LETTER TO THE EDITOR | February 1, 2017

Smith Cove Park: Is bathroom a priority?

In a presentation to the Seattle Design Commission, the Smith Cove Park architect, GGN, concluded that, based on an Oc. 6 public meeting, a public restroom is not a priority.  Thus, a completed public restroom would not be included in the initial design.

In another surprising development, the architects indicated that an off-leash area for dogs would not be constructed initially, even though the off-leash area had been included in the most recent sketches Parks provided to the Friends of Smith Cove Park. Instead GGN prioritized parking for food trucks and a bike pump track, items that never came up in public meetings.

Design Commissioners stated that the waterfront should be more accessible. A Commissioner indicated that waterfront access should be the first  priority after the ball fields. 

The Design Commission made the following recommendation to Seattle Parks:

1. That the Design Team provide more attention to shoreline access;

2. That the Design Team provide for a completed restroom.

Seattle Parks & Recreation requests that interested people attend a public meeting February 8 to review the schematic design for this new park property. The meeting will be held from 6:30 – 8:00 p.m., Magnolia Community Center, 2550 34th Ave W, Seattle, 98199. Comments may also be directed to David Graves of Seattle Parks: Phone:(206) 684-7048, Email: David.Graves@seattle.gov.

More information regarding the development of Smith Cove Park is available at SeattleSmithCovePark.org.

 

Bruce Carter

Friends of Smith Cove Park