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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 Move Forward with Construction of Skatepark at Lower Woodland Park
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
11/22/2006 10:43:00 AM |
FOR MORE INFORMATION CONTACT:
Joelle Ligon (206) 233-7929
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Seattle Parks to Move Forward with Construction of Skatepark at Lower Woodland Park
The City of Seattle Hearing Examiner issued a decision this week that Seattle
Parks and Recreation correctly assessed the potential for adverse environmental
impacts associated with the construction of a skatepark at Lower Woodland Playfield.
Parks issued a Determination of Non-significance (DNS) consistent with the
requirements of the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA). The Hearing Examiner
affirmed the DNS, which will allow the City to move forward with construction
of a new skate facility at Lower Woodland Park.
A group of neighbors challenged Parks' assertion that a skatepark in Lower
Woodland Park would not generate significant adverse environmental impacts,
including aesthetics, and open space and recreation impacts. After reviewing
the DNS, the Hearing Examiner concurred with Parks.
The Hearing Examiner is separate and independent from all other City departments.
Its mission is to conduct fair and impartial administrative hearings to review
actions of various City departments.
The 18,000-square-foot skateboard park at Lower Woodland will be located between
the existing soccer field and the cloverleaf ballfield diamonds, near the western
edge of the site. It will have areas for street-type and bowl skating, as well
as challenges for skaters of all levels.
Parks will continue working to finalize construction documents throughout the
winter, and publicly advertise the project for construction bids in spring 2007.
Construction will take place in the summer and fall of 2007. The project budget
is $850,000, and is funded through the Cumulative Reserve Fund.
Seattle Parks and Recreation held four community meetings to work with the
community on the design and location of the facility. The skate facility at
Lower Woodland will be the second Parks-owned and operated skatepark in Seattle.
The other facility is located at Ballard Commons Park.
Seattle Parks and Recreation is currently conducting a Citywide Skatepark Planning
Process to develop a plan for building a citywide network of safe and accessible
skateparks. Skateboarding is the fastest growing sport in the nation. Seattle
is home to approximately 20,000 skateboard enthusiasts.
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 Kim Baldwin at 206-615-0810
or kim.baldwin@seattle.gov.
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Seattle Parks and Recreation
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