We’re still waiting for the city to post the final plans for the proposed Beaver Pond Natural Area renovation, but in the meantime we have some details from forest steward Ruth Williams, who was one of about 35 people at last week’s meeting.
One of the main goals of the plan is to prevent flash flooding problems by rechanneling Thornton Creek, explained Mark Garff with the consulting group The Watershed Co. However, that requires the removal of some trees from the area of the beaver pond, at 8th Avenue Northeast and Northeast 105th Street, which already lost a few of its trees this winter.
Trees had been substantially damaged by the beavers this winter and were “dying or standing dead,” according to Seattle Parks and Recreation.
The new trail system, which is part of the plan because it will both increase access to and protect the natural area, will be covered in crushed rock, with elevated trails in the areas that frequently flood in winter.
Because safety was a key issue at the initial planning meeting for the project that took place in January, plans also include removing the “graffiti wall” behind Pacific Medical Centers, at 10416 Fifth Ave. N.E., which will be covered in a post and wire system that will be covered in plants.
Neighbors at the meeting asked The Watershed Co. to consider adding pedestrian access on Eighth Avenue Northeast, as well as making sure the final restoration plans included benches and ADA access.
We’ll post again when the final plan is up to give you more information.
Please note, benches and ADA access are things requested by meeting attendees rather than items proposed in the presented plans.
The additional trees removed would come from the south end of the natural area where a portion of the rechanneling will occur. That area of the park will be transformed by the addition of a new entrance and the removal of the weed tree thicket as well.
The benches will be a design that discourages long term use? Like sleeping?
Previous benches were removed due to the attractive nuisance, and accumulated dregs hangin’ out, loitering.
It may be a natural area, but it is in an Urban Growth area, with urban problems.
Kudos on dealing with the wall.
Ninth Avenue NE residents are all opposed to any bridge at NE 106th Street.
I’m really glad they’re replacing the graffiti wall.