Seattle Parks and Recreation is rolling out a new strategy to even the playing field for the city's green spaces with its Park CommUNITY Fund, aimed squarely at supporting communities that have too long stood in the shadows of racial and environmental injustice. With an investment pipeline built for both small and significant projects, Seattle's park landscape is set to undergo a transformative fair shake-up.
Funded by the Seattle Park District, the Park CommUNITY Fund is looking to course-correct the disparities in access to parks and recreational facilities by pouring up to $1.5 million into capital projects. The aim is to not only beautify these spaces but to squarely address the historical lack of investment in certain areas. SPR Superintendent AP Diaz is amped to collaborate with locals, asserting, "Utilizing funding allocated by the Seattle Park District, the Park CommUNITY Fund will allow us to deliver projects that create healthier communities and thriving environments for all," as reported by Parkways Seattle.
There's an inclusive three-step dance to select projects, starting with the Idea Collection phase kicking off on March 18th. Whether you're a keyboard warrior or a sidewalk superintendent, community members can put forth their green dreams either online or face-to-face at any SPR Community Center or pop-up event. [email protected] is where emails laden with your park-perfecting ideas should be directed.
For those needing a nudge or a helping hand through the idea maze, SPR staff are set to help you expertly navigate the waters. They'll be camped out at various community centers with office hours spanning from March to April, ready to unknot any queries you might have wrangling. AP Diaz is all in on this push, heralding the move as one that "demonstrate how Seattle's diverse communities Shine," in a statement handed down to Parkways Seattle.
Seattlites, mark your calendars and set reminders because the SPR staff will be ready to take your questions and light the way to a better park tomorrow at these times: Friday, March 15th from 12-1 p.m., Monday, March 25th from 9-10 a.m., Wednesday, April 10th from 12-1 p.m., and Thursday, April 25th from 4-5 p.m. This is your shot to ensure your voice is heard and help shape what comes next for Seattle's parks and communities.
