A public meeting to review the draft "University District Northwest
Park Plan" was held on September 13, 2005 at the
University Heights Center for the Community.
The University District Park Plan is intended to help guide parks
and open space investments in coming years. The Park Plan draws on
the University District neighborhood plan, and on planning related
to the Pro Parks Levy Opportunity Fund acquisition project in the
University District.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Donald Harris, Property and Acquisition Services
Manager
Seattle Parks and Recreation
800 Maynard Ave. S., 3rd Floor
Seattle, WA 98134
March 2007
After an extensive public process, the priority site for acquisition through
this Levy project is land for open space at the corner of NE 50th St. and
University Way NE. The property includes a former school building managed
by the nonprofit University Heights Center for the Community. The property
is owned by Seattle School District, and Parks acquisition of a portion
of the property is contingent on the District's ongoing site surplusing
process.
In 2004 and 2005, Seattle Parks acquisition staff and Makers, an urban design
firm, worked with University District community stakeholders to develop
a "University District Park Plan."
The plan provides a strategic framework for identifying potential sites
for park acquisition through the Pro Parks Levy.
It also outlines park and open space
needs and opportunities in the University District.
> Full draft plan, University
District Park Plan
In 2001-2002, the Pro Parks Levy Oversight Committee conducted a public
process for the first funding cycle of the Levy's $10 million Opportunity
Fund. The Committee recommended designating $3 million for acquisition of
land in three urban center villages: University District, Denny Triangle,
and Pioneer Square/International District.
In August 2002, the Mayor and City Council approved the Committee's recommendation.
In November 2003, King County approved $900,000 to $1 million in matching
funds through the Conservation Futures Tax towards this acquisition. Combined
with the Pro Parks Levy Opportunity Fund, the total available for this park
acquisition project is now about $1.9 million to $2 million, subject to
final site selection.
In 2005, approximately $200,000 was approved through the second cycle of
the Pro Parks Levy Opportunity Fund to supplement acquisition, if needed,
and/or to develop the site that is
acquired.
PROJECT DESCRIPTION
The Pro Parks Levy Opportunity Fund provides
funding for acquisition of land in the University District Urban Center
Village for a new neighborhood park or open space.
Seattle Parks and Recreation is conducting a public process and working
with the local neighborhood to determine potential site(s) for acquisition.
Focus Area for Open Space Acquisition
Stars indicate sites that have been suggested for possible Parks
acquisition
After meeting with members of local community councils and other groups,
several strategies were explored:
- Acquire a "stand-alone" site in the range of 5,000 to 15,000 square
feet.
- Partner with a developer or property owner to create a new open space
or park on a larger site.