The Phinney Neighborhood Association hosted a community party today in celebration of becoming the official owners of the Phinney Neighborhood Center earlier this year.

The association has leased the surplus school building from the Seattle School district since 1981 to house their independent, non-profit community center run by and for the Phinney-Greenwood neighborhood.

At the celebration on Sunday, June 28, community members enjoyed live music, aerialists, jugglers, chalk art, the Bubble man and a photo display of the programs, activities, as well as planned upgrades and improvements that will be made to the buildings and property, located at 6532 Phinney Ave. N.

Following the outdoor activities, the celebration moved inside the building where Rep. Frank Chopp, Seattle City Council member President Richard Conlin, Seattle School Board President Michael Debell and a representative for Mayor Greg Nickels, Ken Nakatsu, gave a few words in congratulations to the association’s successful purchase of the building.

The festivities ended with a toast to the Phinney Neighborhood Association and cake and cookies for all who attended.