Pro Parks: I-5 Open Space Project

History

In November 2000, Seattle voters approved a $198.2 million levy lid lift for Parks and Recreation, including $1.8 million to improve the area under I-5 in Eastlake. The levy will fund more than 100 projects to improve maintenance and enhance programming of existing parks, including the Woodland Park Zoo; acquire, develop and maintain new neighborhood parks, green spaces, playfields, trails and boulevards; and add out-of-school and senior activities. The levy will also fund an acquisition and development "opportunity fund."

I-5 Open Space Proposal

The Eastlake Neighborhood Plan, completed in Sept. 1998 contained the following initial ideas for the open space including:

• Making pedestrian and bicycle connections from Fairview Ave through the area under I-5 to the steps leading up to Capitol Hill via Blaine and Howe Streets.
• Treating storm-water run-off.
• Planting suitable trees and other vegetation.
• Improving safety by installing lighting and call boxes.
• Incorporating public art.
• Creating sport climbing and mountain biking facilities.

Parks and Recreation is also considering the area for an "off-leash" facility. Other community ideas will be considered during the initial planning phases.

Budget

Pro Parks provides $1.8 million for planning, design and construction.

Location:The I-5 Open Space, is located on Washington Department of Transportation (WSDOT) property between Lakeview Blvd. and Franklin Ave. and Howe and Garfield streets. Parks and Recreation will need to negotiate a lease with WashDOT to provide for this use.

Schedule

Planning	Design	Construction	Completion
2001	2002	2003	2004

Community Involvement

Parks will prepare a public involvement plan that outline procedures for soliciting and considering public input. The Plan identifies people affected, timeline, the structure of the advisory committee, and communication techniques. There are many opportunities to be involved.

• Community-wide Public Meetings and Workshops - Parks will hold open meetings and workshops where information is shared with the general community.
• Neighborhood and Stakeholder Meetings – Parks will go to neighborhood council, neighborhood plan stewardship and other stakeholder meetings as needed to provide updates and gather comments.
• Advisory Committee - Parks will work with the Eastlake Neighborhood Plan stewardship committee and other stakeholders to solicit community direction on a regular basis. These points include site selection, architect selection, design development, development of construction drawings, construction start, and project completion.

Contact Information

Project Planner:

David W. Goldberg
Seattle Parks and Recreation
800 Maynard Avenue S. 3^rd Floor
Seattle, WA 98134
(206) 684-8414
davidw.goldberg@ci.seattle.wa.us