Seattle's Ballard neighborhood is gearing up for some fun under the sun this Saturday, with the opening of a nautical themed play area at Ballard Commons Park. Come April 20, local residents can expect to see the ribbons being cut and the playground going officially live from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at 5701 22nd Ave. NW – and no, this isn't just another run-of-the-mill park facelift. The event, hosted by Seattle Parks and Recreation (SPR) and the Ballard Alliance, is all set to roll out a not just a day but a canopy of entertainment and activities for the community.
According to the SPR's blog, AP Diaz, Seattle Parks and Recreation Superintendent, pointed out the community's input as the catalyst behind the play area's fruition: "Seattle Parks and Recreation listened to the community and moved their vision forward". The investment aims to activate the much-loved park with a playful tribute to Ballard's maritime heritage. The lineup commences with a performance by School of Rock’s Bellevue House Band, and post ribbon cutting, the entertainment is to continue with music, comedy, and even some jazz.
Local City Councilmember Dan Strauss, who played a pivotal role in the project, lauded collaboration and community persistence: “Cutting the ribbon and opening the long-awaited children’s playground at the Ballard Commons Park marks the next step in a multi-year plan improving the park so that Seattleites of all ages and abilities have a place in the park.” He disclosed that this addition is a beacon for subsequent projects aimed at enhancing the area, including turning St. Luke's Church into affordable housing and erecting a new apartment complex and church sanctuary.
The Ballard Alliance, represented by Executive Director Mike Stewart, expressed their enthusiasm for the play area's opening, assenting that several years of planning are finally coming to reality. "After years of planning and engagement, the Ballard Alliance is excited to see this new children’s play area at Ballard Commons open to the community," he told parkways.seattle.gov. Their hope is to see the playground become a staple for families not just on opening day but for many sunsets and rises to come.
The project, cultured by MIG design consultants and brought to life by A-1 Construction, seems to have channeled the local voice effectively into the physical fabric of the park. With the promise of youth performances, improvisational comedy, and community camaraderie, the Ballard Commons Park's new play area is ready to let anchor and set sail into the hearts of the community it was designed to serve.
