Showing posts sorted by relevance for query 5 acre woods. Sort by date Show all posts
Showing posts sorted by relevance for query 5 acre woods. Sort by date Show all posts

Progress being made on acquisition of 5 Acre Woods

Wednesday, July 5, 2017

5 Acre Woods –Making Progress!

Attend an update this Saturday, July 8th at 10:30am

Come hear an update from the Friends of 5 Acre Woods about the current process to acquire the property as a city park and preservation site.

Listen and learn from a special guest speaker, wetland biologist Sarah Cooke.

Meet at 10:30am in the Lake Forest Park Elementary School parking lot, 18500 37th Ave NE, Lake Forest Park 98155.

Then take a short group walk to 5 Acre Woods where there will be complimentary coffee, pastries and juice.

A question/discussion session will follow the update and presentation.

Lake Forest Park – buy this last piece of frontier land – get it done!

For more information visit the Lake Forest Park Stewardship Foundation website



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LFP Elementary PTA passes resolution to support preservation of 5 Acre Woods

Friday, June 16, 2017

5 Acre Woods
Photo by Jerry Pickard
At the Wednesday meeting of the Lake Forest Park Elementary PTA Board, a resolution was discussed and passed to support the preservation of our neighborhood urban forest, 5 Acre Woods.

See the resolution here



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Restoration work party at 5 Acre Woods Saturday

Thursday, October 31, 2019

Making headway in 5 Acre Woods


Restoration Volunteer Work Party @ 5 Acre Woods
November 2, 2019 from 9:00am – 12:00noon
LFP's new park "5 Acre Woods" 40th Pl NE near 45th Pl NE

Join us! Help us take back the forest from Invasive Plants. Join the Stewardship Foundation's volunteer restoration work party to remove ivy and restore forest health at Lake Forest Park’s new park.

What to bring: Come dressed for all weather – rain or shine. Wear sturdy shoes and be prepared for uneven terrain/mountain beaver holes.



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Volunteer Saturday at 5 Acre Woods

Friday, February 2, 2018

5 Acre Woods volunteers
Photo by Donna Hawkey
On Saturday, February 3, from 9:00am to 11:00am, you are invited to volunteer with the Lake Forest Park Stewardship Foundation at the newly acquired 5 Acre Woods property.

Volunteers are asked to meet 9:00am, where the day’s tasks will be removal of invasive ivy and to restore the health of the new park property. The Stewardship Foundation will also be hosting a celebration for the new park property following the work party.

Wear sturdy shoes and be prepared for uneven terrain / mountain beaver holes. Some tools will be provided but feel free to bring your garden shears, loppers, folding hand saws or metal rakes. Leave your power tools at home but don’t forget your gloves!

Dress for the weather (rain or shine) and feel free to bring family and friends to help volunteer at the work party, no experience required! Children 14 yrs and under require parental liability wavier and must be accompanied by parents. There will be a volunteer table to check in and receive direction.

Questions? Contact Polly by email or phone 206-999-1406.

Directions to 5 Acre Woods Property



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5 Acre Woods - the Last Frontier?

Saturday, July 8, 2017

By Donna Hawkey

5 Acre Woods (5AW), the largest parcel of undeveloped property in Lake Forest Park, gained strong support from the LFP city council at their June 29th special meeting.

Jean Reid, Vice President, Lake Forest Park Stewardship Foundation (LFPSF) said she thinks “the council was very impressed with the outpouring of support shown at all the council meetings, but when the over $100,000 in resident pledges came rolling in, that may have been the deciding factor showing further that this community is very committed.”

But what really led to all this are the many, many volunteer hours from the passionate and dedicated work of the LFPSF and the Friends of 5AW.

The 20-year-old LFPSF non-profit 501(c)(3) has been leading this purchase effort with grant writing efforts and helping to identify other funding resources for the city.

Currently LFPSF is in a negotiation process with the city for determining how LFPSF could play a future role in all this.

After the council’s executive session on June 29th, Catherine Stanford, LFP’s Deputy Mayor made an announcement. Here are some excerpts from that announcement, the full statement can be heard on the city’s website.

