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City of Seattle
Gregory J. Nickels, Mayor
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NEWS ADVISORY
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| SUBJECT: Mayor Wants Rangers for Downtown Parks
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
10/4/2006 10:00:00 PM |
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Alex Fryer (206) 684-8358
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Mayor Wants Rangers for Downtown Parks
Patrol just one piece of effort to revitalize Center City Parks
SEATTLE - Mayor Greg Nickels today announced a proposal to create a squad
of park rangers to patrol downtown parks as part of a significant new investment
to revitalize and enliven open spaces in Seattle’s Center City neighborhoods.
The focus on downtown parks comes as the city moves forward with efforts to
develop vibrant, diverse urban neighborhoods in and around the city’s
downtown core.
“Great neighborhoods need great parks, and that’s just as true
in our Center City,” Nickels said. “These parks are worth investing
in because they make our downtown a special place, whether you are living,
working or just visiting here.”
The mayor’s proposed 2007-2008 budget - which is being considered by
the City Council - includes nearly $3.6 million for downtown parks. Of that:
- $2.5 million for Freeway Park to restore the fountains, improve sight
lines, make connections between areas of the park, and develop a comprehensive
plan to manage and renovate the plant collection;
- $412,000 in improvements at Westlake and Hing Hay parks;
- $673,000 to hire five Park Rangers and provide additional programming
and activities in ten downtown parks.
The initiative stems from the recommendations of the mayor’s Center
City Parks Task Force, which proposed a series of strategies to improve downtown
parks. The report is available online at http://www.seattle.gov/parks/projects/downtown.asp
The mayor announced the Ranger Program at Freeway Park, which is celebrating
its 30th anniversary this year. It’s the first park in the country built
in the air space above a freeway.
The city’s Parks and Recreation Department recently completed work on
Occidental Square in Pioneer Square. The project redeveloped the park to be
a more inviting and lively place by building an elevated performance area,
improving lighting, replacing uneven cobblestones with ADA-accessible concrete
pavers, removing a 1970s-era shelter, and creating space for a staffed informational
kiosk.
Visit the mayor’s web site at www.seattle.gov/mayor. Get the mayor’s
inside view on efforts to promote transportation, public safety, economic opportunity
and healthy communities by signing up for The Nickels Newsletter at www.seattle.gov/mayor/newsletter_signup.htm
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Office of the Mayor
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