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University District Urban Center Acquisition
Pro Parks Project Information

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Project Status | Project Description | Community Participation | Important Links

PROJECT STATUS

EVENTS:

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

206-684-8018

donald.harris@seattle.gov

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.

> Executive Summary, University District Park Plan

> 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.

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COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION

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.

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IMPORTANT LINKS

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