on the budget process, go here.  The draft working matrix of potential options of the community center advisory team can be found on Sally Bagshaw's website here. 

Two more Parks meetings will be held on June 15th and June 16th at Bitter Lake Community Center and Jefferson Community Center respectively.

Seattle Parks Holding Public Meeting On Outdoor Recreation Facilities

Seattle Parks and Recreation is having a meeting tonight to gather input on the future of Seattle Parks and Recreation outdoor recreation facilities.


The meeting is from 7–8pm at the Jefferson Community Center, 3801 Beacon Avenue South.

Another meeting, closer to the neighborhood, will take place next Wednesday at Bitter Lake Community Center, 13035 Linden Avenue North.

Seattle Parks and Recreation encourages the public to attend one of the meetings as they would like to hear the public's thoughts on preserving and developing public outdoor recreation facilities, including parks, trails, and boating facilities.

Parks has also set up a quick nine question survey located here.

With the community input, Parks will update the 2006 Development Plan by the end of this year.  The staff will brief the Board of Park Commissioners on the  2011 Development Plan draft on May 26th. And the Board will hold a public hearing on June 9th. 

The Development Plan establishes eligibility for State grants through the Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office. More information is here.


For questions contact Kathleen Conner, Project Planner, at 206-615-1299 or email her at Kathleen.conner@seattle.gov.

Parks Department Cautions Users To Be Sensitive As Ground Bird Nesting Season Starts

Ground Bird Nesting Season has started and Seattle Parks asks Park users to be sensitive to the habitat by keeping dogs close.

The press release says:

Native ground birds around Seattle have begun to nest, and Seattle Parks and Recreation asks that park users show sensitivity to bird habitat by avoiding disturbing habitat and keeping dogs on short, retractable leashes, especially in developed or natural areas with shrub beds, meadows, wetlands, long grass, or thick areas of brush.


At Magnuson Park, for example, native birds such at Mallards, Killdeer, Spotted Sandpipers, Willow Flycatchers, Bewick’s Wrens, Pacific Wrens, Common Yellowthroats, Song Sparrows, Savannah Sparrows, White-crowned Sparrows, and Spotted Towhees all nest at the park, either on or very near the ground. Some species raise their nestlings and fledglings (baby birds) until their feathers grow enough for them to fly. For most native bird species, nesting season lasts into August.

Disturbances like allowing dogs to run through these areas will flush the birds out of their nests and may cause nest failure or death of the baby birds. Parks asks park users to let dogs off leash only in designated off-leash areas and to avoid areas where birds may be nesting. By ordinance, the shorelines are off limits to dogs with the exception of the off-leash area at Magnuson Park. Information about Seattle’s 11 off-leash areas here. 
The birds need park users’ help and protection so that they can produce young this season. If park users see a nest or baby bird, Parks asks that they please keep their distance and leave the birds undisturbed.

Stop By Laurelhurst Community Center Today And Be Counted

Starting this week, Seattle Parks and Recreation Department, is asking customers at all city community centers, including Laurelhurst Community Center, to sign in with their time of arrival and their age group.

This is part of a pilot project lasting two weeks, which will help the Parks Department respond to a City Council directive to reconsider how community centers are operated as a result of the severe budget shortages facing the community centers, in which the operational costs far exceed the revenue brought in by their programs.

"Because of the current difficult budget situation, Parks is exploring alternatives that would offer continued services for the public while reducing costs, including new methods of management, staffing, fundraising and partnerships," the press release says.



After two weeks the data collected (average age groups, frequency of visits, and numbers of people visiting community centers each day) will be evaluated and then decided upon whether the project should continue for ten more weeks.

The process, also includes public meetings, one held last month, to discuss with the community ideas for how centers can be run differently.Another one is in the works for the Spring to get further input on developing options.  The City is exploring a variety of alternatives in how to more efficienlty run the Community Centers.


A Community Center Advisory Team has also been set up made up of community members, representatives from the Board of Park Commissioners, representatives of employee unions, employees, the Associated Recreation Council, and City Council and City Budget Office staff.


Laurelhurst Community Center operations have been severely affected by the City Counil 2011-2012 Budget.

It is now a "limited use center" with operating hours reduced to 35 hours per week. The hours are Monday through Thursday 9:30-12:30pm and 2:30-6:15pm and Friday 9:30-12:30pm, according to a recent flier posted on the Parks website.

Dena and her staff are no longer there, having been replaced wtih a temporary staff. And the staff at Magnuson Community Center overseeing the operations remotely.

And most community and family events will no longer happen, including the Easter Egg Hunt that was so popular and well attended.

So stop by the Laurelhurst Community Center today and be counted.

Deadline Today to Apply to Serve on Newly Created Community Center Advisory Committee

Seattle Parks and Recreation has recently created the Community Center Advisory Team and is looking for members to get on board. Deadline to apply is today by 5pm.

This Team was created as a result of the City Council asking Seattle Parks and Recreation to re-think how community centers are operated, as a result of the newly approved 2011 City CouncilBudget, resulting in reduced services at many Community Centers, including the Laurelhurst Community Center, where the previous 53 drop-in hours have been reduced to 30 hours with many classes, programs and community events dropped.

