The Ballard Chamber of Commerce has reached a two-year agreement with the Seattle Parks Department to help activate Ballard Commons Park.

The chamber looks to deter “negative park activities” through new community events that “activate” the park and ensure the park serves as a positive community environment.

 “As part of the Ballard Partnership or Smart Growth Strategic planning process, one identified strategy is to activate Ballard Commons Park,” said Mike Stewart, Executive Director of the Ballard Chamber of Commerce.

“The park is a critical element of central Ballard’s business and residential community. By planning a series of community events -- small and large -- activating the park will help to reduce the effect of negative park activities and ensure the park is truly serving the Ballard community.”

To start the process, the chamber has organized a stakeholder activation committee that will oversee the plans. In addition, the chamber has asked the public to share their opinion via survey on what can be done with the park and what types of events to host there. For more information about the survey for the Ballard Commons Park activation click here.

“Our hope is that the survey will uncover additional ideas as well as identify new volunteers who are willing to lend their time and talent to a specific event.”

“Activating Ballard Commons Park will take a broad-based community effort. We envision events that could highlight many interests: the arts, music, culture, fitness, skateboarding and more. We also hope to support a wide range of demographics, including: youth, seniors, families and singles. Additionally, to be successful, it will require the volunteer time --- and financial support --- of the community.”
 
Randy Wiger with the Seattle Parks Department will aide the effort by developing programs for the Park through 2016.

Wiger will also help identify longer-term capital projects that will benefit the park.

“The park activation committee will also take a look at long-term capital improvement projects for the park. Specific projects have not yet been identified, but it could run the gamut from a children’s play structure to outdoor performance space to fitness equipment, to name a few ideas.”

Any new events planned under the effort will not be charged park permit fees. Stewart explained that the Chamber has not received funds from the City for the effort. However, they have received support from the Parks Department through time and expertise in organizing efforts likes these.