If you need a place to hold a birthday party or other event, the Ross Shelterhouse is now available in Ballard.

The Ross Shelterhouse held its grand re-opening after going through extensive improvements. A community meeting room was upgraded with heat, better furnishings, storage and a kitchen.

On a warm sunny day, a garage door opens up the room with access to a basketball court, children's play area, baseball field and grass. This is the first Seattle Parks and Recreation Department building to feature a "green roof," similar to the one at the new Ballard Library.

"The community requested it," said Chris Easterday, the director of the Loyal Heights Community Center. The center will manage the facility.

The green roof is covered with soil and can sustain shallow-roof plants while retaining moisture to promote growth of the green roof buildings. Planted with native ferns and evergreen perennials, a drip irrigation system keeps the plants watered to help them get established.

The Ross Shelterhouse has a 35-person capacity with five tables and 50 chairs for use.

The building is designed to be used for small company meetings, retreats, special occasion parties and social gatherings.

"Everything is right here and there's no mess at your house," said Easterday.

The Ross Park Project was paid for with money from the city Neighborhood Matching Fund. Funds also added concrete paths, new play equipment, benches, picnic tables and a basketball half court on the upper level of the park.

Ross Park Project members wanted a more inviting and accessible shelter facility. The Ross Shelterhouse improvements were paid for by the 2000 Pro Parks Levy at a cost of $544,620 and went towards planning, design and construction.

The park, located at 4320 4th Ave. N.W., can be difficult to find. "Not enough people know about it. It's a great family spot, it's a little gem in the city. People should take advantage of it," said Easterday.

The shelterhouse rents for $42 an hour with a booking fee of $15. There is a $250 refundable damage deposit. For rental information, call the Loyal Heights Community Center at 684-4052.