2008 Mayor’s budget includes skatepark allocation
Seattle Mayor Greg Nickels has presented his proposed budget for 2008 to the City Council, and for the first time in Seattle’s history the word ‘skateparks’ appears in a Seattle Mayor’s budget proposal. The Mayor also acknowledges the Skatepark Master Plan, which he strangely decided not to sign, and has kept a safe political distance from up to this point.
“Skateparks. Providing $365,000 to fund the next steps to implement the skatepark master plan. This will include funding for a new “skate spot†at Dahl Playfield and small facilities known as “skate dots†in several other locations.”
In the context of Seattle being way behind the curve on skateparks (…to use a favorite Nickels phrase…), this is a positive move. However, the amount suggested can barely build one skatepark, and Seattle needs bona fide skateparks way more than the tiny skatedots, which are meant to be supplemental. It also allocates resources for yet another North end park, while South and West Seattle skaters are still left driving to Ballard or Lower Woodland in order to ride.
Concerned citizens should call or write an email to the City Council and Mayor Nickels using the contact info below, and let them know that they need to up the ante on skateparks already, and aim for a wider geographical distribution. The skatepark master plan suggests several priority projects in the South and West, and calls for allocations closer to $1.5M for 2008.
Greg Nickels – (206) 684-4000 or greg.nickels@seattle.gov
Seattle City Council Budget Committee: (206) 684-8888 or budget@seattle.gov
So here’s what I see. I see a City, Seattle, with all kinds of social justice problems from homelessness to affordable housing. I see a city where multi-million dollar companies run the show while people who do the real work are leaving because they can pay the rent. I see skateboards wanting the Seattle city government to spend money on skate parks went poor neighborhoods go without street lights, sidewalks, new schools, and parks of any kind. Where is the justice in sending 1.5 million on concert when some people don’t have enough to eat. Governments place is to care for the sick and the poor. Governments place is NOT to build concert bowls for rich kids. If you want a skate park fine, but build it with private money not government money.
Please join forces with skateboarders and you will see that it is the most positive, enriching thing you can do for the community. It is about kids and families from all walks of life, being healthy and learning how to make it happen. Don’t be Anti-Skate. Check us out. Get involved. Feel empowered. Skateparks will care for the sick and poor.
This morning, we planted 105 trees/plants that were donated to River City Skatepark. Here is more info-
“We had a great turnout for the cleanup and tree planting at the park
today. We were initially daunted by the five foot tall grass and
blackberries, but the group was strong and we beat the grass and
planted over 100 trees and shrubs and spread 20 yards of mulch (two
dumptrucks full!) – in just over three hours. Pass by and take a
look. The plants will be more visible once we get WSDOT to mow the
grass on the highway onramp, but it is a great change to the
overgrowth that was there before.
Including the trees we planted in February, there are now 70 new trees
and 60 new shrubs on the site.
The plants are northwest native – meaning that they tolerate our wet
winters and very dry sumers without irrigation. We will water them
for the first two summers to help them get established.
Huge thanks to Seattle Works, Washington Mutual, ECOSS, the neighbors
and long time skatepark volunteers (we’re coming up on our THIRD
year…) who came out and made it a great event. Thanks to Mighty-O
donuts, Washington Chain, All City coffee and Seattle Works for the
great snacks.
We are still waiting for out SEPA approval – it should be complete in
February, so Grindline will be able to start building as soon as the
rain breaks a bit. You will see the ‘master use permit apliocation’
sign on the site in the next few weeks – don’t worry, we aren’t
building condos.”