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City of Seattle
Gregory J. Nickels, Mayor
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NEWS ADVISORY
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| SUBJECT: Seattle Parks to Join Mayor, Community for Grand Opening of I-5 Colonnade
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
11/16/2005 4:53:00 PM |
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Dewey Potter (206) 684-7241
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Seattle Parks to Join Mayor, Community for
Grand Opening of I-5 Colonnade
Seattle Parks and Recreation will join Mayor Greg Nickels to celebrate the
grand opening of the newest open space in the Eastlake and Capitol Hill neighborhoods:
I-5 Colonnade. The grand opening celebration will take place on Saturday, Dec.
3, at noon at the open space, under I-5 in the area south of E Howe Street between
Lakeview Boulevard and Franklin Avenue E.
I-5 Colonnade is a 7.5-acre open space that results from the collaborative
efforts of Seattle Parks and Recreation, the Eastlake and Capitol Hill communities,
the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT), and the mountain
bike, road bicycle, and dog off-leash area communities, to create one of the
most unique open spaces in Seattle.
The project is located on WSDOT property, and has been converted into a public
space with pedestrian and bicycle commuter connections between the Capitol Hill
and Eastlake neighborhoods, a highly specialized mountain bike course, Seattle's
tenth dog off-leash area, and public art. The project first came into focus
in 1998 when the Eastlake Tomorrow Committee completed the 1998 Eastlake Neighborhood
Plan. With the passage of the Pro Parks Levy in 2000, $1.8 million became available
to develop the project. Working with the community to create a vision for the
open space, Parks held a series of community meetings in 2003. Following that,
Parks and WSDOT worked together to formulate a long-term lease of the property.
Uniquely, this project is covered by the interstate, giving it an almost indoor
environment, which allows for a variety of uses throughout the year. The property
also has dramatic views of Lake Union.
The project has art through the 1% For Art program, administered through the
Mayor's Office of Arts and Cultural Affairs. San Francisco-based artist John
Roloff has created "Climate Zone" that mimics the weather, as well
as sun and moonlight.
Approved by Seattle voters in 2000, the $198.2 million Pro Parks Levy will
fund more than 100 projects throughout the city over eight years. Projects include
improvements to athletic fields, playgrounds, trails and community centers and
parks. Funding will also increase green spaces, support Zoo programs and enhance
park maintenance.
This project will help build a stronger community and healthy families, one
of Mayor Greg Nickel's highest priorities for Seattle.
For more information, please contact Parks Project Manager Andy Sheffer at
(206) 684-7041 or email him at andrew.sheffer@seattle.gov.
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Seattle Parks and Recreation
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