Parking Lots at Carkeek Park Closed

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Posted: April 8, 2020

Seattle Parks and Recreation closes additional park parking lots to help slow the spread of COVID-19 and encourage social distancing

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All SPR parking lots along Lake Washington Blvd, Stan Sayers Boat Ramp, Carkeek, Kubota, Woodlawn, and Volunteer parks, the Arboretum, and West Seattle Stadium are immediately closed to parking

SEATTLE (April 8, 2020)  In addition to the 8 major parks already closed to parking, the City of Seattle is closing parking lots at 8 other parks to further encourage social distancing and lessen crowds. Closures are effective immediately at all parking lots along Lake Washington Boulevard; Washington Park Arboretum, Stan Sayers Boat Ramp (boat ramp also closed); Carkeek, Kubota, Woodland Park, and Volunteer parks; and the West Seattle Stadium.  

These parking lot closures are in addition to the closures at Green Lake, Lincoln, Golden Gardens, Seward Park, Magnuson Park (including the boat launch), Gas Works, Alki Beach (including Don Armeni boat launch), and Discovery parks.  

Residents are encouraged to visit any of other 450 local neighborhood parks, or to bike or walk to the larger destination parks, which will remain open for public use.  

“Many of us have been doing a great job at enjoying the outdoors while also practicing social distancing, but we are still observing crowds at some of our larger parks, and pick-up games on fields and courts. We urge you to visit parks closer to home or take walks in your neighborhood. Continuing our social distancing practices is critical to the health of those most vulnerable in our community,” said Jesus Aguirre, Seattle Parks and Recreation Superintendent. 

SPR and SPD will continue to deploy staff to encourage social distancing at highly frequented parks.  

As a reminder, all Seattle beaches are also closed to gatherings, and Rattlesnake Lake Recreation Area and Rattlesnake Ledge Trail are closed. 

Seattle Parks and Recreation continues to ask community members to: 

  • Use social distancing: the most effective tool we have to slow the spread of COVID-19 is social distancing. We are asking people to abide by social distancing guidelines in Seattle Parks. 
  • Visit parks closer to home, and avoid popular parks: If you have to get in the car, it’s too far. Help keep down crowds by visiting parks closer to home or taking a walk in your neighborhood.  
  • Visit larger parks during early morning hours: Parks open at 4:30am, visiting parks early in the morning will help keep crowds down throughout the day.  
  • Do not access off limits equipment or areas:  Seattle and King County have closed all play areas and other high touch areas such as picnic shelters, tables, and outdoor exercise equipment. 
  • Do not congregate in parks: Do not gather. Do not BBQ. Do not play soccer or softball with those outside of your household. Do not play basketball with those outside of your household.  
  • Six feet for activities: Hiking, biking, walking are all great ways to enjoy parks right now, just remember to give a wide berth to your fellow residents. 

Avoid Scams

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Posted: April 2, 2020

Scammers are taking advantage of fears surrounding the Coronavirus.  In response, the Federal Trade Commission has posted information on their website regarding these scams and tips for avoiding them.  I’m including the general tips below.  When you go to this page, I encourage you to look at the Blog Posts and the Scammy Calls About the Coronavirus sections.  Both have numerous articles that you may find helpful.

The below information is courtesy of the Federal Trade Commission

https://www.consumer.ftc.gov/features/coronavirus-scams-what-ftc-doing

Avoid Coronavirus Scams

Here are some tips to help you keep the scammers at bay:

  • Hang up on robocalls. Don’t press any numbers. Scammers are using illegal robocalls to pitch everything from scam Coronavirus treatments to work-at-home schemes. The recording might say that pressing a number will let you speak to a live operator or remove you from their call list, but it might lead to more robocalls, instead.
  • Ignore online offers for vaccinations and home test kits. Scammers are trying to get you to buy products that aren’t proven to treat or prevent the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) — online or in stores. At this time, there also are no FDA-authorized home test kits for the Coronavirus. Visit the FDA to learn more.
  • Fact-check information. Scammers, and sometimes well-meaning people, share information that hasn’t been verified. Before you pass on any messages, contact trusted sources. Visit What the U.S. Government is Doing for links to federal, state and local government agencies.
  • Know who you’re buying from. Online sellers may claim to have in-demand products, like cleaning, household, and health and medical supplies when, in fact, they don’t.
  • Don’t respond to texts and emails about checks from the government. The details are still being worked out. Anyone who tells you they can get you the money now is a scammer.
  • Don’t click on links from sources you don’t know. They could download viruses onto your computer or device.
  • Watch for emails claiming to be from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) or experts saying they have information about the virus. For the most up-to-date information about the Coronavirus, visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO).
  • Do your homework when it comes to donations, whether through charities or crowdfunding sites. Don’t let anyone rush you into making a donation. If someone wants donations in cash, by gift card, or by wiring money, don’t do it.
 

