While many community members initially criticized Seattle Public Schools for excluding them from the decision to close the Denny Middle School building, it appears that the district is now working closely with neighbors in developing plans for the Denny property.

"We got off to a pretty rocky start with the school district," said local resident Mary Quackenbush. "They were not as inclusive as they needed to be. I am cautiously optimistic that the process can go along better now."

In three recent meetings, members of the local community met with Seattle Public Schools and Bassetti Architects to give suggestions for what they would like to see the Seattle School District's property become.

"They're keeping in mind what's really important to people in the neighborhood," said Teresa Coninx, a neighbor to the Denny building.

At the top of a diagram that community members have built to scale their priorities is the word "safety." Other prominent suggestions include "open green space," "positive image" and of course "school board acceptance."

Don Gillmore, building excellence program manager for Seattle Public Schools, said the site must include replacements for the tennis courts and soccer fields that have been removed from the Chief Sealth site. The project must also include enough green space to accommodate a future elementary school.

At the most recent meeting on Nov. 3, community members discussed a recent bus trip they took to look at other Seattle parks that are closely connected to Seattle schools. Those who attended enjoyed the incorporation of student art in the parks and the common use of recycled materials.

"There's some potential for conflict with community members that seem to be focused on making (the site) a lot like a city park," Quackenbush said. "They're different entities and have a different kind of function, but I did see some nice coexistence."

Neighbors hope that an aesthetically pleasing border and limited light pollution will help create a positive relationship with the community. Planners anticipate that the area will be dog friendly and include adequate access for handicap visitors.

Planners are also trying to create a space that offers a diversity of uses. They are considering including a big toy and a space that provides opportunities for performance art.

Coninx and others are still concerned about the project providing enough adequate parking so that the local neighborhoods are not burdened by an overflow of cars.

Meanwhile Quackenbush, who has invested time and money cleaning up Longfellow Creek, wants to make sure that the project does not have a negative impact on the designated Greenspace.

Gillmore is currently trying to schedule a four-hour-long Saturday workshop where groups of community members will propose designs for the site.

Rose Egge may be reached at 932.0300 or rosee@robinsonnews.com