Seattle Parks and Recreation Annual Report - 2007

Parks' Partners

We could not do what we do at Parks and Recreation without the active support of our partners. Here are a few key organizations that support our mission.

Associated Recreation Council

Parks' partnership with the Associated Recreation (ARC) and its 38 member advisory councils has proven to be remarkably resilient over the past 32 years. In 2007, ARC brought in $11 million in revenue, an increase of 5 percent over the previous year, and employed more than 1,000 program staff. Through funding from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and others, the partnership implemented the TechNet Program, an after school academic support and technology skill building effort at eight community center sites.

Board of Park Commissioners

The Seattle Board of Park Commissioners is a volunteer advisory board that makes recommendations to City Council, the Mayor, and the Superintendent regarding policies for the planning, development and use of City park and recreation facilities. In early 2007, City Council amended the membership of the seven-member advisory board. With that amendment, three members are appointed by the Mayor, three by City Council, and the seventh member is selected by the other six members. Last year saw many changes to the composition of the Board. As we begin 2008, all positions are filled and the Board has a full complement of commissioners for the first time in a year.

Seattle Parks Foundation

Seattle Parks Foundation is an independent nonprofit organization dedicated to improving and expanding Seattle's parks and green spaces. The Parks Foundation has raised $24 million in support of parks since 2001, and has completed 23 park projects. In 2007, the Parks Foundation broke ground on the 12-acre Lake Union Park, received its 100th bench donation, and launched the Tree Program, while improving nine neighborhood parks and green spaces.

Volunteers

Whether it's spending a Saturday morning pulling invasive species like English Ivy or Himalayan Blackberry from our precious urban forests or dedicating hours after work to help at-risk teens achieve goals that improve self esteem and create opportunities for the future, our volunteers are a vital part of our success. In 2007, 20,000 volunteers donated 293,194 hours - the equivalent of $5.5 million worth of volunteer labor, based on the U.S average hourly value for volunteer time of $18.77 an hour.

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