Seattle Parks and Recreation is inviting the community to participate in the planning for the future park on the West Seattle Reservoir lid. The first public meeting will be December 3, 2009 from 7 – 9 p.m. at High Point Community Center, 6920 34th Ave SW. At the meeting, Parks staff will outline the project scope and schedule, and learn what the community priorities are for transforming the 20 acres of open space adjacent to Westcrest Park.

“This new park space is going to be a great asset for the neighborhood,” said Dan Mullins, Chair of the Highland Park Action Committee. “I’m impressed with everyone’s passion and dedication to this project, and I encourage the neighborhood to attend the design meetings.”

Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) is replacing its open reservoirs with underground structures that will improve the quality and security of our water supply and provide new public open space on the reservoir lids. The West Seattle Reservoir is located at 9000 8th Ave SW. Lid construction is underway at this site and park construction is anticipated to start in early 2011.

The Parks and Green Spaces Levy provides $3 million for planning, design and construction of this new park. Seattle voters passed the Parks and Green Spaces Levy by a 59% vote in November 2008. The new $146 million Levy provides acquisition funding for new neighborhood parks and green spaces and development funding for projects such as improved playfields, reservoir lid parks, renovated playgrounds, community gardens, and safety upgrades at city owned cultural facilities. Recognizing the importance of creating vibrant and engaging green spaces for Seattle as it grows, Seattle Parks and Recreation moved quickly into action, and by November 2009 -- just one year after the passage of the Levy -- will have added 2.53 acres to the park system and completed eight new development projects, will have four projects in construction, and another 21 projects in the planning and design phase.

For additional information about the project please visit http://seattle.gov/parks/projects/west_seattle_reservoir/ or contact Susanne Friedman, Parks Planner at 684-0902 orSusanne.friedman@seattle.gov.