Advisory Team meetings will happen twice a month from January through May as well as some public meetings.

"The team will be exploring innovative ideas for operating the City’s community centers. Team members will consider the way the centers currently operate, review what other cities are doing, consider alternative operating models, evaluate public input, and assess options for partnerships. Ultimately the Advisory Team will review and provide advice on the report that Parks will submit to City Council by June 1st, " the press release says.

Members of the Advisory Team will also include representatives from the Board of Park Commissioners, representatives of employee unions, employees, the Associated Recreation Council, and City Council and City Budget Office staff.

If you'd like to apply submit a statement of no more than 1,000 words total answering these questions:

•How and where have you been involved with a community center?
•Please give an example of your most recent involvement.
•What will you bring to the table?

Please submit your statement via e-mail to Susan Golub: susan.golub@seattle.gov by today at 5pm.

Places To Enjoy Warm Weather the Next Few Days

With a few days of warm weather coming up, here are some places that are still open to enjoy the sunshine and warm temps:

These beaches (with lifegurds on duty) are open from 12-7 p.m. weekdays and 11-7 p.m. on week-ends through September 6th:

· Matthews, 9300 51st Ave. NE
· Madison, 1900 43rd Ave. E
· Mt. Baker, 2301 Lake Washington Blvd. S
· Seward, 5902 Lake Washington Blvd. S
· West Green Lake, 7312 W Green Lake Dr.

Here are the wading pools that are still open this week:

· Green Lake, N 73rd and E Green Lake Dr. N
· Lincoln Park, 8600 Fauntleroy Ave. SW
· Van Asselt, 2820 S Myrtle St.
· Volunteer Park, 1400 E Galer St.
 
Mounger Pool in Magnolia is open daily through September 12th. And Colman Pool in West Seattle is open daily through September 6th and the following week-end.
 
For more information go here.
 
Enjoy the warm temps!

Special Parks and Rec Budget Meeting Tomorrow - Public Invited to Speak

Are you passionate about Seattle Parks and Recreation? We all know the great services the community centers offer and all the wonderful parks in our city.

Well tomorrow night at 5:30pm at North Seattle Community College is your chanceto tell the City Council and the Mayor why Seattle Parks and Recreation is an essential and integral part of our neighborhoods at the 2011 Public Buget Hearings.

Some facilities and programs may be on the chopping block starting this summer.

This is your chance to speak about what Seattle Parks and Recreation programs should be kept.

Speakers will have 2-3 minutes to share how Parks and Recreation helps you.

An email from the Laurelhurst Community Center says:

Share positive stories about how you benefit from Parks and Recreation programs and why they shouldn’t cut those programs. Tell City leaders what would happen if Parks no longer offered low-cost health and fitness programs. Tell them what would happen if Parks no longer had pools where youth learned to swim or adults could exercise. Tell them about other programs, such as toddlers programs or rowing and sailing programs and how important they are to you. Make sure you talk about PROGRAMS and FACILITIES and what they mean to you.

Based on preliminary projections, the City of Seattle faces a $50 million general fund deficit for 2011, as a result of continued economic turmoil. In addition, revenues for 2010, are expected to be $10 million less than anticipated. In the face of these shortfalls, the City of Seattle faces some very difficult budget decisions in the coming months. Residents are invited to make their voice heard.


Balancing our city’s budget in tough times requires a great deal of direction, constructive input from citizens and the careful ordering of priorities.


Your personal story is more important than anything, so be honest, be positive, and encourage them to keep Parks and Recreation open for you!

Details:

North Seattle Community College cafeteria
9600 College Way North, Seattle, 98103


May 4, 2010
5 p.m. Sign-in

5:30 p.m. Public hearing


Full Council Press Release here

Seattle City Council meetings are cablecast live on Seattle Channel 21 and Webcast live on the City Council’s website.
Copies of legislation, archives of previous meetings, and news releases are available here.  Follow the Council on Twitter at twitter.com and on Facebook at Seattle City Council.

Matthews Beach Playground Renovation Meeting Tonight

Matthews Beach Play Ground just up the road off of Sandpoint is embarking on a renovation project with a budget of $450,000. Construction is scheduled to start in May of next year and be completed in September.

"The focus of this project is to provide access and use improvements that will provide better site circulation, and make the park and play area desirable to gather and play," the Parks website says.

Seattle Parks and Recreation invites families to meet with the design team and give input at a meeting tonight, Tuesday, December 8, from 7-8:30 p.m., in the Garden Room at the Brig at Magnuson Park, 6330 NE 74th Street.

Two other meetings will be held this Friday, December 11, 10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m., at the Magnuson Park Community Center, 7110 62nd Avenue NE; and another on Wednesday, January 20, 7-8:30 p.m., in the Garden Room at the Brig in Magnuson Park.

Seattle Parks and Recreation will present design options for Matthews Beach and are very interested to hear the communities thoughts on design options and amenities.

The Parks Department will present initial concepts for the community to evaluate at the first and second meetings. They will then incorporate the information collected from these meetings into a preferred design. This preferred design will be presented at the final meeting on January 20.

This renovation project, identified in the Parks and Green Spaces Levy, provides play area improvements for children ages 2-12, safety surfacing, better accessibility and site improvements.