Seattle Mayor lifts couch cushions: finds $7M.

I’m not exactly sure how we missed this, but the Mayor just found $7M in the General Fund and he’s looking at you skateboarder.

Because they were largely following the skatepark-free Seattle Parks Development Plan of 2000, the original Pro Parks Committee glanced over the need for skateparks when they were tasked with allocating the funds. When the voters passed the Levy in 2000, they approved $198.2 million dollars for park improvement, acquisition, restoration, and development. Remarkably, none of that money was set aside for skatepark development.

(Note: The 2006 plan that replaces the 2000 directive also says nothing about skateparks.)

On September 19th, we reported that the Mayor’s budget proposal contains a line item for skateparks, for the first time in Seattle’s history. Because the Pro Parks levy is running out this year, the Mayor has decided to pull some additional money out of the General Fund and run it through the Pro Parks Committee for allocation. This time, the Parks Department via the Mayor is not leaving it entirely up to the Committee to allocate the funds, lest they forget something.

The Parks/Mayor’s suggestion, delivered to us via smoke signal, is that some of the $7M supplemental Parks Levy money be used for skatepark projects at Delridge, Roxhill, and Judkins Parks:

“As part of his 2008 proposed budget, Mayor Greg Nickels will infuse Seattle neighborhoods with a one-time $7 million “Orphaned Parks Wish Fund.” If adopted by the City Council, this would be one of the largest funds of its kind in the city’s history. Every neighborhood will be eligible for funding to improve its parks.

“We are fortunate to have so many beautiful and well-used parks in virtually every neighborhood in Seattle. Unfortunately, some have become orphaned over the years. This wish fund will allow people to apply for funds for their favorite park projects,” said Nickels. Applicants for funding will go through a competitive process, utilizing the existing Pro Parks Levy Opportunity Fund system.

Skateboarders in Seattle have always been treated more like stepchildren, cast aside while all the love went to those other more established recreants like Lawn Bowlers and Frisbee Golfers…but ‘orphans’ works. The real news here is that the process to secure these funds for your “favorite park project” is competitive.

Who’s in for another year-long process? (dates will obviously change but the process will be similar)