Get some exercise — it helps us physically and mentally

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Posted: March 26, 2020

The current shelter in place requirement can make us feel stressed.  It is well known that exercise helps relieve stress and is good for our bodies.  Seattle Parks and Recreation has good information on ways to get exercise safely.

Here is a link to the Parks Department information.

Seattle Parks and Recreation (SPR) encourages everyone to follow public health guidelines and to practice social distancing to help prevent the spread of COVID-19. While our community centers and pools are currently closed, SPR parks, open spaces, and trails are currently open (with the exception of the Japanese Garden and the Volunteer Park Conservatory).  

Community members are welcome to use our park spaces but please do not congregate, and we ask that you please follow public health guidelines. According to Public Health – Seattle & King County, close contact between people should be avoided (social distancing means staying 6 feet or at least arm’s length away from others).  

Salmon are Imprinting at Carkeek Park

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Posted: March 19, 2020

The salmon volunteers are again this year operating the imprint pond at Carkeek Park.  Salmon fry spend time in the imprint pond to “imprint” the characteristics of the water in Venema Creek.  They return to spawn several years later, “remembering” the creek.

You can visit the pond. When you do the volunteers will ask you to maintain social distance as set out by public health authorities.

Update King County Emergency Quarantine Site

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Posted: March 18, 2020

King County staff are proactively communicating to the public about the emergency quarantine sites that will be set up in Seattle.  Below are links to recent information documents.  One of the sites will be on a site near Aurora Ave. N, 1132 N 128th St.

Frequently Asked Questions

Letter to those nearby the site.

I have participated in two weekly conference calls from King County staff.  If you have questions feel free to contact me.

Dale Johnson

King County Emergency Quarantine Sites

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Posted: March 15, 2020

King County is in the process of setting up emergency quarantine sites for those who cannot quarantine at home or don’t have a home.  King County Council Member Jeanne Kohl-Welles has an article about that. One of these will be 1132 N 128th St near Aurora Ave. N.  On Friday I listened to an online briefing about this site by King County Public Health.  Trailers will be set up on the site that can house one or two people each.  They will each have their own heating and air conditioning unit.  Health and security staff will be on site.  As I get more detail about the site I will share it.  Below is an excerpt from Council Member Kohl-Wells’ newsletter.                                Dale Johnson

Dear friends and neighbors,

As you know, COVID-19 is spreading in King County, with hundreds of cases reported to date. As of Saturday morning, there are 388 confirmed cases in King County (up 60 from yesterday), with 35 confirmed deaths (up 3 from yesterday). We expect the case count to double every 5-7 days.

While most of our residents will be able to safely quarantine (for those who have been exposed or who have symptoms), isolate (for those with confirmed infection), or recover (for those who have been sick and are recovering without hospital intervention) at home – that is not true for everyone. Some who need quarantine, isolation or recovery live in homes with people who are highly vulnerable to COVID-19, and will need to leave their home for the safety of relatives or housemates. Some people who become sick will be travelers passing through town who will need care here. Some will be people who have no homes to be in. We need safe spaces that keep people out of the hospital unless they medically need to be there. This is why a major part of the County’s planned pandemic response includes standing up housing for quarantine, isolation and recovery throughout the county.

To put things in perspective, as of today, Public Health experts believe we will need up to 3,000 or more of these beds in King County before the epidemic passes. That means utilizing land and buildings that are already County-owned, properties lent from other public and private entities, and facilities with move-in-ready resources equipped to meet the unique demands of this emergency.

Four emergency facilities have already been sited: two in Seattle (both in District Four), one in Kent, and one in White Center just southwest of Seattle. On Saturday, the County announced two additional sites, both on the Eastside:

  • Eastgate Parking Lot – A fully self-contained tent, with flooring and heat, has been purchased for use as an isolation and recovery location and will be placed on the county-owned parking lot located at 13620 Eastgate Way in Bellevue. This is a vacant, County-owned 10-acre site just north of I-90. The location will have 24/7 onsite security and health services staff. The site will be available in about a week.
  • Issaquah Motel (new acquisition): King County has finalized a lease of a motel located at 1801 12th Avenue NW in Issaquah. We are currently considering site uses that include expanding medical support for vulnerable populations or isolation for people who do not require significant social support services, as well as step-down medical care for people who do not require hospitalization to maximize available space in regional medical facilities.

These locations are in addition to the ones in District Four near Aurora (1132 N 128th St) and near Interbay (531 Elliott Ave. West). NOTE: For the Interbay location, there will be a community conference call on Monday, March 16th at 11am. Call in information is: 206-263-8114, conference ID 97282462#. There will be a call regarding the Aurora site next week, at a time to be determined.

While much about this virus is still unknown, we are doing our best to prepare for whatever comes next. An informative and interesting prediction on the trajectories of COVID-19 cases is available here: https://www.nytimes.com/2020/03/13/us/coronavirus-deaths-estimate.html  

Neighbors supporting neighbors

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Updated: March 7, 2020

Public Health recommends that people at higher risk of severe illness should stay home and away from large groups of people as much as possible.

https://www.kingcounty.gov/depts/health/communicable-diseases/disease-control/novel-coronavirus/protection.aspx

Look around you… do you have a neighbor who might need a little support? Give them a call and see if you can help…

Do they need medications picked up from the pharmacy? Groceries? Pet food? A library book returned? A package mailed? Compost to get a head start on their garden? 

