ONE WIN ONE TO GO!
Hi everyone! It's been a long winter. I have some very positive updates. First thank you all again for your generosity and commitment to keeping parks a place where we can ALL enjoy nature, as well as recreate in different ways.
Spring is finally here and the Lincoln Park eagles and owls are incubating eggs! See Sarah's picture of mama eagle sitting in her nest along the bluff trail.
We had our first win tonight.
Through signing my petition, participating in surveys, and emailing Parks, WE (you, us) successfully, collectively, let Parks know that Lincoln Park is not an appropriate site for a dog park (OLA). The Parks Board of Commissioners voted unanimously this evening on the West Seattle Stadium option!!
In that decision, Parks mentions that the community wishes to keep that area of Lincoln for 'passive activation'. However, missing in that analysis, were the environmental issues which would impede them from building it at Lincoln in the first place.
In the role of wildlife biologist and community biologist, I have been working with colleagues from Birds Connect and Seattle Nature Alliance on a 'wildlife team' with Parks - and things are looking good for constructing the pickleball courts at another location. We support Parks in this decision, and look forward to hearing this commitment from Parks soon. Parks would still face legal challenges if they were to pursue building the courts at Lincoln. Our lawyer's letter to Parks outlines all their policy and law violations.
I have also received several public records requests back that continue to show the disingenuous ways Parks has been operating with regards to this project. Including the purposeful choice to not solicit public input.
In the meantime, let's celebrate this win as we continue towards the finish line.
We have a little ways to go to reach our financial goal, but we must take a breath and celebrate this success, and thank Parks for listening to the community here.
It's hard work, but we are happy to keep at it. Your support helps keep the fire alive.
THANK YOU!
If you'd like to financially contribute to our legal costs, please donate to, or share the GoFundMe: