In celebration of Ballard's green spaces, Groundswell NW is featuring a "Park of the Month" every month this year starting in March with Corners Park.

"We want to make people aware that they can go to a park right in their neighborhood and encourage them to enjoy what we build," said Andrea Faste, Groundswell NW president.

Groundswell NW had build 12 new parks since 1989.

"We have really strong communities around the parks," said Faste.

"Most of them have children but I see young people in the parks, too."

Envisioned by Davidya Kasperzyk, a nearby resident, architect, regional planner and long time activist with Groundswell NW, Corners Park held its grand opening last year.

The park has several unique features including raingardens and a concrete sofa and chair created by local artist Nathan Arnold. The furniture looks like it's made of real leather and many visitors can be seen testing the material, Faste said.

Arnold also designed the homage to the corner store that once stood at the north end of the park. Historic photos and text are embedded on the “lunch counter” table tops.

To keep the park looking good, Groundswell NW is hosting a work-party in Corners Park on Saturday, March 5. The public is invited to do some light weeding with guidance from lead gardener Gabriella Möller. The work party will take place from 9 a.m. until 2 p.m. and refreshments will be provided.

Faste revealed that this year, Groundswell NW is focusing on two main projects - Kirke Park on 7000 block of 9th Ave NW in 2008 which is suppose to go in construction in May or June, and Park Boulevard on 14th Ave N.

On March 2, Groundswell will be holding their annual meeting and dessert potluck where local heroes will be awarded and City Council member Sally Bagshaw will talking about the state of the parks as the city faces budget cuts.  

For more information, please visit their website at www.groundswellnw.org

The annual meeting and dessert potluck will be held on March 2, at 7 p.m at the Ballard Community Center. 6020 28th N.W.