“The process with the Stewardship Foundation is going very well at this time… We are happy to say that we will continue to meet, and again, work towards our common goals for preservation.”
This buck returns to the 5AW every spring
Photo courtesy 5AW

LFP city council also voted unanimously on June 29th to sign a “Waiver of Retroactivity,” Resolution 1620, so they can remain eligible for funding that would help further defray acquisition costs. The city is also exploring a bridge loan that would be paid back from various future funds and grants. And both House Representative Gerry Pollet and King County Councilmember Rod Dembowski have expressed solid support of this project.

Seattle Public Utility (SPU) recently put the property on the active market, however “SPU has a history of long-standing ethos of environmentalism, so let’s hope that public ownership of the property as a park will be a factor when they evaluate bids,” said Julian Andersen, President, LFPSF.

To date, $625,000 in conservation grant funding has been acquired for a city purchase. A municipality must be the purchaser of this public land to be eligible for this and other funding. The $625,000 in grants require 100% conservation of the site.

Also, those that approve grants like to see community commitment. It was the brainchild of the Friends of 5AW and LFPSF to embrace the idea of a 10% worthy fundraising goal to help increase future chances of grant approval and priority in funding cycles. This 10% goal was met with much enthusiasm from the residents, but continued efforts would be good.

Besides the purchase price, other funds will be needed for site restoration and to create public access.

The city council approved a little over $11,000 budget item for the Watershed Company environmental consultants to perform a study to explore usage options and to determine the true value of the land.

Small streams run through 5AW
Photo courtesy 5AW
5AW contains many steep slopes and sensitive areas so city council will estimate such items as the creation of footpaths for public usage and the study will define the true market price by taking into account the city’s new Critical Areas and Tree Protection Ordinances.

The property was valued at $1.2 million over a year ago and this appraisal assumes the city’s now outdated ordinances.

Per Catherine Stanford, LFP Deputy Mayor, “The previous appraisal, I think it was about 15-20% of the land was developable, but they didn’t do the deeper dive or look at the current tree ordinances or critical areas.”

In addition, Julian Andersen, LFPSF, said “city council needs to be fiscally responsible for taking on this project and assure that it does not adversely affect the city’s current budget in anyway.” 

And since the city is considering a bridge loan to buy the property before a developer swoops down on it, they must also have an exit plan in place in case the funding cannot be fully accomplished. 

Thus, this exit plan, if funding is not met, could include the option of selling a portion of the property to a developer. This is not what anyone in LFP wants to happen, it is just the worst case scenario and protects the city’s budget.

Saturday walk in the woods July 8 10:30am
LFPSF and Friends of 5AW will continue to reach out to the community through their popular Saturday walk to 5 Acre Woods events (including one this Saturday, July 8th starting at Lake Forest Park Elementary parking lot at 10:30 a.m.) and through encouragement for residents to hold their own home gatherings with friends in which LFPSF will provide a 5 Acres project presentation.

A lot of good ideas are in the channels for getting this done! Please come get involved in any way you can!

LFP resident Jean Monce Bryant wrote a poem that she read to city council on June 29th. A stanza from that poem reads “Seattle is a changing, Lake Forest Park is too, But Magic still abounds in here, Let’s see what we can do.” More of the poem can be found here in this edition.

For more 5 Acre information visit the Lake Forest Park Stewardship Foundation website



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Lake Forest Park finalizes purchase of 5 Acre Woods - now to pay for it

Saturday, December 16, 2017

5 Acre Woods

In September, Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) accepted the City of Lake Forest Park’s $1 million purchase offer for two adjoining, undeveloped parcels near the intersection of 40th Place NE and 45th Place NE, at approximately the 19000 block.

On Friday, December 15, 2017, the City took ownership of the 5.6 acres known as "5 Acre Woods.".

In partnership with the Lake Forest Park Stewardship Foundation, planning is underway to create an urban forest park with trails and an outdoor education space.

The city borrowed from a capital improvement budget to make the purchase and will be paid back with donations.

Grants, pledges, and donations now account for roughly two-thirds of the million dollar cost, including more than $500,000 in grants awarded from King County. The City will seek funding from the state.

During the final push to encourage the City to purchase the forest, the Stewardship Foundation made an agreement to raise funds for the shortfall. If these funds are not raised by late 2018, the City could put a portion of the land up for sale for sale for development.

