After the unprecedented number of comments from our readers (90 as of Monday morning), it’s safe to say that there’s plenty of interest in the future of Beaver Pond Natural Area, which is located at the north end of Maple Leaf and just east of Northgate Mall.
Want to help guide the future for the park? You’re invited to add your 2 cents at a planning meeting for the park’s restoration project from 7-9 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 11, at Northgate Community Center, 10510 Fifth Avenue N.E. Even if you aren’t ready to state your opinion, the meeting will offer a good opportunity for you to learn more about the plan with presentations on background studies and site analysis from Seattle Parks and Recreation and The Watershed Company. From the meeting announcement:
This project modifies the existing park, refines and completes channel work in portions of the park by relocating two portions of Thornton Creek, removes invasive plants and restores native habitat.
Beaver Pond Natural Area on Thornton Creek consists of several contiguous parcels located near the Northgate Community Center and continues northeasterly into the Maple Leaf neighborhood. It is bordered by NE 103rd and NE 107th streets to the south and north, by 5th Avenue NE to the west, and by Roosevelt Way NE to the east. The park includes the South Branch of Thornton Creek, wooded areas, wetlands, and several trails. Visitors will see a wide variety of wildlife including an active beaver pond. There are several major access points located at the south end of the park, on NE 105th Street, and at the corner of NE 106th Street and 9th Avenue NE
This project is one of 15 projects to receive funding through the first round of the Parks and Green Spaces Levy Opportunity Fund. The Opportunity Fund provides $15 million in funding for community initiated park development or property acquisition projects. To view other projects that received funding please visit http://seattle.gov/parks/levy/opportunity.htm
A second meeting that will incorporate feedback from this initial meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, March 14.
For more information, visit the project website or contact Emily Lofstedt, parks planner, at 206-684-7047 or emily.lofstedt@seattle.gov.
UPDATE: Because of the recent illegal tree-trimming that took place at the park, believed by some to help decrease area crime, Seattle Parks has added to the agenda plans to address safety concerns in the Natural Area.
We look forward to seeing you tonight at the public meeting at Northgate Community Center.
We posted the agenda for the meeting on our Parks and Green Spaces Levy project web page http://seattle.gov/parks/projects/thornton_creek/naturalize_northgate.htm
Best
Karen O’Connor
Karen.O’Connor@seattle.gov
Seattle Parks and Recreation
Sr. Public Releations Specialist
As someone who once gave guided walks along Thornton Creek and assisted with numerous educational outings for local schools at this natural area, and having worked hard to pass the 2008 Parks Levy, I am very happy to see the Opportunity Funds go to this natural area.
First, keep it natural. Thornton Creek is a rare urban treasure. Remove invasive plants, allow the stream and pond to run a natural course, and highlight prominent features.
Second, make it accessible. Develop a network of appropriate trails and access points which are inviting, maintained, and publicized.
Finally, incorporate interpretive signs, benches, and gathering spots for groups. The signs should be able to handle vandalism, since it will come.
Good luck and have fun. What a great opportunity!