After delays to the spring start for construction of the Ballard Corners Park, Phase 1 of the park is now underway.

A port-a-potty, heavy equipment to start construction and fence surrounding the designated 37,000 square foot site for the park was put in place mid-July and ground has finally been broken at the site.

The base bid portion of the project has kicked off Phase 1 of the construction. They have begun preparing the site inside of the sidewalk along with the play structure. A spray painted outline of where the play structure will be located is in place with other components of the design for the park. There are plans for a living room area at the southwest corner consisting of a concrete bench and easy chair, community garden, meandering sidewalk, an entryway designed to commemorate Boudin's Grocery store, which use to reside on the property from the 1900s to 1950s, and a large open lawn.

Excavation has started on the footing for the seatwall around the play structure, and the new drainage trench for the play structure area has been dug up and installed. It will help prevent the rainwater from filling up the play area like a bathtub without a drain.

"We did run into a few snags such as drainage overflowing from the play structure into the rain gardens on the sidewalk. But we are looking for another option as to where the excess storm water can flow into," said David Folweiler, co-chair of Friends of Ballard Corners Park.

Currently, the drainage stops at the edge of the park property but it will eventually be connected to the rain gardens. The rain gardens, which will be on the street side curb, will allow construction to extend the curb five more feet into the street. The purpose of the rain gardens is to capture storm water run off and to prevent the water to stream into Salmon Bay and Puget Sound. This will allow the water to re-circulate back into the garden's soil.

The extension of the curb is also a preventative way to promote safer driving and to be aware of children who may be playing in the area.

Phase 1 is projected to be completed by October and Phase 2 will begin immediately after to begin work on the rain gardens and sidewalks.

Plans have been made for the park but they are not all concrete because funding is still needed for Phase 2. Donations can be made by visiting www.ballardcornerspark.org.

The city's Pro Parks Levy enabling the purchase of the site for $3 million made the park possible. It is the largest property secured for open space since Ballard Commons Park opened in 2005.

Allison Espiritu may be reached at 783.1244 or allisone@robinsonnews.com.