Showing posts sorted by date for query ronald bog. Sort by relevance Show all posts
Showing posts sorted by date for query ronald bog. Sort by relevance Show all posts

6th Annual State of the City highlights year's accomplishments

Monday, June 25, 2018

Attendees gather in the lobby for conversation
Photo by Steven H. Robinson

On June 7, 2018 the City of Shoreline held its annual State of the City Breakfast at City Hall.

Hosted by Mayor Will Hall, the program reviewed accomplishments and looked to the future. Police Chief Shawn Ledford discussed public safety and the new police station. Dan Eernissee, on his last day with the City before going to Everett, reviewed the major economic developments.

Mayor Will Hall addresses the gathering
Photo by Steven H. Robinson

Past year's accomplishments touted by the City:

Economic Base:
  • Implemented the 10 Year Financial Sustainability Strategy by engaging businesses, resulting in adoption of a Business and Occupation tax.
  • Issued over 2,000 permits with $120 million in construction valuation and investments.
  • Completed an interlocal agreement to accelerate review, issuance, and inspection of the Shoreline School District's new and updated school facilities.
Word Cloud exercise: What do you love about Shoreline?
Photo by Steven H. Robinson

Infrastructure:
  • Received $412,859 in grant funding for utility, transportation, and environmental infrastructure improvements,
  • Adopted the 1072-2022 Parks Recreation, and Open Space Master Plan including an Aquatics and Community Center Feasibility Study.
  • Appointed a Sidewalk Citizen Advisory Committee who completed a year-long process to review and submit a prioritized sidewalk plan and funding recommendations to Council.
  • Repaired and replaced over 750 feet of failing surface water pipes and 34 failing catch basins.
  • Adopted Deep Green Building incentive regulations.
  • Completed capital projects including turf replacement at Twin Ponds, regional trail and wayfinding signage, Echo Lake Safe Routes to School, and installation of 4.2 miles of bike lanes.
Word Cloud exercise: what do you think will be the most important
issue in the near future for Shoreline?
Photo by Steven H. Robinson

Mass Transit:
  • Partnered with Sound Transit to conduct the 60% Design Open House for Lynnwood Link light rail.
  • Negotiated with Sound Transit for a high quality wetland mitigation project at Ronald Bog Park.
  • Completed the 148th Street Non-Motorized Bridge and Trail Along the Rail feasibility studies.
Inclusion:
  • All City staff attended a racial equity foundational training.
  • Sponsored several Culture Share events and supported the Bosniak community with a mosque open house and iftar.
  • Held an immigration information forum in Spanish.
  • Sponsored a refugee resettlement panel event.
Safe Community:
  • Held 76 crime prevention and community safety neighborhood meetings.
  • Completed a Crime Prevention through Environmental Design (CPTED) review of Darnell Park in response to resident concerns.
  • Supported over 75 National Night Out block parties; the most ever registered in Shoreline.
  • Conducted four civilian response to active shooter events trainings.
Police calls have increased steadily
Photo by Steven H. Robinson

Chief Shawn Ledford showed how the service calls for police have increased every year. He showed slides of the new police station and the K9 officer and dog who will soon be on duty.

A member of the sidewalk advisory committee discussed their work and findings.



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Photo: Bog Beaver

Friday, June 15, 2018

Photo by Martin De Grazia


This is a very good shot of a North American Beaver who lives at Ronald Bog. They are primarily nocturnal, which is why it is challenging to get photos of them. There have been beavers at Ronald Bog and Twin Ponds for decades.

Generally they live peacefully with their human neighbors. Because their teeth never stop growing, they have a constant need to gnaw on wood, whether they need to build a dam or not.

That has created problems with the native plant gardeners who have worked long hours on cleaning up the vegetation around Ronald Bog. The beavers chewed down all the new saplings.

Finally the volunteers and parks staff built fences around the trees.


DKH



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Photo: Geese at Ronald Bog

Thursday, June 7, 2018

Geese at Ronald Bog
Photo by Martin De Grazia

It's that time of year. Cuteness abounds at every body of water in the area. Soak it up - good for your blood pressure.

DKH



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Meridian Park Neighborhood Association seeks additional board members

Wednesday, May 2, 2018

Ronald Bog

Meridian Park residents, are you curious about your neighborhood?

Did you know:
  • Your neighborhood is the newest in Shoreline? It was not designated as an official neighborhood until 1995 when Shoreline became a city. The boundaries are Highway 99 to I-5, and N 160th St to N185th St.
  • Your neighborhood is steeped in history? But how could that be, given the first fact? The significance of the area goes back before settlers arrived when wetlands between Cromwell Park and Ronald Bog provided cranberries for native Duwamish families to harvest.
  • Your neighborhood has more parks within its boundaries than any other neighborhood in Shoreline? There are 5, ranging in size from Ronald Bog at 13.6 acres to Darnell Park at less than an acre.
  • You have an active Neighborhood Association? Meridian Park Neighborhood Association hosts monthly meetings on the third Tuesday of the month at Shoreline City Hall (in your neighborhood, too). Meetings are informative and engaging, a great way to find out what is happening in Meridian Park, and in the City. This is also an opportunity to get to know your neighbors.
In addition, if you have great ideas to implement with the MPNA team, and/or generally want to be of service in Meridian Park Neighborhood, visit this webpage and apply to become a candidate for the Board of Directors.

All are welcome. Applications are due by May 10, and elections will be held at the May 15th meeting. If you have questions regarding the application or Board responsibilities, please contact us by calling Cynthia Knox at 206-218-3302 or emailing us.

We can tell you that getting involved in our neighborhood is both rewarding and fun! Meridian Park Neighborhood Association does not discriminate based on age, sexual orientation, gender identity, ethnic origin, religious beliefs, marital status, size, or physical ability.

Upcoming meetings:

Hear from Shoreline City Staff on May 15 about the future of Meridian Park; residential and business construction/development, traffic, parks, schools, the 185th St. project, and more.

Learn laws and tips on June 18 on how to get your neighbors together, close off your block to traffic and have a memorable party on National Night Out this summer.

To see archived videos of past MPNA meetings, visit our website. We hope you will join us at an upcoming meeting so you can get to know us. We look forward to getting to know you!



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Shoreline Parks / Tree board to discuss Ronald Bog easement

Sunday, April 22, 2018


Regular meeting Thursday, April 26, 2018, 7:00 - 9:00pm
City Hall Room 303


The Parks Board will discuss the Ronald Bog Park Wetland Easement and the Park Concept Design Study at their meeting on Thursday.

Wetland easement background - documents here
In February and April of 2017 the PRCS/Tree Board provided input and concurred with the staff recommendation to allow Sound Transit proposal to the create new wetland and wetland buffer in Ronald Bog Park as mitigation for unavoidable wetland impacts within the same Thornton Creek sub-basin for construction of the Lynnwood Link Light Rail Extension (LLE) Project

Park Concept Design background - documents here, start with p. 18
Shoreline’s 2017-2023 Parks, Recreation and Open Space (PROS) Plan lays the groundwork for parks, recreation and cultural services for many years to come.

PROS Plan Strategic Action Initiative #3: Expand Recreation Facility Opportunities establishes a goal of providing new park amenities by 2023. In addition, the six-year Capital Improvement Plan (PROS Plan Table 6.5) prioritizes a list of parks for improvements by 2023.

The Parks Concept Design Project is intended to engage the community in creating a more detailed design for selected parks in order to facilitate developing a funding plan for implementation of park improvement.



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Insurance Commissioner: Flood insurance

Wednesday, March 7, 2018

Photo courtesy City of Lake Forest Park 2011
From the Office of the Insurance Commissioner

Homeowner and commercial insurance policies typically do not cover flood damage.

If your property is located in a flood-prone area (a "Special Flood Hazard Area"), your lender will likely require you to have flood insurance.

Even if you live in a minimal or moderate flood hazard area, you may still want to buy flood insurance.

Flood insurance is widely available through FEMA National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) 

You can check your flood risk by contacting your local insurance agent.

There are, however, limits to federal flood insurance. For commercial structures, for example, the NFIP maximum is $500,000 for the building and $500,000 for the contents. Even small businesses may need supplemental coverage.

National Flood Insurance Program policies go into effect 30 days after the policy is written, unless the policy is required to qualify for a mortgage.

Surplus line policies typically don't have a waiting period.

Ronald Bog about to overflow its banks
Photo by Janet Way
If you have a flood:
  • Don't attempt to drive through flooded roadways.
  • Check for structural damage before re-entering your home or business. Flood-damaged buildings can collapse. Be cautious about gas leaks or energized wiring in flooded basements.
  • If you have damage, call your insurer or agent.
  • Take photos or video. Make a list of lost or damaged items.
  • Even if you didn't have flood insurance, you may qualify for some federal emergency grants or loans.
  • Talk to your insurer before making permanent repairs or disposing of damaged property.
  • Save receipts from any mitigation efforts (sandbags, pumps, etc.) for possible insurer reimbursement.
  • If you have to move, make sure your insurer or agent has a way to reach you.
  • Save receipts for temporary repairs, temporary housing, food, etc.

Other information:



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Bog Dweller: Goslings on the Bog

Thursday, March 1, 2018

Photo by Martin DeGrazia

It's just a little too early for goslings - this family is from last year. But spring is coming and new babies with it.

Bog Dweller Martin De Grazia captured this charming photo of a family of Canadian Geese escorting their goslings around Ronald Bog in central Shoreline (N 175th and Meridian).



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Photo: Denizens of Ronald Bog

Sunday, February 18, 2018

Photo by Martin DeGrazia

This moment of cuteness is brought to you by Bog dweller Martin DeGrazia, who knows all the denizens of Ronald Bog on a first name basis. I think this little one is flirting with him - note the saucy angle of the head.
DKH



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Photo: Blue Heron at The Bog

Sunday, February 4, 2018

Blue heron at The Bog
Photo by Martin De Grazia

Martin De Grazia takes wonderful wildlife photos at The Ronald Bog - I need to publish more of them. this is one he took in 2012 of a Blue Heron in the shallow waters.

DKH


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Volunteers head west along Thornton Creek to remove invasive weeds

Wednesday, December 13, 2017

Volunteers at Twin Ponds south

The southern end of Twin Ponds Park will be the site of a volunteer work party on Saturday, December 16 from 10:00am to 1:00pm, rain or shine.

Shoreline citizens have embarked on an effort to restore native habitat along Thornton Creek in Twin Ponds Park. With new trees established by volunteers in November, workers will move westward along the creek to other areas overcome with weeds.

Everyone is invited to come work along First Avenue one block North of NE 149th St across from Aegis Assisted Living at the southern part of the park. The project site is adjacent to the parking lot near 149th St.

Stewards trained in environmental restoration by the Washington Native Plant Society have been leading efforts to recover valuable habitat along Thornton creek. Volunteers have removed enough weeds to fill more than two large dumpsters.

This riparian and wetland area once sheltered spawning salmon. This fall as the weeds were removed, valuable native plants that still survive were revealed.
Volunteers have found licorice fern, lady fern and wild lily of the valley, plus water parsley that grows in the stream with salmonberry shrubs and willow trees nearby. Perhaps small mammals, fish, amphibians and reptiles will find the stream area habitable again. Birds and pollinating insects should also increase.
River otters in Ronald Bog.
Otters have appeared in Twin Ponds.
Photo by Martin De Grazia

Recently, river otters showed up in the park. This may become a spot where park visitors can experience a more natural environment with an opportunity for study and learning about wildlife habitat. 

If our restoration goals are to be met, we will need regular help from local citizens and neighbors. We hope you are able to join us on Saturday.

Please dress in warm layers. Bring water, boots, rain gear, work gloves and your own tools if you have them. Some gloves, tools, light snacks and water will be provided. Park near 149th Street near the southern end of the park across from Aegis Assisted Living. Parking lot may be full. (Avoid the lot at 155th St.) Contact us at twinpondssouthhabitat@gmail.com to let us know you are coming or for questions you may have.

This project is sponsored by the Shoreline Department of Parks and Recreation, King Conservation District and the Washington Native Plant Society.



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Augmented Nature exhibition explores nature, art, and technology in Shoreline Parks

Monday, December 11, 2017

Big Brother plays a video at night
Photo by David Francis

Augmented Nature exhibition explores nature, art, and technology in Shoreline Parks.

This temporary outdoor art exhibition, located in several public parks in Shoreline, explores the boundary between nature, art, and technology.

As a means of celebrating the years of planning and fundraising that went into the project, City of Shoreline will host an artists’ reception at City Hall Shoreline on Thursday, December 14, 2017, from 6:30 – 8:30pm, 17500 Midvale Ave N, Shoreline, 98133, E-line bus or free parking in the City garage.

Funded in part by a grant from 4Culture, the project features the work of five artists working in collaboration on a variety of installations. Images and videos from the installations will be displayed on monitors in the lobby along with light refreshments.

Big Brother at night
Photo by David Francis
Big Brother, an experimental, solar-powered video projection installed at Shoreview Park, 700 NW Innis Arden Way, 98177, by Alan Fulle and Workshop 3d with daily screenings at 4:30, 5:00, 5:30, and 6:00pm through May 30, 2018

Faux-Forest Service Signs, three wooden signs on posts made by Joel Kennedy that when viewed with a downloadable app provides additional augmented reality content (Workshop 3d), including a sweeping historical panorama called Known Unknowns by Ken Winnick; through May 30, 2018 at Shoreview Park, 700 NW Innis Arden Way, 98177.  

Known Unknowns
Known Unknowns uses a combination of historical and contemporary photographs to create a synthetic panorama that tells a hyperlocal story of the area around Shoreview Park.

Many Colors of Green: Shoreline, an ongoing project by City Meditation Crew that crowdsources iPhone imagery with meditative walking (Hamlin, Ronald Bog, South Woods Parks); additional support from Michigan Technical University.

There are actually at least three distinct displays at the park,
1) The movie in the trees,
2) "known unknowns" synth pano
3) Ice age AR, down in the woods.



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Public Works taking it slow for new maintenance facilities

Tuesday, December 5, 2017

Part of the North Maintenance Facility will be
converted to an open channel creek and flood storage
Photo by Steven H. Robinson


By Diane Hettrick


After failing to obtain approval for a consolidated maintenance facility in Hamlin Park, the Shoreline Public Works department is reassessing and evaluating the properties available to them.

The plan now is to divide resources between multiple areas rather than consolidating as a single facility.

Public Works Director Randy Witt says, "Following guidance from the City Council we are looking at the existing properties for locating city maintenance facilities. 
"Currently, we are considering which operations can go to which property, what improvements are necessary to support operations at the different properties, and what the capital and operating costs would be for each of the properties."

The department can utilize four existing City properties for long-term City maintenance operations.

The properties are:
  1. Hamlin Yard (current maintenance facility site),
  2. North Maintenance Facility near Brugger's Bog Park
  3. Brightwater Portal Property on Ballinger Way
  4. Ronald Wastewater District property on Linden

The Brightwater Portal property on Ballinger Way is being leased to the US Postal Service for up to two years as parking for their postal delivery vans. The City retains ownership of the property.

The North Maintenance Facility on 25th NE next to Brugger's Bog Park will be reduced in size under current plans to develop an open channel creek and flood storage area through the site. Assuming the City Council approved construction, it's possible that the remainder of the current facility could be used a maintenance function.

Witt says, "We expect to report our findings and recommendation to the Council this coming summer."



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Photo: Blondie

Tuesday, November 21, 2017

Photo by Bruce Hill

I just realized that I don't think of ducks as birds. Birds are those speedy little creatures darting around the trees checking for bugs, taking baths in bird baths and puddles, and eating from colorful bird feeders.

Ducks are big and noisy and use lakes for their baths. They're like the tamest, calmest form of wildlife. They don't eat your cats like the coyotes do, steal your fish catch or raid your pond like the otters do. They don't eat your tulips, or munch on your garden like the deer do.