The Stewardship Foundation reached its first fundraising goal and is now calling for the pledges to come in.

They have expressed great appreciation for the support of the community and are asking for continued financial and volunteer support to help make the park a reality. 
"We have raised over $135,000 to date" and "will need more individual donations to help meet the shortfall."

The Stewardship website has contact information, suggestions for raising funds, and information for making donations, including an online donation site.

Volunteer work parties will begin soon to remove invasive ivy from the trees in the park. They will provide tools and training. If you'd like to join in, email the Stewardship Foundation to join the volunteer list.



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Enjoy some great retro jazz Saturday night and support the 5 Acre Woods project

Thursday, September 28, 2017



Come on out to hear the talented "ZepTet" perform at Grinders at 19811 Aurora Ave N. on Saturday, September 30th 8-10pm.

Thanks to the generosity of band members, they will collect donations for the Stewardship Foundation's 5 Acre Woods project.

Catch the "Vibe" as ZepTet performs as a trio featuring Kevin Boyd on vibraphone supported by LFP's own Dan Benson on bass and Zep on drums.

This is an all ages, family friendly event and children are welcome. Grinders features enormous sandwiches and other dinner items.

PLEDGE donations to help fund the purchase of 5 Acre Woods. Contact Brad Keefe or info@lfpsf.org



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5 Acre Woods work party and opportunity to comment on design - Saturday

Wednesday, April 11, 2018

On Saturday, April 14, from 9:00am to 12:00 noon, you are invited to volunteer with the Lake Forest Park Stewardship Foundation at the newly acquired 5 Acre Woods property. 

Volunteers are asked to meet 9:00am, where the day’s tasks will be removal of invasive ivy and to restore the health of the new park property.

By joining Saturday, you will have the opportunity to comment on Preliminary Concept Design and Potential Park features with City staff and Consultant, the Watershed Company.

Wear sturdy shoes and be prepared for uneven terrain/ mountain beaver holes. Some tools will be provided but feel free to bring your garden shears, loppers, folding hand saws or metal rakes. Leave your power tools at home but don’t forget your gloves!

Dress for the weather (rain or shine) and feel free to bring family and friends to help volunteer at the work party, no experience required! Children 14 yrs and under require parental liability waiver and must be accompanied by parents. There will be a volunteer table to check in and receive direction.

Questions? Contact Polly by email polly@thesaunders.net or phone (206-999-1406).

Directions to 5 Acre Woods Property



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Liberty Mutual employees volunteer at 5 Acre Woods

Thursday, May 16, 2019

Photo courtesy LFP Stewardship Foundation


Liberty Mutual employees exult over the pile of ivy they removed from 5 Acre Woods in Lake Forest Park during one day's work party.

This company gives employees paid time off for volunteer work and our parks are benefiting. They did another day at 5 Acre Woods and an additional day at Grace Cole Nature Park.




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Work party at 5 Acre Woods in LFP Saturday

Wednesday, October 3, 2018

On Saturday, October 6, from 9:00am to 12:00 noon, you are invited to volunteer with the Lake Forest Park Stewardship Foundation at the newly acquired 5 Acre Woods property. 

Volunteers are asked to meet 9:00am, where the day’s tasks will be removal of invasive ivy and to restore the health of the new park property. This month will also focus on planting native plants!

Wear sturdy shoes and be prepared for uneven terrain/mountain beaver holes. Some tools will be provided but feel free to bring your garden shears, loppers, folding hand saws or metal rakes. Leave your power tools at home but don’t forget your gloves!

Dress for the weather (rain or shine) and feel free to bring family and friends to help volunteer at the work party, no experience required! Children 14 yrs and under require parental liability wavier and must be accompanied by parents. There will be a volunteer table to check in and receive direction.

Map to 5 Acre Woods Property

Questions? Contact Polly by email or phone (206-999-1406).



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Gardening: Ivy removal at 5 Acre Woods Saturday

Tuesday, January 2, 2018

Ivy removal at 5 Acre Woods Saturday, January 6, 2018, 9am to noon -- 
Help us take back the Forest from Invasive Plants

Join Lake Forest Park Stewardship Foundation for the 1st official Saturday work party to remove ivy and restore forest health at Lake Forest Park’s new park.

