FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 8/9/2013
Councilmember Tom Rasmussen
Parks Committee Approves Opportunity Fund Development Project for Capitol Hill
SEATTLE – The Council’s Parks and Neighborhoods committee approved funding to develop parks and recreation facilities and acquisition of land for future parks and open space. Funding will be provided from the 2008 voter approved Parks Levy “Opportunity Fund”. Community groups and individuals in a competitive process nominate parks projects and land for acquisition. The proposals are evaluated by the Parks and Green Spaces Levy Oversight Committee which makes final recommendations to the Mayor, Parks Superintendent, and City Council.
Capitol Hill has one development site for a new park at Federal Avenue E and E Republican Street. This site will be known as Broadway Hill Park. The City acquired the land in 2010 using acquisition funds from the Parks Levy.
“The potential of this site was first brought to me by a nearby Capitol Hill resident,” said Councilmember Tom Rasmussen. “The Parks Department purchased it when a private development project failed due to the recession. I am thrilled that we now have the funds to transform this empty lot into an inviting, vibrant park that will include a community garden,” Rasmussen added.
This round of Opportunity projects totals $8,000,000 for parks improvements and acquisition throughout the City. The complete list of projects and locations can be found online.