In fact, they usually stay out of your yard, and you have to go to them at Echo Lake, Ronald Bog, Twin Ponds, Bitter Lake, and the catchment pond at the I-5 interchange.

They have adorable, clumsy babies who fall down sewers and have to be rescued. They march their babies across busy roads, halting traffic.

They're noisy and if there are too many of them, they can leave a serious amount of poo behind.

But they are pretty and entertaining to watch. They are in a special category of their own.

--Diane Hettrick


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City Council takes Hamlin Park off the maintenance facility list as supporters pack the Council meeting Monday

Tuesday, October 10, 2017

Ridgecrest resident Janet Way organized the opposition
joined by dozens of residents from all over the city.
The Beck family, mother Veronica, son Otto, and daughter Etta
made their own signs.
Photo by Wayne Pridemore

By Diane Hettrick

Every seat was taken at the Shoreline City Council meeting Monday, October 9, as Hamlin Park supporters rallied to express their opposition to the proposal to clear cut several acres of Hamlin Park for a public works maintenance facility.

Hamlin Park is an 80 acre forest on 15th NE in Shoreline, north of the Fircrest facility and Public Health Lab.

Residents showed up to the council meeting October 9
Photo by Wayne Pridemore


The public works and parks department are struggling with inadequate facilities, small spaces which are spread throughout the city. They are increasing hours for maintenance staff, from part-time to full-time. They are planning for the assumption of Ronald Wastewater staff and equipment.

They are also planning for space to assume the Shoreline portion of the Seattle Public Utilities water department - a plan which has been on hold since Ed Murray was elected Seattle's mayor.

Brugger's Bog property in 2013
Photo by Steven H. Robinson


Public Works, under previous leadership, led the city to purchase and shut down a King county maintenance facility on 25th NE just off Ballinger Way. Plans were made to use it as the primary maintenance yard. It has now been decided that the site is inadequate, on wetlands, and far too close to Brugger's Bog and Ballinger Creek, which is proposed for daylighting.

Staff were tasked with evaluating potential sites, all on city-owned land. The goal was to have space for staff, for all the public works and parks maintenance trucks, a fuel station, washing station, and all the supplies, such as sand and gravel.

Current one acre maintenance yard at Hamlin Park
Photo courtesy City of Shoreline


Sites under consideration were Keough Park (briefly), Brugger's Bog, Ballinger Portal, Hamlin Park, and sometimes the Ronald Wastewater property (after the assumption into the City). It was clear that Hamlin Park was the favorite because it was potentially the largest.

People lined up to speak against the proposal
Photo by Wayne Pridemore

However, it would have meant expanding the current one acre site to four acres, clear cutting the trees and pouring concrete. It would also have meant cutting a new road through the trees.

It was a suggestion in conflict with the city's role as a Tree City, the Parks department goal to acquire more park space, the King County Million Tree initiative, and the City's own initiatives to combat climate change.

Ridgecrest resident Gini Paulson said that preservation
of trees and greenbelts are important to
Shoreline's future generations
Photo by Wayne Pridemore
Ironically, at the same time that Shoreline was considering cutting several acres of forest, Lake Forest Park was raising money to purchase five acres of forest in their city.

Shoreline council members heard from citizens opposed to the Hamlin Plan. Save Hamlin Park signs sprinkled the city. And Monday's council meeting was packed.

At Monday's meeting, Councilmember Jesse Salomon introduced a resolution to take Hamlin Park off the list. The council members voted unanimously in agreement.



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Rally Friday protested recommendation for maintenance facility in Hamlin Park

Saturday, August 12, 2017

Residents rally against use of Hamlin Park
for Shoreline Maintenance facility


By Diane Hettrick

The Shoreline Public Works department wants to consolidate all its operations in one location. This would include large commercial vehicles, decant, salt and sand for snow and ice operations, dumpsters and bins for bulk materials storage. Also a fuel station and wash facilities for large commercial vehicles.

At the July 31 City Council meeting study item on the topic, staff recommended Hamlin Park.