5 Acre Woods - Lake Forest Park - 19000 block of 40th Place NE (located west of the 40th Place NE and 45th Place NE intersection). Parking along 40th Place NE.

Come dressed for all weather – rain or shine. Wear sturdy shoes and be prepared for uneven terrain and mountain beaver holes.

A limited number of tools will be available so bring your garden shears, loppers, folding hand saws or metal rakes but leave your power tools at home. Don’t forget your gloves – some people are sensitive to ivy sap. Children 14 yrs and under require parental liability waiver and must be accompanied by parents. Snacks and water provided.

Check in at the volunteer table to sign a liability waiver and learn what to do. No experience required.

Regular work parties will take place 1st Saturday of the month unless specified otherwise.

More information here. Donations here

Questions: Contact Polly -  206 999-1406


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5 Acre Woods volunteers remove three truckloads of ivy, branches, and logs

Thursday, January 25, 2018

Photo by Rick Bender

Photo by Rick Bender

LFP Public Works gathered three truckloads of ivy, branches and logs that came from the Five-Acre Woods volunteer cleanup efforts.

More than 50 volunteers attended the cleanup event in January.

And there's lots more where this came from! Look forward to future gardening events.

See previous story

5 Acre Woods property is located just north of where 40th Pl NE and 45th Pl NE intersect in Lake Forest Park.


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Suggest a name for 5-Acre Woods

Sunday, March 31, 2019

5 Acre Woods
Photo by Jerry Pickard


The City of Lake Forest Park invites you to submit name suggestions for the newly acquired park property (currently known as SPU or Five Acre Woods property), located at 18678-18998 40th Pl NE, Lake Forest Park, WA 98155.

Name suggestions for the new park must consider the following:
  • Geographical location;
  • Historical or social significance; and
  • Distinctive natural features.
  • The new park may be named after an individual if deceased and have made a significant positive contribution to parks, recreation, culture or quality of like in the community or has donated the land.

The City will collect name suggestions for the new park until the end of the day April 14, 2019

Volunteers of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Board will then rank the suggestions based on a point system reflecting the criteria above. 

A second community vote will then take place from a list resulting from this survey in person at the Arbor Day event April 27, 2019 from 1:00pm to 3:00pm at Animal Acres Park. 

The Parks and Recreation Advisory Board will review options at their May meeting and vote on a recommendation(s) for the park's name that will be presented at a City Council after May 2019.

Hard copies of the survey are also available at the City Hall front desk.

Click Here for the Survey Link



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Poem: Five Acre Woods

Saturday, July 8, 2017

5 Acre Woods
Photo by Jerry Pickard


Five Acre Woods


Five Acre Woods a magical spot
A remnant of our Past
I hope and pray with all my heart
That we can make it last


Seattle it is changing
Lake Forest Park is too
But Magic still abounds in here
Let's see what we can do


The wildlife does reside in here
We wait with baited breath 
Will this last vestige of our Past
Now face a certain death


In Nature we find refuge
From all that Life may bring
For it is true- right in our heart
We're part of Everything


So let's all link our hearts and minds
To see what we can do
The dearest Gift-what Nature brings
That's true for me and you


There is a Presence you will feel
Not in the daily rush
But in the beauty of the space
The lilting of a thrush


Jean Monce Bryant
Lake Forest Park



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Public hearing in Lake Forest Park regarding acquisition of forested land adjacent to Five Acre Woods

Thursday, August 22, 2024

Property adjacent to Five Acre Woods available for purchase
by City of Lake Forest Park
The City of Lake Forest Park invites the public to provide their comments at the upcoming Special City Council Meeting on August 29, 2024. 

The primary agenda item for this meeting is the consideration of Resolution 24-1962, which involves approving the Purchase and Sale Agreement for acquiring property located at 19001 40th Place. 

The agenda for the meeting can be found here.

This 2.43-acre property, located adjacent to Five Acre Woods Park, offers a unique opportunity to preserve a significant urban forest area. 