A small act of kindness can be very helpful in these uncertain times.

 

Give Your Feedback on Seattle Park District Financial Plan

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Posted: March 3, 2020

The community is invited to join the discussion and provide feedback on the Seattle Park District at public meetings.

SPD Banner

 

 

 

Seattle Parks and Recreation (SPR) is currently working on developing the Seattle Park District Financial Plan, which will lay out the funding for the next six years of the Seattle Park District.

Community members are encouraged to learn more and join the discussion in building the next six-year budget by attending a public meeting.

Public Meetings:

  • Delridge Community Center (4501 Delridge Way SW), Monday, March 2 from 6 to 8 p.m.
  • Lake City Community Center (12531 28th Ave. NE), Thursday, March 5 from 6 to 8 p.m.
  • Van Asselt Community Center (2820 S Myrtle St.), Saturday, March 7 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m.

In 2014, Seattle voters approved the Seattle Park District, which provides more than $47 million a year in long-term funding for SPR, including maintenance of parklands and facilities, operation of community centers and recreation programs, and development of new neighborhood parks on previously acquired sites.

The current Seattle Park District funding cycle runs from 2015-2020. The next Seattle Park District Financial Plan will run from 2021-2026 and will be informed by a variety of sources, including our 2019 strategic planning process (in which we talked to over 10,000 community members), public input, and other known parks and recreation system needs.

For more information and additional ways to join the discussion, visit https://www.seattle.gov/seattle-park-district/park-district-planning

Christina Hirsch

Strategic Communications Advisor

Seattle Parks and Recreation

206-684-7241

Broadview Bitter Lake Neighborhood Meeting

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Posted: March 2, 2020

Yes it is Saint Patrick’s Day so wear your green and come join us for updates about the new developments at Northgate, including hockey arenas, Sound Transit Light Rail Station, a pedestrian Bridge over I-5 and the extension of  light rail to NE 130th and NE 145th stations!
 
Also… bring your ideas for the YOUR VOICE YOUR CHOICE project applications in our neighborhood.  
 
We are always looking for volunteers to assist with our meeting set up and break down, making coffee or bringing treats….. or meeting ideas and ways to get the word out to our community.  We are in particular need of IT assistance with our website and blog…  Let us know if you are able to help.
 
We have heard that people don’t want to participate because they think we are a political group.  We are not a political group…  Our mission is to better our neighborhood and keep neighbors informed of opportunities or issues that affect us…. which can include candidate forums when there are upcoming elections…. but also fun stuff   
 
MEETING DETAILS: 
Date: Tuesday, March 17, 2020                                               
Time: 7:00 pm – 8:30 pm.

Doors open at 6:30 pm for socializing.
 Location:  325 North 125th Street, Seattle, WA 98133

                  At the Broadview United Church of Christ
**Please note we meet in the back basement fellowship hall**

This is a regular member meeting of your Broadview-Bitter Lake Community Council…..  There is no special membership.  Everyone is invited to attend!  Donations are encouraged to help support our meeting space, website, meeting supplies, etc.  Donations are taken at the meetings by cash or check or there is a paypal button on our website.

Kindness is a big healer of fear.

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Updated: February 29, 2020

Yesterday I decided to go out and buy some hand sanitary products. I attend a lot of community meetings on many levels, I was thinking it might be a good idea to buy some extra sanitary products to share. I was disappointed to find that Fred Meyers, Bartell Drugs and Amazon were sold out of hands sanitary products. Obviously the news the last few weeks has put a lot of fear in people and there was a run on these products. I can only hope that it was companies buying these products for their employees versus individuals stockpiling.

We are in a serious situation but too much fear can make people overreact.

Don’t panic buy and don’t hoard!

Remember the best advice is from the World Organization of Health:

  • Stay at least 6ft away from obviously sick people.
  • Wash your hands for 20 seconds & more frequently than you do now.
  • Try not to touch your face.

Be helpful to your senior neighbors who are the most vulnerable. Talk to them and see if they might need help.

Here is a simple local website info: https://publichealthinsider.com/2020/02/24/what-happens-if-the-novel-coronavirus-covid-19-spreads-here-a-conversation-with-our-health-officer/amp/?__twitter_impression=true

Also anytime there is a shortage of items, manufacturers of the products will double the price. This is totally unnecessary but here is the recipe to make your own hand sanitizer product.

Recipe: https://www.azfamily.com/news/stores-out-of-hand-sanitizers-here-s-how-to-make/article_6257b43a-5a57-11ea-86e2-f357df7d78bd.html

Please share with family and friends.

Kindness is  big healer of fear.

Susan

 

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