Hamlin Park lies between 15th NE and Shorecrest / Kellogg schools on 25th. It is forest, rather than a park, full of walking trails, and deeply loved and heavily used by the community.

The sites under consideration were:

1. North Maintenance Facility on 25th NE next to Brugger's Bog. It is deemed to be too small and too close to critical wetlands and a stream.

2.  Ballinger portal. This is land next to the now finished Brightwater portal. It lies on Ballinger Way in the business district and is unused.

3.  Ronald Wastewater on 175th and Linden. Some equipment is kept there now, but the site too small for a consolidated facility.

4.  Keough Park. This is a large and mostly unused park that lies right next to I-5 at about N 167th.

5.  Buying unspecified property in Shoreline.

Not considered was an offer by North City Water District to co-locate at their new property at 155th and 15th NE at the site of the former Northwest Church.

The site plans include space to house facilities for Seattle Public Utilities water in Shoreline, in spite of the fact that negotiations for Shoreline to take over that part of the water district stopped when Mayor Murray was elected in Seattle. See previous article.

The decision is up to the City Council at this point.



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Annual Rotary maintenance work event in the Shoreline Rotary Conifer Arboretum

Sunday, July 9, 2017

Shoreline Rotary members maintain the
Rotary Conifer Arboretum in Ronald Bog


Members of the Rotary Club of Shoreline held their annual maintenance work event at the Shoreline Rotary Conifer Arboretum in Ronald Bog Park on Saturday July 8, 2017.

The work completed by members included cleaning of the Kiosk, weeding the sedums on the Kiosk roof, trail maintenance, installation of trunk protection on newer trees, watering of trees, and general clipping and pruning of vegetation.

The weather was great and the members had an enjoyable outing. Future projects in the Arboretum were scoped out.

The Rotary Club of Shoreline, in 1991 initiated projects in the park including flower bulb and tree plantings. In 1997, the Shelter was constructed by the Shoreline Breakfast Rotary Club.

About 10 years ago, the Kiosk was constructed and there was a City of Shoreline dedication involving community leaders including Rotarians.

Over the years, many native conifer tree species have been planted in the Arboretum. Also, a walking path has been constructed throughout the site.

In collaboration with the City of Shoreline, recently a change was made on the entrance sign to include Rotary and the ‘wheel’. Rotary is now connected to the Arboretum including the Kiosk. 

Annually, Rotary volunteers maintain the Arboretum including the Kiosk.

This year volunteers included Rotarians Dick Nicholson and Diane Pottinger (Shoreline Rotary Parks / Environmental team leaders); Robert Brouillard, Ray Coffey, Bill Forney, Bob Hauck, Leonid Kisselev, Bill and Judy MacCully, Andrew Thurman, and Angie Yu.

The Community is encouraged to come out and enjoy the Arboretum located at 2301 N 175th St, Shoreline.

--Dick Nicholson




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Second Public Open House for Shoreline 2017 Surface Water Master Plan

Wednesday, July 5, 2017

Ronald Bog in 2014
Photo by Janet Way
Thursday, July 13, 6:00 to 8:00pm, Shoreline City Hall Council Chamber, 17500 Midvale Ave N, 98133.

The City of Shoreline Surface Water Utility is preparing the 2017 Surface Water Master Plan to address drainage and water quality challenges associated with growth, increasing regulations, and aging infrastructure.

The Master Plan will guide the Surface Water Utility for the next five to ten years and includes recommendations for capital improvements, programs, and a financial plan for long-term asset management.

The open house will feature an update on the Master Plan progress and there will be an opportunity for the public to provide input on the Utility Management Strategy and to provide feedback on improvements and priorities for the next five to ten years.

It will also provide customers with a general understanding of the Utility and an opportunity for the City to listen to the community, solicit innovative ideas, and receive public input regarding their concerns and experiences.

A key objective of the Master Plan is to identify improvements that will help the Utility meet levels of service that reflect the expectations of customers and that are appropriately in line with Utility rates. This requires a clear understanding of customers’ needs, expectations, and preferences.