Purchasing and preserving this property will provide several benefits, including:
  • Expansion of Green Space: The acquisition would expand Five Acre Woods Park, providing more recreational space and enhancing public access to nature.
  • Environmental Preservation: The heavily treed property consists of a second-growth forest, which contributes to local biodiversity, supports wildlife habitats, and helps maintain an ecological balance within the urban environment.
  • Sustainable Development: By preserving the property as a natural area, the City can ensure that the land is not developed by private interests, thereby maintaining the community's character and integrity.
  • Community Health and Well-being: Increased access to natural spaces has been shown to improve mental and physical health, making this acquisition a valuable investment in the well-being of Lake Forest Park residents.
We encourage all community members to attend the meeting and share their thoughts on this significant opportunity to preserve and expand our parkland. Your input is invaluable in shaping the future of our community spaces.

Meeting Details:

Date: August 29, 2024
Time: 6:00 PM
Location: City Hall, 17425 Ballinger Way NE

INSTRUCTIONS FOR ATTENDING THIS MEETING VIRTUALLY:

Join Zoom Webinar: https://us06web.zoom.us/j/82544268482
Call into Webinar: 253-215-8782 | Webinar ID: 825 4426 8482

HOW TO PARTICIPATE WITH ORAL COMMENTS:

If you are attending the meeting in person, there is a sign-in sheet located near the entrance to the Council Chambers. Simply fill the form out, and the Mayor will call your name at the appropriate time. Oral comments are limited to 3:00 minutes per speaker and are not being accepted via Zoom.

The meeting is being recorded.

HOW TO SUBMIT WRITTEN COMMENTS:

Written comments will be submitted to the Council if received by 5:00 p.m. on the meeting date; otherwise, they will be provided to the City Council the next day. The City Clerk will read your name and subject matter into the record during Public Comments.

For more information, please contact City Clerk Matt McLean at 206-364-5440 or mmclean@cityoflfp.gov.


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Standing tall among the Tree Canopy

Tuesday, November 7, 2017

5 Acre Woods
Photo by Jerry Pickard

By Donna Hawkey

InvestigateWest reported in 2016 and once again earlier this year, that Lake Forest Park, Sammamish and Portland all have stronger tree protections (and thus tree canopies) than Seattle, which is playing catch-up, amending tree policies during their now record breaking City development period.

With its unique preservation qualities, Lake Forest Park (LFP) makes news again – being compared favorably with Portland, Oregon. (Will Seattle finally protect its tree canopy - Seattle Weekly)

Earlier this year, LFP Councilmember John Resha worked with the rest of the Council to strengthen the Environmentally Critical Areas ordinance. LFP resident Richard Saunders, who worked with Councilmember Resha on the City’s Planning Commission, reports that

“John played a major role in enhancing the Critical Area Ordinance which increases buffers and enhances restrictions. 
"This ordinance prevents inappropriate development next to streams, steep slopes, wetlands and preserves what most of us feel is the special part of Lake Forest Park.”

The City and its many conservation-minded residents showed their deep respect for the tree canopy with the recent purchase agreement for 5 Acre Woods.

Councilmember Mark Phillips was instrumental in helping to partner the City with the Lake Forest Park Stewardship Foundation (LFPSF). These local volunteers worked tirelessly to help the City secure this special hidden forest gem, which is slated to be a City park as long as all the funding is secured by November, 2018.

If you would like to donate or can help with final funding strategies, contact the LFPSF Fundraising Chair Brad Keefe


Donna Hawkey is a 21-year resident of Lake Forest Park and can be reached here



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LFP Council to vote on cluster housing and review plans for 5 Acre Woods

Thursday, April 26, 2018

The Lake Forest Park city council meets Thursday, April 26 at 7pm at City Hall 17425 Ballinger Way NE, 98155.

The meeting will be preceded by a volunteer reception.

The Watershed Company will present the preliminary plans for 5 Acre Woods.

The council will vote on a moratorium on cluster housing. (See staff documents).



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Volunteer gardening opportunity at 5 Acre Woods Saturday

Thursday, March 1, 2018

On Saturday, March 3, from 9:00am to 12:00 noon, you are invited to volunteer with the Lake Forest Park Stewardship Foundation at the newly acquired 5 Acre Woods property.

