Carkeek Park
Environmental Learning Center

The ELC Park Hours: Daily 6 a.m.- 10 p.m. Though the Environmental Learning Center at Carkeek Park is available for rentals, we regret that because of budget reductions, it is no longer open for visitors. For building rentals, please contact us by email or phone (206) 684-0877. Carkeek ELC: First Seattle Building to Go for the Gold This innovative facility is the first City facility and the first building in Seattle registered to achieve the Gold-level of the US Green Building Council's Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEEDTM) rating system.  » about Sustainable Building

The Carkeek Park Environmental Learning Center (ELC) has been built to provide additional space for environmental education and stewardship activities and to create additional community gathering/meeting space.

This community-driven endeavor is supported by 11 funding sources, including Seattle Departments of Parks & Recreation, Neighborhoods, City Light, Public Utilities as well as King County, local businesses and private foundations.

The combined efforts of community advocates, Parks staff and the project team are making the Carkeek Environmental Learning Center (ELC) a model for resource efficiency and protection of human health and the environment.

Sustainable building features include:

• rooftop rainwater harvest for flushing toilets and managing storm water
• energy-efficient features - highly-insulated building envelope, intelligent lighting, natural ventilation
• solar electric (photovoltaic) panels provided by City Light's Green Power program
• 80% recycling or salvaging of demolition and construction waste
• salmon-friendly landscaping - drought tolerant, native species and increased storm water infiltration
• paints/coatings, adhesives, sealants, wood composites and carpeting which protect indoor air quality
• recycled content products - concrete, backfill, wood composite casework, insulation, and flooring
• salvaged materials include peeler logs from a naval building in South Lake Union
• regional materials which support our regional economy and reduce the energy, waste, and pollution associated with transportation