The Surface Water Utility is also seeking feedback via a questionnaire from customers on their understanding of the Surface Water Utility, services, and current expectations of levels of service.

The questionnaire is available online and in person at a workstation during the open house. The questionnaire will remain online until July 16 at 5:00pm.

Learn more at the Surface Water Master Plan page.

7-7-17 Updated with link to survey



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For the Birds: Who has black birds? Shoreline has black birds!

Sunday, May 7, 2017

Common Raven Photo by Alexandra MacKenzie

By Christine Southwick

When you think of black-colored birds, do you think of Crows and Ravens? Shoreline has both.

Most everyone knows the “I’d rather-hop-than-fly” antics of the road-cleaning American Crow. These black birds “Caw”, have a smooth-looking throat, and squar-ish tail. They are usually seen with several other crows, and roost by the thousands every night at the Community College in Bothell. In the mornings they fly from the roost to their apparently designated foraging locations for that day, before returning each evening for their nightly social exchanges.

American Crow
Photo by Christine Southwick
I have only heard Common Ravens here in Shoreline during spring and fall, but they can be found year round throughout the state. Ravens can weigh four times as much as crows.

They have extra feathers on their throats making their throats look shaggy; have a wedge-shaped tail, and are usually seen with their mate, or solitarily, but not in flocks.

They avoid congested urban areas since they prefer quieter places — coastlines, high cliffs, and tall trees are good places to look/listen for ravens. They can be found eating large road-kill. The most reliable ID for most people is hearing their loud, usually resounding “Gronk”. Crows can’t make that sound. Ravens in flight will soar, whereas crows don’t.

Red-winged Blackbird, male Photo by John Riegsecker
Shoreline does have real Blackbirds —Brewer’s Blackbirds and Red-winged Blackbirds.

Red-winged Blackbirds are seen in wetlands in the spring. Look/listen for them at Cromwell Park and Echo Lake, our two biggest cattail wetlands.

Paramount Open Space and Ronald Bog, or any other wild damp area could have Red-winged Blackbirds. The males puff up their red and yellow epaulets to impress the dark brown-streaked females and warn away other male Red-winged Blackbirds.

Brewer's Blackbird, male by Stephanie Colony
Brewer’s Blackbirds are here all year long. I usually notice them in the winter gleaning who-knows-what from the asphalt of local parking lots. They eat insects, grains and seeds.

Our local population increases in the winter with Canadian populations flying westward to enjoy our milder winter climate. The males are the handsome ones with glossy feathers reflecting black, midnight-blue, purple, and greens.

They have bright yellow eyes and often have a pugnacious attitude. Being comfortable around humans, they will turn and stare at you, but they are not aggressive. The females are gray-brown with a dark tint, have dark eyes, and are often under-appreciated next to those handsome males.



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Shoreline Parks board Thursday

Tuesday, April 25, 2017

Kayu Kayu Ac Park
Photo by Steven H. Robinson
Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services / Tree Board Regular Meeting, Thursday, April 27, 2017, 7:00 - 9:00pm, City Hall Room 303, 17500 Midvale Ave N. 98133

 Agenda Highlights

  •     Election of Chair and Vice-Chair (Action)
  •     Annual Reports by Community Partners
  •         Shoreline Historical Museum
  •         Shoreline-Lake Forest Park Arts Council
  •         Kruckeberg Botanic Garden
  •     Ronald Bog Park Wetlands Proposal (Action)
  •     Synthetic Turf Infill Material (Action)
  •     Draft PROS Plan Distribution

Link to the Community Calendar for the full agenda and packet materials

Comment on Agenda Items



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Public Art City of Shoreline #7: The Ponies

Thursday, April 13, 2017

Photo by Steven H. Robinson


City of Shoreline Public Art Collection
2301 N 175th St.
Anonymous Donation 1998

Ponies  Artist Unknown. Cast bronze

The ponies were donated to the City with the stipulation that they be placed in a highly traveled, but park-like location. Ronald Bog Park as a passive-use, natural environment along a busy thoroughfare is the perfect place for the public to view this artwork.

--Text courtesy City of Shoreline



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