Volunteers are asked to meet 9:00am, where the day’s tasks will be removal of invasive ivy and to restore the health of the new park property.

Wear sturdy shoes and be prepared for uneven terrain / mountain beaver holes. Some tools will be provided but feel free to bring your garden shears, loppers, folding hand saws or metal rakes. Leave your power tools at home but don’t forget your gloves!

Dress for the weather (rain or shine) and feel free to bring family and friends to help volunteer at the work party, no experience required! Children 14 yrs and under require parental liability wavier and must be accompanied by parents. There will be a volunteer table to check in and receive direction.

Questions? Contact Polly by email or phone 206-999-1406.




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Parks restoration volunteer opportunities in Lake Forest Park November 5 and 19, 2022

Saturday, October 29, 2022

 
Photo by Jerry Pickard

Parks Restoration Volunteer Opportunities

Five Acre Woods 


Saturday

November 5th

9am-12noon


Location:

City Park Five-Acre Woods

18678-18998 40th Pl NE, Lake Forest Park, WA 98155, USA


The forest is waiting for you!


Questions? 

please email volunteer coordinator polly@gaiaict.com

Grace Cole Nature Park


Saturday

November 19th

9am-12noon


Location:

Grace Cole Nature Park (GCNP)

16735 30th Ave NE, Lake Forest Park, WA 98155, USA


A hidden gem of a park!


Questions?

Contact park restoration lead Jim Mead at jameslmead@comcast.net.


Two opportunities to help restore parks in Lake Forest Park in November. Five Acre Woods on Saturday, November 5, 2022 from 9am - noon and Grace Cole Nature Park on Saturday, November 19, 2022 from 9am - noon.



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Supplemental capital budget has money for 5 Acre Woods

Tuesday, March 27, 2018

Gov. Jay Inslee signs the supplemental capital budget on Tuesday, March 27, 2018.
Sen. David Frockt, D-46, who wrote the budget, stands next to the Gov.
Photo courtesy LSS


A $414 million supplemental capital construction budget signed Tuesday by Gov. Jay Inslee makes significant investments in the Seattle area.

This new funding enhances earlier investments made in the $4.3 billion 2017-2018 capital budget passed in January.

Sen. David Frockt, D-46, who served this year as capital budget writer, was instrumental in breaking gridlock in January, and in drafting the supplemental budget signed today.

“With the new Democratic majority in the Senate, we were finally able to complete the first phase of the capital budget in January,” said Frockt. 

“This supplemental budget builds upon those efforts, focusing on mental health in particular. We also have significant investments in clean water projects to help Puget Sound and the endangered Orca. Additionally, the budget invests in metro Seattle, which is something I have always tried to prioritize during my eight years in Olympia.”

Frockt is particularly pleased with the $2.5 million investment in the modernization and renovation of the Lake City and Magnuson community centers in the North End, the support for Mary’s Place and families experiencing homelessness in the area, and the record investments made in Seattle public schools in both of this year’s capital budgets.

Capital budgets passed this year also make a significant investment in K-12 education. During the 2017-19 biennium, the Seattle School District will receive about $20.8 million in School Construction Assistance Program (SCAP) funding, and about $28 million in distressed school funding.

Projects in the Seattle area include:
  • Mount Baker property cleanup, for the purpose of creating affordable housing in Seattle, $5.1 million
  • Five Acre Woods park acquisition in Lake Forest Park, $300,000
  • Lake City Community Center in Seattle, $500,000
  • Rhododendron Park float and boardwalk in Kenmore, $400,000
  • North Seattle Community College library building renovation, $3.4 million
  • Arboretum waterfront trail renovation in Seattle, $475,000
  • Town Hall historic restoration in Seattle, $1 million
  • Northwest African American Museum exhibit in Seattle, $200,000
  • South Seattle Community College automotive technology renovation and expansion, $260,000
  • A Mary’s Place hub in Burien, which will provide emergency shelter for families, $500,000
  • The Valley Cities modular housing project in Auburn, which will help people transition out of homelessness, $1.5 million
  • Expansion of Evergreen Treatment Services in King County for increased behavioral health capacity, $3 million

Sen. Frockt represents the 46th legislative district which includes Lake Forest Park, Kenmore, and Lake City.



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