It’s a Walk in the Park – 2009 Planning

Seattle Parks and Recreation will host public meetings to gain input on enhancing and improving the It’s a Walk in the Park program that encourages use of parks without cars.

The nearest meeting to Pinehurst will be held: Thursday, November 20, 6:30 to 8 p.m. at Green Lake Community Center (Teen Room), 7201 E Green Lake Dr. N.

All meetings have the same format and input taken need not pertain to the part of the City where the meeting is held. All meetings will focus on the program citywide.

Parks would like public input on potential additional locations and ideas on how to make the most of opportunities to enjoy parks without cars. Parks is seeking suggestions for:

• A park where a road closure could enhance park enjoyment without overly restricting access to the park overall.
• A location for a one-time event.
• A location for monthly program activities, especially one that is good for weekdays.
• Types of activities to feature at one-time or monthly events, especially for weekdays, to promote the program and its goals.

It’s a Walk in the Park road closures ran twice a week mid-August through September in 2008. Locations included Volunteer Park, Seward Park and Lake Washington Boulevard.

The program is part of Seattle Parks’ focus on supporting health in our communities and fighting global warming by reducing car usage. It promotes opportunities for walking, bicycling and other forms of human-driven motion. It supports the Healthy Parks, Healthy You initiative, and is part of the Climate Action Now initiative.

The information gained from the public meetings will be used to create a recommendation to the Board of Park Commissioners and Superintendent regarding changes to the program for 2009. For those unable to attend the public meetings, Seattle Parks and Recreation is also taking public input via the internet. Written comments carry equal weight with comments made in person.

For more information and to submit written comments, please visit www.seattle.gov/parks/walk.htm, where there is a link to the input form, or call Karen Tsao at 206-733-9107.